Synopsis:

A more serious take on The Hobbit

Intentions:

To create a more serious version that acts as a prequel to LOTR, fully recolored and with discrete foreshadowing.

Change List:

MAIN CHANGES ULTRA HIGH LEVEL: • Unique opening • No Giants • No Songs (bar one) • Less silliness • Less Martin Freeman twitching and double takes • No Alfrid (one shot only) • A virtually silent Mayor of Laketown • No prophecy • No kids • No Tauriel • Legolas is just another elf at this point • More seriousness • No Radaghast or rabbit sled • No crazy physics • No Black Arrow • No Liquid Gold • NEW flashbacks • NEW EPILOGUE • NEW Scoring • Music cues from LOTR • New Epilogue • Less Ring forshadowing • No Dol Guldor • Restructured White Council • No modern idiom ANYWHERE • Thane does not tell all to PISS OFF (WTF were the writers thinking???????? • 2000 more changes...! Cuts and Additions: EVERY SINGLE SCENE has been color graded to more closely match LOTR 0001 MGM Lion and WB logos are removed 0002 Red Apple Crew Alumni logo added 0012 A new opening using new narration has been created with “The Palantir” music from the LOTR CD Score 0023 All opening credit text "NEW LINE CINEMA" and "WINGNUT" etc. re-created using a new font 0026 Custom CAPTION of "BREE: Borders of the Shire" added to appear to leap from the map 0027 "Prologue" caption added 0028 Entire Prologue from H1T/X Deleted though some shots are used to create context relevant identical flashbacks later 0029 Prologue from H2 TDOS used here, but modified AND RUNS DIFFERENTLY DUE TO DIFFERING PLOTS THREAD not being present 0030 Peter Jackson's cameo is removed 0031 Entry to The Prancing Pony is trimmed 0033 Thorin’s exchange with Gandalf is trimmed, again for plot reasons 0048 The Flashback to Moria is trimmed with additional sound work and vignettes added 0059 Thrains pledge and warning to Thorin moved to a later flashback when Balin speaks to Bilbo, and the beheading close up is removed and relocated similarly 0074 Pale Halo Vignette surround added to the Moria flashback 0078 The Beheaded head foley is replaced and relocated to the later Balin recollection of the same event 0081 The Opening Title "The Hobbit: The Legendary Edit" is newly made 0092 The opening sequence where Bilbo strikes a match and walks down the corridor has complete new audio build to accommodate re-scoring and removal of all narration 0094 Bilbo looking at himself and contemplating the past is completely removed 0095 Opening stroll through Hobbiton, removed 0096 There is no vocal interaction between Bilbo and any other Hobbit prior to the dwarves showing up 0109 Bilbo's first meeting with Gandalf is removed….they already know eachother as will later be established 0115 A number of Bilbo's double takes and twitches are removed as are a number of redundant and clumsy lines. Alter Martin Freeman’s performance = (MFP) 0122 The arrival of Dwalin is shortened and his manners at the table tidied up somewhat 0129 The arrival of Fili and Kill is shorter and comedic elements removed with a more abrupt enrty 0134 The arrival of Balin is trimmed and the head-butt with Dwalin removed 0157 All material of the dwarves pranks prior to Thorin's arrival are removed 0160 Thorins arrival includes a shot of Bilbo looking at the food eaten. 0163 Thorin's arrival discussion with Bilbo has the reference to "experience of fighting" and "conkers" are removed 0166 The post Thorin arrival dinner antics up to Gandalf discussing the mission are completely removed 0177 Gandalf's briefing of the dwarves is shortened and kept to the point..flipped shots and reverse playback were required to achieve this. 0186 Contemporary idiom "I'm up for it" and "up his jacksie" from the dwarves and most outbursts during the mission briefing are removed…as is all contemporary idiom removed throughout. 0199 Thorins briefing to the Company omits elements including Ori's outburt. 0208 2 shots are flipped, and one is played back in reversed (Thorin Standing) to establish and maintain continuity 0212 Balins "not the brightest" removed 0218 Reference to "we are fighters" and "Gandalf will have killed hundreds of dragons" removed 0224 discussion about Bilbo being a burglar is trimmed and Bilbo's double take removed 0231 Contract review is trimmed and the warning about "fire breathing dragon" in order to keep it serious…so NO FAINTING either 0236 Bilbo and Gandalf’s fireside chat shortened, removing Bilbo's outburst and Gandalf history of Golf with the scoring starting earlier. 