Tag Archives: The Hobbit

Peter Jackson enlists former Hobbit Billy Boyd to perform franchise swan song

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I’ve got the strangest feeling in the pit of my stomach; there’s pure excitement and there’s undeniable sadness lingering as we approach the release of Peter Jackson’s final film in the Hobbit trilogy. Not only will The Battle of the Five Armies close the book on The Hobbit movies, but it also serves as the last chapter in Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale of Middle-earth. So how does one properly say goodbye to characters and settings you’ve grown to know and cherish across 13 years and 6 movies? The director enlisted actor and musician Billy Boyd–who played Hobbit Pippin in the Lord of the Rings trilogy–to perform the Five Armies swan song. “The Last Goodbye,” written by Boyd, Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, will play when the credits roll at the end of the last Hobbit movie and will surely leave fans with a feeling of closure. “We came all this way, and now comes the day, we bid you farewell,” sings Boyd on the soft, charming tune.

“We had to get the song just right, to send the audience out of the movie theater in the most perfect way we could,” Boyd tells Entertainment Weekly. “I think we discovered very quickly this wasn’t just a song to end The Battle of the Five Armies—it was a song to say goodbye to Middle-earth.” He added, “…being asked to go back to that, to work in that wonderful fantasy world again and to be singing the song that says goodbye to Middle-earth for everyone involved and the fans who took this beautiful journey with us is truly a great, great honor.”

Though “The Last Goodbye” doesn’t carry the same oomph as Ed Sheeran’s closing song used in The Desolation of Smaug, it serves its purpose with flying colors as it aims to peacefully put the stories of Middle-earth to rest. Watch Pippin Boyd perform his song in the video embedded above; it’s set against scenes across Hobbit and LOTR films, so embrace yourself for pangs of nostalgia and bring the hankies.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies releases December 17. Download “The Last Goodbye” at iTunes.

Peter Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ threequel gets a new title

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There And Back Again is no more. In a Facebook post director Peter Jackson announced that the third and final movie in The Hobbit trilogy will now be named The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. The change makes sense, according to Jackson.

Our journey to make The Hobbit Trilogy has been in some ways like Bilbo’s own, with hidden paths revealing their secrets to us as we’ve gone along. “There and Back Again” felt like the right name for the second of a two film telling of the quest to reclaim Erebor, when Bilbo’s arrival there, and departure, were both contained within the second film. But with three movies, it suddenly felt misplaced—after all, Bilbo has already arrived “there” in the “Desolation of Smaug”…And so: “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” it is.

The old title may not completely bite the dust, however. “As Professor Tolkien intended, “There and Back Again” encompasses Bilbo’s entire adventure, so don’t be surprised if you see it used on a future box-set of all three movies.”

And speaking of home releases, Jackson says he and his team are tirelessly working on the Extended Cut of The Desolation of Smaug coming later this year which includes 25 minutes of new scenes all scored with original music by composer Howard Shore.

Read Jackson’s post in full after the break, and look forward to The Battle of Five Armies set for release into theatres on December 17, 2014.

Continue reading Peter Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ threequel gets a new title →

More ‘Hobbit 2’ production vlogs!

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Peter Jackson’s Hobbit sequel The Desolation of Smaug finally arrived in theatres on Friday and the behind-the-scenes production video blogs are still rolling in. Hanging above you’ll find vlog #13 featuring footage from scene pickups, a look into the dragon Smaug’s design, last-minute sound mixing, an introduction to Stephen Fry’s character, and you’ll get to witness Martin Freeman’s mad ping pong skills. After the break resides vlog #12 which came out last month and that one provides an inside look at post-production, more pickups, and it introduces fans to Jackson’s long-time collaborator Christian Rivers who took over as second-unit director when Andy Serkis was away shooting the next Planet of the Apes movie.

Jackson teases one more vlog on the way that will take place inside Wellington Town Hall where the movie’s grand score was recorded. Before you head out to see The Desolation of Smaug take a walk down memory lane and revisit the illuminating behind-the-scenes Hobbit vlogs dropped over the course of the last couple years. Continue reading More ‘Hobbit 2’ production vlogs! →

Peter Jackson calls on Ed Sheeran to create “Hobbit” closing track

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Peter Jackson handpicked English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran to compose and produce “I See Fire,” the softly bold track that will close out the second Hobbit film when the credits roll. Jackson posted this video on his Facebook page and here’s an excerpt from his accompanying message to fans:

We have a tradition in our Tolkien films of having a song over the closing credits. It’s very important that the song feels right for the world of the movie – and also carries the emotional resonance of the end of that particular film. The Desolation of Smaug is no different. The ending of this film requires a voice and sensibility that will allow a viewer to process what they have just experienced. It’s always tricky to think of the right person to create and perform these songs. Someone who shares our passion for Tolkien, and somebody who is prepared to respect the film. This year we are thrilled to have Ed Sheeran write and perform our closing song, “I See Fire”.

