The Nintendo Switch

Around late 2014, it was becoming increasingly obvious that the Wii U wasn’t doing so hot on the sales charts, as many people were unaware of its existence due to poor marketing and an unfortunate name. In terms of graphics it felt like Nintendo was playing catchup to the other systems, and its tablet controller wasn’t being utilized by 3rd party developers in creative ways. It was around this time that rumors of the next system started popping up, and naysayers were predicting the move to be the downfall of the once great video game king. Simultaneously, it seemed like the games being developed for the Wii U dried up and The Big N was only hanging around because of its robust handheld market (meaning the 3DS family, which itself had a rocky first couple of years).

Originally code-named the NX, the next Nintendo console was promised to be a hybrid system that straddled the handheld and console worlds. The sentiment online was not optimistic, and after the Wii U it seemed to many that Nintendo had truly lost its collective mind. However, it was finally officially announced in October of 2016 to be called the Nintendo Switch. The video showed off its capabilities of being a docked console with detachable controllers, a portable handheld, and in tabletop mode. It also spawned the infamous joke about roof-top Switch parties. This video changed the tide of public opinion and a breath of optimism started to replace the doom and gloom.

The Switch could best be described as what the Wii U was originally intended to be. Unfortunately, the technology wasn’t quite ready (at least not in a cost-effective way) for the vision of Satoru Iwata during the Wii U era and he died not getting to see the Switch come to fruition. The Switch system itself was like a thinner, lighter Wii U gamepad that was not tethered to a disc-based console. In other words, instead of the tablet streaming video from the real console, the tablet WAS the console.

The main draw of the Nintendo Switch is that it is a hybrid home console and portable handheld system. The main component is essentially a touch-screen tablet that reads game cards (not unlike the 3DS or an SD card) and has controllers attached to the sides. The beauty of the system is that it switches from one mode to the other instantly with no need of power cycling or rebooting. It can also be played in a tabletop manor with the use of a kickstand in the rear of the system. It has a 6.2 inch viewable area with two speakers near the bottom, with a headphone jack and game card slot on the top next to a heat exhaust fan grille. The only buttons on the Switch itself are the power button and the volume rocker buttons. The back features a small (and somewhat fragile) kickstand that also acts as a cover for a microSD card slot. The bottom has a USB-C port that serves as both a port for the AC adapter and data transfer.

Each side controller (called Joy-Con) features two shoulder buttons, a control stick, and four other buttons arranged in a diamond pattern – basically the same buttons and layout as a NN3DS except that the D-pad is replaced by four individual buttons. The Joy-Con can then be detached and put into a grip making it feel more like a traditional controller. They also have some additional bells and whistles built into them – including an NFC reader for amiibo, an infra-red camera to sense movement, gyro-sensors for motion controls, and haptic feedback HD rumble that can mimic the wave patterns of sound. There are also buttons for screen captures, a Home button, as well as the + and – buttons that replaced the Start and Select buttons starting with the Wii era. Originally they came in either grey or in a neon red/blue, but many colors and specialty variations have been released since.

Each Joy-Con can be also used as a separate controller for two-player games. When turned sideways, each Joy-Con features a control stick, 4 face buttons, and two shoulder buttons that are usually hidden when connected to the tablet portion. In this configuration, each one has the same buttons as a SNES controller. Wrist straps are included to make reaching the shoulder buttons (SL and SR) easier and to avoid accidentally dropping/throwing the Joy-Con. Both Joy-Con also feature an unlock button on the back which allows them to separate from the Grip or the console. This locking mechanism is also responsible for the clicking sound they make when being attached to the console or Grip – a sound that Nintendo has used in its Directs and other promotional videos extensively.

A separate Pro Controller can also be purchased to accommodate those who have bigger hands or prefer the feel of a traditional controller. The Pro Controller has a D-pad instead of the four buttons on the Left Joy-Con since it can’t be disconnected and used separately, and has no IR camera.

The Switch can be connected to a television via a dock that transfers the video and sound via HDMI cable. The dock features a power supply and HDMI jack, as well as 3 USB-A ports to attach wired controllers or other adapters such as the LAN adapter to get a wired connection if the Wi-Fi isn’t fast enough. While in the dock the Switch can recharge its battery, or it can be charged via USB-C cord being plugged directly into the power port.

In terms of power comparison, the Switch is more powerful compared to the Wii U, PlayStation 3, and XBox 360, but less powerful than the PS4/XB1. But like the Wii before it, the thing that separates it from the competition is the innovation behind it and not because it was a graphical powerhouse. Many Wii U games were ported over, as well as other third party games such as Skyrim, and could be played on the go for the first time. The main first-party title at launch was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that was originally set for the Wii U but pushed back and released for both systems simultaneously (in a similar vein to that of Twilight Princess). There were others, including 1-2 Switch, Snipperclips, a Bomberman game, a Shovel Knight port, and a few others. The system did not include a pack-in game, and many felt that 1-2-Switch should have served as one because of its almost tech-demo feel to it.

Following the October 2016 trailer, a presentation with more details was streamed in February 2017 where Koizumi-san showed off some of the features of the Switch, gave some details of the next year’s lineup of games, and revealed its MSRP of $300. It was noted that the Switch has inherited some of the “DNA” of past Nintendo consoles, in that the NES had 2 controllers included, the Gameboy was portable, the SNES pioneered the button layout, the N64 introduced both the analog stick and rumble feedback, the GameCube’s handle was a misguided attempt at portability, the DS had a touch screen, the Wii had motion controls, and the Wii U allowed off-TV play. The release date of both the Switch and Breath of the Wild was revealed to be March 3rd, just a month later.

In the following year, it was rather difficult to find a Switch in stores because of how quickly they sold out. In fact, it was more or less keeping pace with the Wii in terms of sales, which is nothing to scoff at. But after about a year and a half, it was finally normal to see Switches being restocked regularly in stores (and then sold out again a few days later).

