I distinctly remember him saying in one interview that the movie he saw in the theater was very different from the movie he thought he was making on the set, and he didn't seem very happy about it.Malcolm is correct. Viggo has implied that in vague terms. I can't find the actual acticle online now, but this is very close to what he said:
"I was surprised at what Peter cut out in Fellowship, but was I was REALLY surprised when I saw Two Towers -- what he cut out, what he put in. I mean, there are whole sections missing. When you take this beautiful and poetic story and focus on the action, something is bound to get lost."
The gift box includes the following extras: "The Evolution of Gollum" exclusive: a bonus DVD on the Weta Workshop and how the Gollum statue was created, featuring interviews with Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, the cast and more! Also featured on the bonus disc, a printed companion piece showing how Gollum evolved from pencil sketch to sculpted maquette to digital character. A collectible Gollum polystone statue created by Sideshow Weta is included as well. These contents are presented to you in a handsome gift box, with packaging illustrated by famed artist, Alan Lee.Now, Amazon (for example) has the extended cut for 35% off at $26. They have the gift set for 30% off at $56. With the extra $5 rebate that means there is still a $25 difference that you are paying for the amazingly ugly Gollum statue and the bonus DVD. At moment I think I'll just get the extended cut. It could be that Walmart or warehouse club stores will have the gift set for as low as $50, but that still feels too much for me right now. Still, maybe it will look better in person.
Neil
You obviously have not read the books, right. Or don't remember the one scene from Fellowship where its said.Actually, Bill and Thomas, they call him Strider SEVERAL times in the first movie. In fact, that's all Sam ever calls him.
At the Prancing Pony:
Butterbur: Around here, he's known as Strider.
Frodo: (repeating) Strider.
Aragorn leading them into the woods:
Merry: How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf's?
During the Nazgul attack on Amon Sul:
Sam: Strider! Help him, Strider!
At the entrace to Moria, when Frodo is grabbed by the Octopus-like creature:
Boromir: Now get out of here. Get out!
Sam: Strider!
And the last scene of the film:
Frodo: Mordor. I hope the others find a safer route.
Sam: Strider will look after them.
How does that song from The Wizard of Oz go?
"Wake up, you sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed"