Extended Editions: What worked, What didn't

[IanTheCool]

Rewatching the extended editions, I was reminded of how well some of the additions worked, and how poorly some of the others worked. I thought I would throw up a thread and hope people chime in.

What added scenes did you agree with putting back in?

What scenes do you think detract from the movie?

Let's start with Fellowship first.

[IanTheCool]

I really liked the new opening with the Concerning Hobbits prologue. It seems like having two prologues back to back shouldn't work, but they're so different in tone I thought it was fine. And it gives the audience a strong understanding of what hobbits are and what they're like.

I actually liked all of the extra stuff in the Shire. It didn't necessarily add much other than making us more familiar with Frodo's home.

I also really liked the wood elves traveling to the grey havens. It establishes the mystique of the elves quite nicely.

The extra stuff in the Midgewater Marshes, including Aragorn singing, were really good as well and made things a little more Tolkienish. And seeing Bilbo's trolls was really great. They were in the theatrical edition, but only in the background and were easily missed if you weren't paying attention.

[shained]

Bombadil doesn't make appearance does he!?

I thought I'd watched the extended editions on blu ray but that was back in Jan so they must have just been theatrical versions.

[DanielLB]

I wouldn't say any of the added/extended scenes detracted from the story. Loved 'em all.

[Tolkien]

I've seen the theatrical cuts of all three more times than I can count, and I've seen the extended cuts almost as many. I can honestly say that I can't find a single negative aspect regarding the added scenes. Putting those extra scenes back in only took a great thing and made it perfect. Yes, I'm completely bias, so don't bother reasoning with me, I apologize in advance.

My screen name should say enough.

[IanTheCool]

I think that in Two Towers and Return of the King, some of the new scenes were unnecessary. Almost all the new scenes in Fellowship were great though.

[true fan11212]

I think all the EE improve upon their theatrical editions. However, there's somethings in ROTK that I found unnecessary:

The Drinking Game: It's not funny, it slows things down and it robs the scene of some of its seriousness.

Walking through the Paths Of The Dead: It's cool the first time you see it but after two or three viewings, it gets a little dry.

The Ghost attacking the ship: It's a fun scene in and of itself but it takes the heat out of their arrival at Pelennor Fields.

Gandalf not being able to smoke: Again, it's interesting in and of itself but it take a little of the heat out of the more dramatic part of the scene.

[DanielLB]

I've seen the theatrical cuts of all three more times than I can count, and I've seen the extended cuts almost as many. I can honestly say that I can't find a single negative aspect regarding the added scenes. Putting those extra scenes back in only took a great thing and made it perfect. Yes, I'm completely bias, so don't bother reasoning with me, I apologize in advance.

My screen name should say enough.

Have to totally agree with you here. Extended/new scenes (although only small) make such a great difference to the films.

Although I do also slightly agree with true fan11212. I don't agree that these scenes were unnecessary, but some new scenes, like when they were in Paths of the Dead, could have been expanded further, i.e. I'm sure there was much more filmed than ended up in the EE's which may have made the scene run more smoothly. The same is true for the scene with Gandalf vs. the Witchking. Although I love the scene, it doesn't run smoothly and may have been put back in, in a more appropriate way, if it had been set up better with other additional scenes with Gandalf and Pippin riding through the streets (perhaps).

Another question we should look at, which the OP didn't mention, is about scenes that never made it to the EE. What would people like to have seen that may have added to the films?

One thing I have always wondered is whether Boromir at the gift giving was ever filmed? Plus all the un-used Arwen/Elrond scenes etc.

I'm still hoping for a supersuper EE!

[IanTheCool]

Actually, I think everything in Fellowship was a great addition. I really liked the scene where they actually leave Rivendell. Great scene.

[IanTheCool]

The Two Towers scenes started to get more troublesome, though for the most part they were great.

I didn't like the extra stuff with the orc party with Grishnak, because I felt it took away from some of the energy in that opening, going from the orcs to the three hunters. That was sort of lost in the EE.

I liked the new Merry and Pippen stuff, because it gave them other stuff to do other than just sitting on Treebeard, and it explained some more about the Ents. Except the Flotsom and Jetsom scene, which I'll explain later.

Emoer finding Theodred was alright, as it explain the Theodred thing a little more, rather than having some dying guy on a table.

The Gandalf and Aragorn scene on the plains of Rohan on their way to Edoras was great. It puts more emphasis on Frodo. And on Sam for that matter.

Wasn't a fan of the Eowyn soup scene becuase it felt kind of dumb. Though it explained more about Aragorn and his Duedain heritage which was cool.

