The special extended version of Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring came out this week and I got a copy of it on Wednesday. Last night I watched the first disc of it and it was stunning. According to the liner nodes that came with the DVD:
But rather than simply inserting deleted scenes, Jackson approached this Extended Edition as if he were creating a whole new version of the film. He and the editor, John Gilbert, carefully evaluated material to be integrated into the film, and then worked to bring each scene up to the same polish as the rest of the feature -- visual effects were completed, dialogue was recorded, and sound effects were created
To make sure all of the scenes flowed, Howard Shore composed and recorded new score with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
After seeing the first hour and three quarters I have to say that it I could definitely spot things that I don't remember from the movie. But there were other differences that I think were a little more subtle. The movie seems to flow a little more smoothly. I've seen too many 'extended versions' where they just drop in unused footage that was better left on the floor. If you haven't picked up the original version of this movie I highly recommend picking this one up. Heck, even if you do have the original version I recommend picking this one up too. It also comes with a two disc documentary on the making of the movie.
