The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

Also known as: The Hobbit: Part 1, The Hobbit

"The Hobbit" follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever ... Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities ... A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Reviews

Cronos Blu-ray Review - December 3, 2010
Guillermo del Toro's first film gets the Criterion treatment.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 U.K. Review - November 11, 2010
The first part of the Harry Potter finale entertains and frustrates in equal measure.

News

First Photos: Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit - June 23, 2011
Ladies and gentlemen, Martin Freeman's furry feet.

Lost's Evangeline Lilly Joins Hobbit - June 19, 2011
"Dame Edna" star Barry Humphries also added to the cast.

Sherlock Star Voicing Hobbit's Smaug - June 16, 2011
Benedict Cumberbatch will lend his pipes to the dragon.

Luke Evans is The Hobbit's Bard - June 16, 2011
The Three Musketeers and Immortals actor joins the prequel.

Batman's New Ride Unveiled Soon? - June 2, 2011
The Dark Knight Rises may make an appearance at upcoming expo.

The Hobbit's Titles & Release Dates - May 30, 2011
Take An Unexpected Journey in December 2012.

Legolas Returns - May 27, 2011
Orlando Bloom is officially back for The Hobbit.

Hobbit Reunites Sherlock & Watson - May 23, 2011
Cumberbatch to join Freeman in LOTR prequels.

Stephen Fry Joins The Hobbit - May 19, 2011
Peter Jackson makes another casting announcement.

Gandalf, M and Scully vs. Zombies - May 18, 2011
McKellen, Dench and Anderson are all Curse-d.

Freeman Goes on Hobbit Hiatus - May 10, 2011
LOTR's Hugo Weaving back as Elrond.

No Hobbit Reunion for Ronan? - May 6, 2011
It doesn't look likely, says Lovely Bones actress.

Lee Pace Joins The Hobbit - May 2, 2011
Dean O'Gorman also cast in LOTR prequel.

Doctor Who Vs Sherlock at TV BAFTAs - April 26, 2011
Plus Misfits lead the way with four nominations at this year's awards.

A Tale of Two Bilbos - April 23, 2011
Jackson confirms Ian Holm's return.

Go Behind the Scenes of The Hobbit - April 14, 2011
Check out Peter Jackson's first video production blog entry.

Gollum Directs - April 6, 2011
Andy Serkis takes on a new role in the Lord of the Rings process.

Bret McKenzie Joins The Hobbit - April 4, 2011
Flight of the Conchords star to play an elf.

Hobbit Begins Production (Finally) - March 21, 2011
Plus, photos from the set debut.

Pacific Rim Set as del Toro's Next - March 9, 2011
The filmmaker speaks out on why At the Mountains of Madness fell apart.

The Hobbit's Two Titles Revealed? - March 3, 2011
Prequel titles reportedly registered.

RoboCop Remake Still Happening? - February 18, 2011
MGM might bring Murphy back online, along with other remakes.

Hobbit to Shoot in March - February 7, 2011
Following countless delays, Peter Jackson's big-budget epic finally gets a start date.

Jackson, Ronan Reunite for Hobbit? - January 27, 2011
The Lovely Bones actress has reportedly joined the LOTR prequel.

Hobbit Delayed Again - January 27, 2011
Don't worry -- it's not that bad.

Lord of the Rings is Extended? - January 14, 2011
Murmurs arise for extended Blu-ray editions of the Trilogy.

What Films Are You Tweeting About? - January 13, 2011
The Hobbit tops the list of most tweeted yet-to-be released movies.

Why Was Gandalf Holding Out? - January 12, 2011
McKellen insists his Hobbit delay wasn't about the money.

The Hobbit: Elijah Wood on Frodo's Return - January 12, 2011
We talk to Wood about his role in the prequel films.

Hobbit Sets Serkis, More Rumored - January 10, 2011
UPDATED: Other LOTR cast members may reprise their roles.

Guess Who's Back For The Hobbit? - January 7, 2011
Yep, Elijah Wood will reprise his role as Frodo.

Batman & Potter to Pay for Hobbit - January 6, 2011
Warner Bros. to fully fund the two-part LOTR prequel.

Major LOTR Character in Hobbit - December 8, 2010
Get ready for the smolder, Middle Earth prequel.

More Hobbit Casting - December 7, 2010
Galadriel returns, plus a load of dwarves and more.

The Hobbit Set for McKellen and 3D - November 29, 2010
Red announces Jackson to shoot films on Epic digital cameras.

Shoring Up The Hobbit - November 18, 2010
LOTR composer returns for prequels.

McKellen Not Signed for The Hobbit - November 3, 2010
Gandalf appears tired of waiting for that call to come.

TV's Jekyll Joins The Hobbit - November 2, 2010
Warners announces two more additions to the cast.

The Hobbit: You. Shall. Not. Unionize! - October 29, 2010
Parliament alters labor law to keep LOTR prequel in NZ.

Is The Hobbit Coming or Going? - October 27, 2010
Update: A decision has been made on Middle-earth's location.

Who's in The Hobbit - October 26, 2010
Which Time Lord has now confirmed his casting?

Hobbit Battle Reaches Fever Pitch - October 23, 2010
Jackson takes to TV to state his case as relocation decision looms.

The Hobbit Has a Cast - October 21, 2010
Eight dwarves and a Bilbo.

The Hobbit Leaving New Zealand? - October 20, 2010
Union squabble settled, but production may still relocate.

Two Magnetos in The Hobbit? - October 15, 2010
More casting buzz for the now greenlit LOTR prequel.

Go, Go Hobbit! - October 15, 2010
Prequels finally get a greenlight -- and a start date.

Hobbit Most Expensive Movie Ever? - October 11, 2010
Two-part LOTR prequel to cost a helluva lot of Brandybucks.

Martin Freeman on Hobbit Role - October 11, 2010
Office star admits that he'd still love to play Bilbo Baggins in the long-gestating sequel.

Hobbit Inches Closer - October 4, 2010
Jackson on the verge of finalizing directing deal.

Please Give The Hobbit A Greenlight - October 1, 2010
The return to the Shire is this close to officially happening.

Features

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 131 - June 17, 2011
Green Lantern, Hobbit, Wolverine 2, Potter, Superman & more.

E3 2011: Movie Video Games You'll Want to Play - June 9, 2011
We played them all at E3. So why should you care?

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 128 - May 27, 2011
X-Men: First Class, Wolverine 2, BioShock, Hangover 2 & more!

IGN's Ultimate Fantasy and Sci-Fi Film Guide - May 23, 2011
The story is coming together for the next Star Trek adventure.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 127 - May 20, 2011
TDKR's Bane revealed, Ubisoft's movie dreams, Pirates 4 and more.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 122 - April 8, 2011
Green Lantern, Thor, Wolverine 2, Dark Tower & Ahnuld's return.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 117 - March 4, 2011
Oscars, Marvel, Batman 3, RE5, Hobbit, Superman & Blade Runner.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 111 - January 14, 2011
Spidey, Batman's babes, Hobbit, Cap, 007, Green Hornet & more.

Frodo, Serkis and Gandalf Go Full Hobbit - January 11, 2011
What say you about our reunion tour with Middle Earth?

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 110 - January 7, 2011
The Hobbit, GI Joe 2, Dark Tower, Uncharted and JLA.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 108 - December 10, 2010
Transformers 3, Thor, The Hobbit, The Flash and Spidey.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 103 - October 29, 2010
Batman 3, Cap, The Hobbit, Avatar 2, Saw 3D and more!

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 102 - October 22, 2010
Batman 3, Spidey, Hobbit. Wolvie 2, Jackass 3D, Bourne 4 and more!

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 100 - September 27, 2010
Guillermo del Toro joins us for this milestone edition of the Movies podcast!

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 98 - September 9, 2010
The Dark Tower, The Hobbit, the Spider-Man reboot, and more!

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 92 - July 2, 2010
Twilight, Last Airbender, BioShock, Potter and Pee-wee.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 91 - June 25, 2010
Marvel movies, Tom Cruise, The Hobbit, Pixar and more.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 90 - June 18, 2010
Toy Story 3, X-Men: First Class, The Hobbit and games-to-film.

