Review Detail

Watched the 2022 update version (with the “Blunt the Knives” alternate Part 1) another excellent edit of the Hobbit and the first I have seen which splits the narrative into ~1 hour episodes. I think having it this way helps give the impression of good pace, albeit with the more-frequent pauses resulting in a less-immersive experience compared to edits that play in three or fewer parts.

I think also that there are a few areas where a little more tightening (e.g. dwarf table manners, “The dawn will take you all!” and Gollum paddling over to Bilbo) via small trims might have helped. Conversely, I miss the scene at the Prancing Pony, which helps sets up the importance of the Arkenstone (could have gone at the start of Part 3), and the minimisation of Azog (as weak as a character he is) makes his ending battle with Thorin less meaningful. Not having him around at “Out of the frying pan…” works well though, remember feeling exasperated at this stage when watching the original!

Enjoyed Part 4.5, taking bits that can detract from the story flow if left in their normal place and putting them together works really well, also helps give significance to Azog before his encounter with Thorin. I think there is an editing error however at the end of the White Council meeting, if all of this episode is set after Gandalf leaves the Company at the edge of Mirkwood, I can’t see how it makes sense for Galadriel to telepathically say “They are leaving”, as this originally referred to Bilbo and the dwarves leaving Rivendell.

Looks and sounds very good, didn’t notice any audio-visual glitches or errors. A very polished product that I may well watch again but the quest to find my ideal take on the trilogy out of the currently near-30 listed entries continues!