The HOBBIT Trilogy | A Complete Retrospective

In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit. And over the course of ten years, a group of New Zealand filmmakers would return to Middle-Earth to bring his story to the big screen.
From the quaint town of Hobbiton to the caverns of Erebor, all the way until the climactic battle of the five armies.
Chronicling the making of Peter Jackson's second, and very different, Middle-Earth Trilogy. Covering the good, the bad, and everything in between.
This is... THE HOBBIT - A COMPLETE RETROSPECTIVE
MAIN SOURCES:
The Hobbit - The Appendices Parts 7 to 12
Lindsay Ellis' Hobbit Trilogy Review/Breakdown/Analysis:
PART 1: • The Hobbit: A Long-Exp...
PART 2: • The Hobbit: Battle of ...
PART 3: • The Hobbit: The Desola...
THE COMPLETE TIMELINE:
00:00 - In a Hole in The Ground…
00:02:30 - 2005: A Bad Start
00:03:34 - 2007: Peter Jackson out of The Hobbit
00:04:21 - 2007: MGM keeps Peter Jackson/Announces The Hobbit
00:05:42 - 2008: Guillermo Del Toro signs on to direct
00:07:08 - 2008: Development Begins
00:09:14 - 2008: Major LOTR players return
00:09:48 - 2010: Troubles Continue
00:10:19 - 2010: Casting Bilbo Baggins vol. 1
00:11:25 - 2010: Guillermo Del Toro steps down
00:12:22 - 2010: New Zealand Film Industry dispute
00:14:36 - 2010: Peter Jackson signs on to direct
00:16:46 - 2010: Casting Bilbo Baggins vol. 2
00:17:33 - 2010: Rebuilding Hobbiton
00:18:19 - 2010: Prepping for 3D at 48 fps
00:19:14 - 2010: The Dawn of Smaug
00:20:21 - 2010: Designing/Casting the Dwarves
00:24:53 - 2011: New and Returning Cast
00:25:53 - 2011: Songs of The Hobbit
00:27:02 - 2011: One Last Delay
00:28:53 - 2011: Principal Photography Begins
00:29:51 - 2011: Riddles in the Dark
00:30:53 - 2011: Filming at Bag-End
00:33:53 - 2011: The Three Trolls
00:34:39 - 2011: Filming Gandalf’s Quest
00:35:36 - 2011: Return to Rivendell
00:37:18 - 2011: Block 1 of Filming Concluded
00:37:39 - 2011: The Hobbit Titles Revealed
00:38:07 - 2011: Filming in London
00:39:15 - 2011: Block 2 of Filming Begins
00:41:18 - 2011: Introducing Tauriel
00:42:30 - 2011: Flies and Spiders/Misty Mountains
00:44:08 - 2011: The Goblin Caves
00:45:17 - 2011: Return to Hobbiton
00:46:20 - 2011: Introducing Beorn/Scene 88
00:47:23 - 2011: Casting Smaug
00:48:26 - 2011: An Unexpected Journey - Trailer #1
00:49:30 - 2012: Motion Capture for Smaug
00:50:26 - 2012: Block 3 of Filming Begins
00:51:36 - 2012: Lake-Town
00:52:59 - 2012: In the Dragon’s Lair
00:54:00 - 2012: The Barrels
00:55:07 - 2012: Erebor/The Stress Takes Hold
00:58:15 - 2012: Principal Photography Ends
00:58:46 - 2012: Comic-Con
00:59:21 - 2012: The Hobbit becomes a Trilogy
01:00:43 - 2012: Pick-Ups - Film One
01:01:30 - 2012: Post-Production - Film One
01:03:18 - 2012: Creating Azog The Defiler
01:04:42 - 2012: Weta Digital’s Advancements
01:05:55 - 2012: An Unexpected Journey - Trailer #2
01:07:14 - 2012: VFX/Music/Sound - Film One
01:08:56 - 2012: Creating Smaug
01:12:11 - 2012: Film One Complete
01:13:51 - 2012: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (Theatrical)
01:30:08 - 2012: Critical Reception to An Unexpected Journey
01:31:52 - 2013: Finalizing Smaug - Film Two
01:34:20 - 2013: Pick-Ups - Film Two
01:36:05 - 2013: Filming the Battle of the Five Armies
01:38:13 - 2013: The Last Weeks in Middle-Earth
01:40:22 - 2013: Promotion Builds for Film Two
01:40:59 - 2013: The Desolation of Smaug - Trailer #1
01:42:28 - 2013: Post-Production - Film Two
01:43:05 - 2013: Music- Film Two
01:44:56 - 2013: The Desolation of Smaug - Trailer #2
01:46:46 - 2013: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (Extended)
01:48:57 - 2013: Reclaiming Erebor
01:51:31 - 2013: Film Two Complete
01:52:38 - 2013: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (Theatrical)
02:08:22 - 2013: Critical Reception to The Desolation of Smaug
02:09:37 - 2014: Film Three Retitled
02:11:49 - 2014: Battle of the Five Armies - Trailer #1
02:13:02 - 2014: Post-Production - Film Three
02:15:24 - 2014: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (Extended)
02:18:43 - 2014: Battle of the Five Armies - Trailer #2
02:19:48 - 2014: Finishing Film Three
02:21:07 - 2014: Film Three Complete
02:22:21 - 2014: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (Theatrical)
02:38:24 - 2014: Reception to Battle of the Five Armies
02:39:55 - 2015: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (Extended)
02:43:20 - There And Back Again
Twitter: / theprimetheater
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/prime_of_gamer/
Outro Music: Running in the 80s 1.5x speed
Galvatron: / @galvysphone

