# LOTR - Wait for the Complete set or buy FOTR DVD Now? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 5, 2002, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431 "2002-07-05T01:04:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/1 "2002-07-05T01:04:53Z")
Well the OP title pretty much sums up my question. I’m a bit anal when it comes to my books, videos, DVD’s etc if I know there is going to be a series release I like them all to match. Same covers, same height etc - looks nice on the shelf and makes me feel all happy and sane. But I don’t want to miss out on any special stuff in the FOTR DVD that has been release now that might get cut from the box set. My biggest issue is I buy FOTR now, TT next year and then when ROTK comes out so probably will the box set. Will the third installment only be available through the box set? Will I have two DVD’s of the first two movies and only one of the third? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/2 "2002-07-05T01:12:55Z")
Buy FOTR in November when the Special Edition comes out. It’ll have about 30 minutes of additional footage - a true “director’s cut”, basically the stuff Jackson kept out because he had to keep it down to 3 hours and a PG-13 rating. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/3 "2002-07-05T01:20:22Z")
I’m going to buy the special edition in November. Most box sets I’ve seen have the same DVDs that have already been released, but they’ve packaged together, so IMHO they’re not worth waiting for. I’m not interested in the version being released sooner because I don’t see the point of owning more than one copy of the same movie. I really doubt, though, that the third movie would only be released in a boxset, since that wouldn’t be fiscally bright of the company- they’d cut into their possible revenues by eliminating purchases by people who aren’t willing to part with the money for a box set but would by it by itself. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/4 "2002-07-05T01:50:31Z")
It sucks that you can’t upgrade. I was originally going to just get them both but that was heat of the moment thinking. I shall now wait and be patient. Although I will make serious attempts to rent the first release. ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/5 "2002-07-05T01:59:10Z")
Thanks **Alessan** & **elfkin477** , this special edition thats coming out in Nov. I assume thats in the States? Hopefully it will be released in Australia, will have to keep my eye out for it. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/6 "2002-07-05T10:16:58Z")
I think there is a third special edition coming out, which adds a Nat’l Geographic DVD (about NZ, I assume) and a set of bookends. Not sure if I’m going for that or the standard special edition, but I may as well have the extra 30min of content. ---
**Author:** ![lolagranola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ea5d25/32.png) [@lolagranola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lolagranola)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/7 "2002-07-05T16:40:55Z")
I’m also waiting for November. It’s going to be a long wait, but I believe my patience will be rewarded. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/8 "2002-07-05T17:38:05Z")
There are 3 releases scheduled: [ul][li]The _theatrical version_ will be released August 6 and will include some behind-the-scenes-type stuff that DVD watchers are used to. This is a 2-disc set.[/li][li]The _director’s cut_, released November 12, will span 2 discs itself and will have 2 additional discs of bonus materials. The bonus materials from the previous version will, from what I understand, _not_ be on this version, nor will you be able to watch the movie as though it were the theatrical version.[/li][li]Simultaneous with the director’s cut will be the _gift set_ release, which will include the director’s cut, 4-disc release, a _National Geographic_ documentary DVD (bringing the total to 5 discs), bookends, trading/gaming cards, and possibly other doo-dads.[/ul][/li]I’m getting the 2-disc and the 5-disc sets, myself, because I will want both the original theatrical version and the director’s cut, but I will also want those bookends and the _NG_ documentary. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/9 "2002-07-05T18:23:16Z")
FTR, the gift set release is gonna cost you about $80. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/10 "2002-07-05T18:44:52Z")
[Deep Discount DVD](http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemid=NLD005611&promotion=y) has it for $52.82 right now. **Munch** , buddy, let me introduce you to another one of [my very good friends](http://www.dvdpricesearch.com). 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/11 "2002-07-05T19:28:43Z")
In case you anyone was planning on getting the August 6th release and didn’t know, Blockbuster has a deal where for $25 you get the 2 disc DVD and 10 new release rentals. Of course the downside is that you’re dealing with Blockbuster, but it’s a good deal regardless… ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2002, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/12 "2002-07-05T20:01:31Z")
That’s basically a free DVD! I may have to get both. ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2002, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/13 "2002-07-07T23:56:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BabaBooey \* > \*\*In case you anyone was planning on getting the August 6th release and didn’t know, Blockbuster has a deal where for $25 you get the 2 disc DVD and 10 new release rentals. Of course the downside is that you’re dealing with Blockbuster, but it’s a good deal regardless… \*\* Another downside is that leechboy would kill me if I ever got anything through blockbuster - even a bottle of coke. They are apparently the ultimate evil. Me I just want my FOTR DVD’s, looks like I’m gonna have to start saving up now for the theatrical release and the box set. ---
**Author:** ![HubZilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/14 "2002-07-08T10:42:19Z")
Rent the August one, buy the November one. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Clawman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47c2d/32.png) [@The\_Clawman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Clawman)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/15 "2002-07-08T12:11:46Z")
Does anyone know if the Director’s Cut is going to be available on video, or am I finally going to have to buy a DVD player? ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/16 "2002-07-08T15:06:06Z")
I have read that Kia will be offering the August DVD for test driving thier new SUV. I think I will do that and but the gift set (I want Argonath statuettes!). Personally getting direct mail and/or phone calls from Kia is worth a free DVD. Both versions are supposed to have a Two Towers preview. **Clawman** : According to the official site\*, thier will be a extended length tape set (2 tapes) Brian - [www.lordoftherings.net](http://www.lordoftherings.net) click on the dvd pane ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2002, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-wait-for-the-complete-set-or-buy-fotr-dvd-now/117431/17 "2002-07-08T16:18:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by HubZilla \* > \*\*Rent the August one, buy the November one. \*\* That’s what I would normally do, but at the rate that I rent videos (about 3 every 2 weeks), the Blockbuster deal is too good to pass up. And plus, I could probably sell the August edition to a used CD store for $10 when the November one comes out. Woo hoo! I can’t wait! I just ordered my copy last night, and got my first free rental.