High-Frame-Rate Version Of THE HOBBIT To Be Released In Limited Number Of Locations
When the 48 frames-per-second version of The Hobbit footage was screened at CinemaCon earlier this year, it was met with a mixed reaction from those in attendance. Regardless, it now appears as if only a few select fans will be able to see it for themselves.
Showblitz reports that despite Warner Bros.' confidence in high-frame-rate movies, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will only have a limited release in the format. Despite a mixed reaction at CinemaCon earlier this year, the film now looks much better according to their sources, but the studio are still wary of giving it a wide release. Unfortunately for fans, this means that it may not even make it into all the major cities. Part of the reason for this is that some theatres simply aren't equipped for the HFR projection (although that may be sorted for some with a software upgrade next month). If The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey gets a good reception from moviegoers, it's likely that the studio would increase the release of the second and third instalments in the HFR format.
The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.
Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.
Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
STARRING:
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins
Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey
Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield
Andy Serkis as Gollum
Hugo Weaving as Elrond
Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug
Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman
Christopher Lee as Saruman the White
Cate Blanchett as Galadriel
Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins
Orlando Bloom as Legolas
RELEASE DATE: December 14th, 2012.