The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit: What design elements delighted you in AUJ?

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
What design elements delighted you in AUJ?

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Jun 19 2013, 10:45pm

Views: 1460

What design elements delighted you in AUJ?

My favourite design in the entire movie was Bag End's interior. I liked it well enough in FOTR and ROTK, but in AUJ we got to see more of the connecting rooms and to me the smial felt a lot warmer and cosier this time around.

I also really, really like Thorin's overcoat with the fur trim. Not only does it look suitable for a royal, but it looks really warm and comfortable and I badly want to wear it!

What designs stood out for you?

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.

Ataahua's stories

LordotRings93
Rohan

Jun 19 2013, 10:57pm

Views: 826

Azog

He looks and sounds amazing IMO. I'm the only one around here who thinks this, but he's now one of my favorite (with Bilbo, Thorin, Frodo, Boromir, and Aragorn). So really, the only evil character that makes my list. When I saw him in the DoS trailer I cheered and hollered.

Also liked the design of the troll hoard. Loved seeing all the coins and weapons around the cave.

Lover of Medieval Fantasy
"I know what I must do. It's just... I'm afraid to do it."

Aragorn the Elfstone
Tol Eressea

Jun 19 2013, 10:57pm

Views: 784

Balin and Gollum's Cave

I can't say enough about the character design of Balin. He's just about the perfect realization of what I imagined the dwarves to be when I read The Hobbit some 12-13 years ago. This is, of course, aided by Ken Stott's great performance - but the costume and make-up is just perfection (most notably that beard! Cool

). I have alot of issues with many of the dwarves' designs, but the realization of Balin son of Fundin is just perfection.

And, of course, I adore every bit of the design of Gollum's cave. It's the complete embodiment of that claustrophobic fear I felt reading this chapter. The way they had Gollum slinking up through the tunnel with his two pale eyes was just amazing. The only complaint I have is that the lighting of the scene is too bright. It should have been extremely dark - but then we wouldn't be able to soak in as much of the magnificent design work. Wink

Everything from the rocky shore to Gollum's "island" in the middle of his lake was perfectly plucked from my imagination. Heart

"All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find that it was vanity; But the dreamers of day are dangerous men. That they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible."
- T.E. Lawrence

RosieLass
Valinor

Jun 19 2013, 11:09pm

Views: 767

We haven't seen much of it yet.

But I really liked the look of the Arkenstone.

Plus, all those piles and piles and piles and piles of gold... Crazy

"BOTH [political] extremes are dangerous. But more dangerous are team fanboys who think all the extremists are on the OTHER side." (CNN reader comment)

It is always those with the fewest sensible things to say who make the loudest noise in saying them. --Precious Ramotswe (Alexander McCall Smith)

arithmancer
Grey Havens

Jun 19 2013, 11:16pm

Views: 756

Most of all,

Bilbo's fabulous patchwork robe. I badly want one, it look so comfy and the colors of it are deep and beautiful. I would buy a replica if one were available.

I also really liked the look of Erebor, especially the mines, with the Dwarves hanging from the chains with the candle-lanterns on their helmets.

Glorfindela
Valinor

Jun 19 2013, 11:21pm

Views: 725

I liked so much of it really

Much of it was innovative and full of things I had never seen before on screen. I particularly liked:

1. Bag End interior with all the wonderful details.

2. The costumes and general appearance of all the characters (except for Radagast's facial make-up).

3. The look of the whole of the Erebor sequence.

4. The Great Goblin and Goblin Town, which reminded me of illustrations I've seen in children's fairy-tale books from the 19th century.

5. The Eagles.

6. The beautiful scenery.

Fàfnir
Rohan

Jun 19 2013, 11:33pm

Views: 753

I agree !

I really liked azog design, very menacing and not just canon folder (more something of an uncanon folder !! get it ??).

I really liker goblin town and its inhabitants a lot, it really felt like a whole underworld inside the misty mountains !

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Jun 19 2013, 11:33pm

Views: 766

Dwarvish hair.