[@YodaOnABender]

Regardless of the overall quality of the trilogy, I think we can all agree that Martin Freeman as Bilbo and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug were perfect casting

[@MiloDC]

Martin Freeman, for sure.

[@cdeford2]

Yes, Freeman and Smaug were really the only good things in the films. Actually. An Unexpected Journey wasn't too bad, but parts 2 and 3 were awful. Jackson butchered the book.

[@YodaOnABender]

@@cdeford2 I don’t mind them. I’ll rewatch them all at least once a year

[@grimzzyhunt6998]

Benedict Cumberbatch as Smauge I agree but I really dislike Martin Freeman as Bilbo

[@avalentova]

I like Armitage as Thorin as well.

[@thehappyheartwanders]

I always feel for Peter Jackson when I see the behind the scenes footage of the Hobbit. In the LotR, you can see his enthusiasm shine through despite the stress. In the Hobbit footage, he just seems so tired and miserable all the time. I wish we could see the alternate timeline where either Del Toro’s version got made or Jackson’s had enough time to be properly prepped.

[@lovablesnowman]

That the hobbit movies are even watchable is kinda amazing. Jackson was directing scenes that didn't even have a script written for yet. In other words he was directing scenes and actors without knowing the context of the scene or where it fit in in the overall movie(s). I really don't think the hobbit movies are good but I do give Jackson credit for recovering them and making them not horrible

[@riograul2043]

Del Toro's two versions would be considered superior I think to any representation of the Hobbit beforehand. He's one of the greatest cinematic minds of our time

[@GreenSabre187]

yup it also makes me sad, and that he had to scrap all the stuff from del toro, despite his love for the franchise i bet he would have prefered to his buddies work, like we all would have loved to, and it must have hurt to throw del toros ideas over board.

[@GreenSabre187]

so much this, pretty fricking emotional when i think about it, so yes, i only have respect for him too, even when the movies are bit of a mess especcialy the third. He did the best he could. Me personally "and unexpected journey" was the best entry.@@lovablesnowman

[@Football__Junkie]

It’s a tough, stressful life having all that money and success.

[@alexz.8302]

Peter Jackson suing New Line just because he wanted to be sure he got paid, and still expecting to work with them, is such a Hobbit thing to do 😂

[@mirelairinapetre6503]

😂😂😂

[@Assassin90Nine]

I thought this was odd. Wouldn't you find out if you got paid properly first then see if they need to be sued or not?.

[@12bharp]

Yeeaaaa that was a wild move.

[@inkzorath7408]

Legit JUST finished the LOTR video, and was curious if there was a Hobbit one. Heard the announcement at the end and back out of the video, and low and behold 28 seconds ago, this video released. What timing! Thank you Prime, and please do keep up this quality editing, you surely did Peter Jackson proud with the first retrospective.

[@rocko34]

Literally same!

[@Bacon__SteezBurger]

Holy shit the same thing happened to me 😂 watched the LOTR video 2 days ago and got super excited when he said he’d be “revisiting middle earth” and figured it would be a while, and then woke up to this beautiful notification.

[@cosmindaniloae8969]

Legit man, just now finished the LOTR video, and this was posted 9 hours ago. Nice treat for me, not gonna lie 😂

[@Gastroboi]

Just last night for me as well.

[@anubusx]

I hated that The Hobbit films created an original female character. And then used them in a love triangle which just clutters the film.

[@uneverjack158]

Man, I never knew about these behind the scenes issues. That really explains a lot of the decisions and issues with these set of movies.