0240 Additional foley work to fireside scene and additional scoring so music starts earlier 0244 Dialogue during the fireside discussion is placed over a few shots "also a Took" from the rear to preserve continuity 0246 Balin and Thorin's discussion of losing their burglar is removed 0249 Bilbo searching for dwarves in the morning is slightly shortened to accommodate a scoring segue 0252 Bilbo running down the hill to go on "An Adventure" is removed 0254 Gambling references removed from the tightened up sequence where Bilbo joins the company of Thorin Oakenshield 0256 The voiceover as the Company depart where Bilbo is briefed by Gandalf is removed (it is superfluous and clunky) 0257 Company departure is re-scored 0259 The Company's first camp night is slightly trimmed to keep it serious 0263 A vignette halo is added to Balins telling of the Battle of Moria and the search for Thrain 0270 The first reveal of Azog post the campfire differs as an alternate Azog scene is used with altered subtitles to facilitate the new narrative 0280 Scoring changes applied 0289 The Company riding in the rain makes minor ref to radaghast, who is not in the edit And the sequence is score enhanced 0296 The stop at the farmhouse where "a farmer and his family" is rescored which has a "fellowship" motif to foreshadow that motif. This the first of two such motifs uses. 0318 A new flashback sequence was created which is underscored by Thorins Narration, which tells of the elves betrayal. 0325 The new flashback has bespoke color timing and vignette Halos and Moria drum underscores 0343 The nighttime intro is trimmed and contains a flipped shot to ensure continuity and an additional excision to remove humor and the “hooting owls routine” which is completely mis delivered IMHO 0348 The trolls dialogue has all contemporary idiom removed and is made significantly less silly (less soup, chicken and snot discussions) 0359 Bilbo is more decisive when dealing with the trolls with MFP trims throughout 0365 The fight sequence is slightly tighter and the threat to tear Bilbo is more menacing and scored 0373 The discussion to "plate up" is altered, and there are no references to parasites or tubes 0374 ”Secret ingredient” is altered 0375 Gandalf reveal is slightly tighter to ensure a good pace 0376 Gandalf’s reference to Thorin of a "darker power" is removed and comment about Bilbo using his "nouce" 0378 The Troll cave has some silliness and refines to "long term deposits" removed 0382 After Gandalf gives Bilbo the sword, the sequence next sequence differs as follows 0386 Bilbo unsheathes the sword as music builds and howls encroach, and the Warg attack ensues. 0394 Continue with the Warg chase, but Radaghats part is eliminated completely and the company ends up in the ravine/chasm. 0408 Journey to Rivendale with some minor dialogue trims to tone down Thorins hostility. 0413 The initial meeting with Elrond on horseback is trimmed to shorten the dwarves incredulity and trust issues. 0428 The stay at Rivendale is different to accommodate a degree of LOTR foreshadowing but to leave material for a newly constructed Epilogue. 0430 The dinner is quite short. 0438 All silliness and songs removed from the dinner 0445 The discussion about the moon runes is trimmed 0450 Elrond’s discussion with Bilbo about staying in Rivedale is trimmed 0453 No naked dwarves 0456 Elrond’s discussion with Gandalf about Thorin is removed 0458 The encounter with Saruman is different, The enemy is discussed, but no Morgul blade is seen or discussed since Radaghast is not in this version…material removed is repurposed for the Epilogue 0469 The meeting with Saruman is score differently 0480 The sequence discussing the burial of the enemy in the tombs is not located here and moved to the Epilogue 0485 Galadriels discussion with Gandalf post the dwarves leaving removes the offer of help, since that sequence later does not appear in this edit. 0496 Modified departure from Rivendale 0502 The stone giants are removed 0506 The scene in the cave where the company falls into the Goblin caves, has a Shorter discussion with Bofur & Bilbo 0536 The Goblin Tunnels section removes the songs , silly humour, and the creature on the pulley, etc. It is far more serious and threatening and is intercut with Gollums riddles, which is also shortened 0558 The escape from the Goblin tunnels is significantly re-edited and has silly moments removed 0560 Goblin King sends message to "the pale Orc" with no silly messenger 0583 The scene following the escape from the Goblins has a few minor trims, an enhanced ring effect (audio), and modern idiom removed NOTE The 22 min which follow the company and Bilbo meeting up is effectively deleted, the pine cones and the walk to the ridge to view The Misty Mountain (which is too close frankly). 0593 A new bridge between H1 and H2 is created where Azog and his pack chase the company but do not find them, with significant audio work. 0601 The discussion about there being "a house near by" has some Bilbo double takes, silly statements etc. removed to play more menacingly 0603 Beorns morphing is re-edited and relocated to here rather than playing later 0621 The chase across the fields to Beorns house is unchanged, but the night sequence has tweaks to Bilbo looking at the ring and a new Azog sequence placed here with scoring and subtitle alterations to link the final battle to also avenging the goblin king 0663 The silly introductions are removed and small trims made to the discussions with Beorn. 0675 DEPARTURE of COMPANY from Beorns house the alliance is mentioned, but no tombs, 0681 The scene where the tombs are discussed has a shot removed of the flashback of the incarceration which was relocated to the discussion at Rivendale for the new epilogue, increasing the known peril later for a quasi cliffhanger. 0684 The approach to the MIrkwood is modified with enhanced scoring 0694 When Gandalf enters the forest he sees Sauron’s eye but not the discourse with Galadriel is removed 0725 The journey through the forest is extensively modified for pace and silliness removal, with major tonal differences as a result. 0726 Encounter with the Spiders differs …bilbo drops and finds ring but no heavy significance. 0739 Additional score enhancements, trim to overlong fight with spiders, less silliness and far less spider talking…with the scenes color dialed down 0743 Legolas has a short cameo in order to capture the dwarves, Tauriel is insignificant and the scene tightened up for pacing consistency 0749 Entry to Tharnduils abode is trimmed and dwarves are not seen to be incarcerated. 0765 Thorin / Thranduil discussion re-worked , scored and subtitle added to Thorins line (source: The One Ring.net) 0775 NEW FLASHBACK: While Thorin and Thranduil meet, a new flashback sequence illustrates Thranduils words regarding the white gems sing footage from the deleted prologue. New special FX, vignette framing, bespoke audio and scoring and foley are all added 0802 Subtitle added to Thorin'S insult to Thranduil. Translation sources from Onering.net 0824 This entire section of the film completely removed Legolas and Tauriel keeping the focus on the dwarves escape 0825 Bilbo's appearance is enhanced with a whoosh of the ring being removed. 0833 A number of minor trims to the escape leading to the barrel ride to remove Tauriel in all but one shot. Tauriel is just another elf. 0849 The slightly shorter ends to this sequence has all tomfoolery removed throughout. 0859 The Barrel ride removes Tauriel, Legolas and the orcs completely. Predominantly from The Spence Edit 0863 The encounter with Bard is reworked and trimmed 0875 This sequence where Gandalf visits the High Fells is removed. We never know where he went in th e books. 0882 The dwarves hiring Bard's barge removes the family banter removed. 0753 Book and Folio edits 0890 Trims across the lake, with Bofur's "watch out" removed 0893 Some silliness removed and trimming to make the Lonely Mountain reveal a tad more dramatic 0898 The fish poured into the barrels with minor trims for pacing and silliness removal. 0904 The walk across town and all the annoying people Are removed 0923 Bard has no children 0929 All references to the prophecy are removed 0932 The flashback to the Smaug attack removes the phrase "fired from a wind lance" since Bard does not use wind lance and this sorts a plot hole issue 0939 The raid for weapons is shortened. 0945 No orcs approach the town at any point and no attack takes place. 1062 The mayor has 3 lines of dialogue only, Alfrid is completely removed. 1075 Some shots of towns people are replaced since this is consistent visually with LOTR 1092 All Alfrid and Mayor interactions preceding this and following this are removed. 1137 Since there is no Orc attack and Tauriel also does not appear at all, all the dwarves must make to Erebor in the boat. this required building a completely new departure from lake town, flipping shots, trimming shots to give the impression all the dwarves board the boat. The new sequence has a complete ground up audio build, crowds, water, oars, cheering , medieval trumpets " thus removal of Mayors speech", music, and many many more effects. A single shot of Alfrid from the rear is seen. 1151 Continuing to cross the lake, slightly differing shot order of close ups, a truncated journey to the Overlook 1156 after Thorin say they will not wait pin the sized, with pacing trims. 1169 The trip to the hidden for is shortened and the entire exchange at the door removed. 1172 When he door opens and thuds, Smaug awakens. This moment is taken from the closing scene of the first hobbit movie. 1196 The briefing to Bilbo has some minor trims and is shorted so Bilbo is more decisive 1202 Trims to Bilbo’s mound climb with the folio edit inserting the earlier Smaug awakens reveal to here, after Bilbo pulls the goblet from the mound of gold. 1208 Throughout the encounter with Smaug a number of Bilbo’s twitches and double takes are removed as they are throughout the edits. 