I love the creativity, imagination, and thought that went into designing each Dwarf's 'do. Even Nori's starfish look. I was expecting 13 Dwarves that more or less all looked like each other, and instead we got 13 very unique individuals. Of course, Thorin's got the most majestic hair. I'd love to do a closer examination of his hair someday...you know, purely for empirical purposes. And his fur cape -- love that too! Makes him soft about the edges; just perfect for snuggling up with.

Oh, and Erebor's interior. A real "Wow!" moment when we first saw it. I remember thinking "I had NO IDEA that *that's* what it looked like!" in complete amazement. So much more spectacular than the simple tunnels and caverns that I'd imagined from reading the book.

The one class I was closest to flunking as an undergraduate -- harder for me than calculus, organic chemistry, etc. -- was beginning drawing. I was hauled in to the office of our young instructor about half-way through the semester, and she told me that my problem -- I quote -- was that I "have no sense of aesthetics". I've always thought that was a really unpleasant thing to tell a struggling student, even if my feeble attempts at artwork indeed displayed no sense of aesthetics! Regardless, the LOTR movies and AUJ have made me wish I was a lot better at artsy things, because I think it would be such fun to be involved. The people who work on the myriad design teams have, I think, a fantastic job. Wouldn't it be great to get paid to express that kind of creativity?

mikeybobaggins
The Shire

Jun 19 2013, 11:46pm

Views: 727

nice!

1. I loved how they kept Smaug a surprise!

2. I love the depiction of Dale, and the lonely mountain. The whole intro scene was PERFECTION to me. I loved the depiction of Erebor. Bilbo narrating was just so-so to me. I thought he looked a little off in his intro scene. Seemed forced by him within his acting.

3. I LOVED THE CASTING!!!! They nailed Balin, Dwalin, Filli, Killi Thorin, just all of them. I think Bilbo is great as well. I'm not into Radagast's humor so much, but his costume design I thought was great. I wish he was a little more wise and scary.

4. GOBLIN TOWN and the Fight SCENE! EPIC-NESS!

5. Gandalf coming into Goblin town and blowing them out with his staff, LOVED IT!

6. The troll cave was a good scene.

7. Gandalf handing Bilbo sting, LOVED IT!

8. The tension feeling they have put out there on Thorin, he seems like a loose canon and I love how they are having the audeince identify with Biblo and really question Thorin's leadership at this point, and I also love how Thorin and Bilbo have met eye to eye, those scenes toward the end were powerful between the two.

9. THE EAGLES SCENE WAS EPIC!!!!

10. Gollum and Biblo, amazinG! Loved the scene were Bilbo saw him drop a tear, great music to back it up. Loved that as well.

Na Vedui
Rohan

Jun 19 2013, 11:58pm

Views: 723

Some nice design things

Like you, I love Bag End, the whole look of it and also the way you can see from one room to another, e.g. in the scene after Bilbo's faint, where he and Gandalf are talking in the foreground and you can see some of the Dwarves sitting in the room behind.

Dwarf hair and beard styles, and their look in general; the variety and individuality of them.

Thror in his robes and crown.

Fili and Kili's hoodies (I could use one of those).

Bilbo's patchwork dressing-gown, and his knapsack. (Ditto)

Radagast's overall design (not too sure about the bird-poo, though it did remind me a bit of the legend of St Kevin and the blackbird!)

Galadriel in her overdress.

The Rivendell council chamber, with the statues, and the plants climbing round the windows.

Gandalf the Grey (again).

Eagles, and the views of them flying.

The Trolls.

Elrond's armour, and his new (or old, as this is pre-LOTR!) shorter robe, very stylish.

The kites over Dale.

Elvish tableware.

Na Vedui
Rohan

Jun 20 2013, 12:06am

Views: 700

And...

The very last bit - Smaug's eye opening from amongst the gold.

kareniel
Lorien

Jun 20 2013, 12:16am

Views: 700

Bilbo's backpack and acorn buttons.

I bought one of the acorn button pins from The Noble Collection. It is big, bulky, and nice to carry in your pocket when you are not wearing it.

The gray-maned white horses ridden by most of the Rivendell elves are exciting. Elrond and, I think, two others are riding darker horses. Are the two other riders Elrond's sons? In my imagination they are. So perhaps the darker horses are reserved for elvish royalty.

I also love the way the moonbeams cut through the falling water as Elrond studies Thorin's map. The night sky in all PJ's Middle-earth films is always mysterious, beautiful, and a little sinister.

Oh, and isn't it interesting that pre-journey Bilbo is a very tidy housekeeper, while the post-journey Bilbo is much less interested in mundane neatness? His adventure has given him a different perspective on life.

The movie is a beautiful spectacle.

jtarkey
Rohan

Jun 20 2013, 12:17am

Views: 713

I have grown to love the design for Erebor

The front gate especially. It's certainly not how I imagined it in my mind, but it is awesome none the less.

"You're love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"

Brethil
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 12:22am

Views: 685

I agree Jtarkey

In Reply To

The front gate especially. It's certainly not how I imagined it in my mind, but it is awesome none the less.

The front gate and the whole of Erebor was a very lovely surprise, much more elegant and culturally detailed than I pictured it before.

Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."

jtarkey
Rohan

Jun 20 2013, 12:28am

Views: 679

Petra, in Jordan comes to mind.

Perhaps that's why I like it more than most of the designs in AUJ. Having a visual relation to real, ancient places gives the place a very grounded feeling, even though it is spectacular.

"You're love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 12:46am

Views: 677

For me

Both Bag End and erebor. I really liked the exterior of Erebor. I thought it was extremely well done and looked very life like and interesting. I loved the two dwarf statues and the design of the interior as well. The deep blues offset by the gold was really great. Bag end was just incredible. I loved seeing all the rooms and I really liked how "messy" it was for Ian Holme's Bilbo. It's like his life had become so cluttered in later years and I loved the books and all he scrolls and stuff all over. The pantry was terrific too, with the hanging foods and pots. Very much how I pictured it.

I also really liked Goblin Town and in particular the Goblin homes way up on the sides of the walls. The plank bridges, the hovels on the walls I thought were great.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

Eye's on Guard
Lorien

Jun 20 2013, 1:10am

Views: 680

13 Dwarves

As others have already noted, the individuality in the design of the dwarves really made them an interesting group. My favorites looks are the ones with substantial beards...Balin, Gloin, Oin, Bifur, Bombur. They keep the group grounded as dwarves in appearance (with the possible exception of Kili) and allow me to appreciate the other dwarf designs.

Other than that, if I had to choose one object and one location, they would be Orcrist and Goblintown. Orcrist's unique look is great, and the visualization of Goblintown really worked for me...much more expansive than I had imagined and really looked like the patchwork craft of goblins.

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 1:13am

Views: 650

Agree

I loved the grittiness of Goblin Town, like I said the little hovels up on the sides of the cave walls and just the stuff strewn all over, the plank bridges with the ropes. It was perfect. I have always loved the 3D aspect of goblin town with it's windy tunnels and caves. I thought it was great. I also loved that they made the rock with the crack where we get the Bilbo's Buttons scene. That was just perfect.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

Escapist
Gondor

Jun 20 2013, 1:18am

Views: 667

None of it seems to stand out too much

because I liked nearly all of it!

Scenes:
Erebor was awe-inspiring and the way that Smaug was introduced, the exploding towers and glance at a tale was just fantastic!
Bag End was delightful. I loved the shot of the eyes poking through the glass. The details about doilies and antiques were delicious.
Rhosgobel was so cute and enigmatic - very whimsical and curious.
Rivendell was epic and stately while also being so elegantly organic. But I especially was thrilled with the nice surprise of that underground river and the glances through the crack to the sky above - and the way it suddenly opened up to a view over Rivendell from a panoramic perspective. Those statues were cool, too.
The Goblin City looked like it would make an exciting theme park. It was very imaginative and lifelike, though just the right amount of nauseating as well.
Gollum's cave was eery - but in a strangely beautiful way (at least I thought so).

Characters:
I love how they differentiated the dwarves and gave them so much personality. I especially like Bofur, Balin, Dwalin, and Dori. I thought that the way they were all reacting to things as they happened in surprising and often humorous ways pulled me into the events of the story and made it come to life.
The subtlety of all the white council members through the whole time spent in Rivendell was intriguing and engaging. I thought ist was clever and filled with memorable moments.
The Goblins had so much personality and were almost cute - especially the line goblin!
The eagle feathers and light effects during the eagle flight were breath-taking. I wouldn't have minded if that kept on going for a while - like the Falcor scene in Neverending Story.
I actually liked the Rhosgobel rabbits and the sled in the forest scenes. It was surprisingly neat and imaginative. I also thought Sebastian was very cute and liked the scene where he gets saved by Radagast. I really liked the scene where Radagast held his own against the sprits at Dol Guldur. I thought that was surprisingly cool, too.

I think that covers almost everything!

Bellerock
Rivendell

Jun 20 2013, 1:23am

Views: 670

Dale before the Dragon

I love the design of Dale with its markets and bell towers. It seems familiar yet exotic. And the costumes in Dale are so colorful and richly detailed that I really got a feeling of a vibrant, eclectic culture.

Rivendell is another favorite. It was nice to see some new scenes there. The observatory is particularly impressive. Oh, and Elrond's new (old) robes are very chic.

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 1:36am

Views: 646

Good one!

Yes Dale was superb. It was like a middle ages trading outpost. The costumes were really vibrant especially in HFR. The kites were a great addition and I loved the towers and ally ways all over. totally cool.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

Brethil
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 2:39am

Views: 641

Dale as Tibetan-flavored

In Reply To

I thought it looked great, and noted the details that reminded me of Tibet in many places - the costumes, the lions...and the connection between those flags flying in front of Erebor which remind me of Tibetan prayer flags. And conversely the association between the deeply symbolic "Mountain" and a Tibetan-looking though not high-elevation Dale; so its a subliminal connection, not an obvious one. Feels so detailed, another facet of Middle Earth brought to light.

Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 2:52am

Views: 623

really good catch

I like that Brethil. The whole Tibetan theme. That's exactly what it looks like. The costumes were just terrific. I loved the tower with the alarm horns and how that was done. And the little touches like all the potted plants, carts etc. Perfect.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

Passagas the Brown
The Shire

Jun 20 2013, 4:29am

Views: 603

Agreed with both

Bag End is perfect. And I love the use of fur in the costumes this time around. I was somewhat disappointed that we didn't see much fur in LOTR.

Would have liked to see more of this tangible craftsmanship throughout the film.

Passagas the Brown
The Shire

Jun 20 2013, 4:31am

Views: 629

I also love Azog's design

He strikes me as some sort of Orc Deity, practically carved from stone. Has a great silhouette too.

His role in the story, however, is less inspired. Apart from his appearance in the Azanulbizar flashback (which was excellent) he's a stock villain in a film that didn't need him.

Passagas the Brown
The Shire

Jun 20 2013, 4:37am

Views: 405

Agreed

About the exterior, at least. It has a truly gorgeous Petra/Babylonian vibe, which I find appropriate. The interior seemed a bit too space-age, and thus less connected to historical reality. Same goes with what we've seen of Thranduil's halls. Seems more like a multi-leveled video game dungeon than an actual place, with its series of platforms, etc.

IMO, the exterior of Erebor is, next to Edoras and Bag End, the best-designed location in all 4 films.

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Jun 20 2013, 4:37am

Views: 406

I was looking out for those brass buttons

and I was really pleased to see them pop off his jacket!

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Jun 20 2013, 4:41am

Views: 440

That's a charming way of crushing any intent you had

of sticking with it to improve!

In Reply To

she told me that my problem -- I quote -- was that I "have no sense of aesthetics".

So much for inspiring her students.

My sixth form English teacher (year 12 now, I think) prompted me to stop writing for several years - not because of what she said, but because she was so damn scary and I didn't want to show her any of my personal writing. She was short, Scottish and tolerated no foolishness. Her class was the quietest I had through high school. (I also got my best English marks in her class.)

Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator

Jun 20 2013, 4:42am

Views: 414

When I saw publicity photos of Orcrist

I couldn't figure out how it would fit in a scabard. Seeing Thorin draw it out in the film was a revelation - what an utterly cool design.