[@YodaOnABender]

Yeah, I’m so sick of seeing people blaming Jackson for the movies being glorified cash grabs. If it wasn’t for him working himself half to death, the movies wouldn’t be half as good as they ended up being

[@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s]

​@YodaOnABender true. It's just never gonna change the end result though that they were steaming poo compared to the lotr

[@YodaOnABender]

@@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s I still like them. Better than any fantasy movie that’s come out since them

[@AgentHeroic]

​@YodaOnABender we're now at a point where the bar has been lowered because Rings of Power was just an awful, awful series and The Hobbit looks like LOTR in comparison

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

I try to share as much as I can without overwhelming people when they shit on Jackson, because man...he was handed a poor deck and the grand majority of people just don't know.

[@nickykasan]

I would love to see one of these retrospectives on the original 3 Pirates of the Carribean movies. That would be an absolute gem.

[@haileymaurer122]

Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, and Benedict Cumberbatch and others really did such an amazing job bringing life to these characters. I do miss the detail from these movies as CGI sometimes doesn't give it that reallife feel, but bravo to peter jackson and the other co-creators for pushing through these setbacks.

[@joshuameyer3686]

The Hobbit isn't on the same level as LOTR, that's true, but rhat doesn't mean that the Hobbit is bad or not enjoyable. There is so much to love about this story and the performances.

[@emhu2594]

It is bad and a pandering waste of potential

[@christopherscharaldi713]

Moron

[@gigachad167]

​@@emhu2594you are braindead kid

[@frionelhero]

There's a great fan edit combining all 3 movies together. It's about 4 hours long. It takes the best of the movie and makes it follow the books more closely with no sidequests. Look up m4, it's great.

[@agentcallisto]

If you’re interested in fan edits, the Cardinal Cut is a great one to check out as well!

[@Jdkieddj]

I have it downloaded but haven't checked it out yet, definitely going to give it a watch. I've heard it's really faithful to the book.

[@andymandy8862]

It’s definitely the best way to watch the hobbit trilogy. In fact my opinion on them changed for the better quite considerably.

[@MattShubert]

I'm only about halfway through this, but I'm really loving your approach to this retrospective. You're not pulling punches but you're also not lavishing unneeded praise on these films. As someone who considers LOTR the greatest filmic experience in existence, I consider myself a bit of a Hobbit Trilogy apologist - there are many clear deficiencies, strange creative decisions, and odd fan service, but overall I absolutely loved spending this additional time in Jackson and Weta's Middle Earth. It's just pure, messy fun.

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

I'm on a similar page. To an extent I feel similar about RIngs of Power, knowing FULL WELL the issues it has, but I simply can't help being grateful for the visualizations of places I love.

[@user-xx6vy9ri8p]

@@user-jt1js5mr3f Better not seeing these places and characters at all than in like this...

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@user-xx6vy9ri8p I disagree.

[@Principal_Behaviour]

Also, No tired jokes every other minute. So grateful for that. I'll be revisiting these retrospectives a lot.

[@12bharp]

I concur!

[@boneheadgaming6051]

Even with its flaws, I quite enjoyed The Hobbit trilogy! This, alongside Lord Of The Rings, is what inspired me to create my own fantasy world.

[@p_nk7279]

I think The Hobbit Trilogy is really good!

[@emmamooney8761]

Good luck with it!

[@hugocastilla3102]

Me too. It's like a guilty pleasure of mine. It's a nice prequel to the LOTR movies imo.

[@TB-bh8tj]

How is your fantasy world going?

[@dakotaloven1362]

Watching Hugo and Ian work together in a scene with just them like on set must've been absolutely majestic and magical these men are acting KINGS

[@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s]

Ehhh. Yes that's true but only as themselves. To elaborate, tell me one single role Hugo killed besides Smith and Elrond. I'll wait lmao as well as Ian for Magento and Gandalf. You can't. It's like naming a role for Daniel Radcliffe outside harry potter. No matter what they won't escape these roles. Yes they achieved ascendant status, don't get me wrong here.

[@dakotaloven1362]

@SandFAGenIsHotGarbage wasn't Hugo weaving both red skull AND V? 🤔 Ian was pretty amazing in the DaVinci code movie and has had a pretty extensive career on stage it isn't JUST about the movies on screen and even if they didn't do other things exactly what is the problem with them being known for certain characters? Doesn't that just prove my point of them being amazing actors since they made the role so memorable that no one could replace them?

[@trevorthornley8835]

​@@dakotaloven1362also Hugo was in Hacksaw Ridge and he was incredible in that.

[@Undomaranel]

​@@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s Seems like you're the only one judging these guys on their lead roles. Anyone who's anyone has seen both Ian and Hugo in a TON of stuff. You're doing the equivalent of saying Tara Strong is only Twilight Sparkle, or Liam O'Brian is only Gaara, when anyone who pays attention is well away of countless other roles they've played.

