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The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review



Studio: Warner Brothers      
 Release Date: December 1, 2020
Rating:  PG-13
Film:  5/5
 
 Plot
The Fellowship of the Ring
 A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.
 
The Two Towers
While Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.
 
The Return of the King
Gandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.
 
 My Thoughts
 In case you've been in a coma for the past 20 years, Peter Jackson adapted the popular J.R.R. Tolkien novel with amazing results. Arguably, it's one of the greatest movie accomplishments of all time with 15 Academy Awards, over $1 billion in US box-office receipts, and nearly $3 billion worldwide.
 
The films have been released countless times on Blu-ray over the years—first with their theatrical versions and then ultimately the extended editions in order to extract as much cash as possible from the fans and of course, here we are with the films finally arriving in 4K. This release is a “bare bones” release with no supplements other than a 4K digital copy of the films, but at least the set includes both the theatrical and extended editions of each film all in one case. In addition, The Hobbit trilogy is being released at the same time.
 
In 2021, Warner will follow it up with a 4K UHD “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition featuring the theatrical and extended versions of all six films, along with new bonus content, previously released Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy, and remastered Blu-ray discs of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will be released in the summer of 2021. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy featuring remastered Blu-ray discs of the theatrical and extended versions of the 3 films will also be released in the fourth quarter 2021, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
 
For this 4K release, Peter Jackson was involved with the 4K remastering process and this is a case where his attention to detail has been a blessing. These films have never looked or sounded better—not even in the theater in 2001-2003. All of the discs feature Dolby Vision HDR (as well as HDR 10) encodes along with Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Furthermore, the weird color timing issue with The Fellowship of the Ring has finally been fixed and watching these three films over the weekend was like watching them again for the first time. We were mesmerized by the experience and I have to say, watching them on a scope screen has been one of the greatest home theater experiences of my life. To say these films are demo-worthy is an understatement. The Balrog scene in Fellowship is a jaw-dropping experience with HDR visuals, Middle-Earth-shattering LFE, and overhead effects that will having you ducking for cover.
  
 Video 10/10 
 
 Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
 Special Features:
 
  • 4K UHD copes of Theatrical and Extended Editions of each film
 

 

 
 Conclusion
 If you’re a fan of these films, this is the definitive way to watch them and the comparison to the previous Blu-rays is easy to see and hear. Sure, there are no bonus features to be had, but if you have your old Blu-ray copies just use them for the supplements and enjoy these films in 4K UHD and marvel at the amazing story the unfolds with absolute beauty right before your eyes. Definitely pick this up!
 

 
 Reference Review System:
 

 JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor 
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels

ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
 Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player 
 System Controller: URC MX-980

M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
 HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
 JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)

JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)

Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

AVSCraig

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Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2020, 08:31:49 PM »
Lucky you to get a free review copy ! I'm waiting for mine !
Direct (585) 671-2972 8:00am - 4:30pm Pacific 
www.avscience.com  craig@avscience.com
We carry projectors, screens, speakers, receivers etc. !!
Twitter - @AVS_Craig Sacramento CA area

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2020, 09:08:02 PM »
Lucky you to get a free review copy ! I'm waiting for mine !
Yes...but I had to watch nearly 14 hours (12 for the EE versions and then test all of the Theatrical versions). I think that comes out to about $6 per hour :)
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

bmoney

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Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2020, 09:31:07 PM »
Mine will be here tomorrow:)
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

AVSCraig

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  • 4726
  • Home Theater Lover / Sales / Advice
    • AV Science, Inc
Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2020, 11:25:45 AM »
Mine will be here tomorrow:)
Mine will be here shortly as well. :)
Direct (585) 671-2972 8:00am - 4:30pm Pacific 
www.avscience.com  craig@avscience.com
We carry projectors, screens, speakers, receivers etc. !!
Twitter - @AVS_Craig Sacramento CA area

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #5 on: December 02, 2020, 03:19:57 PM »
Greetings,

Great review Dave. Yeah, these are truly wonderful. 8)



Regards,

claw

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Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2020, 03:31:32 PM »
You guys got to me.   Leaving home now for Best Buy curbside pickup. 
JVC RS500/LG OLED/Denon X6400H 7.2.4/Panasonic UB820/Oppo 203/AppleTV 4K/FireStick 4K/HDfury Diva/MadVR RTX2080Ti

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2020, 06:32:44 PM »
You guys got to me.  Leaving home now for Best Buy curbside pickup.
Let us know what you think. I'd go to Disc 2 of the EE of Fellowship and watch the Balrog scene...you won't be disappointed. 
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

bmoney

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Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #8 on: December 03, 2020, 07:03:59 AM »
Let us know what you think. I'd go to Disc 2 of the EE of Fellowship and watch the Balrog scene...you won't be disappointed.
This scene with BEQ is insane 
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

bmoney

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  • 2449
Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #9 on: December 03, 2020, 09:02:34 AM »
biggest upgrade in PQ so far is in TT where the balrog is falling out of the cave above.  it used to be a orange ball of flame, now the contrast shows the balrog inside that flame, you can distinctly see his wings etc

also the textures are out of this world.  you can almost feel what the cloaks feel like etc
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #10 on: December 03, 2020, 11:54:44 AM »
This scene with BEQ is insane
Can you point me in the right direction on BEQ? What equipment (if any) is needed and the process?

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #11 on: December 03, 2020, 12:06:45 PM »
biggest upgrade in PQ so far is in TT where the balrog is falling out of the cave above.  it used to be a orange ball of flame, now the contrast shows the balrog inside that flame, you can distinctly see his wings etc

also the textures are out of this world.  you can almost feel what the cloaks feel like etc
Agreed...that is a very good scene indeed! 
Blu-ray Reviewer / Technical Writer
Sound & Vision Magazine

bmoney

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  • 2449
Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #12 on: December 03, 2020, 12:33:30 PM »
Can you point me in the right direction on BEQ? What equipment (if any) is needed and the process?
its actually very simple and very rewarding!

you only need a minidsp 2x4HD and capable subs.  Its enhanced if you have transducers or buttkickers

Here is the great thread on the whole thing which is SUPER informative.  if you have any questions feel free to ask.  Id be more than happy to help.  Its the CHEAPEST and one of the best upgrades I did for my theater hands down HUGE bang for the buck (no pun intended)
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

bmoney

  • *****
  • 2449
Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2020, 12:36:12 PM »
BTW this is already on sale on amazon for 79.99
Lord of the Rings 4k Trilogy
« Last Edit: December 03, 2020, 12:45:00 PM by bmoney »
SadieMax 2,0 Build thread

Nad t758v3 
7.4.4 diysoundgroup 1099's (3) 
Volt 6 (8 ) 
18" SI subs (4) 
diy 130" 2.40 spandex screen
minidsp 2x4HD
JVC rs600
Lumagen radiance pro 4242
Nvidia shield pro
Emby NAS media player

Re: The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (4K UHD Blu-ray) review
« Reply #14 on: December 03, 2020, 06:06:59 PM »
BTW this is already on sale on amazon for 79.99
Lord of the Rings 4k Trilogy

Sadly it looks like it's just The Hobbit Trilogy on sale.

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