Starling
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 5:40am

Views: 413

My 7th form English teacher wrote in my report:

"Capable but coasting". I think it's one of the best report comments I ever read.

Starling
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 5:45am

Views: 402

Bilbo's dinner

and the way he squirts that lemon juice on the fish, only to be foiled by an unexpected guest.
I love the detail at Bag End, but most of all I love all the food. Even though I would like to think of myself as some sort of horse-lord, in reality I am much closer to being a hobbit.
The detail in the food at Bag End makes me smile every time. Such a well-stocked larder. And those terrible dwarfs who simply do not appreciate a good blue cheese!

Roheryn
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 6:36am

Views: 402

To be honest, really,

every week when we had to hang up our weekly drawings for inspection by the whole class, there would be a row of lovely pictures, some really nice-looking masterpieces (two old ladies who had nothing better to do with their time), and then mine, which was in a class unto itself. I had to admit it was fairly embarrassing. I worked my proverbial butt off though. I finally figured out how to draw pumpkins and frogs in charcoal, and eked out a passing grade. So much for just learning how to do some nice pencil drawings of flowers, which was really what I wanted out of the class.

However, *that* teacher wasn't as bad as another one I had that same semester. Older guy, teaching art history. A mouse ran across the classroom while we were looking at slides -- he said something like, "Oh, look at the wee mousie", and then stomped it to death. I was horrified. I'll never forget that!

Eleniel
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 6:45am

Views: 423

My favourite has always been...

the Elven architecture and designs for Rivendell. I know it was a bit of a let down this time with all the CGI and pinks, but I still love the Art Nouveau inspired sets,and have to say Ann Maskrey's new designs for the clothing of the Rivendell Elves are gorgeous and far nicer than some of the draped velvets Ngila gave us. I also adored Elrond's maroon/burgundy battle armour! (Thranduil's Bo5A armour promises equal gorgeousness from the brief clip we saw in the Happy Hobbit vid.)

Agreed, Orcrist is an object of beauty, and a worth partner to Sting!

Naturally the attention to detail of the set design for Bag End was awesome once again...

Erebor was interesting...I like the use of Malachite as the main interior finish, but the scale was OTT for me and I didn't like the 3D (it looked more ancient and solid to me viewing it in 2D 24fps.)

"Choosing Trust over Doubt gets me burned once in a while, but I'd rather be singed than hardened."
¯ Victoria Monfort

Old Toby
Grey Havens

Jun 20 2013, 7:38am

Views: 387

I loved so much of the design in this movie

But if I had to list the ones that stood out for me, it would be:
1. Bag End - both exterior and interior, we've seen before but not in this detail and depth. I love Bilbo's pantry and the scene of the Great Food Fight was just fantastically done. I want to live in Bag End. Really.

2. The design of all the dwarves - just marvelous! Each one so unique, so detailed! And yes, all their various hair designs, with their different braiding techniques, really showed off their individuality. And of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Thorin's Magnificent Hair! And as others have mentioned, that fur coat he wears really is perfect on him. Makes him both regal and cuddly at the same time. I'll be sad to see him lose it. (Hmmm, I wonder if Thranduil will rob him of more than Orcrist....Jealousy has no bounds, you know.)

3. Erebor - I love the exterior shot of the front gate with the two humongous dwarf monuments on either side. They really give you a feeling of the majesty of the dwarf kingdom. The dwarves are short, but their creations are larger than life.

4. Rhosgobel - As messy and topsy-turvey as the place looks, I think it SO fits Radagast! I love all the little details they put into his house too - things you had to see upon several viewings or upon closer scrutiny. What a marvelous creation! I think the designers had a field day with it. (Of course NOT someplace I'd ever want to visit. I can only imagine what it must smell like! Gag!)

5. Gollum's cave - it was so perfectly rendered, I think, and I especially liked his boat. Um, the fact that it was made out of the skins of goblins was never stated in the film, fortunately! Yuk!

6. I loved the way the movie ended with the thrush flying over the desolation area to the side of the mountain, and of course, the eye of His Most Cunning and Excellent Dragon opening at the end there. The eye was superbly done.

