THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Return of the King EXTENDED VERSION I Reaction After Reading The Book 

This movie was nominated for eleven Academy Awards including Best Picture...and it won every single one of them.

At 6:12 you ask, " Would Shelob not be drawn to the Ring?" Tolkien writes, "Little she knew of or cared for towers, or rings, or anything devised by mind or hand, who only desired death for all others, mind and body, and for herself a glut of life, alone, swollen till the mountains could no longer hold her up and the darkness could not contain her."

Four moments that always get my tears going: - "What about side by side with a friend?" - "I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!" - "...For Frodo." - "My friends... You bow to no one."

Tolkien wrote an unpublished final chapter I heard a professor read online: Years later, Sam and Rosie are reading bedtime stories to their kids, and afterwards they are talking outside. Sam puts his arm around Rosie and notes that it's the anniversary of the destruction of the ring. He tells her that he'd always hoped to see her again, but on that day he'd lost all hope. She responds that on that day she was suddenly filled with hope. Somehow she knew that her Sam was coming home to her. And he did.

"You bow to no one" hits me every single time without fail. (Edit note): corrected quote, thanks to the replies for pointing it out!

Jax, as a veteran, I can tell you this: when Aragorn says, "My friends! You bow... to no one.", it made me weep like a baby. I was serving active duty during the film. I had only recently returned from my first war deployment. I can tell you truly, Tolkien definitely wrote this story with a veteran's eye.

There are two types of people in this world. Those who have read The Lord of The Rings, and those who should.

That Sam, Sean, is holding his own daughter for the final scene gets me too.

The “normal person” Sméagol was played by Andy Serkis, who was the actor who played Gollum in the rest of the films, wearing motion capture, and obviously the voice. Great actor, so glad he was included.

Am I gonna wet my eyes again for the 50th time when Sam carries Frodo ? Probably yes 😂

Funny story: during the scene where Saruman is getting stabbed in the back, Peter Jackson kept asking Christopher Lee to react in a melodramatic fashion. Lee, who’d been a spy in WW2 & was literally the inspiration for James Bond, refused to do so because based on his personal experience, that is not how someone reacts when they’re stabbed in the back. Jackson wisely deferred to Lee’s expertise.

I saw an artist rendition of a person hovering atop of Barad-Dur with flames wreathing out from them. It was Sauron in a body but from the flames and the setting it made him look like the iris of a burning eye. I decided to make that head canon. The great burning eye is just Sauron standing atop Barad-dur, burning with malice and power.

Around the time The Two Towers came out in theaters, I also got the Extended Edition DVDs of Fellowship. I was working at Apple and knew I was being laid off the end of the year. Watching the Making Of features on Fellowship, I began to wonder if New Zealand was really that beautiful. So I called American Airlines, who had a deal with Qantas; I said I wanted to go to NZ in April on miles, at least Business Class. (This was the previous November.) The ticket agent found me a flight to Auckland leaving April 3rd, arriving on the 5th. She took forever to find me a return flight. Earliest she could get me was on April 30th, First Class by way of Sydney. Which is why I spend almost a month touring NZ, half in the North Island and half in the South. I even got a tour of filming locations around Queenstown in the South Island. It may just have been the best trip of my life. Thank you, Extended Edition and all those extras.

The lighting of the beacons...the speeches from King Théoden and King Aragorn...feeling the power of the Rohirrim charge, were some of the most epic theatrical experiences...Chills forever...I cried at the end the first time, I can't lie. You know it is a masterpiece when you don't want a 4 hour film to end...

"And they flowed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together, and tears are the very wine of blessedness."

most of the sets were built even the castles with added cgi. The making of on DVD is 9 hours long for each movie, thats 27 hours of making off, its soo cool, from writing to lore to set design sound design costume etc. Worth a buy and a watch

