Are you getting excited yet?
The world premiere of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' took place in Wellington, New Zealand yesterday and an estimated 100,000 New Zealanders turned out for the celebration -- and what a celebration it was, with all the stars and production crew (including Peter Jackson of course) there as well.
'The Hobbit' won't be out in the theatres here until December 14th and I don't expect to see it myself till a number of days after that - I will wait to see it at a matinee showing, after some of the hub-bub has died down.
As most of you may recall, I was blessed this past May/12 with an unexpected journey of my own, when I was given the opportunity to travel to New Zealand (& Australia) and while there, visit the official Hobbiton movie set. If the truth be known, I still haven't come down yet!
For anyone who has still not yet seen the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, you have my sincerest sympathies, lol! When you finally do see it, you will realize just WHAT you've been missing... maybe all your life :D The Hobbit (which is also going to be a trilogy), is in effect, the backstory to The Rings trilogy.
Above are a few postcards and a pendant I purchased in the gift shop situated on set.
It's a rock with the form of a silver tree inset (carved) into it, for which I paid $80... but it's from Hobbiton - so it was worth it and I truly treasure and wear it quite often. It came in the little leather pouch you see. Aside from a few postcards and a fridge magnet, it was probably the only thing I could realistically afford in the entire shop. I had hoped to purchase 'The One Ring,' but the cheapest ring there was priced at $800! There was a line of Elvish clothing, with some truly gorgeous pieces (wool capes for example) that were around $1000. Middle Earth sure is pricey!!
Here's a shot from inside the gift shop, which was much tinier than I'd expected.
Hobbit mania has apparently gripped everyone in NZ.
Yesterday, the weather was announced in Elvish, for the very first time ever!
Oh what I'd give to board this airlines again...
Joli blog.
ReplyDeleteRoger
Merci beaucoup :)
DeleteJane, I've never seen any of these movies, but when I saw the trailer for the latest one I was impressed. I have informed the Mr. that I will finally accompany him to the cinema to watch it!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you do end up going - I'm certain you won't regret it - and I predict you'll want to watch The Lord of the Rings after that.
DeleteStarting to think I should really watch these films and probably read the books too lol
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - you should, lol!! Let me know if you do.
DeleteI love going to a matinee... Around here, there's a theater that offers free popcorn, if you bring your own container. Fun/cheap afternoon for a retiree.
ReplyDeleteSadly, no free popcorn here - what a great perk!
DeleteWhat a lovely pendant! Yes, I can hardly wait for the 1st part of The Hobbit next month! Your Middle Earth page rocks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, I was able to find the 2 great links you'd sent me for my page. If you stumble across anymore, please send them my way :)
DeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the movie in the new year. I did read "The Hobbit" a few years ago, should re-read it now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pendant, a great reminder for you that you were really there.
PS...I like your header, with all the polished stones and the sayings.
JJ Hubby is reading it for the first time, in anticipation of The Hobbit's release. He's really enjoying it.
DeleteThanks, I took that pic at the store 'Artifacts,' just off Whyte Avenue here in Edmonton.
The imagery in those movies is stunning. I think I'd like them just for that.
ReplyDeleteThey are truly incredible. Do yourself a favour and watch them :)
DeleteReally looking forward to the movie myself. Like you I am waiting several days after so that I can skip all the crowds.
ReplyDeleteI kind of chuckled with the thought of them selling several of the "One ring" lol. I have a few Middle Earth items in my collection but not many. I do have two complete book shelves of J. R. R. Tolkien books though. (Now Xena on the other hand... for some reason I have a ton of her stuff!)
Yes, I hear you - there are many (expensive) 'One Rings' floating out there. You should consider posting some of your collection - I'd be very interested in seeing the books you have - and anything else.
DeleteI'm really excited to see The Hobbit! One part of me wants to see it on premiere night, but the saner side says to wait until it's calmed down a little. :p
ReplyDeleteKristin
Yes, it's all I can do to make the mature (& saner) choice of seeing it at a later date - I don't enjoy lineups and crowds.
DeleteThanks for the sympathy, Jane. LOL... I'm one of the people that has never seen the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy! I know I should. And I really want to. Perhaps it'll be one of my 2013 resolutions :) But this movie? I think I may get to that during the holidays. Hubby is off for at least two weeks, and it'll be nice to go see a movie together.
ReplyDeleteI love that pendant! Sometimes it's better to buy one fantastic, slightly expensive item than to splurge on a lot of little ones.
Hehe, you caught that one, eh? I was hoping my pity might have an effect :) I think you guys should definitely try to catch it over the holidays - you'll likely be getting cabin fever at some point in those two weeks.
DeleteOh boy, at least martha had the courage to admit it, so I guess I can too. I still haven't seen the trilogy either. On the plus side I did read all of the books, including the Hobbit so at least i can hold my head up - a bit. Am looking forward to your assrssment of the movie, I remember the book as being much simpler, almost a child's story when compared to the trilogy.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you've read the books - which was a much bigger commitment than merely watching the movies, so you definitely have earned some brownie points :) Yes, The Hobbit is definitely the simpler of all the books. I'm quite confident that the movie won't be mistaken for a child's story though.
DeleteMartha, Francie do not feel bad... I have never seen any of them either...well, take it back, I saw the first one, first isle of the theater... I don't remember the movie but the kink in my neck :P I am dying to see the Hobbit though. The pendent is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh that would have been an awful experience. I'm not surprised that you don't remember much of the movie. That's why I'm willing to wait until everything calms down to see it - I always sit at the centre of the very back row - which necessitates I get to the theatre very early, but it's worth it.
DeleteMy friend Jacqueline is flying from Perth Australia, as I write this--to help me celebrate my upcoming 60th birthday! As luck would have it she doesn't leave until the 15th, so we are planning to see The Hobbit!! We saw everyone of The Lord of the Rings movies together--going to a matinee during the first week of release. So I'm thrilled that we can continue the tradition. I love your items from the Hobbiton gift shop!! I guess Hobbits were wealthier than we thought! lol!
ReplyDeleteWow - how exciting!! She's obviously a great friend to fly all this way to help you celebrate. And perfect timing for The Hobbit's release here. I look forward to seeing the pics of your 60th.
Deleteso fun! and that necklace is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWe are starting a giveaway today for a SILHOUETTE CAMEO and free ad space for link up!! Would love to have you!
http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/giveaway-and-humble-brag-link-party-9
Hi Jocie, Thanks for stopping by - and for the invite!
Deletesuch true delight! I can't really believe there are people who haven't watched or liked LOTR... I refuse to believe it :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the later parts of THE HOBBIT which will have more of my fave Luke Evans, Lee Pace and less hobbits :)
I know - I truly don't understand how anyone could ignore these classics! 100,00 New Zealanders can't be wrong, lol!
Deletethey're probably Orcs :) Only Elven people can get LOTR and HOBBIT :)
DeleteThanks for visiting HOLLYWOOD SPY hope to see you there often!