Initially, online access was free and included with games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Bomberman. However, around September 2018 (18 months after launch) the Nintendo Switch Online service was officially launched. It was a paid subscription service that was $20 per year for a single account, or $35 for a family account with up to 8 members. Unlike other digital services like Netflix, Nintendo actually encouraged people to group up for a family account to save money, and if all 8 potential members contributed equally it amounted to about 75¢ per month. In addition to keeping online multiplayer access, it included cloud save backups and the ability to voice chat with friends via a phone app (though it’s a bit clunky to use compared to Microsoft or Sony’s chat offering). Another feature was the access to Game Trials, which was sort of like an extended demo version of a game, but where the full game was allowed for a set period of time (usually a week). Several multiplayer games for the NSO were developed, including Tetris-99, Pac-Man-99, and Super Mario-35, all of which are multiplayer against 98 or 34 other random players.

But the main feature was access to legacy NES games. It launched with a variety of 20 games, including Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, and 2 or 3 were added (usually monthly) for the next few years. Controllers that resembled the NES controllers were released for NSO members. A year later, the SNES was added as well with games continuing to be added monthly and SNES controllers were available to purchase separately. 

 

In 2021, three years after its initial launch, an Expansion Pack was offered, which upped the price to $50 for a single or $80 for a family account. It included N64 games, Sega Genesis games, and access to DLC for games like Mario Kart 8 and Animal Crossing at no additional cost. The N64 addition was a bit rough, as the emulator had to go through several iterations of bug fixes before it was considered to be passable. In addition, the default control scheme was found to be different for each game, but all were awkward due to the odd positioning of the buttons on the N64 controller, leading most to conclude that the bad controls were a scheme cooked up by Nintendo executives to entice people to buy their $50 N64 NSO controller. Finally, in February of 2023 (nearly 6 years into its life), the Gameboy was added to the NSO legacy service with Gameboy Advance included for those with the Expansion Pack.

The Switch had an interesting and creative set of games and accessories released in April of 2018. The Labo was a kit that consisted mainly of cardboard which could be punched out, folded, and shaped into all kinds of things such as houses, fishing poles, steering wheels, and even a piano. The screen, Joy-Con, or both would be used with the cardboard holders to do various things, such as play piano keys. It was truly innovative and something that nobody had ever seen before. It encouraged players to use their own materials to enhance the standard kit, or even program their own applications.

Another interesting use of the Joy-Con is the Ring Fit Adventure game. It was (more or less) the Switch successor to Wii Fit, except that one Joy-Con was strapped to the player’s leg and the other attached to a flexible resistance ring. The IR camera in the right Joy-Con was used to measure pulse as well as register movement.

Several revisions of the Switch have been released. The first minor revision was to fix a security flaw that allowed the Switch to enter its “Recovery Mode” and to have Custom FirmWare installed onto it. It was discovered that grounding certain pins on the side rail of the system along with pressing a particular combination of buttons could make this happen. The revision is known as the “Redbox” version of the Switch since the new packaging featured a red box, and promised a slight improvement on battery life. The next major revision was the Switch Lite – a dedicated handheld “budget” version of the Switch that was only $200 which doesn't have detachable Joy-Con. It was slightly smaller than a normal Switch, had a D-Pad on the left side instead of 4 separate buttons, and couldn’t be docked to a TV, but could do everything else that any other Switch could do. The third revision was the OLED model, featuring a slightly bigger console (2 mm longer) with a much brighter OLED screen that had a thinner bezel which meant the viewable area was increased by an inch (diagonally). The kickstand was also improved, along with some slightly powered up speakers and a dock that had the LAN adapter built into it. It was priced at $350 and is considered to be the “deluxe” model.

Despite its popularity, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Nintendo. There was a small uproar over screens being scratched by the dock, and some systems being warped due to heat, but those went away fairly quickly. The one controversy that followed the system (and continues to do so) is the problem of Joy-Con drift – where the design of the included joysticks wears out and starts to misbehave. Nintendo will fix them (depending on circumstances) or cheap parts can be purchased from Amazon if you’re into DIY repair, but it was pervasive enough that a class-action lawsuit was filed (though eventually it was dismissed by the judge).

A few other small problems were that the multiplayer experiences weren’t always great, thought to be due to some very old netcode that Nintendo was too cheap to upgrade, though it started to improve in late 2021 (better late than never, I guess?). The N64 NSO controller was also perpetually out of stock.

But overall the Switch is seen as a good portable device for playing modern games and many hardcore gamers have one in addition to a PC or PlayStation. When it hit its 6-year anniversary, and no announcement from Nintendo about a “Switch Pro” or a successor at the time, the rumors that one was coming soon began circulating online. The system had started to show its age and limitations for new releases were becoming increasingly more common. Despite these issues for the aging system, it was the best selling piece of hardware ever made by Nintendo, selling 156 million consoles. It was long believed that 155 million PS2s were sold, but when the Switch was getting dangerously close to breaking the record, Sony published that the actual figure was over 160 million (presumably to hang onto the record for best selling hardware). 

 

The official announcement for its successor, the Switch2, was made in April of 2025 (over 8 years since the release of the original), and released in June of the same year. But all three variations of the original Switch continue to be manufactured and sold concurrently. 

Star Wars Changes (part 2)

 
Part 1: Introduction and Episode IV

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

• New Wampa scene, including losing limb
• Revised mattes (too many instances to list)
• Slave I following the Falcon in garbage
• Restoring the blue color to R2D2’s panels in space
• Ian McDiarmid replacing the original Emperor scene
• “YOU WERE LUCKY TO GET OUT OF THERE”
• Rank insignia swapping on Imperial officers
• New shots of Cloud City
• Wall panels replaced with windows in Cloud City, and a reflection added in some scenes
• A piece of rigging removed that was mistakenly in frame
• Temura Morrison voicing Boba Fett
• Additional shots of Cloud City residents reacting to Lando’s announcement,
• LUKE’S SCREAM WHILE FALLING (removed)
• “ALERT MY STAR DESTROYER TO PREPARE FOR MY ARRIVAL,” INSTEAD OF, “BRING MY SHUTTLE”
• Vader leaving Cloud City in delta shuttle
• REUSED SCENE OF VADER’S ARRIVAL IN STAR DESTROYER
• New hatch on Falcon

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

• JEDI ROCKS MAX REBO MUSICAL NUMBER (I mean, the original
            Lapti Nek wasn’t particularly great, but still . . . )
• Dug added to Jabba’s crew
• Oola in the rancor pit
• Boba Fett additional shot in Jabba’s palace
• Rancore matte improvement
• Bantha herd shot addition
• Sarlacc pit beak and more tentacles
• CGI ropes added around Han’s ankles
• "IT’S ALL RIGHT I CAN SEE A LOT BETTER!"
• Ewoks given eyelids
• LIGHTSABERS MIXING/GENERAL COLOR TIMING (fixed in Blu-Ray release)
• R2D2 has more tools when shot
• Graininess of throne room scene improved
• VADER’S "NO . . . NOOO!" BEFORE THROWING EMPEROR
• Anakin’s eyebrows removed
• Death Star shockwave
• Added celebration on Endor, Bespin, Tatooine, Coruscant and Yub Nub replaced with new celebration song, and various small shots added and re-cut (changed several times)
• YOUNG ANAKIN FORCE GHOST

 
 

Overall, the things I like are making things more consistent with the other movies (Boba Fett’s voice) and fixing errors (like when lightsabers weren’t colored correctly or costuming was wrong) or enhancing effect shots that weren’t done well originally. And in general, the things I don’t like are changing character, replacing dialogue with a lesser version, things that interrupt the flow of the music (since John Williams wrote the music to go along with the original theatrical version - same issue with some of the LotR EE changes)


The Kenobi yell thing is just dumb. It's more humorous than scary, sounding more like a ghost got kicked in the nuts or something.

The main problem with Han/Greedo is that originally it made Han seem like a badass, which might be trouble for Luke and Kenobi. Plus it is really weird how they kept messing with his head to dodge a shot, so instead of Han surprising Greedo it’s just that Greedo has a terrible aim or something.

The issue with the additional Jabba scene in ANH is that it is more or less the same dialogue as the Greedo scene we just saw. If Han had said something like, “Is everyone experiencing déjà vu in this conversation or is it just me?” or something like that, it would be better (but not as good as just leaving it out entirely). It was replaced with the Greedo scene in the original cut, so having them both doesn’t work due being repetitive.

Censoring the blaster shots is fairly minor, but it’s still kinda neutering or “kid-ifying” it a bit

With both “I can see better” and “You were lucky to get out of there” it replaced dialogue that is slightly better/more humorous with a lesser version.

The gruff and pissed off, “Bring my shuttle” is replaced with a calm and collected Vader saying “Alert my Star Destroyer . . .” plus the additional scene of him arriving in the Star Destroyer interrupts the flow of the scene/music. I see that Lucas was trying to show how Vader “magically” got from Bespin to the Star Destroyer, but it’s not something that really needed explaining. There were enough pieces for the average viewer to put it together without it being spelled out in a flashing neon, all-caps sign.

Luke yelling was a bad change for two reasons - it was clear it wasn’t Mark Hamil’s voice, and that Luke fell willingly. Thankfully it was changed back.

The new musical number in Jabba’s palace is just too contemporary and doesn’t seem “off-worldly” enough in the way that the Cantina or the celebration on Naboo. Not that the original was a banger, or anything.

Vader saying “no” several times before throwing the emperor down the shaft I don’t like because it removes some of the empathy we might feel before and the surprise of his reversal.

 

I kinda see why Anakin’s young force ghost appears - it strengthens Kenobi’s claim that Anakin died and was replaced by Vader. It also gives some more continuity to the series. But Luke doesn’t know what Anakin looked like then, and the ending of Episode 3 makes it seem like Qui-gon was the first one to do the whole force ghost thing. So it logically follows that Yoda/Kenobi needed training to learn how to do it, so how did Anakin figure it out in the 5 minutes between throwing the emperor over the railing and dying in Luke’s arms?

General mistakes in color timing for lightsabers, blasters, engines, and explosions all detract from the movie, so correcting them in future versions is good.

I just really wish there was a website that would let me assemble the trilogy the way I like it and make a nice Blu-Ray for it.

Star Wars Changes (part 1)

Editor’s note: Despite the fact that my enthusiasm for Star Wars has been effectively killed off (thanks, Disney!), I had meant to do this post years ago when there was some anticipation for the new round of movies, and still feel the need to finish the project.





Many movies have different versions, like a director’s cut or an extended edition, and often a small debate over which version is superior emerges in fandom. Lord of the Rings theatrical or Extended Edition? Which version of Blade Runner is definitive? Richard Lester or Richard Donner cut of Superman II? And so on.

However, while some movies may have 2 or 3 alternate versions, none of them even come close to what has been done to Star Wars. Originally, Star Wars was just going to be the one movie. Lucas had written a far more extensive and detailed story, but had to cut out most of it to fit into a single film (which he thought would do terribly at the box office). But once he had a legitimate blockbuster on his hands, he set out to somewhat complete the tale. The first change made was in the 1981 re-release, where he re-did the Lucasfilm title card, and then retitled the movie as Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope (ANH). In the subsequent years, he would release Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (TESB), and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (RotJ). Despite the name change, most people referred to the first one as just “Star Wars” and the sequels by their subtitles (“Empire” and “Jedi”).

Between the theatrical release and the VHS or laserdisc release there were minor audio changes like mixing stereo to monaural, but they more or less stayed the same. However, when he was ramping up production to get Episodes 1, 2, and 3 going 20 years later, Lucas decided to fix and redo some stuff in the Original Trilogy that he wasn’t able to do for one reason or another (cost, technology, studio interference, etc.), remove some errors/goofs, and make them more consistent with the prequel films.

These movies were released in late 1996 and early 1997 and were known as the Special Editions. ANH got the biggest treatment, since it had the most studio interference and so much of the crew and technology was new at the time so some of the effects shots weren’t as good compared to the two sequels. Further muddying the waters is that there isn’t just one round of changes and fans debate over “Original Flavor” or “New” Star Wars - additional changes were made to the DVD release (some of which changed things BACK to their original form, and then even MORE were made for the Blu-Ray and 4K releases.

Whenever multiple versions exist, there are always staunch original edition supporters because of the whole primacy bias which I’ve already written about. But I don’t mind some revisions, and while I was on board for most of the changes, there were a few that kinda made the movie worse for me.