The Faramir boat scene was cool, and the Osgiliath flashback seemed like a divergence, but after watching it again, I really like it. It connects Faramir to Boromir better.

However, the additions at the end of the movie are a real problem in my mind. These include Faramir leading the hobbits out of Osgiliath, the flotsam and jetsam scene at Isengard, and the huorn's scene at Helm's Deep.

I liked the Huron's in taht it explained what happened to the rest of the massive orc army, and it looked really good. But I felt that all these scenes at the end really interrupted the otherwise smooth flow of the ending. The theatrical cut had a wonderfully edited ending going fro Sam's great stories speech to Gandalf and the others looking to Helm's deep, to Sam and Frodo's and Gollum's final scene. But all this extra stuff at the end makes the ending seem more clunky and choppy.

[DanielLB]

Hmmm ... I understand some of your points (but do disagree lol :p)

One thing I am wondering is how you say 'makes the ending seem clunky and choppy'. Now, if the EE's had been put into cinemas (rather than the theatrical versions), would you be saying the same thing? If they had re-released the films cut-down (and taken the Hourns out etc.) would it not make the ending clunky and choppy?

It's all relative I suppose!

[true fan11212]

Have to totally agree with you here. Extended/new scenes (although only small) make such a great difference to the films.

Although I do also slightly agree with true fan11212. I don't agree that these scenes were unnecessary, but some new scenes, like when they were in Paths of the Dead, could have been expanded further, i.e. I'm sure there was much more filmed than ended up in the EE's which may have made the scene run more smoothly. The same is true for the scene with Gandalf vs. the Witchking. Although I love the scene, it doesn't run smoothly and may have been put back in, in a more appropriate way, if it had been set up better with other additional scenes with Gandalf and Pippin riding through the streets (perhaps).

I absolutely agree with that. It really needed more build up. Also, I once heard that they filmed several version of the Gandalf/Witch-King confrontation including one where Gandalf actually fights him!

Another question we should look at, which the OP didn't mention, is about scenes that never made it to the EE. What would people like to have seen that may have added to the films?

One thing I have always wondered is whether Boromir at the gift giving was ever filmed? Plus all the un-used Arwen/Elrond scenes etc.

I'm still hoping for a supersuper EE!

FOTR and TTT EEs are enough for me but I'm definitely with you on a supersuper EE for ROTK. I would love to see the scene where Aragon's armor is being put on him as well as the epilogue for the rest of the characters (Ewoyn, Legolas, Eomer, etc).


I liked the Huron's in taht it explained what happened to the rest of the massive orc army, and it looked really good. But I felt that all these scenes at the end really interrupted the otherwise smooth flow of the ending. The theatrical cut had a wonderfully edited ending going fro Sam's great stories speech to Gandalf and the others looking to Helm's deep, to Sam and Frodo's and Gollum's final scene. But all this extra stuff at the end makes the ending seem more clunky and choppy.

Having seen the extended edition of TTT in theaters two weeks ago, I do admit that those endings started to drag a little but they really do add more to the film as a whole.

[DanielLB]

I absolutely agree with that. It really needed more build up. Also, I once heard that they filmed several version of the Gandalf/Witch-King confrontation including one where Gandalf actually fights him!

The other example I can think of at the moment which would have benefited greatly with extra footage, would be during the Paths of the Dead. It was far to quick for me, there was no build-up and quiet clunky during it. Just wasn't scary enough either.

I like the confrontation scene and wouldn't change it for the one you mention - maybe it would take to much away from the fight with Eowyn. But at the same time it may re-enforce the 'no living man can kill me'.


FOTR and TTT EEs are enough for me but I'm definitely with you on a supersuper EE for ROTK. I would love to see the scene where Aragon's armor is being put on him as well as the epilogue for the rest of the characters (Ewoyn, Legolas, Eomer, etc).

I don't think I could ever get enough! When it was released which scenes were to be extended/new, I was also a staunch advocate of having the epilogue in. At the time (what, 5 years ago?) I was sooo disappointed it didn't make the EE. I always thought it would make a lovely bookend to Galadriel's prologue in FOTR. I still would love to see a completed version (but they never did finish it), and certianly wouldn't complain if PJ and co. made a supersuper EE with it in. But I am also more than happy with the current ending.

[IanTheCool]

The ending doesn't flow as well with those extra scenes. All the other EE scenes in Two Towers I liked. And I did like those scenes themselves, just not how they were edited in.

[DanielLB]

Fair enough opinion.
I thought I would put forward my (most) fave extended/new scenes from the films (for comparison/discussion)

FOTR: Without a shadow of a doubt, it would have to be the gift giving in Lothlorien. Beautiful scene, i love it!