Galadriel intentionally matched Arwen & Aragorn together while they were both visiting in Lothlòrien! Arwen & Aragorn met in Rivendell(Imladris), & that is where Aragorn fell in love with her, although it doesn’t sound like she felt the same at the time. Aragorn’s mother Gilraen warned him that he was aiming too high, and Elrond was not happy about it either, and Aragorn took heed of this and left Rivendell, to learn how to be a Ranger and to oppose Sauron’s forces. Many years later, he came to Lothlorien, seeking rest and shelter, and Galadriel allowed him to enter. We have this line in the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen: ‘But Aragorn was grown to full stature of body and mind, and Galadriel bade him cast aside his wayworn raiment, and she clothed him in silver and white, with a cloak of elven-grey and a bright gem on his brow. Then more than any kind of Men he appeared, and seemed rather an Elf-lord from the Isles of the West. And thus it was that Arwen first beheld him again after their long parting; and as he came walking towards her under the trees of Caras Galadhon laden with flowers of gold, her choice was made and her doom appointed.’ LOTR Appendices. To me, that makes it rather explicit that Galadriel wanted Aragorn to appear at his best. Why? Who could he possibly impress in Lothlorien, except for Galadriel’s grand-daughter? I think it is quite clear that she wanted them matched, and perhaps her foresight told her that they needed to be matched, as it was part of destiny, to begin the Dominion of Men (something Elrond probably also realised, but couldn’t willingly promote, since it would mean Arwen and Elrond would be parted forever). Plus there is the scene in Lorien, where Galadriel gives Aragorn the Elessar, which went from Galadriel to Celebrian to Arwen and then back to Galadriel in order that she give it as a gift to Aragorn. Again it speaks to me as a collaborative act, and part of Galadriel helping bring the two together: And Aragorn answered: “Lady, you know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only treasure that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would; and only through darkness shall I come to it.” “Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,' said Galadriel; for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.” Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. “This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the house of Elendil!” From LOTR FOTR BOOK

I’m really happy that you took the time to read the books! And you should be proud of yourself. They are not light reading. Tolkien’s writing is so incredibly beautiful though and it’s worth the effort.

The City of Death also known as Minas Morgul was once a beautiful city of Gondor and it was called Minas Ithil and was used to guard the land of Mordor.

There is a wonderful detail at 36:17 "for Frodo" moment.. When Aragorn said " For Frodo", listen to background music.. That music's lyrics is Aragorn's promise for Frodo at Rivendell.. That background song's lyrics is basically this: " If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword..."... So touching..

That was a great reaction ! Thank you! There were so many call backs from movie to movie but the one that always stands out visually for me is from the end of TFOTR and we have Frodo’s hand reaching into the river to save Sam from drowning and they grasp each other’s forearms. It is virtually identical to Sam reaching for Frodo at the edge of the cliff and they grasp each other the same way.

43:31 This is arguably the most underrated shot in the entire film. Frodo looks back to his friends one last time and smiles, giving them a slight nod. There's so much warmth, gratitude and serenity in Frodo's eyes, and you can't help but feel that everything is going to be okay.

The hidden sheep reference, it was filmed mostly in New Zealand which has more sheep than people.

I like the change that Peter Jackson did on how the ring was destroyed. The ring didn't get destroyed until Frodo grabbed Sam's hand. The ring no longer had hold on him and lost all the power so it was able to be destroyed.

The inspiration for the looks of Shelob is that for a funnelweb spider, endemic to parts of New Zealand and Sydney Australia. These spiders are not only dangerously venemous, but highly aggressive, and like to climb into dark and moist spaces inside people's houses, like the shoes next to your bed. It is extremely advisable to give your shoes and trowsers a good shake-out in the morning before putting them on, when your are in Auckland. Peter Jackson and I share one attribute, that is a deathly severe case of arachnophobia. That is why the design of Shelob is so frighteningly effective.

"You seem a decent fellow, I hate to kill you." "You seem a decent fellow, I hate to die." "I am no fellow!"

wtaching people react to these movies is one of my favorite thing, and with you reading the books if offers a new perspective to those of us who have only seen the movie! keep up the amazing reactions!

On the brink of war, staring at architecture. 2003, we got into a TIC just outside Baghdad near one of Saddam’s palaces. While we were doing business, I couldn’t help but pause while I was reloading and admire the palace itself. It was surreal.

8:14 "Sheep??!!" 😄You are so incredibly adorable! I love your reactions! 🥰

One of my absolute favorite scenes from any movie is this movie with Aragon... "My friends, you bow to no one".

Honored to have joined you on your journey through the books and the films Jax. It’s impossible to not shed a tear (or two or…) at the conclusion of these marvelous tales. Thanks for sharing.

Isn't it amazing how when we see integrity, honour and truth, even in fiction, we are so drawn to them and inspired by them?

I love that of all the ringbearers, even sauron, smeagol had the ring for like, 400 years longer than anyone else.