It was a great experience, and what you will see in this video are moments captured by our behind the scenes team during the creation of the song. But the images are only supporting Ed’s wonderful song. This is his direct emotional response to seeing The Desolation of Smaug, written and performed on the same day he saw the movie.

And his “direct emotional response” turned out to be a thing of beauty. The song balances strength and grace and it’s easy to imagine it play as the second chapter of Jackson’s three-part journey comes to an close.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theatres December 13. Download “I See Fire” at iTunes today.

New ‘Hobbit’ trailer intros Benedict Cumberbatch’s dragon Smaug

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Here we have the “official main trailer” for the next movie in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug. It builds upon the teaser that was released in June quite well, with more action, more of Evangeline Lilly’s elf warrior Tauriel, and most importantly our anticipated introduction to the voice behind the mighty dragon Smaug played by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug opens December 13.

‘The Hobbit’ production vlog #11: Peter Jackson confirms no ‘Smaug’ at Comic Con

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It’s been a long while since we last heard from director Peter Jackson in a Hobbit production diary vlog; but just like he promised he returned to preview the next movie in The Hobbit trilogy. To start things off, Jackson delivered rather unfortunate news that The Desolation of Smaug will not make an appearance at Comic Con later this month. His crew and the stars will all be busy as the next two films are still in production and Jackson admits that he simply doesn’t have time to shift focus on preparing a sizzle reel for fans at the moment. With that said, our guide takes us back to Middle Earth for pickups. Though prinicipal photography wrapped in July of last year, the director explains that the gang was required to get back together to re-shoot certain scenes and additional footage that previously couldn’t be done due to factors like bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances. “It’s a reunion of people, props, and sets,” he says. He goes on to mention the upcoming Battle of Five Armies featuring the dwarves coming in the third pic There And Back Again, and we also get to hear from the luminous Evangeline Lilly who plays the elf Tauriel.

Like the rest before, this production vlog is jam-packed with all sorts of Hobbit goodness for fans to scan and devour. Witness locations, sets, costumes, and characters come back to life in this vlog all about pickups. And stay tuned; Jackson hints at another diary coming soon when pickup shooting concludes. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theatres December 13.

Editor’s Note: The tenth and final Hobbit production diary that covers the days and hours leading up to and including the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is posted after the break in case you missed it, like me. Continue reading ‘The Hobbit’ production vlog #11: Peter Jackson confirms no ‘Smaug’ at Comic Con →

Peter Jackson takes fan questions in excerpt from ‘Hobbit’ live event

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Last month Peter Jackson hosted a live event from New Zealand previewing his next Hobbit film The Desolation of Smaug and Warner Bros. was kind enough to allow him to upload an edited six-minute excerpt from it. In the clip embedded above Jackson takes questions from fans regarding his new Hobbit trilogy with two surprise guests. Though the excerpt doesn’t reveal all that much, Jackson gets to show off his humorous side and viewers are privy to concept art and some behind-the-scenes footage.

The journey continues in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on December 13, 2013.

THE HOBBIT: my thoughts

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–Spoiler-free– (and yes that’s me)

Just got out of the THE HOBBIT. In a word, it was FANTASTIC. The story so far is really exciting and filled with the best characters. I can’t imagine anyone but Martin Freeman playing young Bilbo Baggins. Ian McKellen is back as Gandolf and he’s better than ever. And all 13 dwarves have their own distinct ways about themselves that I appreciate. The little men are led by Thorin Oakenshield, played by Richard Armitage, and he’s already a favorite. It was great seeing old characters return as well–Ian Holm (old Baggins), Elijah Wood (Frodo), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Bret McKenzie (Lindir). And who can forget Gollum; Andy Serkis has perfected the once-human creature here. He looks incredible (especially his giant blue eyes and sharp mouth) and the scene in which he encounters Bilbo has to be my favorite one. It’s a mix of fear, humor, and curiosity. An honorable mention goes to composer Howard Shore whose original score for the film borrows classic sounds from LOTR but also adds a new layer of epic proportions (if you don’t have the dwarf song “Misty Mountains” stuck in your head when you’re walking out then something’s wrong). In the end I felt fully satisfied (I never thought I’d be returning to Tolkien and Jackson’s Middle Earth) and yet I was left with a wanting feeling for more. One down, two to go. Bilbo is going on an adventure, and I’m all in.

