Extended Edition is Outstanding

Rating: Null/10 (25 November 2003)

*SPOILERS*
When Fellowship of the Ring came out in theatres, I became gradually aware that it was the best movie I had ever seen. I went on to watch it 16 times in the theatre. When the extended edition was released, I was somewhat disappointed. The extra scenes were nice, but they broke the heart-pounding pace of the movie. It felt very long compared to the theatrical version.
Then Two Towers was released in theatres. Again, there was something not quite right. I felt compelled to see it only five times in the theatre. I desperately wanted to love it, but parts of it were unsatisfying, particularily the character of Faramir, the Ent subplot, and a few nagging plot holes. There was something missing.
Then came the Extended Edition. Praise God. I felt the magic of watching the Fellowship for the first time seeping into my soul again. All the meat of the Two Towers I wanted to love was there. Faramir's character is developed, making his releasing Frodo meaningful. We get to spend more charming and delightful time with Merry, Pippin, and Treebeard. More time with Gollum, increasing the tragedy of his character which we know is coming. The plot holes are filled in.
The theatrical version of Fellowship was wonderfully edited and essentially perfect. But for the Two Towers, the theatrical editing process was a gutting. I can never watch the theatrical version again. It is a pathetic shell of a movie.
My eyes have been opened. The Two Towers is truly a worthy successor of the Fellowship of the Ring. Thank you, Peter Jackson and team, for making these wonderful movies. I know now that Return of the King will me a triumph. May these films shine eternally as the greatest art our civilization can create.