Frodo smiling at Sam at the Grey Havens is the part that's always brought me to tears. Just knowing that this is the first time in over 3 years that he's allowed himself to feel genuinely at peace after everything he went through. (I that in the movie Frodo says "It's been 4 years to the day since Weathertop," but within the books, Frodo leaves Middle-Earth exactly 3 years after he, Sam, Merry, and Pippin first arrived in Bree)

There is an incredibly sweet epilogue to the story that Tolkien wrote but then didn't put in the book, but still considered part of the story. It involves a conversation about Frodo, between Sam and his daughter Elanor when she is a teenager. It was published in one of the History of Middle Earth books that Christopher Tolkien published That horribly lumpy orc captain (Gothmog) was designed as a caricature of Harvey Weintstein. Peter Jackson had dealings with the guy, and let's just say he was not impressed. Eowyn's ride with the Rohirrim is a perfect example of the difference between a book and a film. In the book, Merry had no idea it's her, although some of the other soldiers seem to be giving them a wide berth, implying that they know what's up. Merry not recognizing her for that long couldn't be played convincingly on film, but it works in the book simply because Tolkien doesn't _tell_ you it's her, and because he's been such a reliable narrator up until then, you don't question it.

You can feel Peter Jackson's love for the source material thru the craftsmanship found littered throughout this movie trilogy. From the quality of the script to the sets, to the costumes, to the dedication of the actors and extras, to the after effects & CGI team's efforts (which were way ahead of their time). Peter has said many times it was a lifetime dream come true and a crowning achievement for him to complete these films.

At 10:20 you ask, "Was the white flowerr growing on top of that head, was that KIngsfoil?" Tolkien writes, "The eyes were hollow and the carven beard was broken, but about the high stern forehead there was a coronal of silver and gold. A trailing plant with flowers like small white stars had bound itself across the brows as if in reverence for the fallen king, and in the crevices of his stony hair yellow stonecrop gleamed." Maybe you're right, but I think if Tolkien wanted us to think it was kingsfoil, he would have said so. Kudos to the movie makers for including this small detail.

I like it when a story ends with a brief overview of the characters lives. I came across a middle school romance anime. That at the end the girl had to move away, but they agreed to retain thier relationship. Then it procceds to show photos on dates at the train staition, at thier wedding, and a family gathering with children.

im from NZ so when she said extended edition, my eyes filled with love hearts

You did a really lovely job with this. I love your patience with the movie and the books. Seeing someone know what to value gives us all hope.

I think the lighting of the beacons is one of the most beautiful parts of the film, and the music gives you a feeling of hope. However, the best part of this film by far is Theoden's speech and the subsequent Ride of the Rohirrim into battle, epic music, epic shots from the camera, and you can feel the hope bubbling up within you after feeling such despair only moments before.

I agree, these movies captured the spirit of the book very well, which is the most important thing in an adaptation for me. Even if some of the details are different, it still feels like the same story. Also, Faramir and Eowyn are freaking ADORABLE and I love them so much. Apparently they were supposed to have a wedding scene but the movie was already insanely long so it was scrapped.

Sam was the GOAT in this trilogy! He was loyal to Frodo til the end. I had a blast seeing you journey through these films. Such a great trilogy and great reactions

These movies really capture the feeling of the books for me. Even with the changes and such, they took me back to when my dad used to read them to me as a kid and when I read them later on. It's a really difficult feeling to explain ngl

"You bow to no one" wrecks me every time.

I've seen a few folks say they don't want to watch the extended cut "making of" dvds in case it takes away from their enjoyment of the film. I found the opposite is true. When you see what the cast and crew went through to make these movies it makes you appreciate them all the more. It's epic in every sense of the word.

You, young lady, are a singularly beautiful soul. And I don't mean your externalities and their obvious charms, but the soul of a person who would weep openly at "in whose mighty company I shall not be ashamed" and "you bow to no-one." It means a lot to me that you show how much these scenes mean to you; they mean quite a lot to me as well. I'm glad you share your perspective with the world, and I'm glad I found you. Cheers!

I will never get tired of seeing watch throughs of this cinematic masterpiece of a series. Im in a discord server with many people about to watch the entirety of this extended trilogy in one go with first time watchers to people who have seen this hundreds of times (myself included). Yet no matter what experience or lack of experience you have with this series, its always like watching it for the first time again. Not many movies have the ability to capture that magic. Literally lightning in a bottle. Christopher Lee gave a heartfelt goodbye to his fellow cast members when either his part in the series wrapped, or the entirety of the project wrapped all together. With his words, and the emotion he delivered them, he absolutely knew that together they have truly done something remarkable Side note: 8:14 i happened to turn away from the monitor to grab my drink behind me when you let out that gasp. I turned back and drew the replica of Anduril I had nearby on instinct ready to throw down. And then you went off about sheep. Im both shocked and amused that I nearly skewered my monitor, for sheep HAHAHA

"My friends, you bow to no one" still gets me, can't help it.