TTT: This is a tough one for me. In my opinion, all the new scenes in this film were great and each add so much, so deserve there own place in the film. Really is tricky to decide the best so not going to say hahaha! All I will say is that I love Eowyn's song :)

ROTK:Another tricky choice as I feel all the new scenes add so much. But certianly, extended Pelannor field scenes and the Mouth of Sauron are great additions.

[FVD]

I remember the purists weren't happy with the way Aragorn just went and beheaded the Mouth of Sauron.

Would have loved to have seen Boromir receive his belt though. Liked the little scenes in Fellowship like Gollum following them down the river on that log and Aragorn and Boromir's little conversation in Lothlorien. Also when Galadriel shows Frodo her ring after the scene in the Theatrical Edition.

Liked the scenes in Fangorn namely the Entmoot, Treebeard taking lines from Tom Bombadil and a nod to Old Man Willow catching Merry and Pippin with it's branches. Even loved it when they were drinking the Entjuice whatever it was called with the two Hobbits comparing the heights of one another.

And of course Saruman and Grima weren't shown in the TC of ROTK so they were later added into the EE despite no Scouring of the Shire scene either. I also recall Sir Peter in the commentaries how he really wanted to include the friendship between Merry and Theoden but there was already too much going into the film anyway. And of course Eomer running to his sister on the Pelennor Fields not shown in the TC along with the Houses of the Holy chapter with Faramir and Eowyn. Things that needed to be included methinks.

[PsYkOoOoO]

Off the top of my head, Theodred's funeral scene ended rather abruptly. I thought that scene was poorly edited.

[IanTheCool]

Okay, here's my thoughts on Return of the King:

I know a lot of people liked that they included Saruman's death scene, but I don't think it fit too well. The confrontation between him and Theoden had really bad timing and didn't work. It was awkward.

The drinking game was just stupid and made Gimli look like and idiot.

I liked that they added the extra stuff with Merry and the Rohirrim. He kind of was given the shaft before.

The skull avalanche..... what the hell was that?? It was pointless and excessively grotesque.

I really, really liked the new stuff between Faramir and Eowyn. Like FVD said, it should have been included before. It really gives closure to both those characters who otherwise had none. Faramir was left feeling like a loser and Eowyn was left as still pining over Aragorn. I'm really glad this was added.

I also really liked the scene where Eomer finds Eowyn on the battlefield. Very touching and gives a little more into their relationship.

I didn't like the Mouth of Sauron scene the first time I saw it, but now I do. He adds more evil mystique to Mordor and is really creepy.

Aragorn attacking the Corsairs of Umber with the ghost army was a bad scene. The main reason being that it gives away the big surprise! Now their landing at Pelennor has lost its effect. This is another reason why the skull scene was bad, since we find out at the end that the ghost army has joined them, when it works better that we don't know.

Frodo and Sam marching with the orcs was a well done scene. I liked that they added it.

I also liked that Aragorn revealed himself in the Palantir. It adds to his story arc of becoming the king.


So I guess looking back at it, there's only a select few scenes I didn't like added. Most were great additions.

[JBond]

The mouth of Sauron was the helicopter guy in Mad Max. He also has a role in one of the new Star Wars movies, making him a very lucky "nobody."

[Fanible]

He was also one of the figureheads in Dark City, and the train guy in Matrix Revolutions.

He's had quite a varied career playing minor and unusual roles. I suppose there's actually a lot of extra/minor actors that do this, but he's more easily noticeable, since he's so tall and lanky.

[IanTheCool]

So basically, the scenes they could have done without:
- the extras at the end of Two Towers
- Saurman's death
- Paths of the Dead/Corsairs scenes
- Drinking game

[Spy-Of-Saruman]

I've never been able to really to properly accept the Mouth of Sauron scene, I just find some parts too distracting.

I mean, I'm fine with a lot of it, but the weird sudden jerky head movements he makes I just don't understand, I'm not sure if it's meant to be disturbing or what but I just find that it looks a bit daft and distracting.

Drinking game I could do without, Army of the Dead attacking the Corsairs, the soup scene between Eowyn and Aragorn in The Two Towers, The Witch King destroying Gandalfs staff and pretty much having him beaten with what seems to be relative ease always seems odd to me.

Other than those I think the rest have been mostly good additions.

[Tolkien]

So basically, the scenes they could have done without:
- the extras at the end of Two Towers
- Saurman's death
- Paths of the Dead/Corsairs scenes
- Drinking game
I'll give you all but one. Saruman's Death.

It was an important part of the book, and I was angry when it wasn't transfered onto film, pre EE version.

