11 websites you need to visit before watching “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
“The Hobbit” is coming.
When you play with dragons, you win or die.
The world premiere of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is happening pretty soon and as you may have noticed things are speeding up right now. However, now is the time to cool ourselves and think; for it is easier to shout stop! than to do it! [Sorry, love my ent jokes.] To better prepare for the things unfolding in front of us I’ve come up with a short list of websites you might like to visit in preparation for the big night. I’ve put them up without any particular order in mind so – enjoy!
Oh – and yes: If you have seen all of them – you’re ready to go.
If you’ve already bought your ticket 😉
1. The official film website
Yes, I know, sounds like the obvious thing to do, right? However, with many people preferring social media channels and surfing via their mobiles this might have escaped your attention.
2. The Official Hobbit Blog
Now, where the official site is an official representation with a set list of things the blog gives you the opportunity to post new stuff frequently. And that’s what they do!
3. The Official Facebook Page for Peter Jackson
Yes, this is the place to see what PJ’s been cooking up for us on Facebook. Over a million followers may give you an idea how many fans are out there 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/PeterJacksonNZ
4. Wing Nut Films/ Peter Jackson on YouTube – Production diaries and more
Some of the funniest and most interesting moments we’ve been able to witness via the production diaries. Have a look at them again and some hilarious tidbits!
YouTube Channel of Peter Jackson/ WingNut Films (c) YouTube, WingNut Films
5. “The Hobbit” tapestry at Entertainment Weekly
Besides publishing some great advance pictures of the movie EW has also given us the “Tapestry”. Use the magnifying glass to have some fun 🙂
6. Four cover pages at Empire
Just to let you know you may have missed them – as last year Empire did a special edition with different pages for H:DoS.
7. Weta Workshop
The wizards who work the magic behind it all. Browse their site and meet some people who are pouring 100% of their energy into making awesome films.
8. The Google Chrome Middle-earth Experiment
An outstanding piece of internet technology. I’ve written a short introduction to it. And yes, it’s best seen in Chrome.
9. HobbitCon – meet the Dwarves, Azog and many more
If you want to meet up with many members of the cast, listen to lectures and workshops by seasoned experts and meet thousands of fellow “Hobbit” fans – come to Germany next Easter. And P.S., yes, I’ll probably be doing my infamous Olwe Comedy Show again 😉 This is the second time we’re doing this as everyone had tons of fun this year!
The Dwarves at HobbitCon 2013 (c) FedConEvents etc.
10. Tolkien.co.uk – Official Tolkien bookstore
And yes, all of this is thanks to the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien. There is a new edition of The Hobbit out with amazing, fresh illustrations – perfect Christmas gift, I daresay!
Official Tolkien bookstore – Tolkien.co.uk
11. Last but not least – 75 reasons why you should read The Hobbit before watching the films
This is a little series I started last year. Maybe you’ll enjoy it.
Copyrights and trademarks for the books, illustrations, films, articles, and other promotional materials are held by their respective owners and their use as we understand it is allowed under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Copyrights held to the films: Warner Bros. MGM, New Line Cinema, Wingnut Films and other respective owners; Copyrights held to the books: HarperCollins, Tolkien Estate and other respective owners. Picture on HobbitCon provided by kind permission by FedConEvents. Google Chrome Middle-earth Experiment additional copyrights: Google Inc.