1219 edit continue with Bilbo’s exchange with Smaug from which some silly lines of dialogue are removed. Additional pacing trims are made 1239 The first time Bilbo runs away from Smaug is removed from the folio edit then Bilbo runs away the second time having seen the Arkenstone, he is seen to immediately pick it up. In the original movie we do not know Bilbo has the Arkenstone till later when we see it flashback. This finished the tension and by seeing that Bilbo does in fact have it increases the peril in later interactions with Thorin 1245 Ring whoosh are enhanced throughout since they are badly audible in the original versions 1250 The entire section of the dwarves preparing the furnaces to kill Smaug and the ensuing chase etc. with the molten gold is removed completely 1266 Bilbo is chased by Smaug who crashes through the halls and finally flies off. Trims to clunky dialogue and pacing throughout. The attack on Laketown follows 1293 Bard's showdown with Smaug is as complete as possible with the removal of Tauriel, Legolas and all children. Bard defeats Smaug single handedly and gratuitous material with Alfrid and the Mayor of Laketown is removed. 1312 Edits continue in the golden hall with some restructuring for pace and plot 1322 The refugees from Laketown at Esgaroth does not contain Alfrid 1326 The building of the barricade is relocated to here 1336 Thorin questioning loyalty is tightened up a tad 1348 The sequences that follow remove lucky dialogue, and pace tightened with the Dragon sickness exchange between Balin and Bilbo being slightly tighter and enhanced with music for dramatic purposes. 1359 Thranduils arrival and Bards interaction to Esgaroth is recut to remove Alfrid and to heighten the tension build 1466 Unnecessary build up and repetitive exposition is removed 1478 Gandalf’s arrival at Esgaroth is reedit end to accommodate dialogue changes and removal of Alfrid 1501 Gandalf discussion with Thranduil is modified 1509 Continue with Azog at the tunnels. Subtitles have been changed to explain the tunnels by reference to the "Earth eaters" rather than wider worms, with a new sequence to show the coming hoards and then arguing back to Erebor. Custom sound and music. 1524 This continues with Bilbo being given the Mithril vest which contains trims and deletions either side. 1622 Bilbo's departure from Erebor shortens his interaction with Bofur. 1635 Bilbo’s discussion when handing over the Arkenstone is trimmed of annoying gestures and is slightly shorter in the FE 1658 Dain's dialogue removes the section where he tells all to "sod off" and the word "bastards" is surgically excised. 1668 A number of awkward looking shots of goats are removed 1683 To tie into the earlier reference to the tunnels and "earth eaters" a new sequence has the gathered armies attention drawn to Azog commanding the armies to come forth from what we already know to be tunnels . No worms appear in this sequence. 1739 At this point, Azog commands "send in the war beasts". The section that follows is unique for pacing issues. The fighting is trimmed for pace and better continuity. 1768 All children are removed from the edits since most are relatives of Peter Jackson and they just don't look like they should even be there. 1775 Alternative shots are used for continuity and pacing. 1889 Additional trims to fighting including the axe throwing and score enhanced 1901 The dwarves emergence from Erebor is slightly quicker and is rescored 1932 During the ensuing battle only a few moments of levity are retained, and Gandalf exclamation "they are rallying to their King' is retained 1965 Thorins stating he will kill Azog the used the Theatrical version riding goats to reach Ravenhill, with many poor FX shores removed 1977 Use of the extended versions chariot attack which has 3 sections removed and tightened up action and less silliness 1994 biggest change from here is the removal of Tauriel and Legolas from the proceedings 2019 Legolas does not shoot an arrow shot from afar. Thorin kills the assailant. Watch to see how. 2033 Kili now fights the Orc alone, no Tauriel 2036 The one on one fight with Azog has some trims and score enhancements 2048 When the Eagles arrive the shot of Radaghast is removed from FE. 2059 The funeral has the shot of Rhadghast removed in the BE and FE. 2063 A number of shot repurposings occur in the funeral and the hor shot is truncated and flipped for continuity. 2068 return to Hobbiton is omitted and the journey is retained and has a few trims and Bilbo’s twitches removed. 2089 An epilogue at the white Council setting up LOTR by saying the enemy is watching, added...a real shock and again sets up LOTR 2092 The film ends with a new caption and audio rebuild “TO BE CONCLUDED IN LOTR” 2109 Custom credits follow . 2115 Wraith Logo 2120 FE Thanks to others. 2135 Custom music mix for end credits. END TITLES - Custom mix The Misty Mountains The Dwarf Lords (Bonus Track) The LAst Goodbye

