Once again, it is truly amazing how 43 extra footage can change your perception of a story. And, it is truly unfortunate that directors are inclined (read: forced) to edit films to appeal to a 'broader' audience. 'The Lord of The Rings : The Two Towers Extended Edition' is a much more complete and meaty version of the film and easily makes the theatrical version obsolete.



I've read the books (about 3 times), and I was one of those 'purists' who was a little frustrated with all of the edits and changes Peter Jackson and co. made to Tolkien's works. Eventually I came around and realized that its not easy translating a massive epic into three two and a half hour long films and I enjoyed the theatrical versions for what they were; an amazing epic fantasy drama of the highest order. Then the Extended Editions came out...



'The Two Towers' Extended Edition features 43 minutes of extra film footage, and once you have watched it you will never understand why these extra 43 minutes were shaved from the film. It may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things (especially when the theatrical cut was almost 3 hours long), but 43 minutes adds so much more to the film. Characters on both sides of this story are properly fleshed out and given more depth, and I cannot stress how important this 43 minutes of extra footage is to the overall story. I've always had an issue with the theatrical 'abridged' version, so the Extended Edition is a breath of fresh air.



For fans of the trilogy, fantasy buffs and movie lovers...