[IanTheCool]

I would rather have had it done better. I think I didn't like the placement of it. Perhaps if it happened at the end of TTT it owuld be different, as it would sort of give closure to taht Isengard storyline.

I also thought it wasn't done particularly well. Especially the part where he is tempting Theoden. Bad line delivery and timing.

[JBond]

http://4.media.bustedtees.cvcdn.com/5/f/bustedtees.05912e75006a87c96b4c5d8f450c8d03.gif

[IanTheCool]

I love it.

[DarthVader 2004]

He was also one of the figureheads in Dark City, and the train guy in Matrix Revolutions.

He's had quite a varied career playing minor and unusual roles. I suppose there's actually a lot of extra/minor actors that do this, but he's more easily noticeable, since he's so tall and lanky.

He also was in the two season tv series called Legend Of The Seeker.

[IanTheCool]

If Game of Thrones is the strong example of how to make a fantasy series, Legend of the Seeker is the non-example.

[DarthVader 2004]

Well I never saw it so no nothing of it. Just that Bruce Spence was in it. I think thats the guys name who was The Guy who got his head cut off by Aragorn.

Probably the best extended film of the the 3 was return of the king. The taking of the ships and Skull stuff was great and the whole stuff where Pippin searches for Merry and The fining of Eyowen by her brother.

[IanTheCool]

The taking of the ships and Skull stuff was great

No, it really wasn't. For one, it ruins the surprise of the ghost army when they arrive at the battle. And the skull avalanche... what was that?? It was just grotesque for the sake of being grotesque. Completely gratuitous.

and the whole stuff where Pippin searches for Merry and The fining of Eyowen by her brother.

Yes, this stuff was a great addition, I will agree with you there. I liked that they gave more stuff to Eomer.

[Ramplate]

Rare Extended Scene:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/ramplate/mp.jpg

[Nick1988]

I didn't like the extended scenes to much. I thought they kinda of messed up the pacing of the movie and they really seemed to be jut adding run time to a movie that's already pretty long to begin with.

I see why they cut them from the theatrical release, it probably would have hindered the movie a bit for people, seeing is how alot of people seemed to be bothered by the run time of the movies.
I am assuming that most of the extended scenes were actual scenes from the book?

I think it's great they did that for DVD so fans of the book can see them, but i really didn't like to many of the extended scenes.

I usually think Extended or Directors cut of movies aren't as good as the theatrical version and i agree they cut the scenes they did, LOTR was no different.

[IanTheCool]

Yeah, most of the scenes were from the book, or tied to the book somehow. However, in ROTK they moved away from scenes from the books (as they did with the movie in general).

I agree with you about extended cuts. This is the exception for me, for the most part. But that 's probably because I'm such a big fan of the book.

[PsYkOoOoO]

To me, I don't ever watch the theatrical versions anymore. It's either the Extended Editions or nothing at all.

[DanielLB]

^Same! To me, the extended editions are the most canon version of the films. I haven't watched the theatrical versions since their respective extended edition came out!

[PsYkOoOoO]

I usually think Extended or Directors cut of movies aren't as good as the theatrical version and i agree they cut the scenes they did, LOTR was no different.

Kingdom of Heaven would be a good argument against that.

[IanTheCool]

Kingdom of Heaven would be a good argument against that.
There's not many others though.

[PsYkOoOoO]

There's not many others though.

Well, that's true too. Hahaha. But I always feel that the extended scenes in LOTR lay things out a little more. It's like bonus material coming in the form of delete scenes. It will probably work if you take it away, but I still prefer to have the whole experience. At this point in my fandom, it really doesn't matter how much they throw into the extended edition. I will probably still love it anyway.

[DanielLB]

At this point in my fandom, it really doesn't matter how much they throw into the extended edition. I will probably still love it anyway.

I'm still waiting for a super-uber edition - 6 hours each film!! It's never going to happen, but I hope they release all the deleted scenes in the future.

[darthspielberg]

I love the EEs of Fellowship and Two Towers, I think they are superior films to their theatrical cousins. Return of the King is another matter. They threw everything back in, or mostly everything, and it feels a bit bloated. Also some of the additions take away from cool moments that were so thrilling in the theatrical cut (The ghost army suffers from this. The reveal of them attacking the Orcs on the docks is great. It's effect is lessened when they do the same damn thing against the pirates.)

I just watched an in-theaters marathon, and the first two were EE and the third was Theatrical, and the flow was spot on. The EE's of the first two really set things up for the following films. ROTK didn't need to do that, so while it's fun to see all the new scenes, most of them feel useless in the cut of the film. (I do wish The Mouth of Sauron and the Sarauman scenes were in though, because they are both great, and work well)