This is getting one star because you can't give it a half star.
The worst part about this DVD is that it doesn't do a good job at masking the fact that's its not really educational- it feels more like a long winded commercial for the movie. It hits on historical bits and points here and there but never goes into much detail. Additionally, it just seems to wander from point to point without a lot of structure.
Sleep inducing, really.
Save your money.
LoTR can easily sell itself without the help.