: The first major feature film shot and projected at 48 frames per second , intended to provide smoother motion and more realistic 3D visuals.

: Premiered in New Zealand on November 28, 2012, followed by a global theatrical release in December 2012.

: 169 minutes for the theatrical version; an Extended Edition is also available with additional scenes and music.

: They are hunted by the Orc war-chief Azog the Defiler , who has a personal vendetta against Thorin. Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Set 60 years before The Lord of the Rings , the story follows a reluctant hobbit, (Martin Freeman), who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to help thirteen Dwarves reclaim their lost kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug .