Hobbit Video Diary links and discussion

[Elentári]

I also really like the opening shot of Radagast and the bird.

Yes, that was rather lovely, and indeed the new footage of younger Thorin and Balin at Erebor was exciting to see. I do love seeing the enthusiasm and passion of the folks behind-the-scenes, but have to agree with Prim in that the highlight for me was seeing the musicians settling down to record Howard's score at Abbey Road...

[Voronwë the Faithful]

Yes, it was for me, too. Despite the fact that I had heard a considerable portion of the soundtrack (the 60 second previews), that gave me chills.

[Voronwë the Faithful]

So the longer-bearded Thorin pictures that we saw a couple of days apparently weren't just concept art, they were actually for the younger Thorin (based on the scene glimpsed in the vlog with the considerably younger looking Balin). Which explains why, in those pictures that we saw, he looked, well, younger (which is one reason I didn't like them as much, although if they really are for a flashback to an earlier time, bring it on!

[Elentári]

I think they could be design ideas for a younger, more regal Thorin in the days of Erebor, particularly as they appear to be compressing the timeline and making him old enough to fight there.

Guess I called it first!

[Voronwë the Faithful]

Once again showing your stardom!

[Dave_LF]

This was actually a double post, but I'll try to sneak in some actual content so no one can tell.

the moment that really filled me with excitement that the film is so close was the small snatch of the score we heard, with the Dwarves' theme being played by heroic brasses.

This may be obvious, but we're hearing different parts of the soundtrack all through the thing. Though the moment you mention is my favorite too.

[Dave_LF]

So what's an American Robin doing in Middle Earth? And is it the thrush? I'm sure all this and more is being discussed to death on TORN, but I haven't been over there much this week.

[Voronwë the Faithful]

It seems odd for it to be the thrush, but it also seems odd for it not to be!

[Primula Baggins]

This was actually a double post, but I'll try to sneak in some actual content so no one can tell.

the moment that really filled me with excitement that the film is so close was the small snatch of the score we heard, with the Dwarves' theme being played by heroic brasses.

This may be obvious, but we're hearing different parts of the soundtrack all through the thing. Though the moment you mention is my favorite too.

Of course you're right, but I don't notice the music as much when I'm concentrating on the visuals. Watching the orchestra play the music is like being at a concert; the focus is the music.

I'm sure my reaction to the score is going to be the same as it was for the LotR films: I'll love it, but I won't get to know it until I get the score and listen to it separately.

ETA: Still only 74% through the Hobbit, so I don't remember the thrush! Considering cheating and searching for it. . . .

EATA: Read a TORN article instead. I'd forgotten that the dark bird that helps Bilbo find the door was a thrush. And apparently we see it again later. Must finish that book.

[Voronwë the Faithful]

Have you been enjoying reading it?

[Primula Baggins]

I enjoyed it very much when I had hours to focus on it while sitting with my sleeping father in the ER. Since then he's been well, but I've had to use most of my days to catch up on work and my evenings to rest—I'm still not myself.

Maybe I'll build a fire in the fireplace this evening and spend a few pleasant hours in a comfy chair finishing it properly. All work and no play, etc.

[Frelga]

Prim, I hope you find a few hours for that pleasure.

[axordil]

I enjoyed it very much when I had hours to focus on it while sitting with my sleeping father in the ER. Since then he's been well, but I've had to use most of my days to catch up on work and my evenings to rest—I'm still not myself.

Maybe I'll build a fire in the fireplace this evening and spend a few pleasant hours in a comfy chair finishing it properly. All work and no play, etc.

A Rivendellian moment does seem in order.

[Primula Baggins]

Frelga and Ax,

It may have to wait until tomorrow, depending on how much work I can get through today.

[Dave_LF]

So what's an American Robin doing in Middle Earth? And is it the thrush? I'm sure all this and more is being discussed to death on TORN, but I haven't been over there much this week.

I think I'm just going to imagine that the Robin accompanied Radagast across the sea from the West.

Finrod at TORN has argued that the proportions aren't quite exactly right for an American Robin, and he's correct, but I'm willing to write that off as artistic license (actual American Robins don't talk to wizards either ). It's some sort of imaginary thrush based pretty closely on your standard American Robin.

Another point to make is that the CG here is way better than anything I've seen before. You can still tell that it's animated, not least because of the way it behaves, but the state of the art has clearly progressed from where it was 10 years ago. I thought the same thing when I watched Life of Pi last week. I also think the goblin CG in the most recent previews looks better than it did in the earlier ones.

[Stranger Wings]

So what's an American Robin doing in Middle Earth? And is it the thrush? I'm sure all this and more is being discussed to death on TORN, but I haven't been over there much this week.

I think I'm just going to imagine that the Robin accompanied Radagast across the sea from the West.

Finrod at TORN has argued that the proportions aren't quite exactly right for an American Robin, and he's correct, but I'm willing to write that off as artistic license (actual American Robins don't talk to wizards either ). It's some sort of imaginary thrush based pretty closely on your standard American Robin.

Another point to make is that the CG here is way better than anything I've seen before. You can still tell that it's animated, not least because of the way it behaves, but the state of the art has clearly progressed from where it was 10 years ago. I thought the same thing when I watched Life of Pi last week. I also think the goblin CG in the most recent previews looks better than it did in the earlier ones.

I am a little annoyed at its clear American Robin features (there are plenty of European birds to choose from...), but I have to agree about the CGI. That is the most realistic computer-generated animal I have ever seen. A beautiful shot too...

[Voronwë the Faithful]

Another Vlog, about the premier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCOQMfNaLQ

[Elentári]

From PJ's Facebook page about an hour ago:

Back on set for our last Hobbit pick ups. Our last ever Tolkien pick ups, in fact. It's going to be an intense few weeks, but we're looking forward to shooting some powerful scenes with our great cast. Our next blog is coming soon!

[Elentári]

According to Katie Jackson the next V-log will be up within the next 2 days!

https://twitter.com/Katiejackson96
@SanderPostema97:
"Hello Katie, you said that the next Hobbit production vlog will be up within the last 2 weeks! Do you know exactly when? :-)"

@Katiejackson96:
"Within the next two days!"

Thanks to IncredibleSmaug for this alert!

[Passdagas the Brown]

According to Katie Jackson the next V-log will be up within the next 2 days!

https://twitter.com/Katiejackson96
@SanderPostema97:
"Hello Katie, you said that the next Hobbit production vlog will be up within the last 2 weeks! Do you know exactly when? :-)"

@Katiejackson96:
"Within the next two days!"

Thanks to IncredibleSmaug for this alert!

Is it too much to hope that we'll get a glimpse of Persbrandt as Beorn?