It's no secret that The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have for any film enthusiast's collection. These films have not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but have also set the benchmark for high fantasy cinema for over two decades. Whether you're new to the series or looking to upgrade from your (admittedly very pretty) DVDs, or perhaps you've received mixed advice from friends on which versions to purchase, this guide will help you find the perfect Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set to fill that coveted space on your shelf.
Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?
Choosing the right version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy can be a bit tricky, as different editions offer varying features. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality, but they lack the extensive bonus content found on the DVDs and Blu-rays. On the other hand, the Blu-ray sets offer great value, though the Blu-ray version of The Fellowship of the Ring has a weird green tint that's absent in the other films and the 4K and DVD versions. If you're okay with the tint and crave more scenes and behind-the-scenes material, the The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is the way to go. It includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices each, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth on the inside cover. For true fans and completists, the extended editions are a treasure trove of Middle Earth magic.
Every LoTR Blu-ray You Can Buy
We've compiled a comprehensive list of all available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays, including boxed sets, extended editions, theatrical editions, and individual discs for those interested in specific films. Note that individual Blu-rays of the theatrical cuts can be elusive, but we've tracked them down for you:
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy
Extended editions of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy that include two discs per movie, three discs each of Appendices, three booklets per movie, and a map of Middle Earth.
$96.77 save 12% $84.89 at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Three-disc set of theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
$12.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection
Extended editions of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy in a 30-disc set.
$130.99 save 27% $95.43 at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection
Includes theatrical releases of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy.
$40.49 at Target
Theatrical Edition: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$24.99 See it at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Two-disc extended edition set.
$12.97 save 22% $10.08 at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Steelbook of theatrical release.
$11.46 save 13% $9.96 at Walmart
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook
Five-disc extended edition set.
$34.99 See it at Amazon
Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$19.98 save 50% $9.96 at Amazon
Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Five-disc extended edition set.
$48.99 See it at Amazon
LoTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray sets
For those looking to own all three Lord of the Rings movies, purchasing them in a set is the most efficient option. The boxed collection of all three extended versions is highly recommended, but there are also other sets available for those who prefer shorter viewing sessions. If you're in for the long haul, there are sets that include both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, offering the complete Middle Earth experience.
How Different are the Extended Editions from the Originals?
The debate between the theatrical and extended editions of The Lord of the Rings has been ongoing since their home video release. The theatrical cuts were shortened to fit typical cinema runtimes, resulting in tighter pacing and a more action-focused narrative. However, the extended editions offer much more context and additional scenes, enriching the storytelling experience. The extended version of The Fellowship of the Ring is about 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers adds around 45 minutes, and The Return of the King includes nearly an hour of extra footage. For fans, the extra time spent in Middle Earth is a welcome addition.
Answer See Results
Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays
Out March 18, 2025: Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
$209.99 at Amazon
While the current list of Lord of the Rings Blu-rays is extensive, it's not exhaustive. A new 4K UHD collection, featuring both the theatrical and extended cuts of all three Lord of the Rings and all three Hobbit movies, is available for preorder and will be released on March 18, 2025.
Editor's Note: If you prefer streaming, you can currently watch the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions on Max.
