Just in case you thought the original version was a little short, the four-disc The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Platinum Series Special Extended Edition adds a full 50 minutes of footage to round out the original version. While still awed by Peter Jackson's achievement, Rings purist geeks like myself were nevertheless ornery about ROTK's choppy editing and glaring holes: how did the Palantír of Orthanc wind up in the flotsam and jetsam of Isengard? What happened with the Corsairs of Umbar? And what about Saruman and Gríma? Answers await.

Without being able to explore the Tolkien universe as deeply as the book's appendices, Jackson still delivers. Two full discs are devoted to extras, including 13 documentaries, audio commentaries, maps and thousands of production and design images.

As with the other two extended editions, this version is also a far more faithful and accurate interpretation of the book. With more action, more character development and yes, more manly tears, this weighty bookend of a package will make for one very precious birthday (or Christmas) present. » Patrick Lejtenyi