The disc begins with no introduction as we find Bilbo Baggins roaming and loving Rivendell. There's a nice connection to Jackson's LOTR films as Bilbo passes the shards of Narsil and looks, transfixed it seems, on the painting of Sauron and his Ring. There's also a nice exchange between Elrond and Bilbo where we see the invitation to the diminutive Hobbit to stay with the Elves; plus a great line from The Fellowship of the Ring book about the counsel of Elves is thrown in.
We see more Dwarven mischief (skinny dipping in a fountain; did we really need that?) The poor Elven kitchen help are all in a twitter due to the veracious Dwarven appetites. But things get notched up rather quickly as we (and by that I mean the audience, Bilbo, and Thorin) overhear Elrond and Gandalf discussing the quest and Elrond's fear of a sickness that runs in Thorin's family.
From there we see our first glimpse of the White Council. I won't go too much into book lore here but suffice it to say, although paired down a bit, seeing the Council on screen was a treat. Especially with the venerable Christopher Lee and Cate Blanchett reprising there roles as Saruman and Galadriel respectively.
We get to see the real reason for Gandalf helping the Dwarves: concern that Smaug might join with the Enemy. We see Saruman pridefully dismissing any notion of Sauron's return and even his fellow "foolish" wizards (Radagast). Galadriel can sense Gandalf's fear and asks him to reveal the Morgul blade. Lots of stuff to get into when the time is right. For now I'll simply say it's a big book departure. Elrond cannot believe his eyes for the blade of the Witch King of Angmar was buried long ago in an impenetrable tomb. But alas, Saruman will have none of it dismissing it all has minor disturbances that Gandalf if looking for trouble in.
This is exactly how Saruman should have been played. He's not altogether on the side of evil yet. However, you can sense his pride that will lead to his downfall. He is the fount of knowledge. He knows the Ring lore. As Gandalf departs, determined to still help the Dwarves, Galadriel asks him about Bilbo--why choose him? It's not a "straight from Tolkien response" but it resonated with me and I could imagine the professor, in some shape or fashion, coming to a similar conclusion: "It's the everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay...acts of love and kindness". I like it and I think there's a lot of truth in it.
Some final bullets that I noted while watching:
- Peter Jackson certainly takes his liberties with Tolkien's throw away lines: see the Stone Giants battle, about 3 minutes of visually stimulating entertainment for a quick never referenced again Tolkien line.
- We see Thorin's continued disdain at the presence of Bilbo: He shouldn't have come. He has no place among us.
- Gloin wants to start a fire!
- A quick scene to remind us Azog is still hunting.
- Bilbo and Bofur share a nice moment together; Bofur seems like the joyful loving kind of guy you'd just want to hang out with.
- Oh Goblin Town; what a song by the Goblin King. He's gross.
- Funny little line about the Elvish "keepsakes" the goblins discover on Nori: "Made in Rivendell. Second Age. Couldn't give it away!"
We are still going strong with some slight disappointment regarding the Witch King of Angmar but seeing the White Council trumps that one.
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