[Diamond18]

Mintyztwin, it's definitely more like the books. There's all the little details that were cut out, like Gandalf explaining that the wealth of Moria was Mithril, not gold or jewels, and of course all of Lothlorien, with the gifts and the lembas, and Gimli/Galadriel. And on Caradhras with Boromir saying "We must turn back! This will be the death of the Hobbits!" with his arms around Merry and Pippin, who are turning blue. Another way to show that Boromir is not an inherent bad guy!<P>All the characters benefit from the added scenes...most notably Celeborn and Galadriel. Second would be Gimli and Legolas.<P>I know that Legolas didn't have a shortage of fans from the theatrical cut, but I think he definitely benefits from the added scenes. Most notable for me is the lembas scene with Merry and Pippin and then in the boat with Gimli. He smiles and makes "small talk" with other members of the Fellowship! Without those two scenes, all he does is look alert, grave, and anxious. Well, he kills lots of Orcs, but I remember thinking "Does the guy ever smile?"<P>It's kind of like with Galadriel. Both of them are shown "lightening up" so that they seem more REAL in this version. Gimil too. He is now the sweetest Dwarf you will ever come across! With all the restored details everything's a little deeper, more thought out...and like someone else said, the scenes that weren't cut out also benefit.<P>I think it's a much more "hopeful" seeming film. When you watch the gift giving you'll know what we mean. All the members look happy and refreshed as they leave; Lothlorien has been a good experience! Well, for all but Frodo and Boromir, that is. I noticed that Boromir was given no gift.<P>BTW, can anyone tell me what Sam says when Galadriel gives him the rope? I just can't make it out. Something about "nice shiny daggers" but that's all!