[@GreenSabre187]

i liked him also in cloud atlas@@trevorthornley8835

[@DeRockMedia]

i spent 3 days off and on watching this video, its nice to hear details without crapping on the movies (and ive watched most those videos when this showed ppl crapping on it). Literally talking to a coworker right now and hes this older British bloke who just told me that he likes The Hobbit more than LOTR...i joked and said dont tell die hard fans that lol. But its nice to see the pure love everyone put into these films

[@ivis9255]

Hobbit, beautifully done, all this hard work, all these amazing actors, filmakers, the crew, the knowledge, skills, time and logistics to come together to create a breathtaking movie, which brings us back to LOTR. I dont know how this is even possible to create but I can only thank to these amazing people for bringing it such a joy of the cinema to watch.

[@Scott_Silver]

It should have just been 2 movies, but 2 movies that just covered the Hobbit book. I like them overall though they nail the key parts.

[@rageagainstmyhatchet]

They could have had the expanded Dol Goldur scenes, the council of the wise, etc. But the additions of love triangles, of Legolas/Daddy issues, of Radagast and his whimsical woodland critters, of the Master's whack ass assistant being in every scene, of giant leviathan lore-crushing worms (a few of them would have solved Sauron's Gondor problem), all together broke the delicate story to an irredeemable level.

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@rageagainstmyhatchet I agree on keeping Dol Guldur and the White Council, especially as Tolkien himself considered another edition of the Hobbit fleshing out where Gandalf went. The love triangle, forced presence of Legolas, and ESPECIALLY Alfred whom I hate so much, it was just filler to "justify" three films. I'd actually argue for Legolas and Radagast being in the films, but in much smaller capacities. It makes sense we would have seen Legolas, but more as a background character and a fun tease. Radagast, living on the western edge of Mirkwood, would have reasonably crossed paths with Gandalf as he traveled to Dol Guldur. The way it all happened though...unfortunate.

[@undertakernumberone1]

@@user-jt1js5mr3fi mean, putting Legolas in is anything BUT forced. it makes sense to have him in. tghe issue is that he became a focal character. Should have had a few scenes for himself, otherwise be there with his father, maybe leading a mirkwood archer unit. Something liket hat.

[@user-jt1js5mr3f]

@@undertakernumberone1 agreed, and I said as much. By saying he was forced, I mean the role he played, the reference to strider, and the “feelings” for tauriel. It definitely feels like something that swelled when they made it three films instead of two

[@undertakernumberone1]

@@user-jt1js5mr3f it feels like something that might have gotten cut back had they had more time to work on the movies and less studio interference wanting a love triangle

[@ducklink8781]

I know these movies have issues and people don’t like them but I love all these movies they are just nice and comfy and knowing all the behind the scenes issues and they still made these great movies

[@evandickinson6393]

Perfect movies for a day when youre under the weather and wanna curl up drink something warm and veg

[@imustaway]

agreed...in my opinion the Hobbit trilogy gets too much hate and i cant understand why.

[@Undomaranel]

​@@imustaway Because LotR was a love letter to the original writings of Tolkien. The Hobbit is a corporate fanfic, which paved the way to Rings of Power's bastardization of the entire genre and lore. On LotR behind the scenes, they were checking the script to the book in the moment. Actors had a say on their character, and the comraderue was genuine. The Hobbit? They didn't give them enough prep time for anything, and that the trilogy is watchable at all is a miracle. But that doesn't make them good, that doesn't make them somehow beneficial to the Middle Earth universe. They should have been the warning, instead they were used as a stepping stone of new lows. Also, all the filler gag material makes me gag. See that Kronk reviewers take on how out of character and destructively they treated the Dwarves, let alone falling on tired cliches and video game logic to fill the time slots demanded by WB. The Hobbit movies are hated because we know what they could have been with proper support and love. Instead they stand as wasted potential, that still put money in Hollywood's pockets which told them it's okay to destroy beloved franchises and IPs, it's okay to make modern jokes and political references, it's okay to suddenly ship and love story faster than Yang and Blake or Korra and Asami, that the true fans will cry while the complacent enjoyed will buy anything. Well done proving them right. Well done.

[@Godzillaminusone70]

@@Undomaranel hey I agreed with everything you said but the final paragraph was odd.

[@Undomaranel]

@@Godzillaminusone70 The last sentence? Sarcasm. My bad, should have used /s.

[@anthonyhanks-yv9on]

Still better than rings of power.

[@NelsonStJames]

When you’re talking about Tolkien that’s not a very high bar. You do it right, or don’t, and if you don’t then it’s all the same; the degree of how bad doesn’t really matter, because if you love Tolkien you aren’t going to be watching it at all.

