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Actually, the director, Peter Jackson, has said that he dislikes that term. He prefers "Extended Edition", and I'm inclined to agree. He does not change the essence or tone of the movie, but merely adds footage removed from the theatrical version for pacing or time constraints.

Basically, the Extended Editions are a "gift" to hardcore fans of both the books AND the films. I noticed that the EE of "Fellowship" tracked more closely with the books.

Actually, the director, Peter Jackson, has said that he dislikes that term.

He may have said that, but I would be interested to know who has "final cut" authority if it is not Jackson. He may have said he doesn't like that term because it is a term that could be considered insulting to whoever handles "final cut".

On the other hand, Jackson got one heck of a lot of respect and leeway by virtue of the fact that he was able to put together three(!) 3-hour movies at an estimated $300 million before anybody even knew for sure that they would be successful. An unheard-of risk was taken, and the money folks who put the financing together (and the financiers themselves) deserve every penny they will make off this project for the next fifty years.

So I can't blame Jackson for wanting to be "delicate" - - and probably for these movies he is sincere, given their length to begin with. I suppose "extended" is a more appropriate term after all. In any event, I am delighted - - I wish Jackson would find a few more hours of footage to add.

I appreciate the release of the extended versions as theaters are often unwilling to screen 3+ hour movies and movie prints are expensive. An extra 30minutes of film stock multiplied by the number of existing prints puts a higher financial barrier on such screenings (unless you want to see ticket prices go higher).

I wish that there would be a built in intermission like the older epics had. When is the audience supposed to use the bathroom? Can any scene of the film be missed with "big loss"? If the audience has just sat through 2 hours of film (plus another 20 minutes of trailers) and they know that they still have an hour to go, they may be more likely to get in line for a snack (as well as use the restroom and make some phone calls).

Also, they should try to hold off on any supplemental details (other than commentary) on DISC 1 of the extended set if it means implementing a poor transitionary break between DISC 1 and DISC 2 (Fellowship of the Ring included an Easter Egg on DISC 1 rather than playing out the scene).