"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)

(This post was edited by Old Toby on Jun 20 2013, 7:40am)

Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor

Jun 20 2013, 12:09pm

Views: 365

My favourite designs included

Goblin-town
Dol Guldur
Rhosgobel
Balin's design and weapon
Dwalin's design
Oin's design
Gloin's design
Dori's design
Thorin's coat and Orcrist
Radagast's robe and staff
Gandalf's scarf
The Gundabad Wargs
The concept of the rabbit-sleigh
Thranduil's crown
Thror's beard braiding

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."-Gandalf

dernwyn
Forum Admin / Moderator

Jun 20 2013, 12:13pm

Views: 354

That blue cheese!

I hope we see Bilbo purchase it, in the EE! Laugh

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I desired dragons with a profound desire"

Bombadil
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 12:37pm

Views: 386

Bomby's Amazed NO ONE has mentioned..?

Alan Lee & John Howe by Name?

Honestly!... what did you think these designs jus'
"Sprung UP..
... and out of the Ground?"
(Gimli quote...)

All Hail King Alan and King John!

xoxo
Bomby

Lusitano
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 2:11pm

Views: 327

Hi Passagas

Agreed on your points.

Is this your first time here on TORN? Wink

Vous commencez à m'ennuyer avec le port!!!

Brethil
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 2:26pm

Views: 308

So right Bomby!

In Reply To

Alan Lee & John Howe by Name?

Honestly!... what did you think these designs jus'
"Sprung UP..
... and out of the Ground?"
(Gimli quote...)

All Hail King Alan and King John!

xoxo
Bomby

I second your hail my friend! Their work remains amazing!

Manwe, when asked a simple "Yes" or "No" question, contemplated, and responded "the middle one."

dormouse
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 2:32pm

Views: 334

Visually, everything....

I realise that probably sounds exaggerated, but the design is one of the main things that draws me to these films and keeps me watching, eyes wide open. John Howe and Alan Lee have a lot to do with that. I've been collecting books with Alan Lee illustrations for about 30 years, John Howe's about half that time, and for me the films are a bit like moving book illustrations. I'd watch even if they were in a language I didn't understand.

So - Hobbiton... Bag End.... Erebor. I love those glimpses of the dwarf jewellers and miners, and the one who discovers the Arkenstone. And Dale - so colourful - and the kites

Thranduil on his elk(?) - that was so unexpected.

Elrond in armour, and the scene of the mounted elves circling the dwarves

Rivendell

Azog. Not popular, I know, but for me the first orc design they've come up with which really has echoes of a ruined elf.

Radagast and his house (I really love the various Radagst drawings in the Art book)

Bilbo's dressing gown and all the varied dwarf costumes

Goblin town - I was spellbound by the depth and scale of it - reminded me of the scene in Fellowship when the crebain fly into the caverns below Orthanc, when it was hard to believe that they could have created anything that vast and detailed for the film.

The lighting on the scene when Bilbo rejoins the company after escaping from Gollum

The eagles - the whole sequence is breathtaking.

sauget.diblosio
Tol Eressea

Jun 20 2013, 4:15pm

Views: 315

Even though i had many problems with AUJ as a film,

from a design standpoint, it was a huge success-- everything about the dwarves (especially Balin and Dwalin)(and excepting Kili, and a too young Thorin), everything about Bilbo, Erebor, the Carrock, Dol Guldur, all the new Rivendell locations, the cave trolls, Gollum's cave-- so much great looking stuff. Even questionable things, like Goblin Town (i still would have preferred more labyrinthine tunnels and darkness, though), the Goblin King (i like the character, just can't stand that stupid chin thing), Radagast (love everything but the bird crap), and the stone giants (only their look-- they still should have remained off in the distance), have grown on me. The only thing i still just do not like, at all, and probably never will, is Azog.

If i had to choose one design i liked best, though, it would have to be Orcrist-- that is one amazing looking sword that looks like it could do a hell of a lot of damage. And i really love the Carrock-- i hope we get more of it in DoS.

(This post was edited by sauget.diblosio on Jun 20 2013, 4:18pm)

Fàfnir
Rohan

Jun 20 2013, 5:44pm

Views: 291

Whait I really liked about Gollum's cave

was the feeling that it's the place where gollum is the undisputed master. Bilbo is in his territory, the whole cave is almost an extension of the creature, and that's one the things where the feeling of danger comes from.

I hope they'll succeed doing this with Smaug's treasure room as well !

Elizabeth
Half-elven

Jun 20 2013, 5:47pm

Views: 267

That pretty much describes my student days.//

DuBekar
Rivendell

Jun 20 2013, 6:27pm

Views: 275

My favorites

You are not alone thinking Azog looks great, imo the only thing that REALLY stands out in him is his "dress?" because it is made of Dwarf-heads.

But i also loove Thorins fur scarf and Bag end interior and also Erebor and Lake town.

Can't wait for the burned down Dale in DOS.

" Why, O people of Noldor! Fëanor cried. Why should we longer serve the jealous Valar, who cannot keep us nor even their own realm secure from their enemy? And though he be now their foe, are not they and he of one kin? Vengence calls me hence, but even were it otherwise I would not dwell longer in the same land with the kin of my father's slayer and of the thief of treasure. Yet i am not the only valiant in this valiant people. And have ye not all lost your King? And what else have ye not lost, cooped here in a narrow land between the mountains and the sea? Here once was light, that the Valar begrudged to middle-earth, but now dark levels all. Shall we mourn here deedless forever, a shadow-folk, mist-haunting, dropping vain tears in the thankless sea? Or shall we return to our home? In cuiviènen sweet ran the waters under uncloaded stars, and wide lands lay about, where a free people might walk. There they lie still and await us who in out folly forsook them. Come away! Let the cowards keep this city!"

Ardamírë
Valinor

Jun 20 2013, 11:14pm

Views: 224

So agreed. Dale was fantastic.

Dale surpassed my wildest expectations! I never imagined something so grand and unique and beautiful. I am so looking forward to seeing it's ruins in the next film.

"...not till now have I understood the tale of your people and their fall.
As wicked fools I scorned them, but I pity them at last.
For if this is indeed, as the Eldar say, the gift of the One to Men,
it is bitter to receive." -Arwen Undómiel

Ardamírë
Valinor

Jun 20 2013, 11:16pm

Views: 243

Bilbo's robe

Yes! I actually have some plaid shorts that are similar in style, and I just loved that robe. I don't normally wear a robe, but I would wear that thing Laugh

tolktolk
Lorien

Jun 20 2013, 11:42pm

Views: 227

So did Peter Jackson

There is an interview somewhere - probably on YouTube - with Peter, Andy and Martin and Peter says he coveted the robe (which was given to Martin to take home) so much that Fran had an identical one made up for him. Only, as he said himself, in a larger size!

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 21 2013, 1:00am

Views: 212

So many and yes!

Bilbo's dressing gown. Definitely! That was terrific and the one thing that Martin wanted (and got) when they finished principal photography. It looks so well made and so "heavy". I love that it's not cheap looking, it has all that patchwork and looks so Hobbity. Perfect for a well to do and fussy Hobbit.

I also loved Thranduil's elk. I thought that was just really well done and Lee Pace looked so regal sitting atop it.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

Nira
Lorien

Jun 21 2013, 1:07am

Views: 216

so many...

The pantry of Bag End. I want that pantry...pre-dwarf invasion.
Actually, ALL of Bag End is really well done as expected. Nice touch with the neatness vs clutter seen in LOTR.

Dale- loved the kites, loved every bit of it

Erebor- well beyond my expectations. Wow

They made Rivendell green, as opposed to the symbolic fall season represented in LOTR. Nice reaffirmation of that symbolism.

Hobbiton- expanded and seen from various angles

As mentioned earlier- The design of orcrist, particularly the scabbard

Bilbo's wardrobe

"Why, to think of it, we're in the same tale still! It's going on. Don't the great tales never end?" -Samwise

Ardamírë
Valinor

Jun 21 2013, 2:48am

Views: 190

So awesome!

That must be super nice! I'd love to get me one, too. Anyone here who wants to get me one is certainly welcome! Sly

sauget.diblosio
Tol Eressea

Jun 21 2013, 3:35am

Views: 282

The scabbard's great, too...

