The Hobbit Trilogy [Blu-ray] [2014]

Description

All three films from director Peter Jackson's blockbuster prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Set in Middle-Earth 60 years before events in 'The Lord of the Rings', 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' (2012) follows the adventures of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who, at the instigation of the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen), suddenly finds himself co-opted into joining a company of 13 Dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) to help reclaim the Dwarves' lost kingdom of the Lonely Mountain from the clutches of a dragon. After setting out on their quest from the safety of Bag End, the band of travellers soon find themselves pitted against a range of strange and fearsome opponents, in addition to a small, slimy creature known simply as Gollum (Andy Serkis). In 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' (2013), while Gandalf heads south on his own, Bilbo, Thorin and the Dwarves enter the treacherous Mirkwood Forest on their way to the mountain. When they reach Lake-town Bilbo has to perform the role he was assigned at the start of the quest - to find a secret door that will lead him to the lair of Smaug the dragon (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch). In the final instalment, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' (2014), Bilbo, Thorin and the other Dwarves have unintentionally released Smaug from the Lonely Mountain and endangered the residents of Lake-town. Bilbo has to make a difficult decision when Thorin puts his desire to find the royal jewel Arkenstone before his loyalty to his friends. Meanwhile, Gandalf discovers that the evil Sauron has returned, commanding a horde of Orcs to attack the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo and his friends must fight for their survival as five armies meet in battle. The rest of the cast includes Luke Evans, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly and Christopher Lee. Review: BILBO'S UNTOLD STORY - The Hobbit trilogy presented in the 4k format, again, as was the case with the Lord of The Rings trilogy - 'A JOY TO BEHOLD' the upgrade, frankly -stunning. Of course, Tolkien's Hobbit tale was just the one book whereas the LOR was indeed the three books, so it's fair to say the Hobbit tale has been stretched some. The Hobbit story a little more light-hearted at times than the dark LOR one. The story begins with the telling of how the once rich and powerful Dwarfs are driven out from their home in Lonely Mountain by the dragon Smaug. The story previously untold is from the writings and reflections of Bilbo Baggins who now approaching his 111th birthday writes the story for his young cousin Frodo. Sixty years ago the young Bilbo (Martin Freeman) a lover of his home comforts is visited by Gandalf ( Ian McKellen) who has secretly invited a gathering of unruly Dwarfs to meet and indeed enjoy Bilbo's reluctant hospitality, eventually, the group are joined by the apparent heir to the throne of Lonely Mountain Thorin (Richard Armitage) who hopes to reclaim their homeland. Gandalf challenges Bilbo to join the quest, well, Bilbo is not a warrior and doubts he would fit in, however, he does decide to join Gandalf and the Dwarfs on the quest....the beginning of Bilbo's unexpected journey. The group will encounter many varied and often strange persons on the journey which in some instances bring them danger, all the time however they are pursued by the Orcs who are determined to rid the lands of the Dwarfs especially targeting Thorin. Along the way they are guided to Rivendell by Gandalf to shelter for a time, however, there is little trust or love lost between the Elven community and the Dwarfs However, Gandalf catches-up with old friends Elrond (Hugo Weaving) Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), and indeed The White Wizard Saruman (Christopher Lee) The Elves not impressed by the Dwarfs do however invite Bilbo to return someday, which to finish his book he one day in the future will do. The story goes on to tell of how Bilbo comes to find the Ring of Power in the depths of the cave complex occupied by the Goblin King and his hoards. Escaping the cave and the wretched creature Gollum is when Bilbo discovers he can make himself invisible by wearing the ring. Doubt of Bilbo's purpose or usefulness on the quest is repeatedly questioned by Thorin, however, during a skirmish with the Orcs, the Hobbit saves the heir from certain death an act of bravery from the Hobbit that changes Thorin's opinion of Bilbo. On with the quest, the group take shelter in the home of skin-changer Beorn who as is the case with many dislikes Dwarfs but, fortunately for the group likes Orcs even less They are guided the next day en-route to Lonely Mountain to a forest, Gandalf has to leave the group for a while and warns them to stick to the path which the Dwarfs fail to do, attacked by giant spiders Bilbo's find the Ring of Power comes in handy as does the intervention of Wood Elves Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly ) and Legolas (Orlando Bloom) The group are taken to the Wood Elves home, however, like others, the Elves do not like Dwarfs, the group are imprisoned, luckily Bilbo escapes capture and again using the Ring free's the Dwarfs. The group escape in barrels down the river but are pursued by the Orcs, luck is on their side Tauriel and Legolas help the Dwarfs escape by attacking the pursuing Orcs. Lonely Mountain is now in sight, however, how do they cross the great lake? Lake Town resident, family man, and bargeman/fisherman Bard ( Luke Evans) offers his help when Thorin pledges some of the Dwarfs riches to Bard and the master of Lake Town (Stephen Fry) if they can reclaim the mountain. At Lonely Mountain Bilbo discovers the hidden entrance and volunteers to go forth to the great hall in search of the treasured Arkenstone lost during Smaug's attack years before.....trouble is the Dragon voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch guards the mountains of treasure and indeed the Arkenstone. The ring will again come in handy for Bilbo, eventually, with the help of the Dwarfs Skaug is outmaneuvered and fly's off threatening to destroy Lake Town. Meanwhile unbeknown to the triumphant Dwarfs but discovered by Gandalf the Orcs have amassed a large army and are heading toward Lonely Mountain. However, Gandalf becomes imprisoned by the Orcs held in a steel cage and unable to warn the Dwarfs of what was to come. Meanwhile, Laketown is being set ablaze by the Dragon Smaug, Bard who had been imprisoned by the Master of the town knows only he with his skills with a bow can stop the destruction and slaughter. At Lonely Mountain, Thorin now King becomes a victim of the riches around him and loses his sense of fairness and honour. Meanwhile, Galadriel, Elrond, and Saruman arrive at Dol Gudar to free the now weakened Gandalf who, when recovering is desperate to warn his friends of the armies heading their way. At Lonely Mountain King Thorin refuses to aid the Laketown refuges denying them what he'd earlier promised as will he with Woodland Elf leader/Thranduil (Lee Pace) who only wants what is rightfully theirs back he has 0his forces with him to make sure he gets the Elven treasure back/// Thranduil has banished Tauriel who has claimed to be in love with the Dwarf Kíli (Alan Turner) as a result of which Legolas will not side with his father and tells him he'll help Tauriel. After further negotiations when even Bilbo pleads with Thorin to do what's0 right fails the Elven Army lines up to attack the Dwarfs aided by the men of the Dales now led by Bard. Thorin won't surrender knowing a large army of Dwarfs are nearby to aid their King the battle begins, however, the arrival of the Orc army changes everything, the Dwarfs, Elves, and Men all of whom are under threat will join together to thwart the attack. What the three armies are not aware of and has become known to Legolas and Tauriel is that a fifth army is on its way 'The Orcs of Gundabad' A long a costly battle has been raging during which King Thorin has come to his senses and with his Dwarfs joins in the fray. Not all our heroes of the trilogy will survive, Bilbo's adventure nearly at an end, soon time to return to the Shire. A superb visual treat that is cram-/packed with stunning special effects./CGI. Though overall not the equal of the LOR trilogy, not undermining the amazing long battle sequence in the third film, the Hobbit trilogy especially with the 4K upgrade is a great investment. (The two sets LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT both in 4K complimenting each other as a collection) Review: Excellent! - Excellent product and delivery!