Get the extended versions. They are 4 hours each. The regular films are 3 hours each. Huge commitment, but well-worth it.
In the second and third films, Theoden rocks. ;-)
Theoden, good idea, when the play is over next week it may be a little of a letdown & I'll plan to watch the movies to cheer us all up! We have the extended versions also, and they are great!