Blu-Ray Release For Lord Of The Rings Offers Theatrical Cuts Only
By Brendon Connelly/April 16, 2009 7:08 am EST
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Genuine internet hero Bill Hunt at The Digital Bits managed to confirm this unfortunate news from ‘sources close to director Peter Jackson’. To follow after the break, everything we know about this release… and about Jackson’s plans for the extended versions to hit Blu-Ray too.
Here’s a full quote from Hunt:
I noticed drastic price cuts on the DVD editions of the series in UK stores recently, including the most recent editions containing Costa Botes’ documentaries. As soon as those popped up at just a few quid, I was pretty certain the Blu-Ray launch was imminent.
Sources close to director Peter Jackson have informed me that he’s saving the extended editions of the films for an “ultimate” box set release closer to the debut of the new Hobbit films – that’s why these BDs are set to be theatrical only. That’s obviously not going to satisfy every fan, but it gives them something in the meantime. As was the case with the original DVD release, at least you’re now aware in advance that a more elaborate release is coming eventually if you’d prefer to wait for it. For Warner’s part, I’ve officially confirmed with the studio that this initial Blu-ray release is real and it’s coming before the end of this year, but I’m told it won’t be officially announced for another few months yet. So you should probably still consider this release to be semi-official and subject to change. Just FYI.