[@maxacorn]

i always knew jackson had something of a raw deal when he had to step up to make the hobbit but its amazing that the trilogy got done with everything going against it.

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

I don't care what anyone says, I love the Bombur "never-ending" barrel scene and Gandalf's journey through Dol Guldur is awesome

[@necrosadotor]

gandalf's shit was my fave thing about these, barrels not so much haha.

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

@@necrosadotor to each their own. I know I'm in the minority on the barrel sequence, but that's ok

[@necrosadotor]

absolutely it's ok, i could see myself laughing at it when tired lol@@asorlokirunarsson9864

[@iambuhlockay8007]

@@asorlokirunarsson9864I thought the Barrel sequence was great!

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

@@iambuhlockay8007 ikr! These movies have problems, but the barrel sequence gets way too much hate

[@dandino9521]

Despite issues and all, I love Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT TRILOGY. Twice I watched The Hobbit Trilogy just to watch The LOTR trilogy. I love Ian Holm as Bilbo, and Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Having Hugo Weaving, Kate Blanchete and Orlando Bloom as Legolas and Christopher Lee as Saruman just was icing on the cake and I feel no one should play those characters again. These six films as LoreRunner said..." These films are a work of art..." and...they are...at least to me... Thank you Peter Jackson, Cast, Crew...thank you J.R.R Tolkien for creating an amazing world and thank you God for allowing my Mother and I to see these films and share many Adventures in Middle Earth through books, Video Games and RPGs...❤🎉🎮💖🙏👏☕☕🥺💖

[@bensneb360]

No better way to spend a rainy Saturday then by watching a Prime retrospective, it’s as cozy as a hobbit in a hole in the ground

[@arandomguy1226]

I am doing this on a rainy Sunday lol

[@YouTubePremiumWatch]

@@arandomguy1226and us on a lazy Saturday too! Good vibes :)

[@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s]

I'm doing it in a porto potty and Inhaling deeply

[@arandomguy1226]

@@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s what life circumstances lead to this lol?

[@bEtHeSdA_LAME_sTuDi0s]

@@arandomguy1226 crypto currency and amphetamines

[@ingloriousbaxter]

Seeing the way it effected Ian McKellen is heartbreaking. He's one of the best actors we have so you know if he's struggling something is really fucked with the production

[@davidbeer5015]

It really is heartbreaking. I do appreciate this retrospective going into the full context of the situation, though, and how the crew responded. Too often I just see online the static image of him breaking down on the set with a remark or two to make the decisions and CG of the movie feel misguided. The camera choice might not have been the best in the grand scheme, but I feel they did their best with what they could.

[@rolf6266]

“The advancements in hobbit feet” is a something I never expected to hear

[@haileymaurer122]

Also I just must add that thank you for going into Smaug's creation. The one big takeaway from this movie was Smaug- his design was just perfection!

[@BrotherRobbie]

Came in for Transformers, and stayed for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit! I've really enjoyed your reviews of each of these major series, and truly appreciate all the work you put in, man! Great job as always!

[@jneumy566]

I do love how the Shire theme becomes a symbol of whay Gandalf told Galadriel about Hobbits, a symbol of simple acts of goodness and the courage of ordinary folk. The themes of what Bilbo brings to the company as just an ordinary guy will always be a favorite part of what the movies were able to do with more length. You get a lot of moments for the humble views and ideas of this normal guy to shine in the middle of these grand things like battles and dragons and cursed gold. I'll always love that about these movies, regardless of the other times they fall flat

[@BlueSideUp77]

For the experience, I cut the three extended movies into 4 hours. Even though others had done it, I enjoyed the process. Speaking of, I know how much WORK that THIS edit and the lotr one took. Major kudos!

[@rageagainstmyhatchet]

I did this myself with the original trilogy. Try cutting out everything that wasn't in the books and re-editing it to be inline with the structure of the books. A fun process for nerds, and a challenge with the clashing background music (which you have to fade in and out). I stand by having Sam look out to Cirith Ungol knowing that he has to rescue Frodo, is a much better ending to the two towers.

[@BlueSideUp77]

@@rageagainstmyhatchet I have some mighty proud music and/or transition editing moments! :)

[@ALL_that_ENDS]

After watching the LOTR retrospective about 8 times (seriously, great to sleep to) I can't e believe the turn around time on this, great work buddy.

[@Ringsfan1]

I actually found the first trailer by accident. In December 2011 I loved watching fan made Hobbit trailers. Then I clicked on one, only to discover about 20 seconds in that it WAS the real trailer!!!!! I had NO idea it was the real thing at first! What a great experience!

