The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Special Extended DVD… The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Special Extended DVD Edition

Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen

Directed by Peter Jackson

Released by New Line Cinema

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” first graced the DVD format during the summer in a fine two-disc set that featured a top-notch transfer and a smattering of appreciable – if familiar – extras. Now, with “The Two Towers” almost upon us, “Fellowship” is back.

New Line Cinema isn’t trying to dupe you into paying for the same film one more time, though – every bit of the content of this four-disc set is brand new. And something like a godsend. It features a new cut of the film that actually improves on the theatrical version and a spectacular lineup of exclusive extras.

Director Peter Jackson has said the new version is not a director’s cut – as the theatrical version was just as he wanted it to be – but rather an alternate, extended version for those looking to spend more time in the Tolkien universe. With approximately 30 minutes of new footage, the film runs nearly 3 1/2 hours – a bit long for casual fans, but a joy for die-hards.

The film is more comfortable with its newly relaxed pace. Gone is the push to rush through the book’s many setpieces. Details sacrificed for the sake of time in the original cut return to make the film a smoother, richer experience. None of the additions are revelatory; they’re mostly just little touches. But they go a long way.

In addition to the new cut, the set offers a staggering amount of supplemental material. Some numbers: four commentary tracks, featuring much of the cast and crew, at three and a half hours a pop plus six hours of documentaries that cover every stage of the film’s production equals 20 hours of extras. Add an archive of about 2000 pieces of production art, and you’re never getting through all of this. What you choose to sample, though, you’re likely to enjoy.

The behind-the-scenes documentaries are something special. Unlike the cold, shapeless segments found on most DVD special editions, they’re as entertaining as they are informative, which is especially surprising considering their unprecedented depth. Combined, they present what may very well be the most comprehensive look at the making of a film you’ll ever get.

This set is meant for the people who saw “Fellowship” in the theater multiple times-it’ll have you drooling for weeks.

It’s also meant to prove once more that “Lord of the Rings” is infinitely better than “Harry Potter.” Frodo could so hurt that little square.