Let's be honest, the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any physical media collection. Universally loved and award-winning, it remains the gold standard for high fantasy films over 20 years later. But if you haven't added it to your collection yet, you're in the right place. Whether you're upgrading from DVDs, seeking advice on which version to buy, or simply want to fill that LOTR-shaped hole on your shelf, this guide covers everything you need to know about acquiring the perfect Blu-ray collection.

Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?

Choosing your Lord of the Rings trilogy Blu-ray can be tricky, as different versions offer varying features. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality, but unfortunately lack the extensive bonus features found in the DVD and Blu-ray releases.

The Blu-ray versions offer excellent value, but the Blu-ray edition of The Fellowship of the Ring notably has a peculiar green tint (absent in the other films and other formats). If you can overlook this minor quirk and crave extra scenes and bonus material, the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is unbeatable. It includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map—a true completist's dream! Yes, the extended editions!

Every LoTR Blu-ray Available

For those seeking diverse options, here's a breakdown of available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays: boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, and individual discs. Note that individual theatrical cut Blu-rays can be harder to find.

LoTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray Sets

For the complete trilogy, a boxed set is recommended. The extended edition boxed set is the best option, but other choices exist if you prefer shorter viewing sessions. For the ultimate Middle-earth experience, sets including both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies are also available.

Individual LoTR Movie Blu-rays

How Different are the Extended Editions from the Originals?

The theatrical vs. extended edition debate is long-standing. Theatrical cuts, shorter to accommodate cinema audiences, are faster-paced and more action-oriented. However, the extended editions offer significantly more content, adding and expanding scenes, providing crucial context missing from the shorter versions. The main difference is runtime: Fellowship gains ~30 minutes, Two Towers ~45 minutes, and Return of the King almost an hour. More Middle-earth is never a bad thing!

Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays

While this list is extensive, it’s not exhaustive. A comprehensive 4K UHD collection with both theatrical and extended cuts of all six Middle-earth films (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) is available for pre-order.

Editor's Note: The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.