Learning to Love Azog

Now, I'll be the first to admit that Azog isn't exactly my favorite character in the first Hobbit movie. Not because I think he was poorly done or anything; I just don't understand why Bolg couldn't have been used in exactly the same way. But I really don't get why people are pouring so much hate on the Pale Orc. I mean, he wasn't that bad, was he?

Well, John Ruddy over at theonering.net seems to think so. He writes a good, well-reasoned argument and you should definitely take a look at it; but for me at least, his logic fails on a few points. So I've decided to play devil's (or is it "orc's"?) advocate and jot down my own thoughts on everyone's (least) favorite orc, in an unabashed effort to get you, faithful reader, to not hate the poor guy so much.

Jump past the break to read on!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition Sneak Peek!

AWESOMENESS! Here is our first glimpse of some of the bonus material that will be in the TH:AUJ Extended Edition. I love this little interaction between Elrond and Bilbo . . . and the scene manages to sneak in a couple of classic lines from Fellowship of the Ring to boot!

Enjoy!

Bilbo's Contract: Full Text PDF

Pipeweed and other such luxury items shall be provided by Burglar; indeed, not only for himself, but for the other members of the Company if such can be obtained along the way by means pertinent to his profession.

––Bilbo's Contract 

One of my favorite moments in the The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, is when Balin presents Bilbo with the Deed of Contract. Its a classic moment in the book, and although the movie puts its own spin on it, I think that Martin Freeman still carries it off wonderfully. Jump past the break to get access to the full text of the Contract.

An Unexpected Journey: WETA Digital Effects

Past the jump you'll find three incredibly interesting (and informative videos) about the techniques that WETA used to create the Great Goblin, Azog and Gollum. I was particularly interested to learn that switching Azog to an all-digital character was a very late-in-the-process move. Enjoy!

Hobbit Concept Art

Here are some fantastic concept art images by John Howe and Alan Lee from the new book The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles that is now for sale. Jump past the break to see the rest.