The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Blu-ray Review

Warner Bros.' 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" delivers a visually stunning transfer that is both faithful to Peter Jackson's vision and technically impressive. Utilizing a Red Epic camera system, the 2.40:1 aspect ratio brings forth New Zealand’s landscapes with breathtaking clarity. Every minute detail, from the wrinkles and pores of the characters’ skin to the texture of their costumes, is captured with remarkable precision. The meticulous rendering of Smaug's scales stands out as a particular highlight. Although the film maintains a darker, bleaker palette compared to its predecessor, the colors are vivid and true to the dramatic digital grading by Jackson and cinematographer Andrew Lesnie.

Despite moving from a high frame rate of 48fps to the traditional 24fps for Blu-ray, the transfer avoids any motion judder, ensuring a smooth viewing experience. The presentation is consistently sharp, exposing imperfections in armor, buildings, and weapons, while revealing fine background details and rock formations with crisp, brilliant contrast. However, brightness levels do present a minor drawback; while shadow details in Mirkwood and Erebor are slightly muted and appear murky, they do not significantly detract from the overall quality. Black levels are generally satisfying but can appear less deep in some scenes.

Artifacting, banding, and other potential distractions are virtually absent, confirming the high-quality encoding. Instances of aliasing are minimal and negligible. The skin tones are consistently natural, with no oversaturation or warmth issues. This high-def transfer ultimately offers an immersive and visually rewarding experience that captures the essence of the film’s atmosphere and production design. All in all, "The Desolation of Smaug" on Blu-ray is a technical marvel that will undoubtedly please Jackson’s fervent fans.

Warner Bros.' DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track for "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" demonstrates remarkable quality and precision. Dialogue is clear, appropriately grounded within Middle-earth, and consistently prioritized without being overpowered by the film’s dynamic action scenes. Effects such as the skittering of Mirkwood spiders, the lapping water in Laketown, and the tremendous roar of Smaug are delivered with pinpoint accuracy and immersive presence. The LFE channel supports these elements with substantial weight and presence, ensuring everything from Beorn's rampages to the dragon's fiery breath feels palpably intense. The rear speakers excel in adding subtle ambient effects, enriching the viewing experience with a fluid 360° soundfield.

The dynamic range exhibited in this track is formidable, capturing the smallest details clearly and distinctly. From the delicate fluttering of butterflies atop a deadly forest canopy to the booming crashes of battles and clashing of metal swords, every sound is meticulously rendered. Notably, Howard Shore's sweeping score stands out, enveloping viewers with its dramatic intensity and never letting go. Directionality is spot-on, with seamless pans and precise location cues that pull the listener further into the world of Middle-earth.

Low-frequency effects are strikingly powerful, effectively reproducing the roar of dragons and the thumps of Wargs' paws. While the bass performance doesn’t always hit the deepest lows, it compensates with its robust role in executing battle scenes and enhancing the orchestration of Shore's score. Action sequences showcase an appreciable mid to upper range extension that occasionally rattles walls and floors. Overall, Warner’s surround sound presentation remains an immersive triumph, ensuring that every nuance of this cinematic journey can be thoroughly appreciated.

The Blu-ray of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" offers an extensive array of bonus content, providing a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the production process. The extras are thoughtfully organized across multiple discs, ensuring minimal compression and maintaining high video quality. Key highlights include Peter Jackson's in-depth, two-part invitation to the set, showcasing daily life during filming; several production videos offering detailed insights into the making of the movie; and a unique live event where Jackson answers fan questions. Also featured is a segment on the breathtaking New Zealand locations used for Middle-earth, a collection of trailers and previews, and a music video by Ed Sheeran. This collection of extras not only enriches the viewing experience but also provides invaluable insights into the filmmaking process, making it a must-have for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: Two-part feature on cast and crew's routines.
• Production Videos: Four featurettes on pick-ups shooting and music scoring.
• Live Event: In the Cutting Room: Archival version of March 2013 live Q&A.
• New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth, Part 2: Overview of New Zealand locations.
• Trailers & Previews: Six trailers and promotional videos.
• Music Video: "I See Fire" by Ed Sheeran.

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" departs significantly from J.R.R. Tolkien's original text, opting for grander spectacle over faithful adaptation. Director Peter Jackson takes liberties that expand and complicate the story, transforming it into a brisk, action-heavy adventure that offers both moments of exhilaration and contentious departures from the source material. While Tolkien purists may find themselves disillusioned by the alterations, including character motivations and key events, those able to view the film independently of the book will appreciate its pace, visual grandeur, and heightened stakes. Martin Freeman's Bilbo remains central to the narrative, though the film tends to spotlight secondary characters such as Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and introduces new ones like Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly) and Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans). These additions add complexity and diversify the plot, creating engaging dynamics and conflicts that enrich the cinematic experience.

Technical execution stands out, with seamless integration of practical effects and CGI, particularly in the portrayal of Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). While some CGI elements, such as Beorn's transformation, may feel clumsy, set pieces like the spider encounter in Mirkwood and the showdown with Smaug demonstrate Jackson's deft hand in crafting epic visual spectacles. The film's soundtrack, composed by Howard Shore, enhances the emotional and dramatic tones, seamlessly blending with action sequences and quieter moments to maintain narrative pace and viewer engagement.

The narrative itself is fast-paced and devoid of many slower character-building scenes found in its predecessor, "An Unexpected Journey." This shift prioritizes action over intricate storytelling, something which pays off in terms of entertainment value but may dissatisfy those looking for deeper explorations of character arcs or thematic depth. Ultimately, Jackson’s interpretation relies heavily on high-octane sequences, intricate set designs, and sprawling visual effects, making "The Desolation of Smaug" an enjoyable yet divisive chapter in his Middle-earth saga.

Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" effectively navigates the rich landscapes of Middle-earth, offering viewers a thrilling adventure teeming with action and fantastical elements. Picking up soon after "An Unexpected Journey," this installment resonates with both avid Tolkien enthusiasts and casual fans, providing an enhanced narrative that improves upon its predecessor. The Blu-ray edition stands out with its exceptional audio and video quality, making it a top-tier reference for home theater entertainment. Accompanying supplements, most of which are exclusive, add substantial value, although the inclusion of an inevitable Extended Edition may sway purchasing decisions.

A pivotal consideration for potential buyers revolves around the extended cut due later in the year. While the current Blu-ray's array of extras is impressive, die-hard fans might prefer to wait for the extended release that promises additional content. On the other hand, the immediate availability of this Blu-ray ensures an unparalleled viewing experience that is hard to pass up, featuring a robust suite of special features in its two-plus hours of additional content. Noteworthy is the flicker-free performance and immersive soundstage that significantly enhance the viewing experience. For those unsure about the dual investment, the decision centers on one's devotion to Tolkien's universe.

In conclusion, "The Desolation of Smaug" is not without its narrative flaws, and it takes liberties in straying from Tolkien's original text. However, it triumphs as an action-packed fantasy adventure that delivers on multiple fronts — from compelling cast performances to stellar production design and visual effects. Warner Bros.' Blu-ray release lives up to these high standards with a remarkable audiovisual presentation. Whether you choose to indulge now or wait for the comprehensive Extended Edition, this release undoubtedly merits a place in any collection.