OTHER TECH

3 The Return of the King (special extended edition, New Line)

The Picture While it does run 4 hours and 10 minutes, the extended edition of Peter Jackson's finest work has the luxury of sprawling over two of the four discs. Even the skies and backgrounds are clean and free of noise, and the colorful computer-generated beasts and nefarious characters are utterly convincing.

The Sound The music score fills the room during the rousing battle scenes, giving way to the dynamic clash of armor against sword or the deep crunch of huge stones caving in the walls of Minas Tirith.

The Killer Demo Go to Disc 2, Chapter 46, and be sure to turn up the volume until you can clearly hear King Theoden of Rohan riding across the front line of his cavalry, exhorting the troops in a death-embracing speech. Now leave the volume turned up for the visual and sonic onslaught to follow.

Standout Extra The documentary J.R.R. Tolkien: The Legacy of Middle-earth skillfully weaves interviews, still photos, and scenes from the movie into a focused half-hour filled with insights and trivia about Tolkien's inspirations and influences.

This DVD is the best of the Lord of the Rings series and one of the best boxed sets ever produced. - David Katzmaier