Thirty-one-disc set includes: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
(2012)Director Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth for the
first of his three-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937
novel. Sixty years before "The Lord of the Rings," Bilbo Baggins
(Martin Freeman) is recruited by the wizard Gandalf (Ian
McKellen) to join a band of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield
(Richard Armitage) on a quest to recl their kingdom, leading
the young hobbit to the acquisition of a "precious" magical
relic. With Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, and Andy Serkis as
Gollum. Theatrical version; 169 min./Extended edition; 182 min.
C/Rtg: PG-13 The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)The
journey continues in director Peter Jackson's exciting sequel
based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale. As Gandalf (Ian McKellen)
investigates an evil force growing in Middle Earth, Bilbo (Martin
Freeman) and his dwarven companions make their way to the Lonely
ain. Pursued by orcs, they encounter giant spiders, the
elves of Mirkwood, and the dreaded dragon Smaug (Benedict
Cumberbatch in a voice and motion-capture performance). Richard
Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, and Orlando Bloom co-star. Theatrical
version; 161 min./Extended edition; 186 min. C/Rtg: PG-13 The
Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014)Bilbo Baggins (Martin
Freeman) finds his adventure nearly at it's end in the wake of a
fiery dragon attack on the human community of Laketown and the
dwarves' return to their home deep in the Lonely ain. While
dwarf leader Thorin (Richard Armitage) suffers from madness as he
searches for an ancient gem, several races of Middle Earth
prepare for a coming battle. Director Peter Jackson's final film
adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's story also stars Ian McKellen,
Evangeline Lilly, and Orlando Bloom. Theatrical version; 144
min./Extended edition; 164 min. C/Rtg: R The Lord Of The Rings:
The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)In the first installment of
director Peter Jackson's ambitious and successful film adaptation
of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Elijah Wood stars as plucky
hobbit Frodo Baggins, whose bequest of an arcane ring from his
uncle Bilbo (Ian Holm) spurs a perilous journey to prevent an
overpowering evil from enveloping Middle Earth. Ideally-cast
support is provided by Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, LIV Tyler,
Cate Blanchett, Sean Astin, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee.
Theatrical version; 178 min./Extended edition; 3 3/4 hrs. C/Rtg:
PG-13 The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)With the
Fellowship of the Ring splintered, the war for Middle Earth
continues in the second Tolkien tale from Peter Jackson. As
warriors Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and
Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) help defend the fortress of Helm's Deep
from the monstrous forces of dark lord Sauron, ring-bearing
hobbit Frodo (Elijah Wood) and pal Sam (Sean Astin) are joined in
their quest to Mordor by the ring's twisted, tormented former
owner, Gollum (Andy Serkis in a "voice and virtual performance").
With Christopher Lee, Miranda Otto, and Ian McKellen. Theatrical
version; 179 min./Extended edition; 4 hrs. C/Rtg: PG-13 The Lord
Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)Eleven Academy Awards,
including Best Picture, went to director Peter Jackson's
triumphant finale to fantasy cinema's most accled series. As
Frodo, Sam and the treacherous Gollum attempt to destroy the One
Ring of Power in the fires of Mt. Doom, Aragorn the ranger faces
his destiny as the rightful ruler of Gondor, leading the armies
of mankind into ultimate battle against Sauron's minions. Sean
Astin, Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda
Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, and Elijah Wood star.
Theatrical version; 3 1/3 hrs./Extended edition; 4 1/3 hrs.
C/Rtg: PG-13 Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby
Atmos TrueHD, DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio, French Dolby Digital 5.1;
Subtitles: English (SDH), French, Spanish; audio commentary;
featurettes; cast reunions; art cards; 64-page booklet.