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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 1:01pm
Post #1 of 26
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The Hobbit AUJ: worldwide Blu, DVD and Steelbook overview
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In March and April 2013 the worldwide release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" on discs will start. Aside from the standard DVD edition, the movie will be also available as a 2D and 3D BluRay version. As the worldwide distributor is Warner Bros., there will be no significant difference between the contents of the release (except for different language dubs and inclusion/exclusion of extra discs). Therefore, for collectors there is a wide field of choice: which version to pick according to motif and packaging type. Therefore I decided to make an overview for the most interesting collector's editions of the discs worldwide (as far as I could find them).
About disc regions: Warner releases its BluRays region-free, so you can play all their BluRay discs in any country; the DVDs, however, will be likely locked to their corresponding regions (1 for USA, 2 for Europe, 5 for Russia etc.).
USA
The US will get "The Hobbit" prior to all the other countries - on March 19th 2013. Three editions are listed so far: DVD, BluRay Combo Pack and 3D BluRay Combo Pack. The BluRay versions contain one disc more than all the foreign editions, because a DVD version of the film is included as well. There are no special packaging listed so far (except probably for slipcases); the 3D version will likely have a lenticular motif of Gandalf (known from Empire magazine). The cover art of the 2D BluRay seems to be unique to USA so far. The DVD discs will be probably locked to Region 1.UK
In Great Britain "The Hobbit" will be released a bit later: on April 8th 2013. Except for the standard 2D BluRay edition (2 discs), 3D BluRay edition (4 discs) and DVD (2 discs) there will be an Amazon-exclusive 2D Steelbook edition (see above). The steelbook motif is Bilbo with Gollum.
Also remarkable is the motif of the UK 3D BluRay version. It's different from all the other countries in the aspect that the cover will not have a lenticular Gandalf but a lenticular picture of Bilbo turning into Gollum depending on the viewer's perspective. Somehow it makes sense including a hobbit on a film cover for "The Hobbit".
GERMANY
 
Germany is "blessed" with a rather late release: April 19th 2013, a whole month after the US. Nevertheless, the Germans have some nice exclusive packaging choices there. There will be actually two steelbook versions of the first film: the Amazon exclusive 2D steelbook (same motif as the UK one), as well as a MediaMarkt-exclusive 3D steelbook with a magnetic lenticular image of Gandalf. Also there will be a standard 2D BluRay, a 3D BluRay (also with Gandalf on it) and a DVD version. Note that the German non-collectible versions will have a non-removable green FSK 12 logo on the cover.
The MediaMarkt-exclusive 3D steelbook is only available for pre-order for pickup in a local MediaMarkt store. It will be probably available on eBay, however.
RUSSIA
In Russia "The Hobbit" is listed for April 11th 2013 in two BluRay versions: 3D BluRay and 3D BluRay. The 3D version will be in an additional cardboard slipcase.
Also, there will be exclusive versions in Kazakhstan: the 2D version will be in a lenticular slipcase; the 3D version will be in a steelbook. The Kazakhstan steelbooks are extremely rare: both versions will be limited to 100 pieces. There is no preorder for them yet.
FRANCE
If there is a country with a lot of choices in terms of packaging, then it's France. There, The Hobbit will be released on April 19th 2013 in a total number of four different BluRay steelbooks. There will be three 2D BluRay versions with different covers: Bilbo, Gandalf and Gollum. Also, the 3D Blu version will be in a lenticular steelbook, also featuring the Gandalf motif. However, there are no standard BluRay versions listed as of yet: as the steelbook versions are listed as limited, the normal versions will probably come when they are sold out.
ITALY
In Italy, "The Hobbit" will be released on April 9th 2013. There are no special packaging versions; however, Italian Amazon offers exclusive releases of the 2D and 3D BluRay including a "booklet". Judging by the Amazon pictures, this will be the book "The World of Hobbits" - however, probably, in Italian language. The 3D version shows Gandalf as in other countries; the 2d design is still TBA and likely to change. Also, the Italian 3D version seems to be cheaper than elsewhere.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Czech Republic lists a whole bunch of The Hobbit released, scheduled for April 19th 2013. However, their artworks are likely to be changed, as they are mostly self-made in Photoshop. There are two steelbooks involved: a 2D BluRay version as well as a 3D BluRay version.
Anything I missed out?
