Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)

[Billy Cox]

As with any trilogy, the middle episode carries the burden of advancing the story without the privilege of beginning or ending it. I re-read the book before seeing the theatrical release, and at the time I was struck by how much of the book consists of extended monologues by the various characters.

Understandably, the theatrical version of the story centers around the first huge battle of the trilogy (Helm's Deep), which occupies a relatively small section of the book.

As for the extended edition, I enjoyed the additional character development of Faramir. Some aspects of the story in Return of the King make more sense with these scenes in play.

I also enjoyed mention of the trees' role in the battle of Helm's Deep.

The theatrical release makes abundantly obvious that Eowyn (blonde princess) has eyes for Aragorn, but that it was not going to happen. The extended edition explores that aspect of the story a great deal more but seems unnecessary even to the story of the extended edition.

Overall, I appreciate the extra character development of the extended edition. Some of the scenes not appearing in the theatrical release explain why Gollum feels so betrayed by the Hobbits, but true fans know that Gollum never truly banished his darker side as he did in the movie.

If you're a Tolkien fan and haven't seen it yet, the extended edition of The Two Towers is worth a watch.

[Hans Deventer]

I like the extended versions better anyway. They do add useful information and character development. In the theatrical version of Return of the King for instance, you have no idea why Eowyn and Faramir are standing together at the coronation of Aragorn.
And I really like how they added stuff about Boromir and Faramir and their relation to Denethor.

[Billy Cox]

In 'Return of the King', I found the coronation scene humorous. Everyone lives happily ever after... and by the way, Eowyn and Faramir get hooked up somehow.

I WAS pleased with the opening scene of Return of the King; explaining how Smeagol came into possession of the ring. If I had to choose between that scene or Faramir and Eowyn's hospital romance, I'll take Smeagol any day.