The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition)
February 2005 Reviewed by: Anthony Di Marco Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

When Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Frances Walsh undertook the task of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy for film, they assembled a puzzle of gargantuan proportions. Concerns with the films’ final running times left many scenes on the cutting-room floor. This created holes in the plot as well as some underdeveloped characters. Although beautifully made, what audiences experienced in theaters did not fully express the filmmakers’ ambitions. Even as the last chapter of The Lord of the Rings played in theaters, Peter Jackson and his crew worked on what they considered to be the definitive version of The Return of the King.

Over 50 minutes of additional footage inserted for this DVD version strengthen the storytelling. Character development deepens and plot threads resolve in a much more satisfying and logical manner. The motivation of secondary characters is more convincing, and audiences witness how the smallest edits change the mood and pacing of the story. The "Voice of Sarumon" is the first major event added to the extended edition. The scene in which the wizard Gandalf breaks Sarumon’s staff reveals Theoden’s inner struggle with his failure as King and even adds the extra bit of doubt that questions Frodo’s chances for success. This information makes for a more compelling story.

Gandalf’s remark to the hobbit Merry concerning the stillness in the air, as Gondor takes the last "deep breath before the plunge" into war, perfectly expresses the feeling I had watching this film. The "Voice of Sarumon" only scratches the surface of what can be described as a breathless intensity, a feeling that gripped me for the movie’s full four hours and ten minutes. Although I knew the outcome, the air of anticipation was overwhelming. Scenes that include the "Witch King’s Hour," during which Gandalf’s staff is shattered, the extended lead-up to "Grond -- The Hammer of the Underworld," and the chilling "Mouth of Sauron" contributed to a deeply emotional experience.

Spreading the film across two DVDs allows for a splendid DTS audio mix and a reference-quality video transfer that makes up for the overly filtered, soft look of the single-disc theatrical release. The video is fantastic: rich and resolute. And the brilliant visual effects from Jackson’s Weta Workshop move seamlessly within the live action. The soundtrack is even more impressive -- bettering the previous release with still more immersive and dynamic sound that pays off with nuanced atmospheric cues and bass that is as natural and extended as I’ve yet experienced on DVD. The bass slam produced as the Grond batters down the gates of Minas Tirith is breathtaking.

Nothing supports the sheer scale of these films as much as the wonderful extras that accompany each Extended Edition. The filmmakers converse about the high standards set in The Return of the King , telling numerous anecdotes about what it took to mount such an ambitious production. You’ll even come across an Easter egg or two if you look hard enough. I came across a very funny skit between Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan in which Pippin impersonates a German reporter interviewing Frodo via satellite. The catch is that while Monaghan can see Wood, Wood only hears a voice that goes on to ask some rather asinine questions. The reactions from Elijah Wood are quite funny. And within the context of this one silly skit you get a sense of how well these guys got along playing two of the numerous pieces in one hell of a puzzle.

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