The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [Blu-ray] [2012]

Description

The first of three epic instalments in director Peter Jackson's blockbuster prequel to his Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Set in Middle-Earth 60 years before events in The Lord of the Rings, the story follows the adventures of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who, at the instigation of the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), suddenly finds himself co-opted into joining a company of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) to help reclaim the Dwarves' lost kingdom of the Lonely Mountain from the clutches of Smaug the dragon (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). After setting out on their quest from the safety of Bag End, the band of travellers soon find themselves pitted against a range of strange and fearsome opponents, in addition to a small, slimy creature known simply as Gollum (Andy Serkis).Extra Content• "Video Blog #1: Start of Production" • "Video Blog #2: Location Scouting" • "Video Blog #3: Shooting Block One" • "Video Blog #4: Filming in 3D" • "Video Blog #5: Locations Part 1" • "Video Blog #6: Locations Part 2" • "Video Blog #7: Stone St. Studios Tour" • "Video Blog #8: "Wrap of Principal Photography" • "Video Blog #9: "Post-production Overview" • "Video Blog #10: "Wellington World Premiere" • Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 1• Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 3 - Dwarves• Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 3 - Letter Opener• Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 3 - Bilbo Contract• Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 3 - Gandalf Wagers• Theatrical Trailers - Trailer 3 - Gollum Paths• New Zealand: Home of Middle Earth Review: The Hobbit, not tall but long - I am yet another escapist who loves being back in the world of Tolkien according to Peter Jackson. Ashamed to say, but my 1988 copy of The Hobbit as a book sits unread on a shelf - so no film/book comparisons here. Nevertheless, the anticipated fun for this Lord Of The Rings prequel turned out to be slow paced fun. Take for example the early scene with the dwarves invading Bilbo's house - it reminded me of a 19th century play. Even their raiding of the food-cupboards outlasted the screen time you would assign to such an action. The Hobbit will come to us in a trilogy, like LOTR, although there it was justified by a massive read of three books too. My fear is that the three Hobbit films (two more to go), based on a rather thin book, will have the feel of `butter spread over too much bread,' as Bilbo aptly puts it in Fellowship. Between the 2003 release of The Return of the King and The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey gapes a crevice of an entire decade, meaning the possibilities in CGI have developed (bravo) and 3D is here to stay (boo). Concerning CGI: The battles in the Return of the King were applauded at the time, but I always felt the huge amounts of shots thrown by the zealous Jackson at WETA's poor digital artists seriously overtaxed them. No such thing occurred now. The careful CGI ensures robust trolls with minutely coordinated lips, a sledge with accelerated rabbits, well choreographed fights, a cast ride through goblin land and, at the end of the film, majestic eagles - a deus-ex-machina. The birds appear and literally pluck the heroes out of a hopeless situation. To me, the 3D version in the theatre was an unnecessary grotesque enlargement of effects. That and a headache-provoking, glasses on glasses affair - nothing compared to the joy of the `normal' version which I now own. The story is driven by dwarves. The scriptwriters carved much individuality out of them, a splendid job, as there are no less than 13. Howard Shore's inspiring music accompanying them on the journey is a theme and variations on their initial, melancholic chant, sung at Bilbo's. The respectable Hobbit Bilbo `turned burglar' joins the dwarves on their quest to reclaim their riches and home from an evil dragon. Bilbo is superbly played by the British Martin Freeman, whose face is not hampered by an overload of prosthetics (like a good many of the actors impersonating the dwarves) and it allows subtle expression, letting you read what he doesn't say (Freeman is a master at this). Happily, both Bilbo (and we) are reacquainted with Ian McKellen's Gandalf. Ian Holm returns for Bilbo in his senior years while Elijah Wood dons the hairy feet for a cameo as Frodo. For the other returning actors you have to wait until Rivendell. This Elvish scene, literally a heaven of aesthetics, is a breath of fresh air halfway through the film. Hugo Weaving is Elrond and Christopher Lee, in his 90's as commanding as ever, admirably plays a younger version of 'his' Saruman. Saruman's short-sightedness here preludes a certain development of his. Cate Blanchett as Elvish Queen Galadriel is stunning, inciting for a moment a fire in Gandalf's eyes that is not quest-related. The confrontation of Gollum (the brilliant Andy Serkis, who also served as 2nd unit director) and Bilbo was worked out as a play, full of tension - again, somewhat overlong. It is here that Bilbo wins the ominous ring. He rejoins the dwarves and plays a brave part in the movie's finale. The home theatre sight and sound both deserve no less than the full five stars. The bonus disc consists of an introduction to the landscapes of New Zealand and trailers. Main attraction though is a series of blogs: funny, insightful, and quick-paced. You travel with the cast and crew as they commence, progress and succeed in finishing this very, very elaborate movie - a quest in itself. Hobbiton (which I was lucky enough to visit myself in 2011) is given special attention. What I missed on the blogs is more in depth footage of rehearsal and actual shooting, more on the choices made by actors and director, rather than the heavy focus on everything that framed it. Other than that, these blogs are an enjoyable experience, hosted by director Peter Jackson. The last blog addresses the film's premiere in Wellington, its centre transformed into Middle Earth - something that would, alas, never happen in the down-to-earth Amsterdam. I will surely watch the blogs more than once. Four stars for The Hobbit's first installment, but its Blu-ray package is definitely a five star recommendation. Review: A stunning adaption of a classic book - One thing is absolutely clear. Peter Jackson has a love for this material that is unquestionable. His classic trilogy adaption of The Lord of the Rings is proof of that. His work on this first film of The Hobbit is equally as impressive. Don't be put off by tales of it's length. It takes time to tell a story as big as this, set in a world as detailed as this, and there's nothing wrong with indulging a bit to tell the tale properly. Purists have complained about changes between the book and movie adaption. I have read the book many times. It's one of my favourites. I love this adaption of the book. If you know little about the story, it involves one Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit of the title, and his unlikely and somewhat reluctant involvement in an epic adventure. When a band of Dwarves arrive at his door one evening, he finds that he has been recommended for inclusion in the adventure by Gandalf, a rather mischievous wizard. Gandalf sees a potential in Bilbo for something greater than just living a quiet Hobbit's life. Bilbo has a slightly different opinion on the matter. The story follows the band of adventurers across the wonderful world of Middle-Earth, and the encounters that they have with all manner of friend and foe. It's truly an epic story told with love and passion and a genuine affection for the characters. Martin Freeman is a natural as the title character, and gives a great performance. The entire cast evidently had a great time making the film, as their performances show. A friend of mine said after seeing the film in the cinema that it felt like "settling down in an old favorite armchair, in an old favorite comfortable room, and feeling completely at home". Going back into Peter Jackson's Middle Earth is like visiting an old friend. If you have any love for the original trilogy, you will feel exactly as I have described. If it's your first time, get ready for a wonderful experience. It's Blu-Ray adaption is one of the best I've seen, beautiful in detail, depth and color. Blu-Ray was meant for films like this. The only gripe I have is that the special features are not as in depth as they are on the Blu-Rays for the original trilogy. I would have loved a director or cast commentary, or both. Treat yourself to a wonderful, magical movie experience. I can't wait for the next film.