What follows is a list of the major and medium changes to the films, most of which I’m perfectly ok with. There are many extremely minor things like an extra quarter-second pause in a line of dialogue that take weapons-grade autism to notice and aren’t worth mentioning. The ones in ORANGE ALL CAPS are changes that I didn’t like, and will be written about in the second post. And since this isn’t intended to be a definitive list or anything (a simple Google search or a visit to Wookieopedia will result in one of those), I’m going just organize them by movie instead of by each release - meaning that under the ANH changes will be some that were part of the Special Editions and some that are part of the DVD release or Blu-Ray release.






Episode IV: A New Hope 

• Title Cards and Subtitles changed
• Enhanced engine glow effects
• Sunset darkened for R2/canyon scene on Tatooine
• New Sandcrawler shots
• More evaporators in background of Tatooine
• Dewbacks and additional ships / Stormtroopers added to “Look, Droids!” scene
• Better landspeeder effects (several instances)
• Rock added to R2D2 while hiding from Tuskan Raiders
• KENOBI'S YELL TO SCARE OFF TUSKAN RAIDERS (changed several times)
• Kenobi’s hut external shot
• Lots of hustle and bustle added to Mos Eisley
• New aliens for the cantina
• HAN SHOT FIRST (changed several times)
• JABBA CONFRONTING SOLO BY THE MILLENNIUM FALCON
• Falcon taking off from Mos Eisley scene
• Shockwave added to Alderaan explosion
• Revised mattes (too many instances to list)
• Fixed Lightsaber effects (this has gone through several iterations)
• BLASTER IMPACTS ON IMPERIAL OFFICERS CENSORED (MOSTLY)
• Changed Tractor Beam font
• Han meets a large platoon of Stormtroopers
• “Close the blast doors!”
• Luke/Leia echo before the swinging scene
• Re-done Millenium Falcon shots going to Yavin and landing at Echo Base
• Luke and Biggs re-unite
• New X-wing shots both taking off and dogfighting (too many to list)
• Shockwave added to Death Star explosion
• Cardboard soldiers replaced with live people in costume

Part 2 - Episode V and VI with explanations

LotR Overall Changes and Additions

 

What is a Lord of the Rings post without an Appendix?

This is more of a list of some general changes (many of which were used as examples in the Introduction post) as well as some original things that were added by Jackson and the other writers/producers. They aren't in any particular order and are arranged to make the list look more aesthetically pleasing rather than in chronological order. 

General Changes/additions
Frodo is 33 at the party and about 50 during the adventure.	Gollum putting a wedge between Frodo and Sam’s friendship.
Frodo is shown to be in his late teens or early twenties though his age is never specifically mentioned.	Cut scenes showing Gandalf’s captivity rather than told in flashback
Hobbits being shown as bumpkins and more of simpletons that just a simple life.	Cut scenes showing Saruman casting a spell and building an army.
Elrond, Arwen having foresight, and Elrond/Galadriel being telepathic.	Arwen’s Evanstar pendant signifying eternal life or something.
Characters not being shown but named (Gloin, Glorfindel, Ugluk etc.)	Elves sent from Rivendell, Galadriel and Elrond and Arwen being inserted in places.
The first chapter of Two Towers was moved to the end of the first movie, and the last chapter was moved to the third movie.	They sneak the chapter titles into the dialogue (Riddles in the Dark, for instance).
Many smaller towns of Rohan and Gondor not shown, other rangers ignored,	Sauron being a literal eye. Sauron’s physical form in general.
Aragorn’s sword being reforged for the third movie instead of before the Fellowship sets out from Rivendell.	Question of Arwen’s survival, her part in saving Frodo and Aragorn. Her leaving middle earth
Characters being compressed (Glorfindel – Arwen, Elrond – his sons)	Arwen’s fate and decisions, a flash-forward to Aragorn’s death
Suspense and cliffhanger changes (Aragorn falling, etc.)	Pippin being called out to fight, Gandalf’s description of death.
General time compression	Merry and Pippin’s dances/songs
Merry wearing Théoden’s armor with his own sword	Eowyn’s stew and the conversation about Aragorn’s age
Songs and poems missing (for the most part)	Théodred’s funeral, burial, being found alive and taken to Edoras to die.
Showing background scenes	Aragorn’s dream of Arwen dying.
Pippin wearing Faramir’s childhood armor with a new sword. Éomer doubts Merry’s reach. Éowyn knows little of war like merry.	Aragorn calms Theodred’s horse, Brego, with Elvish language. Brego rescues Aragorn later after the warg attack.
Walking to Helm’s deep; Gimli rides his own horse, falls off, the warg attack	Saruman and Grima discuss strategy in Orthanc
Elrond and Galadriel share a moment of telepathy	Many lines are from the book, but said elsewhere and by someone else.
Adding in parts of the Appendix	Aragorn and Éowyn cross swords
Gandalf/Saruman fight	Almost being spotted by the spotlight eye
Saruman’s portrayal as a rival vs. being a puppet	Faramir’s suicide mission to Osgiliath, women dropping flowers, Gandalf weeps.
Legolas surfing on a shield down the stairs	Blackrider killing a hobbit.
Gollum drives a wedge between Frodo and Sam, causing Sam to go home early.	Elves arrive to help in Helm’s Deep
Gimli attempts to wear chain mail but it doesn't fit. Legolas and Aragorn have a disagreement before the Battle of Helm’s Deep	Giving certain responsibilities to Merry/Pippen (like tricking Treebeard into seeing the destruction of Fangorn) to make them seem less useless.
Love scenes between Aragorn and Arwen. Including the flashbacks shown in the second movie.	Intercutting stories vs. straightforward stories (i.e., the movie jumps between books 3 & 4, as well as between 5 & 6).
The exact manner/choreography of how the battles went down. Things like Aragorn taking on Lurtz one-on-one and deflecting the knife.	Merry and Pippen with the fireworks and dishes duty as punishment. Bumping into Sam and Frodo with veggies. Pippen being foolish.
The drinking game between Legolas and Gimli.	The two children who ride to Edoras at the behest of their mother to warn the king.

