The theatrical cut of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies clocks in at a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes (144 minutes). However, the Extended Edition adds even more to the story, pushing the total viewing time to 2 hours and 44 minutes (164 minutes).
Delving Deeper into the Final Chapter
Peter Jackson’s epic adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit culminated in The Battle of the Five Armies, a film promising breathtaking action and resolution to the quest for Erebor. While runtime is a simple metric, it opens the door to exploring the pacing, content, and differences between the theatrical and extended versions, impacting the viewer’s overall experience. This article aims to provide a definitive answer to the core question and address common curiosities surrounding the movie.
What To Expect From The Battle of Five Armies
This final installment takes viewers directly into the immediate aftermath of Smaug’s fiery destruction of Lake-town. The central conflict revolves around the reclaiming of Erebor and the mountain’s vast treasure, drawing various factions, including men, elves, dwarves, goblins, and wargs, into a massive and devastating battle. The Battle of the Five Armies is known for its intense action sequences, emotional character moments, and the final showdown between good and evil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Battle of the Five Armies
Here, we address some of the most common questions viewers have about The Battle of the Five Armies, from runtime variations to story details and character arcs.
Understanding the Runtime Differences
Knowing the exact runtime is crucial for planning your viewing experience. The difference between the theatrical and extended editions may seem minor, but it significantly impacts the story’s overall flow.
FAQ 1: What is the exact runtime of the theatrical version of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
The theatrical version of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes (144 minutes). This is the version most commonly seen in cinemas and available for streaming on many platforms.
FAQ 2: What is the exact runtime of the Extended Edition of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
The Extended Edition of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes (164 minutes). This version includes roughly 20 minutes of additional footage.
FAQ 3: What additional scenes are included in the Extended Edition that aren’t in the theatrical release?
The Extended Edition contains several scenes not present in the theatrical release. These include:
- More brutal battlefield action: Extended fight sequences showing more of the Dwarves’ battle prowess and the carnage of the battle.
- Character development scenes: Additional moments showcasing the relationships between key characters, such as Thorin, Bilbo, and Gandalf.
- Political maneuvering: Extended scenes featuring the political tensions between the Elves and the Men of Lake-town.
- Bard’s arc: Further exploration of Bard’s role in rebuilding Lake-town.
Content and Character Arcs
These questions delve into the core narrative elements and character development within the movie.
FAQ 4: How does the Extended Edition enhance the character development of key figures like Thorin Oakenshield?
The Extended Edition provides a more in-depth look at Thorin’s descent into “dragon sickness” and his struggle to overcome his greed. Added scenes illuminate his internal conflict and make his eventual redemption more impactful. These scenes add greater depth to his motivations and choices throughout the film.
FAQ 5: Does the Extended Edition change the ending of the movie in any significant way?
While the overall outcome remains the same, the Extended Edition adds a few small scenes that provide greater closure to certain storylines. For example, there might be an extended epilogue sequence showing the rebuilding efforts after the battle, giving viewers a more complete sense of resolution. It’s not a drastically different ending, but provides a slightly richer sense of closure.
FAQ 6: Is The Battle of the Five Armies considered the best of The Hobbit trilogy by critics and audiences?
Critical reception to The Battle of the Five Armies was mixed, with many critics finding it inferior to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Some praised the visual effects and action sequences, while others criticized the pacing and deviations from the source material. Audience opinions are similarly divided, making it difficult to definitively claim it as the best. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Production and Adaptation
These questions address the movie’s production and how it relates to the original book.
FAQ 7: How closely does The Battle of the Five Armies follow the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit?
While the movie incorporates key plot points from the book, it also significantly expands upon them. The book’s titular battle is relatively short, but the film transforms it into a large-scale, prolonged spectacle. This is one of the significant departures from the source material, alongside the inclusion of storylines such as the romantic arc involving Tauriel and Kili.
FAQ 8: What were some of the biggest challenges in adapting The Battle of the Five Armies for the big screen?
One of the biggest challenges was expanding the relatively brief battle in the book into a feature-length film. This required the filmmakers to add significant amounts of new material, including subplots and character arcs not explicitly present in the original text. Reconciling Tolkien’s literary style with the demands of a large-scale cinematic spectacle also posed a significant hurdle.
FAQ 9: How did the use of CGI affect the visual style of The Battle of the Five Armies?
The Battle of the Five Armies relies heavily on CGI to create its epic battle scenes and fantastical creatures. While the visual effects are often impressive, some critics have argued that the overreliance on CGI detracts from the film’s realism and makes it feel less grounded than The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The use of CGI also contributed to a smoother and more dynamic battle, which may not entirely mirror the more strategic and deliberate warfare in the book.
Viewing Recommendations and Where to Find It
Practical advice for viewers wanting to experience the movie.
FAQ 10: Which version of The Battle of the Five Armies – theatrical or extended – is generally recommended for first-time viewers?
For first-time viewers, the theatrical version is often recommended. Its shorter runtime makes it a more accessible entry point to the story. However, for fans seeking a more complete and nuanced experience, the Extended Edition offers a richer, more detailed version of the narrative. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and viewing habits.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies online?
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is available on various streaming platforms, including HBO Max (depending on regional availability), for purchase or rental on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. Availability can change, so checking current listings is always recommended.
FAQ 12: Is The Battle of the Five Armies available on Blu-ray and DVD?
Yes, The Battle of the Five Armies is available on Blu-ray and DVD in both the theatrical and Extended Editions. These physical copies often include bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and commentaries, providing even more insight into the film’s production. The Blu-ray version offers a higher quality viewing experience with enhanced visuals and audio.
By understanding the runtime differences and exploring these frequently asked questions, viewers can approach The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies with a more informed perspective, enhancing their enjoyment of this epic conclusion to the Middle-earth saga.