7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.2 |
A curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug.
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavishAdventure | 100% |
Action | 85% |
Fantasy | 67% |
Epic | 37% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 MVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Five-disc set (4 BDs, 1 DVD)
UV digital copy
DVD copy
Blu-ray 3D
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
It was bound to disappoint. With expectations at an enormous high, a 48fps experiment in tow, and fandom, both literary and cinematic, frothing at the mouth, poised to strike the moment the first film in The Hobbit trilogy showed the slightest sign of weakness, it was bound to disappoint. And yet it shouldn't have. Criticism continues to run the gamut. Too long! Too slow! Too expansive! Like butter scraped over too much bread! Was anyone really that surprised to see Jackson and company indulge a little? Did the decision to stretch two films into three fail to clue anyone into the fact that An Unexpected Journey would be more akin to a Lord of the Rings extended version than a lean, mean theatrical cut? For that matter, are the same people who swear by The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions actually upset with the end result? By some strange, blinding magic: yes, yes and yes.
Fortunately, it was only bound to disappoint some fans. There are those among us who chose a different path. Those who were familiar with the quaint, charming tale of "The Hobbit," enough so to avoid setting Rings-slaying expectations. Who didn't squander our first viewing of An Unexpected Journey by leaping headlong into an entirely new (and arguably distracting) way of watching a film. Who were overjoyed to immerse ourselves in Peter Jackson's Middle-Earth once again, for whatever length of time he saw fit. No, The Hobbit isn't perfect. It isn't a sacred adaptation of Tolkien's text, or even one that rivals any of The Lord of the Rings films. It's a gorgeous, gripping, at-times enthralling return to Middle-Earth, though, with far more to offer the Peter Jackson and J.R.R. Tolkien folds than many are willing or perhaps able to admit.
"Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not?"
The Blu-ray edition of The Hobbit wows, dazzles and thoroughly impresses with two stunning 1080p video transfers: an MVC-encoded 3D experience and an AVC-encoded 2D presentation, each true to Jackson and cinematographer Andrew Lesnie's every intention. But let's focus on the 3D experience, which shares all of the previously reviewed 2D version's strengths and... well, strengths. Allow me to begin with a small word of warning, though. Jackson is a proponent of world-expanding 3D; the sort of 3D that draws its audience into the image rather than assaulting viewers with overabundant gimmicks and screen-puncturing distractions. In the Blu-ray.com forum, the approach has been labeled "conservative 3D," and for the most part, this is conservative 3D. Depth and dimensionality are outstanding, with vast landscapes, convincingly distant horizons, rocks that jut out of the ground, trolls that loom high overhead, wargs whose muzzles inch closer and closer, goblins that push our heroes forward toward a most unsightly, all too three-dimensional Goblin King, and twisted riverfolk who seem to peer out of their cave and into your home theater. The occasional sword, fluttering bird, swinging ax or tumorous sacks of flesh protrude nicely (or not so nicely, depending on the visual), but again, this is by and large a conservative 3D experience.
Not that the impact is lessened in any way. I much prefer inward 3D to outward 3D, whatever the two might be labeled. Inward 3D is more immersive and enveloping, and I find myself less conscious of the particulars of the 3D imagery and more taken by it. This more cinematic 3D translates beautifully to Blu-ray too, without sacrificing the integrity of the native 3D photography or subsequent encode. Moreover, the lush, lovely Shire greens, summer-kissed browns and oranges, moonlit blues pierced by blazing flame, relatively lifelike fleshtones and cavernous blacks that grant its 2D counterpart soul and spirit are intact and unhindered. Impeccable contrast leveling and exceedingly natural shadow delineation certainly help, and the filmmakers' at-times stylized color grading is presented without apparent flaw. Detail is nothing short of extraordinary too. Edge definition is crisp and clean, without any notable ringing, and fine textures are refined and exceptionally rewarding.
3D displays that are prone to ghosting will have difficulty resolving a few shots (most noticeably in long shots of the goblin throne chamber, where tiny torch lights, eager eyes and restless minions are subject to slight crosstalk). As usual, though, any ghosting that pops up is a product of individual 3D displays and glasses, not the 3D encode itself. Moreover, significant aliasing, macroblocking, banding and other issues are absent, and only the slightest hint of noise and negligible crush will give eagle-eyed videophiles pause. Ultimately, Jackson's 3D may not raze your home theater to the ground, but it invites you along on Bilbo's journey, through winding hills, towering forests, massive caverns and beyond. Next stop: 3D Lonely Mountain.
