The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [DVD] [2012]

As a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but never actually read the books; though the time will come for me to delve into the literary world of the rings. Kind of hard to know what to expect from the film knowing it's going to be another trilogy but the hobbit book itself is short. But I found that Jackson pulled the material and made it into a film. Of course you will have your haters and people proclaiming that it is boring. Ok the film doesn't have as much action as the Rings trilogy. But that's not to say there is no action or that it is boring. In all honesty I would choose a film with a great story and direction over a film with just action.the film's opening connects this film with the trilogy, as this opens much like the opening of the fellowship of the ring without being an actual re-used scene. This film has more humour to it. And we see Bilbo in a rather new light, And Martin Freeman play's the part well.But the film itself does have this jovial and slapstick feel to it which will not be everyone's taste. Would I have preferred less of it yes but does it ruin the film no I don't think it does.I think other problems is that some people may have hoped or thought this would be Lord of the rings V.20 and it is not, the story is completely different. But as we all know these people will be the ones who haven't read the book (and Yes I know I never read the book myself) And the appearance of Gollum is well done and pays off.To anyone that may criticise the film remember this is the first part, the fellowship of the ring was also pretty slow and it built up. First films in trilogies generally are this way.Aside from the humour this film is excellent you cannot fault it. You can still feel Jackson's passion for Lord of the rings. The intricate detail that went into this project, Some may argue that this was a money making scheme on the back of the Original trilogy. And if this is the case... Who cares as long as they make them good.I remember when the original's came out and watched the first one and couldn't wait for the second, been awhile since I've felt like that when it comes to a film series. And good thing about the Hobbit is you don't really need to have seen the Lord of the rings trilogy to enjoy it (though of course it is better if you had because makes the Hobbit more detailed and enjoyable to watch) characters I liked James Nesbitt (Bofur),Richard Armitage (Thorin)Manu Bennett (Azog)Sylvester McCoy and Richard Armitage stand out in this film. All in all this film recaptures the passions of the original trilogy. Though I do predict later on nearer the time of the new film being released in the cinema will a extended edition come out, it's pretty obvious this will happen. So the choice is do you wait for it? Me myself will buy both, as it is always nice to watch the original. especially if you don't have enough time in the day to watch a longer version :)the problem the Lord of the rings has it's such a much loved book and the purists will obviously dislike this film, but that's what ruins films when it comes to adaptations, but I think we forget it is not always easy to make a book into the film so you have to be creative. And it is only us that can really chose whether we like it or not. So if your like me and only use reviews as a springboard to making a decision rather that it swaying your choice. There is quite a lot of reviews on here which will be better than mine actually there is some brilliant reviews here which in truth I wonder if I should bother posting this? But I will. So I would say read them all watch a trailer and choose for yourself (of course this is to anyone that hasn't seen the film)So Why do I love this film?It's just a film you can't help to love, it's pure fantasy, good action and effects characters to enjoy, well written and directed what more do you want? half naked girls? thankfully none appear (as in pointless nudity in films is rather tedious)and no I am not a crude, just don't see the point of it. Anyway's I digress.Hope this helped and if it didn't I can only apologise :)

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.

Loved it my personal movie collection

I am disappointed that the region the film is formatted in was not declared in the product description. I waited patiently for three months. I was so looking forward to it too because there is no damage on the product and it would have played just fine if it authorized in ON, CA.

I tried to watch the movie it will not work. A error message comes up I can't watch it in my country. So I am not happy with it. Was a waste of money. I got read of the packaging and my receipt to send it back. Very disappointed.

Ok, I don't want to overrate it, so don't have high expectations. But it's a good fun adventure.

I don't think this should have been advertised in Canada as it won't play in this zone. I did not see anything that said it was not usable in Canada and I thought I was buying from a US site