The second chapter in director Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit trilogy, THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, was a better-received entry in the series, as fans felt that the darker tone, abundance of action, and of course, the titular dragon, made for a much more satisfying experience than THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. Now, those fans can pick up the second chapter on blu-ray, DVD, and digital download starting in April, when the film sees its home entertainment debut. Whether you genuinely dug the film or just want it to complete your Middle Earth collection, there’s a few versions to choose from, including 3D, HD, VOD, and standard. Check out the full specs below.
Here’s the synopsis:
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.
Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company travels East, encountering along the way skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all–a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself–The Dragon Smaug.
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and 2-Disc Standard Definition DVD Special Edition contain the following special features:
· Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: In the Company of the Hobbit and Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: All in a Day’s Work – Experience the film’s challenges and demands, and journey alongside the director into Mirkwood, Lake-town and Dale as the movie’s most intense, pivotal scenes are created
· Production Videos – Watch production come to life as Peter Jackson gives you an inside look at the making of the film
· New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth, Part 2 – Travel with Peter Jackson and his team across the stunning locations of New Zealand transformed by the filmmakers into Middle-earth
· “I See Fire” Music Video – Ed Sheeran’s beautiful theme song from the film is illuminated with this intimate music video
I personally enjoyed both entries in the new trilogy, but I know that many have their quibbles. For me, it’s just a fun, reliable franchise in the hands of Jackson and that’s good enough for me. Nothing can topple the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy in my book, so watching THE HOBBIT is just a fun addition to the overall Middle Earth saga, rather than a competitor for the top spot.
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG will be available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and for download from online digital retailers including iTunes, Xbox, PlayStation, Cineplex Store and CinemaNow on April 8, 2014. Preorder here!