Audio Video News

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, arguably the greatest sfx fest in movie history, will finally get a high-def release next year. Unfortunately, there's a catch. The Blu-ray disc release will use only the shorter cut shown in theaters.

Formally entitled The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy, the nine-disc set will hit on April 6, 2010 at a list price of $99.98 (with online pricing about $30 less at presstime). Though loaded with extras, it will not include the longer director's cuts available on DVD.

One can only speculate why. The easiest explanation is that New Line simply wants to pry loose more of our hard-earned money. However, it is worth noting that Blu-ray--unlike DVD--is an interactive medium in its BD-Live Profile 2.0 version. Could it be that the studio is busily creating new interactive features for the ultimate extended edition?

Only time will tell. But if you can't wait to see the three masterpieces in high-def, renting is always an option.