The Hobbit Trilogy (2012/2013/2014)

DVD CASES/SIDES

Length of film:  474 Minutes (Extended: 532 Minutes) 

Rated: PG- 13     

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchette, Evangeline Lily, Ken Scott, Graham McTavish, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, John Bell, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood

IMDB Rank: Part 1: 7.8 /10 Part 2: 7.8 /10 Part 3: 7.5 /10 Total: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:   169 Minutes (Extended: 182 minutes)

Part 2 Time:   161 Minutes (Extended: 186 minutes)

Part 3 Time:   144 Minutes (Extended: 164 minutes)

Where does the first part end? Thorin (Richard Armitage) and company have evaded capture from Azog (Manu Bennett) and his Warg riders. Inside the Lonely Mountain Smuag wakens after 60 years of slumber.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: No dialogue, Smuag opens his eyes and grunts.

First line of dialogue on the second part: In a flashback, Dwarf King Thorin walks in village of Bree and enters into the Prancing Pony. A man speaks “I’m dying of thrust here.”

Where does the second part end? Smaug flies toward Lake-town.

Final line of dialogue on the second part: “What have we done?” Bilbo states while watching Smaug fly towards the Lake-town.

First line of dialogue on the third part: “I wanted you!” The Master of Lake-town speaks.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Smuag wakens after 60 years of slumber. Thorin and company are still being pursued by Azog and his Warg riders. Will the group be able to safely make their way to the Lonely Mountain?

How jarring is it when the second part ends? Jarring, Smuag has now left the Lonely Mountain. He looks to destroy Lake-town in an attempt to lure out Thorin and company from the Lonely Mountain

Which part is better? Each part has redeeming qualities and the better part can ultimately be up to viewer preference. Part one explores character relationships and Bilbo obtaining the ‘one’ ring. Part two has Thorn and company reach the Lonely Mountain to confront Smag. Part three is the most action packed of the three with Goblins, Wolves, Elves, Men and Dwarves immersed in a battle for control of the Lonely Mountain. Due to the nonstop action, part three is given the slight edge with part one coming in at a close second.

Academy Awards: Part 1: Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Nominated), Best Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Production Design (Nominated); Part 2: Best Sound Mixing (Nominated), Best Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Sound Editing (Nominated); Part 3: Best Sound Editing (Nominated).