Jackson and Lesnie with the RED EPICs and 3Ality stereo rig. (Courtesy: FXguide.com)“Weta Digital has grown to now define state of the art in visual effects worldwide. Its dedication to storytelling and realizing director’s visions has lead to the company working with some of the best directors in the world. For The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Weta Digital continued to employ its exquisite attention to detail into helping to tell the story of the fantastical world of Middle-earth.” [Read More]

Boxoffice.com reports that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey recorded the best-ever box office figures for a Wednesday that wasn’t a holiday. According to the site, The Hobbit pulled in $643,000 (Boxoffice fails to specify, but I’m assuming this is USD) around New Zealand. Overall, in the 16 countries it has so far opened in, it has grossed $11.2 million, including $4.3 million across Scandanavia, $2.4 million from France and $2 million in Germany.

The film will open in 55 countries this weekend on approximately 17,000 screens, including 4,045 in the USA. Thanks to Ringer Selfish Narwal for the heads-up.

Tribute.ca brings us this behind-the-scenes special on the making of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. We hear from director Peter Jackson and many of the film’s stars about their journey back to Middle-earth. It’s also a good recap of Lord of the Rings with plenty of footage and scenes that you might have forgotten! Check it out! Continue reading “Behind the scenes of An Unexpected Journey”