The Hobbit Trilogy (Peter Jackson, 2012-2014)

[hanshotfirst1138]

I disagree completely that Jackson should not have been involved, especially since he and the cast gave it continuity with LOTR and his style. I also disagree that the animated version was "10 X better." I think this gets way too much heat for being "worthless." There are many, many, many problems with it, certainly, but there are some tremendously exciting action set pieces, gorgeous cinematography, stunning production design, and some brilliant acting scattered throughout.

I agree entirely that splitting it into three films and padding out the storyline was deeply foolish, and that its liked been done as one film. With that, I am in 100% agreement.

[Trees]

....I also disagree that the animated version was "10 X better."....

Let me put it this way. I would rather watch the 1977 animated film ten times before having to watch Jackson's trilogy even once more.

[hanshotfirst1138]

....I also disagree that the animated version was "10 X better."....

Let me put it this way. I would rather watch the 1977 animated film ten times before having to watch Jackson's trilogy even once more.

Fair enough. I'm certainly not going to claim that many of the criticisms leveled against it were invalid, but in spite of its flaws, I love spending time in Jackson's Middle Earth and the world he's created with the characters.

[mfunk9786]

Fans are none too pleased about this $799.99 MSRP repackaging of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, if these 100+ Amazon reviews are any indication

[domino harvey]

Love to see a fan-milking cash grab so spectacularly fail like this. Can't believe they ignored Jackson's wishes and offers to produce new material in favor of (as one of the commenters cheekily put it) a Sky Mall edition

[captveg]

As a fan of the films, I don't see what the big deal is. I already own them, and I'm not gonna buy this. Its existence means nothing to me.

[zedz]

As a fan of the films, I don't see what the big deal is. I already own them, and I'm not gonna buy this. Its existence means nothing to me.

But. . . but. . . this one has its own shelf! A wooden shelf, made of wood.

[Jeff]

As a fan of the films, I don't see what the big deal is. I already own them, and I'm not gonna buy this. Its existence means nothing to me.

I kind of hate the films, but the big deal is the principle (or lack thereof).

WARNER: "We want to sell an $800 ultimate collector's set of all of the films."
JACKSON: "Wow. That's kind of crazy, but ok, yeah, sure. I've still got lots of deleted scenes and could create some new material."
WARNER: "We were thinking block of wood."

[domino harvey]

Don't forget illustrations of "fan favorite" scenes from each film! Which reminded me of those television syndication events where they'd air "Fan-picked episodes" for a week and they'd all be episodes you could give a shit about. "Oh good, the Friends where the monkey get famous, great choice fans who clearly don't remember that episode very well"

[J Adams]

I don't know if a less expensive combined EXTENDED LotR/Hobbit package has already been offered, but a combo was inevitable. And it was inevitable that said package would include an extra or two, whether a block of wood or, perhaps redundantly, a visit from Sean Astin.

With a lot of these repackagings, I just feel that fans should have expected this, and I have minimal sympathy for their inability to wait. If this new set includes even more deleted scenes from the films, I guess I can see some "anger". But if it's just 2 existing extended sets plus wood, why bother being negative?

For the record, I love LotR, and could watch it over and over in a theatre setting. I thought The Hobbit was worth a theatre visit or two. Has Peter Jackson really proven himself such an auteur that anyone cares what he is doing?

[jsteffe]

Unless that set comes with your choice of an inflatable Gandalf or Arwen sex doll, it's not worth it.

[PfR73]

With a lot of these repackagings, I just feel that fans should have expected this, and I have minimal sympathy for their inability to wait. If this new set includes even more deleted scenes from the films, I guess I can see some "anger". But if it's just 2 existing extended sets plus wood, why bother being negative?

I have not purchased any of the LOTR or Hobbit films on Blu-Ray because I have been waiting for a combined set. jackson has always said he had additional material he wanted to release in such a set.

Now the combined set is finally coming along and A) it has no additional material, B) it is super-expensive, C) it does not include the theatrical cuts on disc, & D) there is not a version without the ridiculous doo-dahs that just focuses on combining all the disc content in streamlined packaging.

[swo17]

I have a friend who places these movies above all others, and he does not appear to be deterred by the MSRP.

[zedz]

I have a friend who places these movies above all others, and he does not appear to be deterred by the MSRP.

Be it your sister,
Be it your brother,
Be it your cousin or your uncle or your lover,
If you have a friend undeterred by the MSRP of this collection,
Now is the time, now is the time for your friendship to end.

[swo17]

I mean, we're Facebook friends. That's basically as ended as a friendship can get, right?

[domino harvey]

A package of EL Fudge is like three dollars, and contains just as much exciting elfin adventure when using your imagination

[J Adams]

If you go to Wellington, which I don't necessarily recommend, you will find that it has been overwhelmed by Tolkien tourism. Mostly, but not exclusively, trashy. But some of it is cool.

I don't really disagree with any backlash against Jackson. But he has done at least something for NZ tourism, and deserves credit for that.

[FrauBlucher]

I mean, we're Facebook friends. That's basically as ended as a friendship can get, right?

There really needs to be another name for Facebook friends.

[zedz]

If you go to Wellington, which I don't necessarily recommend, you will find that it has been overwhelmed by Tolkien tourism. Mostly, but not exclusively, trashy.

You should see Matamata!

[colinr0380]

Of course the true Peter Jackson-phile (rather than Tolkein-phile!) would plan a trip to all the locations used in Bad Taste! ("That's where Derek fell off the cliff!") Or at least seek out the mother's house from Braindead!

[Zot!]

[FigrinDan]

“In addition there was the added difficulty of Warners needing to access the original negative and scan the outtakes, bloopers, and additional sequences. They declined to do this, which made Michael Pellerin and my original plans for the comprehensive documentary we hoped to produce for this box set, impossible to produce. Neither Michael nor myself are therefore involved in this release. Maybe Warners will support our planned documentary for the 25th anniversary, because we would love to make it one day.”

For those following this release, it appears Warner has reduced the MSRP of the Amazon-exclusive Middle-Earth: Ultimate Collector’s Edition from $799.99 to $599.99.
I, for one, would be interested in Peter Jackson's 25th anniversary uber-edition featuring new documentaries, deleted scenes, & special features.

[FrauBlucher]

I'm wondering if folks have a favorite Hobbit film of the 3. For me I think it's the Five Armies.