The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug - Special Edition (DVD + UltraViolet)

The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug DVD

Just got back from a sneak preview and I was blown away with this movie.

Continuing the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, this movie ramps up the adventure and effects, while avoiding the first movie's tendency to draaaaaaaaaagg in parts. This time, the story picks up with action, and then follows it with more and more action. There are welcome interjections of humor (not the extended dwarf eating jokes of the first movie) and even unexpected romance (an original creation of the director and his writing partner, involving a character not in the book).

The acting was very good as well, with Martin Freeman clearly more comfortable in the leading role this time out. Surprising me was Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, the elven guard. Quite the departure from anything I've seen her do, and she is very good.

The crown jewel of this movie is the encounter with the dragon, Smaug. Hardly a surprise, given the title, but Smaug is the first dragon who is at once majestic, sinister, and cunning. And seemingly powerful enough that there shouldn't be much hope of standing against him. And the fire breathing is spectacular.

Clocking in at just under 2 hours and 45 minutes, this is a nice, long, rollicking adventure that was utterly worth paying to see in a theater, and absolutely benefits from the 3D effects.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

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Cast & Crew: The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug DVD

Cast

Graham McTavish

Richard Armitage

Martin Freeman

Ken Stott

Ian McKellen

Director

Peter Jackson

Product Information: The Hobbit The Desolation Of Smaug DVD

Details

Length 2 hrs. 41 mins.

Rating PG-13

Release Date: Apr 08 2014

Added Feb 19 2014

Production Year 2013

UPC Code 794043161032

Studio New Line Home Entertainment