The films will screen in DBOX from January 16 to 19, then in standard formats from January 23 to 25. And because fate is kind, participating theaters will also offer limited edition Lord of the Rings concession items. AMC gets Middle Earth map popcorn buckets. Regal has One Ring themed buckets. If they release a collectible cup shaped like Denethor's oil cup, I will buy three.
For the record, the extended editions clock in at about eleven and a half hours total, and yes, every minute is necessary. If you have only seen the theatrical cuts and thought those were long enough, let me assure you, as someone who has done a yearly extended marathon for at least 15 years, there is not a single scene I would remove. Peter Jackson crafted these films with such care that every extra moment adds heart, depth, or emotional clarity. Once you watch the extended versions, the theatricals feel like the abridged audiobook.
Fun fact from Variety. The extended cuts have been enhanced and rereleased in 4K before, but extended theatrical screenings like this are a rarity. So yes, like a good little hobbit, I will be showing up with popcorn in hand and probably some lembas bread in my pocket, ready to fall in love with Middle Earth all over again. I mean, seeing it on the big screen again is just a dream come true.
This is not just a re release. It is a return journey. See you at the Shire.