Peter Jackson’s first film in his somewhat bloated Hobbit trilogy will be released to Blu-ray on March 19th, but you won’t see an Extended Edition à la the LOTR Extended Editions that fans have come to expect from the New Zealand director. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released in three versions showcasing the theatrical cut of the film.
For $35.99 (MSRP) fans can get the a combo-pack in Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet versions, while for $44.95 fans can get a 3D upgrade in addition to BD/DVD/Ultraviolet versions. The Blu-ray versions will feature 7.1 HD-DTS Master Audio in addition to the following features:
- New Zealand: Home of Middle Earth (Travel Video)
- Video Blogs
- Start of Production
- Location Scouting
- Shooting Block One
- Filming in 3D
- Locations Part 1
- Locations Part 2
- Stone St. Studios Tour
- Wrap of Principal Photography
- Post-production Overview
- Wellington World Premiere
- Theatrical Trailers
- “Dwarves”
- “Letter Opener”
- “Bilbo Contract”
- “Gandalf Wagers”
- “Gollum Paths”
- Video Game Trailers
- “The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-Earth”
- “Guardians of Middle-Earth”
- “Lego The Lord of the Rings”
- Standard DVD copy of An Unexpected Journey (2D, 480p)
- UltraViolet digital copy An Unexpected Journey (2D, 480p, suitable for mobile) (expires 3/19/15)
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will also release a DVD two-disc special edition (MSRP: $28.98) concurrent with the Blu-ray releases. Warner Bros. knows damn well that any real fan of the cinematic Tolkien works demands an extended cut of the film, but as usual they’re waiting for that special time known as “the holidays” to offer 20- to 25-minutes of additional dwarvish action (no doubt in 3D/Blu, regular Blu, and Ultraviolet). However, those who purchase these theatrical release versions will be privy to a live sneak-peek of the second film in the trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on March 24th at 3PM Eastern/12PM Pacific. You’ll need the access code included in the Blu-ray combo-pack or DVD versions to view this special event.
