The "Appendices" on the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition releases are extensive, behind-the-scenes documentaries that provide a detailed look into the making of the films. They mirror the appendices in Tolkien's book, offering supplementary information beyond the main storyline. Each film's Extended Edition has two bonus discs dedicated to the Appendices, containing numerous featurettes and documentaries.
Part One: From Book to Vision is the first of two Appendices to Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), featured exclusively as a disc of the Special Extended Edition.
It contains four documentaries, spanning 2.5 hours, directed by Michael Pellerin, purposed to cover J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of the story of The Lord of the Rings, and the earliest stages adapting the book to film.
Part Two: From Vision to Reality is the second of two Appendices of the Special Extended Edition of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, featured in its own disc exclusive to the edition.
It contains six sections of documentaries directed by Michael Pellerin, which span three hours, and cover the cast's experiences in the filming and reception, and the artistic and digital efforts in the production.
Part Three: The Journey Continues is the first of two Appendices of the Special Extended Edition of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and the third of six overall, featured in its own disc exclusive to the edition.
It contains five documentaries, directed by Michael Pellerin, and other exclusive informative features.
Part Four: The Battle for Middle-Earth Begins is the second of two Appendices of the Special Extended Edition of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, featured in its own disc exclusive to the edition.
It contains nine documentaries directed by Michael Pellerin, and a gallery. Some features are equivalent to and named the same as documentaries in Part One and Part Two.
Part Five: The War of the Ring is the first of two Appendices of the Special Extended Edition of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, featured in its own disc exclusive to the edition.
It contains seven documentaries, spanning three hours, directed by Michael Pellerin, and other interactive features.
Part Six: The Passing of an Age (referring to the Third Age) is the second of two Appendices of the Special Extended Edition of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, featured in its own disc exclusive to the edition.
It contains seven documentaries, spanning three hours, directed by Michael Pellerin, some interactive features, and a few short films.