Introduction

The Fellowship of the Ring:      Book 1                     Book 2

The Two Towers:                        Book 3                     Book 4

The Return of the King:             Book 5                     Book 6

Overall Changes and Additions

LotR Book 6 Changes

 

The Book	The Movie
Chapter I: The Tower of Cirith Ungol
Sam wakes from being knocked unconscious; he recalls recent events.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam finds an alternate way to the tower and puts on the Ring for no reason. He is tempted by it, but saved by his love for his Master.	Not shown in the movie.
As Sam attempts entry to the tower, he feels a shock and is unable to enter.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam uses the Phial of Galadriel to gain entrance, but once inside, an alarm is set off.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam hears an orc approaching, but it is scared off by Sting and Sam’s shadow. Sam threatens that the Elf warrior is loose. All other orcs are dead.	Four orcs see Sam’s shadow approaching and hear him growling. Sam proceeds to kill them for the Shire, Frodo, and his Gaffer.
Sam climbs the tower, and hears Snaga talking to Shagrat. Snaga scolds Shagrat and refuses to go downstairs.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam witnesses a struggle between Shagrat and Snaga, then between Shagrat and Gorbag.	Shagrat and Snaga get in an argument over the mail-shirt. It triggers the rest of the orcs to kill each other.
Shagrat, holding a black bundle, eludes Sam and escapes downstairs. Sam runs after him, but quickly returns to his task of finding Frodo.	Not shown in the movie
Frustrated at a dead end, Sam sings. Snaga yells at him to stop singing.	Snaga yells at Frodo to stop his squealing.
Sam sees Snaga use a ladder to get to the roof of the tower. Sam quickly follows him.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam sees Snaga whipping Frodo. Sam cuts his arm off. Snaga charges at Sam, who falls back and misses the next swing.	Snaga hovers over Frodo, threatening to kill him. Just before he does, Sting is thrust through his chest by Sam.
Snaga trips and falls down the trap-door and dies.	Snaga is pushed by Shagrat/Gorbag and falls down the trap-door, but catches himself. Shagrat/Gorbag kicks him through the door, then commands the others to kill him for his betrayal.
Frodo is naked and unbound.	Frodo is wearing just his trousers and tied up.
Sam hugs/holds Frodo for a while. Frodo talks of his interrogation and captivity.	Frodo apologizes for having mistrusted Sam. Frodo was never awake to be interrogated.
Sam says Frodo can’t go walking in the Dark Land in naught but his skin. That reminds Frodo that the ring is gone.	Frodo immediately realizes the Ring has been taken. After Sam gives it back, Sam tells Frodo he can’t go walking in Mordor in naught but his skin.
Sam tells Frodo he has the Ring. Frodo is quite forceful in asking for it, and calls Sam a thief, who briefly appeared to Frodo to look like an orc.	Sam tells Frodo he took the Ring because he thought Frodo was dead. Frodo asks for it back, and asks for Sam’s understanding.
Sam gives Frodo his elven cloak while looking for orc clothes for him. He shows Frodo the phial and Sting.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam gives Frodo Snaga’s knife, and tells Frodo to pull up the ladder until he hears the word, "Elbereth."	Not shown in the movie.
Sam dresses Frodo up in various orc gear, lastly, a cloak. Sam just throws a cloak over his own gear and wears a helmet.	Both Frodo and Sam wear orc armor over their normal clothes.
Frodo asks Sam of food. Frodo has gathered some of his food that the orcs scattered and slashed.	Not shown in the movie.
On the way out, they are stopped again by the watchers. Sam takes out the phial and they pass through.	Not shown in the movie.
Again, a bell is clanged, but the keystone of the arch collapses. A winged shape drops from the clouds.	Frodo and Sam are shown walking on the road leading out of the tower in orc gear. Frodo sees and feels the Eye.
Chapter II: The Land of Shadow.
Frodo and Sam run and hide out of sight of the tower and the Nazgul.	Not shown in the movie
They hear horsemen and jump down a ravine into thorn bushes.	Not shown in the movie
Frodo, unable to manage the extra weight of armor, takes it off and uses Sam’s cloak.	Frodo manages his armor until they both cast off every unnecessary item.
Sam sees the dark clouds breaking up his hope rises. He also hears the Nazgûl’s cry of dismay.	While resting, Sam looks up and sees a star through a break in the clouds.
They find a small stream of water and are refreshed.	Not shown in the movie
Sam and Frodo hide off the road from a group of orcs using their noses to try to find them. The hobbits hear them argue.	Not shown in the movie
While Frodo sleeps, Sam goes to find water. He spies Gollum and runs back to Frodo, who is unharmed.	Not shown in the movie
Frodo and Sam are sighted by a marching troop of orcs. Frodo is just wearing his cloak.	Frodo is still wearing the orc armor.
Sam takes the opportunity to hide when another company of orcs join them. He takes Frodo with him.	After being seemingly spotted during an inspection, Frodo and Sam start a fight and escape into a tent during the distraction.
Chapter III: Mount Doom
Sam does some calculating and figures there is not enough food to make a return journey. He wants to see the Shire and Rosie Cotton again.	Frodo tells Sam there won’t be a return journey. Sam optimistically told Frodo he had rationed the food back in Ithilien Sam thinks about Rosie after the Ring is destroyed.
Sam offers to carry the Ring. Frodo fiercely rejects the offer and tells Sam not to touch him.	Sam offers to carry the Ring while on the stairs to Cirith Ungol, fulfilling Gollum’s prediction.
Frodo explains that the Ring is his burden, and that it would drive him mad if Sam carried it.	After getting the Ring back from Sam in the tower, Frodo explains that it is his burden.
After days of travel, they rid themselves of the unneeded gear. Frodo wears nothing but Sam’s cloak and rope.	After days of travel, they rid themselves of the unneeded gear. Frodo and Sam wear their normal clothes.
Frodo can’t remember the taste of food.	Frodo can’t remember the taste of food while on the slopes of Mt. Doom.
Sam argues with himself about the success of their journey.	Not shown in the movie