The “Eye” is how Peter Jackson portrayed the character of Sauron and his evil. There is no eye in the book and sauron actually does have a physical form but he is weak from his separation from the ring so he can’t really travel out of Mordor. In the end fight where Aragorn is fighting a troll, it was originally Sauron he was fighting (without the armor however, but Jackson felt like it didn’t really fit so they edited a troll over him

At 38:53 you say, "I kind of liked in the book that Frodo wasn't struggling with Gollum when he fell in--Gollum...stepped a little too far back..." You're right, and this is a result of the difference in dramatic effect between words on the page and action before a camera. The movie minimizes an important force in Tolkien's book, the workings of Fate in the affairs of the world. Remember Gandalf's words to Frodo in the Mines of Moria in FOTR (the movie: the words occur in a different part of the book)--"Bilbo was *meant* to find the Ring, and *not* by its maker. In which case you also were *meant* to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought."

I like the interpretation of Frodo’s and Gollum’s struggle because it shows that Sauron’s will to corrupt was his ultimate undoing. That by its very nature, evil can never be the victor. It was also pointed out to me in the film that the ring tempted Frodo to the very end, even floating atop the lava until Frodo made the choice to accept Sam’s help and only then was the corruption broken and the ring destroyed.

Next Trilogy The Hobbit Extended Edition Of The Adventures Of Bilbo Baggin: (1) An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition (2) The Desolation Of Smaug Extended Edition (3) The Battle Five Armie Extended Edition

My psychologist; "Gandalf is a fantastic character. He is not real.. So he cannot hit your face with his staff".. Also me; 21:26 Ma'am you are so cute

Lighting beacons was an actual thing in England for many years, to warn cities of invaders, when the boats with enemy flags were spotted

Having an actual eye makes sense from a visual and story-telling perspective in a movie even if it is a lot more vague and probably a metaphorical "eye" in the books.

I was really glad I came across your reaction. I really appreciated your insight and companion commentary of the pieces of the book, especially the epilogue about the burning of the shire and the final moments of our fellowship.

so, when this movie came out i was 13, and my arts and crafts teacher managed to trick one of her friends, who worked in the special effects industry, to come and teach the class about the masks used in these movies, and that is how i learned to make monster masks with the most basic arts and crafts supplies a school can get.

I cannot imagine a more sincere and BEAUTIFUL reaction to this story! Stories like these were made for souls like yours, Dax! God Bless you and THANK YOU for sharing such beauty!!❤

14:06 yes fires on mountains was a real historical thing for warning system. It is a fast way to get information from one place to another. However it would normally not be many of them linked togheter.

Sam's daughter Elanor is played Alexandra "Ali" Astin, Sean's own daughter (who was three during filming and is now in her twenties) and baby Frodo in Rosie's bsom is Sarah McLeod's own daughter Maisey. On a side note, Peter Jackson have worked with three generations of Astins: Sean and Ali in the Lord of the Rings, and Sean's dad John Astin (best known for playing Gomez in the Addams Family live action 1964 TV series and reprised him in the Hanna Barbera cartoon series from 1992) on The Frighteners, the movie done before The Lord of the Rings.

I just recently read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I’m actually working my way through the appendices now. It’s so much history, I’m amazed at how someone can sit down and come up with all this. I’m going to read The Silmarillion next.

The whole trilogy is utter perfection.. there isn’t many films you can say that about let alone a trilogy.

Frodo was certainly unaware of the outcome, but Gandalf didn't survive, as such. He continued the fact that fighting a balrog ends in your death, even if you win. Going from Grey to White was literal divine intervention and reincarnation, not merely a change of clothes...

My first video with you. Such heartfelt and informed reactions because you read the books, and also understanding the necessity for being different. Subbed. Can't wait to view more of your content.

Great reaction. It was nice to see someone become so emotionally invested in such wonderful characters.

I think it is wonderful that all the cast are still friends today.

