Extended Version: Who Says Bigger Ain't Better!

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2004)

Bigger story! Bigger sound! What a difference in DTS.
What the extended versions have done (for me and probably millions of other viewers) is that the theatrical versions are now obsolete. It's a shame that for a long while to come, the majority will have only experienced the story via the shorter versions. Oh well! For the millions who have enjoyed the longer versions it's the same as being privy to being on the inside of a joke that the majority just didn't get. And repeated viewings only enriches it. But not too many...not yet! Not till "RETURN's..." extended version becomes available so this film can be truly appreciated the way it's meant to be.
Not for years have I gotten so much enjoyment out of one film (and I'm not talking about "Two Towers"; I'm talking about "Lord of the Rings"...one story...one film...on 6 DVD discs; not counting the additional 6 DVD bonus discs). The added scenes, some lifted from the novel, some not; adds depth to the story and to the characters. Am already counting the days to the extended "RETURN...".
And love Gollum's MTV award's acceptance speech on the easter egg!