In Reply To

As mentioned earlier- The design of orcrist, particularly the scabbard.

I especially love how, if you're not careful with where you hold the scabbard when sheathing the sword, you might lose a few fingers.

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 21 2013, 12:25pm

Views: 236

Good point!

Yes it's tricksy!

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

hobbitylass
Bree

Jun 22 2013, 2:11am

Views: 212

I agree with so much that others have said here, and also

I love the ponies the dwarves ride out of the Shire. They used extra fur to get them so shaggy-looking.

Yngwulff
Gondor

Jun 22 2013, 3:24am

Views: 200

Stuff me likey

The dwarves .. individual not all look a like clones like in Snow White and other films.

Goblin town ... aside from the Road Runner chasing falling fighting ... the actual set was very cool

That scene in Rivendell where they were looking at the moon letters in the cavern with the waterfall and crystal table

Dale and Erebor were great

Gollums cave with the mushrooms Bilbo landed on to pad his fall

Take this Brother May it Serve you Well
Vote for Pedro!

Bumpypotato
Bree

Jun 22 2013, 6:03am

Views: 206

*generic subject title*

There were so many small details I really liked about it, but one that really stood out for me (and possibly is quite a controversial choice) is Azog. As much as I love the original lore, I wasn't bothered by his inclusion as it made for a more interesting film then it otherwise would have been, and although he didn't look quite as well rendered as Gollum or the Goblin King (this is most likely due to his late addition) his design was just plain menacing. Yes, there are other, uglier looking orcs out there, but even Gothmog didn't look particularly intimidating once you got used to him. Azog, on the other hand really looks like he could beat the - are we allowed to swear on here? - *expletive* out of someone, especially when you see him towering over Thorin.

I know this was a thread about designs we did like, but I feel like mentioning one that really didn't work for me; the wargs. Yes, they look less like Hyenas then they did in LOTR, and the cgi is technically better, but the design itself looks far less like a real creature.

Eye's on Guard
Lorien

Jun 22 2013, 2:04pm

Views: 178

I'd have to agree with you on this

In Reply To

I know this was a thread about designs we did like, but I feel like mentioning one that really didn't work for me; the wargs. Yes, they look less like Hyenas then they did in LOTR, and the cgi is technically better, but the design itself looks far less like a real creature.

A warg to me will always be the thing that took out poor Hama (yes, even though they're now supposed to just be Saruman's specially-bred version)

Elenorflower
Gondor

Jun 23 2013, 1:12pm

Views: 140

Dale

looked interesting and cant wait to see Thranduilìs Halls. Balin was great. Its funny how he gets universal praise, he is one of the most traditionally Dwarven looking Dwarves, and people like that. They dont seem to like the more outlandish designs quite as much. which says to me that Pj could have made the designs less OTT and people would have liked them the same if not more. I like Thranduils design it looks very GDT inspired to me.

Elenorflower
Gondor

Jun 23 2013, 1:20pm

Views: 132

My art teacher

killed my enjoyment of painting. I made a painting of a tree in a storm I put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into it, i really tried to instil my feelings into it. She took one look at it and said, 'its a bit messy isnt it? trees dont look like that'' that was 25 years ago. I have never painted since, I kinda lost my mojo. Frown

(This post was edited by Elenorflower on Jun 23 2013, 1:21pm)

Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Jun 23 2013, 1:39pm

Views: 123

Awwww

Elenor that is sad :( Really sad. Nothing like killing artistic expression.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

grammaboodawg
Immortal

Jul 27 2013, 12:17am

Views: 84

Bag End

Anything and everything to do with Bag end. I'm making Bilbo's bathrobe :)

4th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observation List - May 1, 2013

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"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West."

I'm SO HAPPY these new films take me back to that magical world!!

TIME Google Calendar
TORn's Geeky Observations Lists (updated soon)

grammaboodawg
Immortal

Jul 27 2013, 12:18am

Views: 98

Bilbo's buttons and backpack

are as charming as Sam's rattling back pack ;)

4th draft of TH:AUJ Geeky Observation List - May 1, 2013

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