Sam carries Frodo halfway up the mountain. They crawl for a while, then Sam carries Frodo again.	Sam and Frodo crawl up the mountain until Frodo can go no further. Sam carries him the rest of the way.
Sam carries Frodo pig-a-back style.	Sam carries Frodo fireman style.
Frodo cries for Sam’s help in holding his hand. Sam guesses they’ve been spotted.	Sam sees the Eye’s “spotlight” swing towards them. He and Frodo hit the ground and hide.
Gollum surprises them by jumping on Frodo. He calls Frodo wicked and tells him not to hurt Precious.	Gollum appears from the rocks and calls the hobbits clever for climbing so high before attacking them.
Frodo commands Gollum to be gone. Sam deals with Gollum while Frodo continues on. Gollum begs for mercy; Sam grants it to him. Gollum slithers away.	Frodo and Gollum fight. Sam throws a rock at Gollum; Gollum bites Sam; Sam cuts Gollum with Sting. Frodo runs the last leg of the journey, and Sam follows.
Through the door to the Cracks of Doom, Sam sees darkness that Galadriel’s phial can’t pierce.	The Cracks of Doom are well lit from the glowing lava below.
Frodo tells Sam he will not do what he set out to do, and that the Ring is his.	Frodo holds the Ring out over the edge while it tempts him. After a dramatic pause, Frodo declares the Ring to be his.
After recovering the Ring, Gollum gloats and steps too far backward into the fire.	After recovering the Ring, Gollum does a dance as he gloats. Frodo tries to take it back, and they fall over the edge. Frodo grabs a ledge and is rescued by Sam.
Sam wishes for something to bind Frodo’s hand. Frodo recalls Gandalf’s words about Gollum.	Frodo laments the Ring being gone. Frodo can remember the Shire again, and Sam wishes for Rosie Cotton.
Chapter IV: The Field of Cormallen
The Captains of the West are on a hill.	The Captains of the West are on level ground.
Gandalf cries, “The Eagles are coming!” Many repeat it.	Pippin cries, “The Eagles are coming! The Eagles are coming!”
The Nazgul flee to Mount Doom when the Eagles arrive; Frodo had just put on the Ring.	The Eagles fight with the Nazgul for a few minutes before they flee to Mt. Doom.
Gandalf commands the men to stand and wait, being the hour of doom.	Not shown in the movie.
Gandalf declares the realm of Sauron to be ended because Frodo has completed his quest.	Pippin and Merry yell Frodo’s name in celebration before seeing Orodruin erupt violently.
Sauron’s black spirit rises up and is blown away by the wind.	The Eye at the top of Barad-dur “pops” and a visible wave of energy is seen, similar to what is shown when Isildur cuts the Ring off of Saruon’s finger in the Prologue.
The forces of Mordor scatter like ants. They see the glory of the Captains of the West; a few make a last stand and are destroyed.	The forces of Mordor scatter, but most fall into a great chasm that spreads from the Morannon.
Gandalf asks Gwaihir to bear him, and to outfly the wings of the Nazgul.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam brings up the tales people will tell about them.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam wakes up in a bed in Ithilien. He thinks it has been a dream until he sees Frodo’s hand. Frodo is still asleep.	Frodo wakes up in a bed in Minas Tirith.
Frodo’s third finger is missing because of Gollum.	Frodo’s index finger was bitten off by Gollum, instead.
Sam asks where they are. He is answered by Gandalf, who tells him the King is waiting.	Frodo sees Gandalf, who is waiting by Frodo’s bedside.
Sam asks what happened to the world. Gandalf tells him and laughs.	Gandalf laughs when Frodo wakes up.
Sam leaps out of bed. Frodo fell asleep waiting for Sam to wake up.	Merry and Pippin run into the room and leaps into Frodo’s bed.
They are to meet the King, wearing their orc-rags. Gandalf gives their treasures back.	When Sam and Frodo wake up, they are in white robes. They had cast their orc-armor away before they reached Mt. Doom.
They walk through an aisle of trees and soldiers who praise them in chant and song.	Not shown in the movie.
They see the King, and Sam recognizes him. He invites the hobbits to the throne, then kneels to them. A minstrel sings the tale of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.	Not shown in the movie.
They are given new clothes; Frodo’s mail-shirt is returned, along with their weapons. At the dinner, they see Merry and Pippin dressed in the manner of Rohan and Gondor.	Not shown in the movie.
The Fellowship is reunited and they tell their tales to each other. Sam notices Merry and Pippin’s height.	The Fellowship is reunited in Frodo’s room in Minas Tirith.
Gandalf tells them Aragorn used his healing abilities on Frodo, Sam, and Pippin. Gimli found Pippin after the battle at the Black Gate. They all sleep except for Legolas, who sings and walks in the forest.	Not shown in the movie.
They rest in Ithilien for a few days, then sail the ships back to Osgiliath.	They went straight to Minas Tirith, so Sam and Frodo apparently slept for several days.
Chapter V: The Steward and the King
Éowyn rises from her bed and asks for news of the war. The Warden talks to her.	Not shown in the movie.
Éowyn tells him those without swords can still die upon them.	Éowyn tells this to Aragorn in explanation of her skill with a blade.
Éowyn asks to be taken to Faramir. They meet, and Éowyn asks to be released to fight.	Not shown in the movie.
Éowyn’s temperament softens, like frost yielding to spring.	Wormtongue says this to Éowyn just before Aragorn arrives at Edoras.
Faramir and Éowyn continue their conversation. Faramir wishes Éowyn to stay, and Éowyn wants a window that faces East.	Their conversation is based loosely on the same topic, though no exact passages are presented. Éowyn is shown looking at a window facing east.
Faramir asks Merry about Éowyn and learns much. Faramir and Éowyn spend the days together and begin falling in love.	Not shown in the movie.
Faramir tells Éowyn of a dream he has of the sinking of Númenor.	Éowyn tells Aragorn of this dream in Edoras just before Pippin uses the Palantír.
An Eagle brings tidings of Sauron’s fall.	Not shown in the movie.
Éowyn turns down Éomer’s request for her to join him on the field of Cormallen because she wishes to stay with Faramir. When asked why, her response is, “Do you not know?”	Before leaving for the Paths of the Dead, Aragorn asks Éowyn why she has come. Her response is, “Do you not know?”
Faramir and Éowyn declare their love.	Shown by holding hands and giving loving looks.
