Review: The Hobbit IMAX 3-D 48fps

I've already written my review of The Hobbit, but now I’ve now seen it in both 2-D 24fps and IMAX 3-D 48fps, and I have to say that as much as I’ve generally been unimpressed by 3-D (Avatar I’m looking at you) I thought it was put to good use by Peter Jackson. It wasn't used as a gimmick, but rather to make the world of Middle-Earth that much more real. Honestly, except for a few spots, I didn't even notice the 3-D effects, which as far as I can tell means that it was successful.

The 48fps on the other hand I thought was fantastic! The opening of the movie, as old Bilbo walked through Bag End was so clear and sharp that I felt like I was walking along with him. Some reviews have complained that it took away some of the magic of the movie. I felt the opposite. Being able to see the details made the whole thing, including the fantastical elements, more real. 

One element I didn't note in my initial review was that I really liked the slight redesign to the wargs. The initial effort in the Lord of the Rings movies to give them hyena elements didn't work for me as much as the more wolfish appearance here did. 

The armor of the Rivendale elves was pretty cool too. The deep red and gold worked really well, especially when seen in context with the armor from the second age, and the armor worn by the elves at Helms Deep. I wish we could have seen more of it as they hunted the warg riders. 

If you haven't seen it yet, and you have the option, I would highly recommend seeing it in IMAX 3-D, 48fps as Peter Jackson intended.

I can't wait to see what special features show up on the DVD.