Serkis Talks Hobbit and Tintin - June 9, 2010
The mo-cap maestro on bringing legends to life.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 88 - June 4, 2010
Prince of Persia flops? The Hobbit is director-less? Thor wears rubber? What is going on?!

Splicin' with Guillermo del Toro - June 4, 2010
IGN talks with the executive producer of the new sci-fi/thriller.

The Hobbit Director Roll Call - June 1, 2010
IGN suggests possible replacements for Guillermo del Toro.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 85 - April 29, 2010
Iron Man 2, Batman 3, Nightmare on Elm Street, Saw 7, and more.

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 82 - April 1, 2010
New trailers! New movie news! Same old podcasters!

Keepin' It Reel, Episode 78 - March 5, 2010
IGN chats up comic book news and the Oscars.

IGN's Ultimate Fantasy Lit-to-Film Guide - February 8, 2010
Updates on Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Alice and more.

IGN Movies Year in Review 2009 - December 23, 2009
Updated with the latest info on Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, and more!

Keepin' it Reel Ep. 71 - December 17, 2009
Avatar, Iron Man 2, Spider-Man 4, Alice in Wonderland and more!

Keepin' it Reel Ep. 70 - December 10, 2009
Spidey 4, Hobbit, Gears of War and Iron Man 2.

Keepin' it Reel Ep. 69 - December 3, 2009
Iron Man 2, Green Lantern, Bourne 4, and The Hobbit.

Keepin' It Reel, Ep. 62 - October 1, 2009
Resident Evil, Ghost Rider, Bond, Hobbit and more.

What's Next? Guillermo del Toro - September 8, 2009
The Hobbit's not the only project that GDT's got cooking.

Keepin' It Reel, Ep. 59 - August 27, 2009
Avatar, Batman 3, The Hobbit, BioShock. Need more than that?!

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Ep. 45 - April 17, 2009
Megan Fox, The Hobbit and Green Lantern walk into a bar ...

What We Want on the Lord of the Rings Blu-ray - April 17, 2009
If we're going to have to buy the trilogy all over again, we have a few demands.

Christopher Lee Interview - February 10, 2009
Exclusive: The screen legend talks Bond and Hobbit.

Movies 2008 Year in Review - December 17, 2008
12 months of cinema... in four pages or less.

IGN's Most Anticipated Movies: Part One - November 3, 2008
We break down the hottest flicks in the Hollywood pipeline.

Guillermo del Toro Interview - August 21, 2008
On Hobbits, Hellboy 3 and more. Get the scoop!

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 17 - June 5, 2008
Hobbits battle Terminators for control of the mic.

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 15 - May 22, 2008
Prince of Persia casting, Hobbit buzz, and a little movie called Indy IV.

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 9 - March 27, 2008
Talk of Street Fighter, G.I. Joe, Fanboys and more!

Cast of Characters: The Hobbit - February 19, 2008
Stars profiles the key players of our next trip to Middle-Earth.

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 3 - February 14, 2008
Hobbit and Watchmen news, the passing of a Hollywood legend, Star Wars: Clone Wars hits theaters, and why this weekend is going to be a box office cluster.

The Hobbit Part II: IGN Investigates - February 8, 2008
What extra plotlines could they put into TWO Hobbit films?

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 2 - February 7, 2008
Hobbit news, Cloverfield 2, why McG rules and why we don't need another Rambo.

The Director's Chair: The Hobbit - January 28, 2008
With del Toro in the running, Stars debates if he or Raimi have the goods.

Fantasy Lit on Film 101 - July 17, 2007
IGN's guide to all the young adult fantasy books-to-film Hollywood is developing.

The Rise of the Budgets - July 9, 2004
Michael Bay, Bryan Singer and more comment on $200 million+ budgets.

Tales from the Toybox #12: Stung by Sting - June 17, 2004
Master Replicas gives Bilbo's sword the FX treatment.

DVD

Contributions

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