The women and children return to Minas Tirith to prepare for the king’s return.	Not shown in the movie, though preparations are obviously made.
Aragorn enters the city and Faramir surrenders his rod of stewardship. Aragorn gives it back commanding him to fulfill his duties.	Not shown in the movie.
Faramir asks if the people will have Aragorn as their king. They answer yea, and he tells of the custom of crowning a king.	Not shown in the movie.
Faramir takes the crown of an ancient king from a casket and gives it to Aragorn.	Not shown in the movie.
Aragorn, holding the crown, repeats Elendil’s words, then gives the crown back to Faramir.	After being crowned and a short speech, Aragorn sings these words as he descends into the crowd.
Aragorn wishes for the crown to be given to Gandalf by Frodo, and for Gandalf to crown him.	Gandalf just crowns Aragorn.
Faramir cries, “Behold the King!”	Not shown in the movie.
The dwarves and elves help rebuild and beautify the city. Embassies of other realms and peoples come. Aragorn pronounces merciful judgment on the Easterlings and Southrons.	Not shown in the movie.
Aragorn pronounces judgment on Beregond to be captain of the guard of Faramir in Ithilien.	Not shown in the movie.
Éomer and Aragorn discuss the fate of Théoden’s body; Éomer returns to Rohan to set in order the affairs of his kingdom.	Not shown in the movie.
Aragorn wishes for the Fellowship to remain with him for the time being.	Not shown in the movie.
Gandalf takes Aragorn to the top of a mountain and shows him the realm of Gondor, telling him of his responsibilities.	Not shown in the movie.
Gandalf says the power of the Three Rings is ended, and the time comes of the Dominion of Men.	Galadriel says this just before boarding the ship at the Grey Havens.
Aragorn finds a sapling of the Eldest of Trees. He takes it and plants it in the courtyard of Minas Tirth, and moves the dead tree elsewhere.	The tree is shown to have a new blossom while Denethor is enroute to the tombs of the dead.
On the Eve of Midsummer, Elrohir, Elladan, Glorfindel, Erestor, the household of Rivendell, Galadriel, Celeborn, many of the folk of Lothlórien, Elrond, and Arwen come to Minas Tirith.	All of the Elves from Rivendell leave for the West, except for Elrond, Arwen (who turned back), Glorfindel, and two metal smiths who reforge the sword, strangely enough.
Elrond surrenders the sceptre of the King; Aragorn and Arwen wed.	Aragorn and Arwen embrace and kiss after his coronation.
Chapter VI: Many Partings
Frodo wishes to return home. Aragorn declares him and his companions free in the realm of Gondor.	Not shown in the movie.
Aragorn will ride with them as far as Rohan while Éomer bears Théoden’s body back to Edoras.	Not shown in the movie.
Arwen gives her place on the ships to the West to Frodo, as well as a star-like gem she wore.	Arwen gives her jewel to Aragorn while in Rivendell. It looks more like an angel or faerie. It appears to represent immortal life.
Gimli and Éomer finally settle their quarrel over Galadriel. But Gimli excuses him for thinking Arwen is fairer.	Not shown in the movie.
The Fellowship departs Minas Tirith. Along with them ride Arwen, Celeborn and Galadriel with their folk, Elrond and his sons, the Princes of Dol Amroth and Ithilien, and other knights.	Not shown in the movie.
After hearing drums, Aragorn gives the Forest of Drúadan to Ghân-buri-ghân and his people.	Not shown in the movie.
Théoden is brought to Edoras and buried. A funeral is held for him. After naming all of the kings, Éomer announces the engagement of Faramir and Éowyn, renewing friendship between Gondor and Rohan.	A funeral for Théodred is shown after Gandalf casts Saruman out of Théoden
Arwen, Faramir, and Imrahil stay at Edoras. Arwen says her goodbyes to her brothers and Elrond. Éomer gives Merry a horn in memorial of Dernhelm.	Not shown in the movie.
They ride to Helm’s Deep and rest. Gimli shows Legolas the caves behind Helm’s Deep and Legolas is speechless.	Not shown in the movie.
They ride to Isengard and see the work of the Ents. They talk to Treebeard of the orcs’ attack. Saruman has left his tower, and the keys are given to Aragorn. He gives the valley to the Ents.	Not shown in the movie.
The Fellowship parts at Isengard. Legolas and Gimli go to Fangorn, Aragorn returns south.	Not shown in the movie.
Treebeard bows to Galadriel and Celeborn, lamenting that they only meet in the end.	Not shown in the movie.
Treebeard feels the world changing in the air, the water, and the earth.	Galadriel says this in the Prologue of Fellowship of the Ring.
Aragorn reminds Pippin of his duty as a knight of Gondor, though he is given leave. He promises to go to the north, and says goodbye to Celeborn and Galadriel.	Not shown in the movie.
The dwindling company meets Saruman and Wormtongue. They have unkind words; Merry gives Saruman the last of the leaf.	Merry gives the last of the leaf to Pippin just before he leaves with Gandalf to Minas Tirith.
They tarry near the Gates of Moria while the Elves and Gandalf take counsel with each other and reminisce.	Not shown in the movie.
They part with Galadriel and Celeborn, then return to Rivendell and meet Bilbo.	Not shown in the movie.
They tell Bilbo of their adventures; Bilbo was invited to the marriage, but declined.	Not shown in the movie.
They decide to get home. Bilbo gives Sting and his mithril-coat to Frodo (again), as well as some books of lore. He gives Sam the last of the Smaug treasure for his wedding, and pipes to Merry and Pippin.	Not shown in the movie.
Bilbo asks of the Ring. Frodo tells him he has lost it, and got rid of it.	Bilbo asks this while in the cart on the way to the Grey Havens.
Elrond hints that he and Bilbo will be heading towards the Shire soon.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter VII: Homeward Bound
They cross the Fords of Bruinen one year after Frodo was stabbed. His shoulder hurts. Gandalf says there are wounds that cannot be wholly cured.	Gandalf said this to Elrond after he brought the Ring safely to Rivendell.
They enter Bree but notice a few changes. They talk with Barliman for a while.	Not shown in the movie.
Barliman now understands the importance of the Rangers, and is surprised at the King’s identity.	Not shown in the movie.
Apparently, Bree has had some trouble. Sam reunites with Bill the Pony. Barliman hints at the Shire having trouble as they leave. Gandalf suspects Saruman.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter VIII: The Scouring of the Shire