I saw the movie in 3D in 48 frames per second, or what Peter Jackson is calling High Frame Rate (HFR). First off, 3D was effective on all accounts: the depth it added to the picture had me immersed the entire time. The HFR took some getting used to. When the film starts right off the bat you notice that something is, well, “off” with the picture. One, it’s as if you’re watching a super HDTV–the sharpness and crispness and vividness of the picture is starkly different than anything I’ve ever experienced before in theatres. But in a good way. There are many scenes in the film that take a birds-eye view of vast landscapes all around Middle Earth and the HFR injects a sense of hyper-realism into these shots. My jaw dropped more than once upon witnessing such beautiful scenes. However, this new technology can be jarring at times in a not-so-good way. In the opening scene, when old Bilbo is in his hole in the ground writing his book for Frodo, his movements are fluid but the 48 frames make it seem as if he’s speeding through the process. It’s as if someone pressed the “fast-forward” button on the remote. And this is noticable throughout the film, especially during fast-paced action sequences. When things slow down (or during the aforementioned birds-eye shots) this is not as noticable. Some critics argue that the 48 frames takes away from the mistique of the movie. THE HOBBIT is a fantasy and the hyper-realism removes the layer of mystery by attempting to make things that aren’t real (i.e. orcs, trolls, giant flying birds), look real. Friends of mine compared it to how video game cut scenes look. I’m not sure if I totally agree with that, however. All in all, I say if you have the opportunity to visit a theatre that’s playing the movie in 48FPS you should absolutely experience it for yourself. Though I never really got used to the effect–which has its advantages (super HD crystal clear picture) and disadvantages (the “fast-forward” effect)–I was truly mesmorized and found myself lost in Middle Earth until the credits rolled at the end. Is 48FPS the future of movies like Jackson predicts? It’s too early to tell. Is the effect too much for a movie with fantasy roots? Perhaps. But in the end it’s worth it because it’s always fun to try new things.

In the words of Mr. Ebert, THE HOBBIT gets two big thumbs up and I highly recommend you go on the wonderfully crafted journey.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ is out this Friday, go behind-the-scenes one more time

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Though the first movie in the Hobbit trilogy hasn’t even come out yet, it already feels like we’ve been on one unexpected and wild journey. Since April 2011, director Peter Jackson periodically dropped production video blogs that brought Lord of the Rings fans behind-the-scenes on the making of his next foray into Middle Earth. Each one explores a different aspect of filmmaking–from the logistics of location shooting to lessons in shooting in 3D–that culminates in an inside look at the grueling yet rewarding post-production process. Taken as a whole, the nine vlogs show just how much effort and sheer amount of hard work went into the making of the Hobbit movies.

And with just a few days until The Hobbit lands in theatres in the States, Mr. Jackson was able to slip one more massive video into our hands. A new 13-minute featurette, embedded above, takes us behind the scenes one more time before the adventure begins. In addition to Jackson you’ll hear from many of the actors, producers, and other creatives behind the making of the film. You’ll also be introduced to new characters, get a better sense of the story, and witness colorful concept art and new footage.

Return to Middle Earth this Friday, December 14 when The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey makes its grand debut.

‘The Hobbit’ production vlog #9

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Believe it or not but Peter Jackson is back with yet another Hobbit production vlog as the movie premiere is only four days away. Number nine focuses on the post-production process, specifically shining light on the work that goes into the special effects and sound design. Jackson leads a tour through the Park Road Post Production house in Wellington, New Zealand and we even get to travel 18,331 miles to the UK where the Hobbit soundtrack is perfected with a full orchestra in tow at Abbey Road Studios.

Jackson says that post is “due to be completed two days before the premiere, hopefully.” Though this rolls off his tongue playfully, I don’t think he is joking. It’s full speed ahead for Jackson and his talented team of animators and composers; An Unexpected Journey premieres this Wednesday, November 28 in New Zealand and then it comes to the States December 14. A tenth vlog is teased at the end, one that will take fans to the movie’s big Wellington premiere.

Editor’s note: In the craze known as Comic Con I must have missed vlog #8 and never posted it. I made sure to embed it after the break in case you missed it, too. In it Jackson takes us to San Diego and presents the Hobbit footage he screened in front of a packed panel. Continue reading ‘The Hobbit’ production vlog #9 →

‘Hobbit’ inspired in-flight safety video is a must-see for fans

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So you know those typically boring in-flight safety videos airlines make you watch before the plane takes off? Well I think I found one that you’ll want to sit through. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, that is. Air New Zealand has partnered with WETA Workshop to produce a Lord of the Rings / Hobbit inspired in-flight safety video featuring characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s expansive Middle Earth, as well as cameos by director Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis CGI’d as Gollum. If you can overlook the basic seatbelt instructions, I bet you’ll enjoy watching this wonderfully crafted clip called “An Unexpected Briefing” made by Air NZ who’s now calling themselves the “The Official Airline of Middle-Earth.” From the bare, furry feet to the Elvish ears to Jackson’s disappearing act, it’s an instruction video I wouldn’t mind watching before lift off.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is out December 14.