Crimes Against Tolkienity

[Eurytus]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Not owning a DVD player, I don't have to cringe at buying a DVD of FOTR, immediately before the release of a second DVD with a few 'additional scenes' that mysteriously haven't made the previous one, which, as a true fan, I'll also have to buy. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I find this a mysterious criticism. We are not talking about PJ “doing a Lucas” here. Releasing the films and then without prior warning releasing the widescreen versions, the THX versions, the limited editions, the special editions and doubtless before long the ultimate editions.<P>No, New Line pursued a totally sensible policy in my opinion. They announced well in advance that they would be releasing 2 versions (3 if you include the box set) of each film. They also announced the sort of things they would contain regarding extras. This then left it up to the consumer which one they brought or whether they brought all of them. You do not have to buy them all and their solution was far preferable to the alternatives.<P>1. The aforementioned “Lucas method” releasing previously unannounced versions of the films meaning that people have to keep updating if they want the most “complete” version.<P>2. Releasing the theatrical version only, meaning that all those additional scenes would never see the light of day.<P>3. Releasing the extended editions only meaning that the casual fan will be wondering what’s going on. Quite apart from the fact that in the case of the FOTR, the theatrical version had a superior Hobbition beginning in my opinion. Great though the additional footage was you cannot beat the soaring music as Gandalf rides through the cutting, the camera rises and you catch your first sight of Bagend.<P>I fail to see exactly what New Line did wrong here.