The hobbits have trouble getting into the Shire because of a gate. They force their way in and begin breaking some of the rules while finding out what has been happening.	Not shown in the movie.
A group of shirrifs arrest them, but Frodo’s group has control over them. They continue on their way to Hobbiton.	Not shown in the movie.
They meet some men who have been bullies and are scared off by the hobbits.	Not shown in the movie.
They raise the Shire and rouse the other hobbits to fight back. Merry and Pippin go to get an army of Tooks while Sam and Frodo start a small insurrection with the Cottons.	Not shown in the movie.
The fighting starts with a man who doesn’t believe the hobbits’ threats. Cotton explains it all to them while Sam checks on his gaffer.	Not shown in the movie.
Merry and Pippin successfully lead the Battle of Bywater.	Not shown in the movie.
They find Hobbiton in shambles, and Bag End destroyed. Finally they meet Saruman, who is the head of it all.	Not shown in the movie.
While discussing the matter, Saruman tells Frodo, “One ill turn deserves another.”	Saruman told this to Gandalf while toying with him on the top of Orthanc just before his rescue by the eagle.
Frodo commands Saruman to go and never return, though all the other hobbits want to kill him.	Not shown in the movie.
Saruman tries to kill Frodo with a knife, but he is foiled by his mithril-shirt.	Not shown in the movie.
Saruman, angry that he is in Frodo’s debt, storms away while ordering Wormtongue to follow.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo offers Wormtongue amnesty, as well as food and rest.	Théoden offers Gríma the chance to become a man of Rohan again during the confrontation at Orthanc.
After being kicked in the face and ordered around, Wormtongue kills Saruman by slitting his throat from behind.	After being insulted and backhanded by Saruman, Wormtongue kills Saruman by stabbing him in the back repeatedly on top of Orthanc
Saruman’s spirit rises and looms over the Hill until it is blown away by a wind from the West.	Saruman falls from the top and is impaled by a spiked wheel, which turns until Saruman is under the water.
Wormtongue is shot by three hobbit archers.	Wormtongue is shot by Legolas while still on top of Orthanc.
The end of the War literally happens on the doorstep of Bag End.	Not shown in the movie.
Chapter IX: The Grey Havens
Fatty and Lobelia both were changed from the ordeal in the Shire, as well as the mayor.	Not shown in the movie.
Merry and Pippin took care of the few ruffians left while Sam and others repaired the Shire.	Not shown in the movie.
Bagshot Row is restored to New Row; Bag End is cleaned and restored.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam uses the nut from Galadriel to replace the Party Tree, and the soil to help restore the trees that had been cut down.	Not shown in the movie.
1420 is a good year for many crops, trees, and babies. Frodo becomes ill and laments the loss of the Ring in March.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam can’t decide between marrying Rosie Cotton and moving in with Frodo. He feels torn in two. Frodo tells him to do both.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam marries Rosie Cotton and moves into Bag End with Frodo.	Sam marries Rosie Cotton and lives at #3 Bagshot Row in a duplex with a yellow door.
Things return to normal; Merry and Pippin are regarded as lordly. Frodo fingers Arwen’s jewel like he did the Ring.	Not shown in the movie.
Sam is pained to notice how little honor Frodo receives. Pippin and Merry receive more, as well as Sam.	Somewhat shown in the Green Dragon, when nobody pays them any attention at all despite having saved the world.
Frodo’s shoulder hurts in October, and he becomes ill in March again. Sam’s first child is born on the two-year anniversary of the Ring’s demise. Frodo suggests the name Elanor.	Frodo’s shoulder hurts him as he is finishing the book. He tells Sam it has never really healed.
Frodo asks Sam to go with him on a small journey towards Rivendell.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo finishes his part in the Red Book. Bilbo has many names written and crossed out. Finally, the title is The Downfall of the Lord of the Rings and the Return of the King	Frodo finishes his part in the Red Book. Bilbo has written, “There and Back again, a Hobbit’s Tale, by Bilbo Baggins” followed by, “The Lord of the Rings by Frodo Baggins.”
Frodo declares his part in the book finished, and gives it to Sam. The last pages are for him.	This happens at the Grey Havens.
Sam and Frodo travel through the Shire and find the tree they used to hide from the Black Rider. Frodo sings, and it is answered by Gildor and other Elves, including Elrond and Galadriel. Bilbo is also there.	Not shown in the movie.
Frodo reveals he is going to the Grey Havens where Sam cannot follow (yet).	Gandalf tells Frodo it is time to board, much to the surprise of the other hobbits.
Frodo tells Sam he cannot always be torn in two, etc.	As Sam returns home, Frodo is heard telling Sam he cannot always be torn in two, etc., and his part in the story will go on.
Gandalf meets them at the Havens. Pippin and Merry ride in haste to say goodbye.	Gandalf meets the four hobbits in Hobbiton and accompanies them to the harbor. Bilbo is in Gandalf’s cart.
Elrond, Galadriel, Círden, and many other Elves board the ship. Celeborn stays at Lothlórien.	Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, and one other unnamed Elf board the ship. Elrond says the sea calls them home. Bilbo is ready for another adventure.
Gandalf thinks it better for three hobbits to ride back.	Gandalf bids them farewell, and declares his work done.
Frodo kisses all three hobbits then boards the ship.	Frodo hugs all three, then kisses Sam before boarding.
Sam returns to Bag End and sits in his chair. Rosie puts little Elanor on his lap, and he says, “Well, I’m back.”	Sam returns to his own home. Elanor runs to greet him, while Rosie holds a second child (Goldilocks, who has brown hair, oddly). While still outside, he says, “Well, I’m back.”

Introduction

The Fellowship of the Ring:      Book 1                     Book 2

The Two Towers:                        Book 3                     Book 4

The Return of the King:             Book 5                     Book 6

Overall Changes and Additions