[@Nannie4334]

I remember watching the animated movie of The Hobbit when I was 12 years old on TV. I loved the song at the end of The Hobbit and hummed it for awhile. Years later I was able to get it on DVD. I still have fond memories of it.

[@BrianCrillyMAT]

I have a strong belief The Hobbit trilogy will be viewed the same way younger generations now view the Star Wars prequels today. Before, they were universally shat on because of fan expectations based on the original films. Now, many younger people genuinely enjoy them as they are.

[@PR-fw4cv]

2:02:20 I personally think it is fine they added the White council vs. Sauron bit to the 2nd movie because while it was passed by Gandalf "being away" in the book, it did indeed happen at this moment in the timeline. Fits well considering they were already making this more of prequel to LOTR rather than faithful adaptation of the book. My biggest complaint about the whole Hobbit trilogy is including Legolas and Tauriel, they are both unnecessary characters and as said it makes sense that Legolas would be in the Woodland realm at the time of the Hobbit, he is given way too much attention. Just seeing him in passing would have been enough while the dwarves are held prisoner

[@katelynevans8100]

I love how everyone says that the Hobbit is a more lighthearted story than LOTR, which in many ways it is, but I cried for days after watching BOTFA because I was so depressed after Fili Kili and Thorins deaths lol

[@gavintucker264]

I love these movies. I don’t care about their issues, I grew up with them and hold them very very very dear to my heart. These dwarves are amazing, and so is bilbo. The fan service is weird, but objectively isn’t bad

[@Aethelbeorn]

Dude... I just finished watching the LotR retrospective a half hour ago and you pull this? Bravo.

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

This is crazy. I knew there were some troubles throughout the production of this trilogy, but I had no idea how deep they went.

[@Dina_tankar_mina_ord]

Wow, I can't help but admire the incredible dedication and hard work that's gone into this content! The hours you've put in really shine through, and it's inspiring to see such passion and commitment. Keep up the fantastic work, and I have no doubt your subscribers and views will continue to soar!

[@RaphaelRemington6969]

I just discovered your channel and I was surprised to see that you don’t have 10 million subscribers. This is some real professional and entertaining work.

[@tombystander]

Man I watched ur lotr retrospective twice already. Can't wait to binge this one

[@BulgyBoar]

Remarkable revelations of just how much work went into the trilogy. I like to think that a lot of people who detest it would give it a bit more credit after watching this. Thank you and well done for all the work you must have put in!

[@trevorthornley8835]

And they aren't bad. They're quite good.

[@821lancevance]

Especially now that Hollywood has a bunch of woke BS films. These films are much better in comparison

[@trevorthornley8835]

@@821lancevance yup. It's just like how people view the prequels after the sequels came out.

[@southpawalex3548]

I have always wondered how would a duology version of the hobbit would look like, cause that really seems like the best version of the adaptation

[@chrismoore8172]

Prime, you've outdone yourself again my friend! What I appreciate most about your work is the narrative aspect that you bring to the behind the scenes content. As much as I love The Appendices from the 6 movies, it's harder and harder to watch 60 hours of it. You do such a great job capturing the essence of the process and weaving it all together in a way that tells its own story. As for this trilogy, I have no shame in admitting that the more I watch them (at least once per year, along with the original trilogy) the more I not only enjoy them but appreciate all of the work that went into them. I can't wait for your next outing!

[@Oppaiislyf]

Watchinng this makes me appreciate the trilogy even more

[@p_nk7279]

I just finished all 3 of these (got a cheap dvd pack @B&N) - they are REALLY GOOD! I recommend this series. Totally rewatching now.

[@ThePapo1980]

I never watch full reviews, much less 2 hour plus. But I have to say, this one and the LOTR was absolutely fantastic. Great job, this is how all reviews should be for movies

[@chatsunami]

Just finished your LOTR retrospective and this one today. I've got to say you do one heck of a job with your retrospectives! They are super informative and your editing is fantastic. Amazing work!

[@mackbaff562]

Cant get enough of these Hobbit deep dives! One of the best ones so far!!

[@charlie.on.youtube]

My favorite movie review ever was for the third Hobbit film: “Well, that’s over.” Summed it up perfectly.

[@Mini_Hayley]

Ugh…. Fine. I’ll rewatch all 6 movies for the 200th time.

[@Possiblekim]

Man, your video really open my eyes, you do not see the complexity of the movie until you see the behind the scene. and you narration also fits it perfectly

[@NinHawAssassin]

I may or may not have an edit of the three movies that cuts out everything that wasnt in the books. The amount thats cut from the second and third movies is astounding.