Originally, the Sméagol and Déagol scene was going to be shown in The Two Towers after Frodo reminds Gollum of his real name. We go to a close-upp on Gollum's eye as he says "Sméagol" and fades over to his orgin story. It was cut from there because of the pace of the movie and Peter Jackson thought it was better that you get to know Gollm better before you see his backstory. First it was going to be added to the Extended Edition but then PJ thought "let's save it for The Return of the King". When the editors for Return of the King Jamie Selkirk and Annie Collins wondered where that scene would be put it as they couldn't find a good place for the scene, Jackson said "Let's start the movie with it!" to which they replied after a couplce of seconds of silence "Right.".

10:18 The small white buds are thought to be Simbelmyne, which are the flowers that grow around the graves of kings. The Elves called the same flower uilos ("snow white").

The first orc Aragorn kills in Pelenor Fields as Gimli counts, is played by Viggo Mortensen's son Henry, who not only pushed him into accepting the role as Aragorn, he also played the second boy in the "give you sword" scene in Two Towers. He was eleven or twelve during Principle Photography in 2000 and in pickups for 2003, he had become even taller than his dad, so he was perfect as playing an orc and became part of the stunt team.

The Scouring of the Shire was a great part of the books because it demonstrates how much the 4 hobbits had changed and become true leaders and heroes. However, leaving that out of the movies was definitely a good decision, because it would have been a weird and confusing plot twist for anyone who never read the books. It would have seemed extraneous and would have extended the movie unnecessarily. Anyway, great reactions to all 3 movies.

Frodo never fully healed from his wounds, which means he could never stay happy in Middle-Earth. He, Gandalf, Bilbo, and the rest are going to the undying lands (Elf heaven essentially), where mortal beings usually aren't allowed. An exception is made for Frodo and Bilbo because they were ring bearers. In the appendices we learn that Sam becomes mayor of the Shire and lives a long and happy life. After his wife dies, he also sails west to the undying lands because he was briefly a ring bearer. So Frodo and Sam do meet again. Merry and Pippin spend their days with Aragorn in Gondor, and when they die they are buried next to Aragorn's grave. Legolas and Gimli remain friends, and their friendship heals the rift between Dwarf and Elf. When they reach their end, they also sail to the undying lands together. It's a massive honor for Gimli, being a dwarf, and never a ring bearer. Once they leave, the fellowship is gone from Middle Earth forever.

The scene with "My friends ... You bow to no one." always chokes meup, since everybody just shows their thankfullness and bows (even the king) and it just leaves them feeling akward. They really do not realice how special they are and not the implication the almost no human could have achieved their feats.

"You bow to no one"....get's me in the feelz....EVERY time...

39:00 Tolkien stated in one of his letters that this was the third and final time that Eru intervened himself. As Gollum was dancing around, Eru reached down and gently nudged him off the ledge, because it had to be done. I think it’s much better than the cliche of having Frodo fight him

They dismantled the " Helm's Deep" set and built the Minas Tirith sets in the same quarry. They had to take down the Rohan hall, but parts were rebuilt for retakes and pickups.

During the filming of the part where Saruman gets stabbed in the back, Christopher Lee kept doing this harsh grunting noise. Peter Jackson came up to him and was like "What are you doing? You're being stabbed to death, I need you to scream." Christopher Lee told him "People who are stabbed in the upper back can't scream because the blade is During the filming of the part where Saruman gets stabbed in the back, Christopher Lee kept doing this harsh grunting noise. Peter Jackson came up to him and was like "What are you doing? You're being stabbed to death, I need you to scream." Christopher Lee told him "People who are stabbed in the upper back can't scream because the blade is piercing their lungs." Jackson was like "Are you sure about that?" Lee looked at him with that intense look he does and said "I served in WWII with a Special Forces unit. Trust me when I tell you, people don't scream when you shove a knife in their back." Jackson was like "Uhhh, OK then, we'll do it your way." And that was the end of that conversation.

At 18:23 the line "I have wished you joy since first I saw you" is in the book, but later in the story, after all the fighting is over.

My favorite reaction from you by a mile, and that's saying a lot considering previous vids. To many more adventures! Cheers!

just thought i'd add, Frodo made Gollum swear on the ring, making him doomed to fall the moment he attacked Frodo, so in a way frodo was too blame in the books as well (as we can see with the army of the dead, be careful with your words in middle earth)

39:43 There had to be a part of Frodo that must've been thinking, "Damn, I died," because he didn't know that Gandalf came back. And they're both all in white.

