My husband and I stood in line to watch each movie twice in the theater when they came out. And we've watched it all through on DVD multiple times.

We do have interests and hobbies that don't jive but LOTR is definitely one we share.

Because you need to be sure she’s reacting “correctly”?

I fell asleep the first time, my wife didn't.

On her side, she was much more of a Tolkien nerd at the time, though I think I've surpassed her (an indictment of myself, I assure you).

For my part, I was burned out from classwork and did not experience anything from Moria to Amon Hen. Like, I didn't even remember that I fell asleep - or rather, waking up. So it wasn't until I saw it again that I realized I missed Galadriel and a whole lot else. This exacerbates my confusion about what's in the theatrical/extended, to say the least.