For any serious physical media collector, owning the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is practically a given. Universally acclaimed, award-winning, and a benchmark for high fantasy films for over two decades, these films are a must-have. But if you haven't yet added them to your collection, this guide is for you. Whether you're upgrading from DVDs, seeking clarity amidst conflicting recommendations, or simply aiming to fill that LOTR-shaped void on your shelf, we've got you covered. This guide details everything you need to know about acquiring 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 can be tricky, as different versions offer varying features. The 4K releases boast stunning picture quality but unfortunately lack the extensive bonus materials found in the DVD and Blu-ray editions. The Blu-ray versions offer excellent value, though it's worth noting that The Fellowship of the Ring Blu-ray exhibits a noticeable green tint (absent in the other films and other formats). If you're not bothered by the tint and prioritize bonus features, 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—a true completist's dream!

Every LoTR Blu-ray Available

For those seeking options beyond the boxed set, here's a comprehensive list of available Lord of the Rings Blu-ray releases: boxed sets, extended and theatrical editions, and individual discs.

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 See it 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 See it 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 See it 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 See it at Amazon

LoTR Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy Blu-ray Sets

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition)
Extended editions; 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 See it at Amazon

Middle-Earth: Six Film Collection (Extended Edition)
Extended editions of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies; 30-disc set.
$130.99 save 27% $95.43 at Amazon

Middle Earth 6-Film Collection (Theatrical Edition)
Theatrical releases of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit 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 See it 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 See it 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 See it at Amazon

Extended Editions vs. Theatrical Cuts

The theatrical versus extended edition debate is a long-standing one among fans. Theatrical cuts, shorter to accommodate audience attention spans, are faster-paced and more action-oriented. However, the extended editions offer significantly more content, including additional scenes, expanded sequences, and crucial context missing from the shorter versions. The key difference is runtime: The Fellowship of the Ring extended edition is about 30 minutes longer, The Two Towers about 45 minutes, and The Return of the King nearly an hour longer. While longer, the extended editions provide a richer, more immersive Middle-earth experience.

Are you excited for more Lord of the Rings movies and shows?

Yes!No, the series should have ended.

Upcoming Lord of the Rings 4K and Blu-rays

Middle-Earth 6-Film Collection (Extended & Theatrical) (4K Ultra HD + Digital)
Out March 18, 2025
$209.99 at Amazon

While this list is extensive, it may not be exhaustive. A comprehensive 4K UHD collection including both theatrical and extended cuts of all six films (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies) is available for pre-order, releasing March 18th.

Editor's Note: The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions are currently streamable on Max.