The "
Scouring of the Shire" chapter was actually filmed, and will indeed be in the special extended edition widescreen release
It just wasn't included in the theatrical release, as the actor who played Sarumon left the cast. My best guess is that Jackson didn't think the scene important enough, and would have rather removed it than faced the fanboy "OMG! Diffarent actar!!1!" firestorm.
Also from what I gather, many of the more poetic and otherwise 'confusing' scenes were never filmed (The Tom Bombadil episode, for example). I suppose they were simply seen as far too obscure and ethereal-feeling to warrant inclusion in the movies. Admit it - the barrow Down scene was quite poetic and whatnot, and
definitely wouldn't have translated well on screen ^^
And last, the Gray Haven is more of another poetic-ish reference, it seems to me. It is less of a physical thing than a concept - perhaps one of heaven or an afterlife. To me, the Gray haven represents a timeless place where the chosen children of the Illuvatar go after their era has ended in Middle Earth. I urge you not to look at it in such a physical sensee - it seems to fit a far more philosophical purpose rather than a rational one.
Oh yeah. my verdict on the movie? The emotion was too drawn out in many places, nearly making me gag. My only other complaint was the lack of respect for ol' Samwise - Middle Earth would have been totally fux0red without little Sam. <3
And who comes out the hero? That weak bastard Frodo!
All in all, a very worthy movie and a great ending to a great trilogy.
