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and dynamic as it does here. Whether it be the orcs or the goblins, the CGI is vivid, detailed, and immersive. Stunning. Bilbo’s first entry into the lair of Smaug in the Lonely Mountain showcases a wide dynamic range of frequencies and object placement in Atmos and surround effects. The sound of gold coins, Smaug’s voice, and the echoes of the dwarven kingdom engulfed in flames are great sources of multi-channel and object-based audio. Extras While some might argue it doesn't match the quality of craftsmanship displayed in the masterful The Lord of the Rings series, the prequel It was indeed shot that way, but at a framerate that UHD disc doesn't support (48fps) so that complicates matters. Creating a 60p version that properly replicates the 48p experience without adding additional judder and thus negating the whole point of HFR is going to be a biatch. I felt that while the 13 additional minutes rounds out several sequences, such as the stay in Rivendell and the Goblin encounter in Moria and adds a little depth to a few character exchanges, it doesn’t substantively enhance the film’s narrative arc. I wouldn’t say it detracted from it in any way. Overall, I enjoy The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and have to admit that each time I see it I like it just a little more.
Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 4K Blu-ray The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 4K Blu-ray
Arriving on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Warner Bros., The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is presented in a 2160p HEVC / H.265 encode This is a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release containing the theatrical and extended editions of each of the three films, along with Digital Codes. There are no Blu-rays or bonus features included. Audio is presented in English Dolby Atmos, essentially a home version of the same Atmos mix many of you heard in theaters. And as was the case with The Lord of the Rings 4K Atmos mixes, this is a reference quality surround sound experience, one that offers a full hemispheric sonic environment. The soundstage is huge, with plenty of activity in the height channels not just during set pieces sequences but in quiet moments too. Dialogue is crisp and clear, with a full tonal quality, while music and effects exhibit tremendous fidelity. Panning is natural and lively, smooth at all times, and the dynamics are grand indeed, with firm and muscular low end. There’s a moment early in the film, as the Dwarves are bustling around Bag End preparing for supper, when Bilbo starts off complaining in the center of the screen and then scurries off to the left—you can hear him continue complaining into the left surround and rear channels as the sound of activity—multiple conversations, chairs being moved, plates clinking together—continues all around. It’s little moments like that I find most delightful in great film surround sound mixes, and they abound here. Additional audio options on the 4K EXTENDED EDITION disc include 5.1 Dolby Digital in French, Italian, Castilian Spanish, and Czech, with optional subtitles in English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, French, Italian for the Deaf, Castilian Spanish, Dutch, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Latin Spanish, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, and Thai. Additional audio options on the 4K THEATRICAL CUT disc include French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, with optional subtitles in English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, French, Dutch, and Spanish.
The Hobbit Trilogy: 4k Blu-ray Film Stills
Bilbo Baggins takes part in a grandiose journey, the goal of which is to return the Dwarven Kingdom of Erebor, captured by the dragon Smaug. Suddenly, the wizard Gandalf the Gray joins him, and Bilbo finds himself in the company of thirteen dwarfs under the leadership of the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Dangerous paths this journey will lead them to the Wild Lands, teeming with goblins and orcs, deadly wargs and shape-shifters, giant spiders and sorcerers. There, the humble Bilbo Baggins will become the owner of the "lovely" Gollum ring, which is fraught with strange and unexpected possibilities ... This simple golden ring is so closely connected with the fate of Middle-earth that Bilbo cannot even imagine. NOTE : It was announced that a 4K UHD “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition featuring the theatrical and extended versions of all six films, along with new bonus content, previously released Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy, and remastered Blu-ray discs of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will be released in the summer of 2021. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy featuring remastered Blu-ray discs of the theatrical and extended versions of the 3 films will also be released in the fourth quarter 2021, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Hobbit: The Motion Picture Trilogy Ultra HD Blu-ray The Hobbit: The Motion Picture Trilogy Ultra HD Blu-ray
I am not certain what direction that aspect of the story will take, perhaps it goes nowhere, which is why it was omitted. I have decided not to reveal details as I don’t want to spoil it. Any remaining footage were remnants that had less of an impact. Overall, aside from the Dol Gudur sequence, I didn’t feel that the reinstated elements adding any noteworthy depth to the film however, they didn’t detract from it and integrated well enough to be complimentary. The Hobbit films reach some of the highest levels of sharpness, clarity and luminance I’ve ever seen rendered on a 4k TV. If you’ve seen the imagery of the Dwarven mines that introduce ‘An Unexpected Journey’ you’ll know what I mean. Their beards glisten, their eyes sparkle, and mining work lights glow like gold on the walls behind them (see the film still).
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In general, these Dolby Atmos mixes made for an involving surround sound display. I enjoyed the balance of atmosphere and discrete object placement that sounded fantastic across the board. Another matter worth discussing is the frame-rate. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is presented in traditional 24 fps and does Audio on the 4K disc is included in English Dolby Atmos, essentially the same mix heard in theaters. And like the Atmos for An Unexpected Journey, this is a reference quality surround sound experience, with a fully hemispheric sonic environment. The soundstage is grand, with wonderful activity in the height channels throughout the film—and especially as Smaug stalks the halls of Erebor during the film’s climax. The dialogue is clean, clear, and full sounding, while music and effects offer lovely fidelity. Channel to channel movement is natural and lively, particularly appreciated in moments like the barrel chase from Thranduil’s Silvan Elves in Mirkwood. And the dynamics are tremendous, with muscular bass. This mix dazzles in moments of bluster and calm alike; just listen as Bilbo and Smaug scamper over the piles of gold and jewels in Erebor, with the metallic slush of treasure sliding and shifting all around. The only additional audio option on the 4K EXTENDED EDITION disc is French 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, while the optional subtitles include English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, French, Dutch, and Spanish. (Note that these options are different than those for An Unexpected Journey above.) Additional audio options on the 4K THEATRICAL CUT disc include French 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, with optional subtitles in English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, French, Dutch, and Spanish.
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