For any serious physical media collector, the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is a must-have. Universally acclaimed and award-winning, it remains the gold standard for high fantasy films over two decades later. But if you haven't yet added it to your collection, this guide is for you. Whether you're upgrading from DVDs, seeking clarification amidst conflicting recommendations, or simply aiming to fill that LOTR-shaped gap on your shelf, we've got you covered. This guide explains everything you need to know about acquiring the perfect Lord of the Rings Blu-ray collection.
Which Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set Should You Buy?
Choosing your Lord of the Rings trilogy can be tricky, as different versions offer varying features. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality, but unfortunately lack the extensive bonus materials found in the DVD and Blu-ray versions.
The Blu-ray editions offer excellent value, though it's worth noting that The Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray has a noticeable green tint (absent in the other films and other formats). If you can overlook this minor quirk and prioritize bonus features, the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is an excellent choice. It includes two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map. Yes, the extended editions! For the completist, this is the ultimate option.
Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Available
To provide diverse options, here's a comprehensive list of currently available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray releases: boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, and individual discs. Note that individual theatrical cut Blu-rays can be difficult to find.
**The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition)**
$96.77 (save 12%) $84.89 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Edition)**
$12.99 at Amazon
**Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection (Extended Edition)**
$130.99 (save 27%) $95.43 at Amazon
**Middle Earth 6-Film Collection (Theatrical Edition)**
$40.49 at Target
**Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Theatrical Edition)**
$24.99 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)**
$12.97 (save 22%) $10.08 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook (Theatrical Edition)**
$11.46 (save 13%) $9.96 at Walmart
**The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook (Extended Edition)**
$34.99 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook (Theatrical Edition)**
$19.98 (save 50%) $9.96 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)**
$48.99 at Amazon
LOTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray Sets
For the complete collection, consider purchasing sets containing all three films. As previously mentioned, the extended edition boxed set is ideal, but other options exist for those seeking a shorter viewing experience. For an even more extensive collection, sets including both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies are available.
**The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition)**
Extended editions; two discs per film, three Appendix discs, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map.
$96.77 (save 12%) $84.89 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical Edition)**
Three-disc set of theatrical releases.
$12.99 at Amazon
**Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection (Extended Edition)**
30-disc set including extended editions of both trilogies.
$130.99 (save 27%) $95.43 at Amazon
**Middle Earth 6-Film Collection (Theatrical Edition)**
Theatrical releases of both trilogies.
$40.49 at Target
Individual LOTR Movie Blu-rays
**Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Theatrical Edition)**
Two-disc theatrical release.
$24.99 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)**
Two-disc extended edition.
$12.97 (save 22%) $10.08 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook (Theatrical Edition)**
Steelbook of theatrical release.
$11.46 (save 13%) $9.96 at Walmart
**The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook (Extended Edition)**
Five-disc extended edition.
$34.99 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook (Theatrical Edition)**
Two-disc theatrical release.
$19.98 (save 50%) $9.96 at Amazon
**The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)**
Five-disc extended edition.
$48.99 at Amazon
How Different Are the Extended Editions from the Originals?
The theatrical vs. extended debate is ongoing. Theatrical cuts, shorter for cinematic releases, are faster-paced and more action-oriented. However, the extended editions offer significantly more content, including added and expanded scenes providing crucial context. The main difference is length: Fellowship gains ~30 minutes, Towers ~45 minutes, and Return of the King almost an hour. While longer, the extended versions allow for a deeper immersion in Middle-earth.
Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays
**Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital)**
Release date: March 18, 2025
$209.99 at Amazon
While this list is extensive, it's not exhaustive. A comprehensive 4K UHD collection including both theatrical and extended cuts of all six films (both trilogies) is available for pre-order.
Editor's Note: Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.
