Just being a nerd but LotR’s 4K release is technically a 2K upscale with a lot of DNR applied to smooth out the grain and make the overall package look more “digital.” Some of the VFX are lower resolution because that’s just what they had to work with, but they blend in better now and it totally makes sense why they did it this way for 4K. I still think it looks really great and I think it’s the best way to watch these movies outside of the theater, but I definitely understand why a lot of people don’t like it, given that the DNR actually removes detail and makes faces look pretty soft. Generally I’m opposed to messing with film grain, but LotR is already a hybrid of visual mediums so it makes sense here, but it also is understandable why it was a bit of a controversial release.

The first Blu-ray release definitely looked like washed-out crap, but there was a later version that rectified it, so I still think there’s some merit to that one. I haven’t seen it myself though.

Nerding aside, I agree with all your suggestions - I own all of these in 4K UHD and all look fantastic. And totally agree with surround sound - even a cheap home theater in a box is a massive upgrade to TV speakers and often better than a pricier soundbar.