It's not hyperbole to call The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy a must-have for any physical media collection. Universally adored and a recipient of countless awards, it remains the gold standard for cinematic high fantasy, even after two decades. But if you haven't yet added it to your collection, this guide is for you. Whether you're upgrading from DVDs, navigating conflicting recommendations from friends, or simply aiming to fill that LOTR-shaped hole on your shelf, we've got you covered. This guide will help you find 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 Blu-ray set involves considering what's included. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality but, unfortunately, lack the extensive bonus features found in the DVD and Blu-ray editions.
The Blu-ray sets offer excellent value, though a minor caveat exists: The Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray exhibits a noticeable green tint (absent in the other films and other formats). If you can overlook this slight color anomaly and crave extra scenes and bonus material, the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition boxed set is unbeatable. It includes two discs per film, three discs of Appendices, three booklets, and a Middle-earth map. Yes, the extended editions! For the completist, this is the ultimate choice.
Every LoTR Blu-ray Available
For those seeking variety, here's a comprehensive list of currently available Lord of the Rings Blu-rays: boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, and individual discs. Note that finding individual theatrical-cut Blu-rays can be challenging.
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 trilogy, a boxed set is recommended. The Extended Edition boxed set is the best option, but other choices exist for those seeking a shorter viewing experience. For the ultimate Middle-earth experience, sets combining The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies are also available.
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition)
Extended editions including two discs per movie, three discs of Appendices, 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)
Extended editions of both trilogies in a 30-disc set.
$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 set.
$24.99 at Amazon
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition)
Two-disc extended edition set.
$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 set.
$34.99 at Amazon
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook (Theatrical Edition)
Two-disc theatrical release set.
$19.98 (save 50%) $9.96 at Amazon
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
Five-disc extended edition set.
$48.99 at Amazon
Extended vs. Theatrical Editions: What's the Difference?
The theatrical vs. extended edition debate is a long-standing one. Theatrical cuts, shorter to accommodate typical cinema viewing times, are tighter and more action-focused. However, the extended editions offer significantly more content, including added scenes, expanded sequences, and crucial context missing from the theatrical versions. The main difference is runtime: The Fellowship of the Ring extended edition is roughly 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers about 45 minutes, and The Return of the King nearly an hour longer. While longer, the added Middle-earth immersion is a significant draw for many.
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 (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) is available for pre-order.
Editor's Note: The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.