Note: The 3D version of the film is spread generously across two BD-50 discs. The 2D version is then available on a third BD-50 disc, while the special features are housed on a fourth.
As impressive as Warner's video transfer may be, it's The Hobbit's bellowing beast of a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track that leaves the most lasting mark. The LFE channel is forceful yet discerning, producing deep, resonant thooms and weighty low-end support. (Albeit not ideal support, as some filtering has been reported and confirmed. For my part, it isn't a bother. Others will no doubt disagree.) All the while, the rear speakers bristle with engaging, wonderfully effective activity seasoned with convincing directional effects and transparent cross-channel pans. The resulting soundfield is wholly immersive too, dropping the listener into the heart of Erebor, the cozy hobbit holes of Hobbiton, the vast expanse of the wild, the midst of a thunderous rock giant battle, the chaos of an underground Goblin city and the center of a cave where a certain magic ring slips from its master's pocket and bounces along the ground. Dialogue remains crystal clear and intelligible throughout (without a lost or muffled line to be found), Howard Shore's score is sweeping and full, and prioritization is flawless.
Still awaiting an official confirmation of an Extended Edition release? Look no further than either Blu-ray release of An Unexpected Journey and the two and a half hours of extras featured, the overwhelming majority of which have been available online for some time. Hardly the twenty-plus hours of original or exclusive content Peter Jackson and company are known for. That said, the special features on tap at least earn their own Blu-ray disc, not because they're so significant, mind you, but so they can be presented in HD without crowding the feature film.
Unlike the 2D release, which includes two Blu-ray discs (one for the film, one of the bonus material), the 3D version includes four Blu-ray discs: the 3D presentation of The Hobbit is spread across Discs One and Two, Disc Three houses the 2D presentation of the film, and Disc Four is devoted to the high definition extras.
Debate will continue to rage as to whether The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a worthy precursor and rightful successor to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Whether it's a faithful adaptation or goes one step too far. Imbues the spirit of Tolkien or tramples on his grave. Could use serious trimming or stands soundly as is. Deserves to pass $1 billion in worldwide box office returns or shows how out of touch with literary classics modern audiences have become. Some will continue to criticize, some will continue to praise. But few can deny Jackson's passion for the material, his team's mastery of their craft, the strength of the ensemble's performances or the various strides the film makes in its own unexpected journey toward becoming a full-fledged trilogy. I, for one, am more than happy to return to Jackson's Middle-Earth and stay there as long as he allows. The film's flaws are minimal in the grand scheme of things and its future installments are ripe with promise. Here's hoping the next two Hobbit films will go one step further and take their place at The Lord of the Rings' side. Thankfully, Warner's 3D Blu-ray release is an excellent one. It doesn't boast the supplemental breadth of its inevitable Extended Edition counterpart, but its stunning video transfer, lovely 3D experience and fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track more than make up for it. Some fans will no doubt wait for the Extended Edition release. I get it. Me? I'll be enjoying my copy of the theatrical cut -- in 2D and 3D -- as well as the Desolation of Smaug exclusive sneak peek, biding my time over the next few months in anticipation of what Jackson has up his sleeve next.
2012
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2012
with Exclusive Lego Bilbo Baggins Minifigure
2012
Movie-Only Edition
2012
2012
w. Panoramic Poster / Item # HOBBDBUNDLE
2012
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Extended Edition
2012
Extended Edition
2012
Extended Edition with Bilbo/Gollum Statue
2012
Extended Edition with Bilbo/Gollum Statue
2012
Extended Edition
2012
Extended Edition
2012
Extended Edition
2012
2012
w/The Battle of the Five Armies Movie Money
2012
Extended
2012
Theatrical
2012
2013
Theatrical Edition
2001
Extended Edition
2014
Theatrical Edition
2002
2003
2011
2011-2019
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2019
2016
Extended Edition
2012
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2017
Ultimate Collector's Edition
2009
1999
2014
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1980
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