[@bjw4859]

Luckly i'm not a fanatic so I at least enjoyed them, even though they weren't even in the same ball park as LOTR & I sat through this video in one go, nearly 4 am now so I might give these videos a rest for a bit but thank you for making this, it filled in a lot of the holes.

[@alvincura]

Thank you for all your work. This and the Lord of the Rings retrospective are simply masterful. I am grateful that this work of yours exists. In this one, I agree with almost all of your criticisms. Except for one. The material about the Dark Lord and the larger narrative may seem disconnected from the main character. And if the movies were supposed to be a direct adaptation of Bilbo's memoir, then indeed the absence of the title character would indeed be a disservice. But in the context of the epic, he isn't the main character. Not even Bilbo himself thought that. The final version of the Red Book of Westmarch made it quite clear. As compiled by Bilbo, Frodo, and Samwise the central character is actually Sauron, and it always was. There were many heroes in the course of the story. But only one actual villain. Even Morgoth is only mentioned in passing.

[@redwar77]

This channel deserves way more subscribers. These are the best retrospectives out there, always a pleasure watching these videos

[@maxxpintus8664]

I just spent the last weekend rewatching the hobbit extended trilogy so this is genuinely perfect timing to view this. Thank you for the great content that you produce, keep it up.

[@DDRMR]

What the hell, I was so happy with the LOTR video and figured the inevitable Hobbit one would take months because of the amount of work these must take and BAM. Man I'm so happy to watch your channel grow and I look forward to seeing it's growth!

[@someinteresting]

It did take months. The other video was published months ago but got copyright claimed and he just succeeded to return it.

[@LikeTheNumeral]

I really appreciate the fact that you point out that the crew still made Gandalf (yes I know it's Ian McKellen, just let me feel things) feel better, after all the bollocks memes about how he wanted to give up acting after the hobbit

[@Bacon__SteezBurger]

Incredible video, just as good as your LOTR trilogy that I was lucky enough to watch 2 days ago. I got excited when you said you’d be revisiting middle earth at the end of that video, and then woke up to this upload haha the timing is as epic as the detail you put into your retrospectives 🙌🏼 Keep up the awesome work man, love the content so much.

[@danboom101]

PoG for the win. Thank you for this, it's incredible like all your retrospectives.

[@Le-Abdollen]

I love the extended Hobbit movies as much as LOTR. I think Thorin and Thranduil are superbly realised and acted characters, some of the best of the entire 6 movies. It's just disappointing that there weren't 4 commentary tracks like with the LOTR movies.

[@scottforbes4463]

You’re uploads & content genuinely bring me so much happiness & entertainment. Thanks you.

[@sarap275]

just finished your lord of the rings video and came straight to this one. i love you for these videos thank you so much for all the work you’ve put into them 😭❤️

[@smokyshinobi_]

I enjoy your work so much. Thank you for all the time it takes!

[@michaelbranch5484]

This movies are very good. Sometimes we forget how much work went into making these movies. Bravo!!!

[@lindamuncy6308]

I loved your reviews and learned a lot. Thanks for all your hard work and I hope your channel continues to grow.

[@RocKnight11]

I just discovered your channel and I like what I see... I'm looking forward to seeing this.

[@revbenf6870]

Another fantastic video with so much information!! One small gripe, please stop saying "honing in". To hone is to sharpen. The correct term is "homing in" as in homing pigeons who are released far from home but manage to "home in". I know it's a common mistake but it grates. Other than that, thanks for these excellent retrospectives!!! Having just invested in the extended versions, but so far only watched the first two, whilst it would have been much better to have had a smoother process and only 2 movies, on balance I prefer that they were attempted with all the flaws, than not attempted at all. Compared to Rings of Power, I still find more in these movies to enjoy. Thanks again.

[@noncsi7641]

I have nothing to add to the discourse about the movies, but I must say that the production quality, structure, and narration of this video is incredible. I feel like I could watch this for several more hours. Amazing compilation and presentation of the material. Truly wonderful work!

[@ishaankhurana14]

what a treasure! absolute legend you are mate! keep doing good stuff!

[@susuelisa7134]

"having shed his armour to be ready for battle" - i just love that sentence!

[@bryandraughn9830]

I've been enjoying your videos. Very well done! It's nice to finally understand some of the things that I never could figure out before.

[@jacksonmiyamoto3347]

You are legit one of my favorite KZbinrs! Keep up the great videos they are a blast to watch!

[@patfranco]

I wish they kept it at 2 movies, then the whole series could've been known as The Jackson 5

[@chinaski6593]

Amazing work on both trilogies!

[@dgrays2800]

The hobbit trilogy was never boring, not one bit. love it.

[@NaufalHerma]

And the wait is over!!! LETS GOOO

[@markthompson3725]

This was really well researched and objectively told. Thank you, sir.

