The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (DVD, 2002, 2-Disc Set, Widescreen Version)

Most of the movies that were adapted from novels nowadays do not really stay faithful to the book itself. Some even alter entire stories completely. It is not surprising when fans are utterly disappointed and walk out of theaters angry. And that’s the trend. No matter how big the budget is or how “cool” the digital effects are, it actually all boils down to the story. And that’s it.

However, once in a while, a great film based on a book comes out. This century, that film is J.R.R Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, the story that arguably started the fantasy myth of heroes, elves and other races. Directed by Peter Jackson, the film, hands down, has been very faithful to what LotR fans has come to love and cherish for several decades. Yet, on another perspective, people who know nothing about the book will be able to understand and appreciate the movie version. And when they read the books, like what most people do after watching film adaptations, they wouldn't be confused on the events that unfold. Instead, they would say, “Ah, I saw this part….”

On to the film proper, LotR started with Fellowship of the Ring; followed by The Two Towers and was ended by The Return of the King. The first movie, Fellowship of the Ring, introduces us to the characters and the story as a whole. The second one, The Two Towers, builds up tension of the story and gives the audience a clue on what can be expected on the next movie.

The last one, Return of the King, hits the climax of the story and gives audiences a breather during the ending. All throughout these three films, the cinematic's, digital effects and sounds are superb. Peter Jackson and the team did an excellent job of setting the right ambiance and mood. The characters each have their own shining moment in which the actors portrayed them excellently. Believe me, this is one movie you don't want to miss.

The story, sets, costumes & FX are so rich, you'll have to see the film several times to absorb everything. The unspoiled New Zealand locales are spectacular, providing a variety of environments to represent the different settings on the characters' journey. The location sets are imaginative, detailed & weathered, adding to their believability, while the studio sets match them in meticulousness. The costumes are at once familiar & strange, drawing on both the medievil & the fantastic, but more important, they're also functional & practical. The music by Howard Shore is appropriately sweeping, Celtic & folky in keeping with the novel, although it lacks the memorable themes of John Williams or Jerry Goldsmith, but neither would commit a year or more to a 3 picture project. The FX are as they should be, unobtrusive & unnoticed most of the time, there only to support the story not draw attention away from it as in most Hollywood movies which try to coverup illogical plots & bad acting.

I'm particularly gratified by the casting of Viggo Mortenson as Aragorn which was a last minute stroke of luck when the actor first chosen for the part backed out due to differences with the director. I've always thought Mortenson had an intensity & striking but not pretty-boy looks that could portray a flawed, dangerous hero instead of the villains Hollywood always picked him for.

A stellar cast giving some of their best performances, visuals that deliver beyond what I imagined, a perfect mix of humor, passion & tragedy, and a feeling of grandeur, scope & impending doom. Perhaps as an ensemble piece with so many characters & the inability to concentrate on any one, it can't be measured against some of the classic character study films, but even the casual moviegoer can grasp the ideas & not get lost As far as I'm concerned, it's one of the greatest films of all time.

This film is the beginning of an epic saga involving Hobbits, Wizards, Dwarves, Elves, and the race of men. Whether you are a fantasy lover or not there is something for everyone in each of these films. Continuing the story of the ring that is first introduced in the book The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, this film brings to life every character in this gripping tale. Though it is only the first of three, it is an experience you will not want to miss! You do not have to read the books first to be able to understand the tale, though at times you will wonder what something may mean just before it explains itself. This film could be watch again and again and new things be found in each viewing. As the ending draws to a close you are reminded that it is the first of a trilogy. You will find yourself anxious to continue in the tale of The Lord of the Rings.

An impressive effort is seen in Peter Jackson's first of three films dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Great acting as well as gripping special effects, not to mention the attention to visual detail, down to the smallest things, might lead you to believe that I would give this a perfect rating. I give it a good rating because of a couple of things. Though, I am probably too picky, sometimes. First off, I am a huge fan of the books, therefore, I may have been expecting a bit too much when I walked into the theater. Many things have changed from Tolkien's original to what is seen in the film. Certain characters are given lines that others had in the books and even some changing of a characters mission (as seen in Arwen's character at the river), but all that aside, it is much better constructed fundamentally than almost anything else of the same genre. I give it an A for effort, but not an A+. Still, pick it up, as the next two films got the 5/5 I was hoping I would give them. Thanks for reading, feedback would be appreciated. signed:CLW P.S. Read the books first!

This is the starting point of one of the greatest book trilogy's to be put onto the big screen, and now to DVD. There are so many variables in the Fellowship to learn and follow throughout which all interconnect in the next two movies.

Frodo and Sam as well as all the members of the Fellowship will join together, be tested, become friends, and try to fight as one in the world's darkest hour.

If you know nothing of this story, allow yourself to journey into a story where mankind and all others are bound for one purpose, to destroy evil and allow middle earth to once again thrive in all its splendor.

Excellent special effects add to this wonderful written and foretold tale! This movie was nominated and won over 14 emmy's and as it should have. One of those rare stories that will last forever!