I don't know if this is a known fact but the actor, Lawrence Makoare played Lurtz, the muscular, arrow-throwing leader of the Uruk-Hai in FOTR. He also played Gothmog the leader of the orcs in ROTK as well as the Witch King of Angmar in ROTK. According to IMDB - "This Kiwi actor had more speaking parts than any other actor in it, although his face is never seen"

The ride of the rohirrim never fails to bring out the goosebumps, in a film made of the most truly epic moments like the lighting of the beacons, Sam in Mordor etc it might be the greatest. I'm in a similar position about the handling of Denethor and his sons, I understand why the changes were made but I wish they'd found a way to keep some more of the original. The man had been engaging Sauron in a battle of wills through a palantir for who knows how long, Saruman is shown in these films as shaken and almost hugging himself in the aftermath of each interaction with the Eye and he was working with him! When Eomer asks what Merry would do once battle commences I would love to witness his reaction to finding out that he'd offered himself as bait to uruk hai, attacked a troll, laid siege to Orthanc with the ents he and Pippin had rallied and even crossed blades with the nazgul to protect his friends just to get to that point. And yes do continue with the appendices, sure they're a little dry but also fascinating and perhaps the best training for the Silmarillion where so many things are given greater context... Anything from the White Tree's family tree and it's significance to what the orcs chanted while wheeling out the battering ram. Or even reshaped and repurposed for the films, Aragorn and Arwen's story in particular will feel a tad familiar!

My heart was warmed by the uplifting character arc of Denethor. He achieved his lifelong dream, and set the world record for longest distance ever sprinted by a man fully engulfed in flames. Many have tried to equal his amazing run of 289 meters (316 yards), but none have ever come close. Most succumb to the searing flames and collapse in well under 100 meters. Many people, including his proud son Faramir, were there to bear witness and cheer him on in accomplishing this feat of sheer willpower and endurance.

Faramir and Boromir have some natural resistance to arrows. Boromir took 2 and was still fighting only 3rd one making him colapse and eventually die while Faramir took 2 arrows and stayed alive (propably without much treatment cause he was presumed to be dead) through all of Denethor madness.

Love this movie! I just got to see Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan in person this past Saturday. They are performing in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead before it heads to Toronto. They are brilliant actors with amazing energy.

The dog in the hall is one of the signs that Jackson's a real Tolkien fan. "“What is the house of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek, and their brats roll on the floor among the dogs?" - Saruman I've been able to quote that verbatim since 1970.

I'll never cease being amazed. 28:03 People dying left and right and then a horse dies and it's like 'Unbelievable!'...

Finally! I’ve been waiting for this one to drop so I can binge watch your reaction to all 3!!! So excited!

At 13:47 ... Hope refers to Aragon's name of Estel given by his mother

10:50 "TO YOUR DOOM" When naming Mount Doom, Tolkien used the word doom with two meanings death/evil (modern english) and fate/good or bad (old english).

Although they killed Saruman earlier, and therefore didn't include the Scouring of the Shire at the end, Peter Jackson said he was trying to depict it in the vision of the (possible) future that Frodo sees in Galadriel's mirror. There are so many little touches like that which really speak to the reverence that they all had for the source material.

In the end I loved that the ring fall into fire only when Frodo decide to reach for Sam, leaving us with the idea that Frodo could still have gone for the ring, if he wanted

Great reaction. It's also a great to get insights after reading the book. I have read it over 20 years ago, a lot of stuff I forgot. How the ring was destroyed, I actually liked how they ended it in the movie. They actually made the book ending and had to reshoot it because it didn't feel right, to me as well, that it was by happenstance or just dumb luck that the ring was destroyed. I think by doing it this way, Frodo got a chance to destroy the ring even though it wasn't his intent. He still had a part in the ring's destruction.

I went to the midnight showing of this in Savannah, Georgia. When the Eagles showed up to rescue, Sam and Frodo, the sigh of relief was astonishing!

The 'Lighting of the Beacons' scene is, IMO, one of the greatest moments in the history of cinema. When I was watching it in the cinema on opening day I wept.

Given how much you enjoy the contrast between the books and the films, and whether you watch it for the channel or not, I believe that you would truly appreciate the bonus material from the collectors edition. Hours and hours of "how'd they do that?", and what the journey was in making this come to life answered...

The Ring was the foundation of Sauron's power. In the film, the moment it is destroyed, the foundation of Sauron's tower (Barad-Dur) begins to crumble taking the Eye with it. It is a literal fall from power.

Always tear up a few times during this movie no matter how many times I've seen it.

I do wish the movie showed or made reference to Denethor being corrupted by the Palantir. He wasn't just completely evil, but he had given into despair over time due to Sauron's influence.