Additional Notes:

Derived from my unrealeased Book Edit, It took nearly 4 years and 1500 changes completed in 2017. This further iteration takes the changes to over 2000 despite being shorter than my two part edits. I have made further refinements to it reducing the run time from 4hrs 10 mins to 3hrs 56 mins. These new refinements include more micro edits, further removal of humor and scoring additions, to name a few. Some major requequening also makes this more consistent with LOTR. This edit differs to most because a lot of micro edits that clean up character and performance have been made. Non book elements were retained provided they appear in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. None of the retained additions are inconsistent with the books or the wider narratives. There are so many tweaks, new flashbacks, new openings and endings to both films and so much more.

Other Sources:

SCORING ENHANCEMENTS 03 - Beyond Sorrow & Grief - Hobbit; The Battle of the Five Armies [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Edi, Disc 1 - 01 - My Dear Frodo - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 01 - The Quest for Erebor - Hobbit; The Desolation of Smaug SE 1 - Various Artists 02 - Old Friends - The Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey, Disc 1 - Howard Shore 05 - Axe or Sword¿ - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 09 - An Ancient Enemy - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 03 - Out from Bree ( Alternate) - The Lord of the Rings; the Rarities Archive - Howard Shore 11 - The Trollshaws - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 15 - Warg-scouts - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 07 - Under Hill - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 2 - Howard Shore 10 - Emyn Muil (Alternate) - The Lord of the Rings; the Rarities Archive - Howard Shore 10 - Out of the Frying-Pan - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 2 - Howard Shore 12 - The Eaves of Fangorn (Alternate) - The Lord of the Rings; the Rarities Archive - Howard Shore 26 - The Paths Of The Dead - LOTR_ The Return Of The King_ The Complete Recordings - Howard Shore 32 - The Tomb Of The Stewards - LOTR_ The Return Of The King_ The Complete Recordings - Howard Shore 11 - Bard, a Man of Lake-town (Extended Version) - Hobbit; The Desolation of Smaug [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 1 - Howard Shore 01 - Thrice Welcome - Hobbit; The Desolation of Smaug [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 2 - Howard Shore 12 - Smaug (Extended Version) - Hobbit; The Desolation of Smaug [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 2 - Howard Shore 02 - Sons of Durin - Hobbit; The Battle of the Five Armies [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Edi, Disc 2 - Howard Shore 11 - Dragon-sickness - Hobbit; The Battle of the Five Armies [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Edi, Disc 2 - Howard Shore 11 –Battle of The Mountain: Hobbit; The Battle of the Five Armies [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Edi, Disc 1 - Howard Shore 05 - To the Death - Hobbit; The Battle of the Five Armies [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Special Edi, Disc 2 - Howard Shore 19 - Sammath Naur (Alternate) - The Lord of the Rings; the Rarities Archive - Howard Shore 31 - The Mirror Of Galadriel - LOTR_ The Fellowship Of The Ring_ The Complete Recordings - Howard Shore 10 - The Palantír - LOTR_ The Return Of The King_ The Complete Recordings - Howard Shore 13 - Dreaming of Bag End - Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack], Disc 2 - Howard Shore FOLEY: FOOTSTEPS on FLOORBOARDS MATCH STRIKE AMBIENT NIGHT AMBNIENT LIGHT WIND ASSORTED THUDS FLASHBACK WHOOSH MACRO WHOOSH WOLF GROWLS WOLF HOWLS NIGHT ANIMALS NIGHT WIND WHOOSH GLASS SCOLEX FX TOWN BELL FX TOWN ATMOS FX WATER FX PADDLE WATER FX BOAT YAWN FX BOAT 2 FX CROWD FX FANFARE HORNS MEDIEVAL FX DOCK WALK FX TOWN BELL FX CLAP FX APPLAUD FC CHEERS 244961__patricklieberkind__dark-ambience 366888__marissrar__creepy-ambience 442961__univ_lyon3__fallot_roxane_2018_2019_eerie_wind 147303__dwoboyle__ambiance-eerie_wind-001 133659__klankbeeld__horror-ambience-12 211066__cyweb__hew-suwat-waterfalls-khao-yai-national-park-thailand 319269__n_audioman__15y08m04-distantwaterfall02t10 348823__yoyodaman234__distant-waterfall-2

Special Thanks:

@Artisdead who persisted for a release, encouraged me, previewed (often) and for the Artwork. @spence who inspired this edit (and "lent" a few pieces). donkeykonga, previewer and meddler and bionicbob previewer