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The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (Widescreen Edition) Customer Reviews (28 - 30 of 60 Reviews)

Simply Astounding
I initially had reservations about seeing this film. Most current Hollywood product is overproduced, overhyped, and marginally entertaining. Besides, I was never a big Tolkien fan. So it was a pleasant surprise to discover a film that was long but never overlong, and one that was both inventive and emotionally involving from start to finish. This expanded edition not only does justice to the film, but actually provides a richer, more involving experience than the original version. The additional 30 minutes of deleted scenes expands the characters' relationships and explains some of the more obtuse Middle Earth references. In addition, the added features are plentiful and intriguing without pandering to product mongering (there's scarcely a reference to "The Two Towers"). The numerous documentaries about the making of the film are like an education in filmmaking itself, and the generous background information on the works of Tolkien is a delicious bonus. Most of all, this is a sumptuously packaged DVD that deserves to be a part of every movie lover's collection. I was simply astounded with all of the special material: dozens of documentaries, three commentaries, thousands of production stills and drawings, extended scenes incorporated into the film, and some of the handsomest packaging ever to grace a DVD release. One could literally spend a weekend discovering all of the exciting goodies within. So...got a free weekend anyone?

An epic with a heart
Director Peter Jackson has, with the collaboration of his cast and crew, achieved a spectacular success with "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," the first installment in a promised trilogy of films based on the classic fantasy adventure novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. "Fellowship" takes place in Middle Earth, a fantastic realm peopled by wizards, dwarves, elves, and other beings. All of Middle Earth faces an apocalyptic threat in the reemergence of legendary dark lord Sauron. As evil forces gather, a critical task is entrusted to Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), of the race of beings known as Hobbits.

"Fellowship" is a sweeping epic that features awe-inspiring vistas, journeys, and battles. But despite the tremendous scope of Jackson's canvas, he never loses touch with the lives of his characters. And although these characters are beings from the world of fantasy, the emotional core of the film is absolutely real: the film movingly explores such universal concerns as fear, love, friendship, shame, and loyalty.

An outstanding cast delivers superb performances. Ian McKellan, who lately has had a string of amazing larger-than-life roles ("Gods and Monsters," "X-Men"), is amazing as the wizard Gandalf: he brings not only power and regal bearing, but also a merry earthiness to his role. Elijah Wood is equally outstanding as Frodo; he brings depth and likability to his role as a sort of "everyman" (or "everyhobbit"?) who rises to, and is ennobled by, the epic quest that is thrust upon him. I won't mention each of the other cast members, but will just say that they also meet this level of excellence, creating a rich and moving tapestry of relationships among their characters.

Every element of the film comes together superbly: art direction, cinematography, makeup, visual effects, etc.; I was particularly impressed by Howard Shore's musical score. And one of the film's key themes -- that an unlikely or unexpected person can be a hero -- is compelling. One word of caution, however: "Fellowship" is very much an adult film. Its combination of graphic, "Saving Private Ryan"-style battlefield carnage and "Omen"-style demonic horror may be way too intense for much of the "Harry Potter" fan base. But for adults and mature children, this fantasy epic is an awe-inspiring, emotionally rich journey that you may want to take more than once.

Five Stars to Rule Them All!!!
Solid five for this one! The "Fellowship of the Ring" is definately one of the best films in history. The special effects, lush settings, dark imagery, and epic story put other sci-fi and fantasy flicks to shame. Luke Skywalker, watch out for Frodo Baggins.

The plot remains almost exactly to the book: Frodo the hobbit is given the quest to destroy the evil ring of the dark lord Sauron, and is joined by a motley bunch of adventurers to form the Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf, the ancient wizard, gives guidance and wisdom. Legolas the Elf and Gimli the Dwarf, warriors among their kind, are well acted. Boromir the human is the heroic guy with a dark side to him. Aragorn, a.k.a. Strider, is so *HOT*. Sam, Pippin, and Merry, the three bumbling hobbits, provide comic relief as happy-go-lucky fish out of the water in a dangerous quest. The bad guys were convincingly evil and freaky, not like the stupid disco-chanting orcs in the 1970s cartoon, "Return of the King." The orcs were marvelously gross and ugly as they were meant to be. Saruman is excellent as Gandalf's rival. The ringwraiths are all good and spooky. The Eye of Sauron watches the viewers in their seats, and Balrog is great as a genuinely dark, evil spirit. The special effects themselves don't dominate the whole film. This movie brings the Tolkein characters and their Middle Earth world to stunning and breathtaking life. The characters become people one can relate to and it is easy to get into the story. (When Frodo was crying I just wanted to go up to the screen and hug him!!!)

There is some controversy over the character of Arwen and her getting a bigger role in the movie than in the books. This was basically necessary, since she is the girlfriend of one of the lead male characters and the movie somehow has to establish her character. She IS a warrior woman, but not a fake Lara Croft or Xena take-off. A few other characters from the book are completely left out, but only for time reasons. With a whopping three hours already, it would be impossible to have the book down word for word.

"Fellowship of the Ring" is sure to satisfy die-hard Tolkein fans without confusing newcomers. The movie goes into great detail and explanation without getting too slow. The chase sequences and epic battle scenes, especially in the second half of the film, take the viewer on a wild, heart-thumping, suspenseful roller coaster ride. Definately a must-see!

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