Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Movie Collection You Can Buy Right Now

The Lord of the Rings: A Comprehensive Guide to Blu-ray Collections

Few would argue against the essential nature of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy in any physical media collection. These universally acclaimed films, award-winning masterpieces, remain the gold standard for high fantasy cinema after more than two decades. If you're reading this, you likely haven't yet acquired your own copies, perhaps upgrading from DVDs, seeking guidance on which versions to buy, or simply aiming to complete your collection. This guide clarifies your options.

Choosing Your Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set

The available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray versions offer varying features. While 4K releases boast exceptional picture quality, they often lack the extensive bonus material found in DVD and Blu-ray editions.

Standard Blu-rays provide excellent value, but the Blu-ray release of The Fellowship of the Ring notably features a green tint (absent in other films and formats). If you're undeterred by this and prioritize bonus features, the Extended Edition boxed set is ideal, including two discs per film, three discs of Appendices, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map. The extended editions are the definitive choice for completists.

All Available LoTR Blu-rays

For diverse options, here's a summary 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 difficult to find.

Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - $96.77 ($84.89 at Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - $12.99 (Amazon)

Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection - $130.99 ($95.43 at Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection - $40.49 (Target)

Theatrical Edition: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - $24.99 (Amazon)

Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - $12.97 ($10.08 at Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook - $11.46 ($9.96 at Walmart)

Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook - $34.99 (Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook - $19.98 ($9.96 at Amazon)

Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - $48.99 (Amazon)

Trilogy and Six-Film Collections

For the complete trilogy, a boxed set of extended editions is recommended. Alternatively, sets combining The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies provide a comprehensive Middle-earth experience.

Extended Edition: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - $96.77 ($84.89 at Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - $12.99 (Amazon)

Extended Edition: Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection - $130.99 ($95.43 at Amazon)

Theatrical Edition: Middle Earth 6-Film Collection - $40.49 (Target)

Extended vs. Theatrical Editions

The choice between theatrical and extended cuts is a matter of preference. Theatrical versions, shorter and more action-focused, cater to shorter viewing times. Extended editions, however, offer significantly more content, adding scenes and context, resulting in a richer, more immersive experience. The differences in runtime are substantial: Fellowship gains ~30 minutes, Towers ~45 minutes, and Return of the King almost an hour.

Upcoming 4K and Blu-ray Releases

A comprehensive 4K UHD collection including both theatrical and extended cuts of all six films (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) is available for pre-order, releasing March 18, 2025.

Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital) - $209.99 (Amazon)

Note: Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.