[@georgekraft9829]

LETS GOOOOO IVE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR THIS MOMENT, EVER SINCE LOTR RETROSPECTIVE

[@vario6492]

WE EATIN GOOD TONIGHT BOYS! these retrospectives are so yummy, thought they' be been out for years but they're only MONTH old? 🤯🤯

[@benfisher6978]

Absolutely loved your lotr video only finished it last week:)

[@bencoolbear3214]

I have thoroughly enjoyed these retrospectives. They bring me back to the fun and joy I had watching these movies. I wholeheartedly disagree that the white council scenes and Rastagast did not work. 8 even loved the ring wraith music at the fight with Azog. I loved it all, because it gave me more, I cannot pick out any part of the movie that I did not like. I loved it all, and after three extended movies, left me wanting more.

[@alexkirschner9672]

after watching your LOTR retrospective countless time I cant wait for this!

[@GarrusDeWitt]

Excellent work. Looking forward to your future output.

[@monsterartist231]

oh finay!! really waiting for this! thank you soo much!

[@AleMarchAMP]

Thank you for this great extended review

[@bradhend]

This channel is my new favorite obsession! I found the dark knight retrospective and quit about 10 minutes in when I discovered the treasure trove of other content. Just finished the lotr and hobbit retrospectives. Now on to the dark night trilogy in order!

[@marijeangalloway1560]

Thrain might have been introduced earlier in the story as the possessor of the last and most powerful Dwarven rings as Thorin is also seeking that. One reason to see more of him is that he is played here by the late, great Sir Antony Sher, one of his generation's finest Shakespearean actors. He should have been given more to do in "The Hobbit!" I am surprised they got him at all. He was taken from us too soon, and is sorely missed.

[@dennisschoonheim4691]

This videos are really great!🎉

[@Magnificent7Seven]

So much i never knew about the film! Thank you for sharing!

[@WilAdams]

I'm sorry but the fact is that I saw the first film in 48 and it was like watching a stage play. I loved it. Then sure, I had read the book a couple of times, but all I cared about was returning to Middle Earth. Having the book split into 3 films and padding it out to make it last longer worked great for me. The scenes of the Council Meeting was great since we know that Saruman the White is already under the sway of the EYE of Mordor. That prior knowledge makes the scene even more tense. Likewise, I LOVED (and thought that it was the best part of the film) the Storm Giants battling. It was exciting and it made the journey the dwarves were taking seem even more perilous than the troll dinner scene was. The longer film (and expanded number of films) also allowed for the inclusion of more Middle Earth. All the reasons that the Expanded versions of the LOTRs the preferred versions. The second film I saw in the chairs that vibrated and tilted so it was the perfect way to see the barrels in the river. Sadly, it was the manufactured 'love story' that seemed like a pale imitation of the real Aragorn love story. We did not need that,, and the Evangeline Lilly character was not well written worse, the actress could not (and still cannot) act convincingly--see the last 2 Antman films for proof of this. In the final film I was bored by the actual battles because by now the dwarves seemed to have too much plot armor.

[@TheBasicsVisual]

Oh my god, finally. You're a legend

[@Aquadiction]

Thank you for the video, enjoyed your take muchly, subscribed buddy

[@guezzwho8000]

I was so confused as a child because to me Bard looked so much like Will from POTC that i really thought Orlando Bloom played both Legolas and him lol

[@AnotherH8er]

I really appreciate this video, thank you ❤

[@chadheisenberg171]

I was reluctant to re-watch the Hobbit until I discovered fan-edit versions. For those who seek a shorter, enjoyable and very well edited cuts I would recommend one of these options: 1. M4 or Maple's one 4h movie - closer to book material, excludes all Dol Guldur story 2. Adam Den's "Original Two-Film Structure" (my personal fav) - while it keeps some original material such as Dol Guldur, it still cuts 1/3 of footage (e.g. Tauriel romance, most of Alfrid/ Master, etc.) for a final two 3h movies You can easily find the links on internet, just make sure you own the Hobbit Extended editions and enjoy!

[@Fall_Cake]

Adam dens 2 film edit is my go to when watching the hobbit

[@timpage9424]

One of those productions that the more you hear about it, the more you understand why Peter Jackson just disappeared and now just makes documentaries. 😂 I did always appreciate the behind the scenes videos Jackson posted on Facebook as production was underway.

[@SIMPLIFIEDFILMING]

Thanks for making this.

[@Snorlink]

Amazing video! Super interesting

[@jingles009]

I love these movies, with every minute. BUT, The Hobbit should have been two extended movies instead of three.

[@chrisbarnes3660]

These videos are retrospectaculars