(This post was edited by TheHutt on Feb 17 2013, 1:03pm)
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Shagrat
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 1:30pm
Post #2 of 26
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Mexico are unique in listing a Blu-ray digibook, which I will definitely purchase if its released:
http://www.mixup.com.mx/Mixup/Product.aspx?sku=7509036515401
The art is probably temporary at this stage.
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 1:40pm
Post #3 of 26
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Mexico are unique in listing a Blu-ray digibook, which I will definitely purchase if its released:
http://www.mixup.com.mx/Mixup/Product.aspx?sku=7509036515401
The art is probably temporary at this stage.
This is quite a cool addition.
MEXICO
Mexico as an only country lists "The Hobbit" as a digibook edition which will be released on March 22nd, 2013.
http://www.mixup.com.mx/Mixup/Product.aspx?sku=7509036515401
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CathrineB
Nargothrond
Feb 17 2013, 2:22pm
Post #4 of 26
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I found Norway's release too. The dvd, blu ray and blu ray 3D will all be released on April 8th here (curses and splashes!)
The blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray seems to have similar covers as others, but the dvd has one I haven't seen before (but that's me).
The blu-ray and dvd has two discs, but doesn't specify what extra material is on. The Blu ray 3D has four discs.
The dvd cover:
Edit:
However on cdon.com the original poster seem to be the cover on every version. So the various covers might just be temporary.
(This post was edited by CathrineB on Feb 17 2013, 2:27pm)
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 2:32pm
Post #5 of 26
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The blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray seems to have similar covers as others, but the dvd has one I haven't seen before (but that's me).
Actually, this cover motif is also used for the UK DVD version. I just forgot to mention it. Thanks for pointing it out!
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Carne
Dor-Lomin
Feb 17 2013, 3:21pm
Post #6 of 26
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Platekompaniet also shows several Blu-ray covers
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Glorfindela
Doriath
Feb 17 2013, 4:40pm
Post #7 of 26
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I don't have Blue-Ray or 3D, so I will be opting for the 2D version.
I will be happy with the cover design for the UK edition, showing Bilbo, Thorin and Gandalf. Hope they manage to crop out the cut-off figure at the bottom left, but even if they don't that's the cover I want.
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Glorfindela
Doriath
Feb 17 2013, 4:48pm
Post #8 of 26
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...the UK DVD cover with the three figures is my favourite, followed by the 'combined' cover with several figures on it (which I won't by buying because I don't have the equipment to play the disks on).
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 5:39pm
Post #9 of 26
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NETHERLANDS / BELGIUM
The Netherlands/Belgium release does not have any special packaging so far. The interesting thing about it is the bilingual cover: the subtitle "An unexpected journey" is written in English as well as in French on the cover.
The normal BluRay has the Bilbo/Sting motive; the 3D BluRay features Gandalf; the DVD, most interestingly, has the US BluRay design with Bilbo and the dwarves in profile.
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Turambar
Nevrast
Feb 17 2013, 6:59pm
Post #10 of 26
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Have to say I do like the cover the UK are getting for the DVD, but aren't half annoyed the release comes devoid of any extra material. As much as I like the film, I'm rather averse to coughing up Ł14.99 for just the film. Amazon must think some us fans are suckers! The bigger kicker here is the US get a two-disc version for the DVD with same extras as the Blu-Ray release. WB aren't half biased towards the US with these releases.
I'm rather tempted to import the US version to be honest.
(On a side note, I do understand I could easily watch the vlogs on Youtube or whatever, but it'd be nice to view them on a larger screen than the one my laptop has, and in better quality.)
This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.
(This post was edited by Turambar on Feb 17 2013, 7:01pm)
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Eleniel
Dor-Lomin
Feb 17 2013, 7:52pm
Post #11 of 26
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Thanks for this - great to have it all in one place...
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Might be useful if this thread could be stickied...I foresee plenty of enquiries on this topic!
"Choosing Trust over Doubt gets me burned once in a while, but I'd rather be singed than hardened."
Ż Victoria Monfort
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Elessar
Doriath
Feb 17 2013, 7:59pm
Post #12 of 26
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I have no idea what US version ill be going with though.
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Roheryn
Dor-Lomin
Feb 17 2013, 8:02pm
Post #13 of 26
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Any chance you have similar info for Australia/New Zealand? I'm sure I just don't know where to look, but I haven't seen release dates and content/format info for our neck of the woods yet.
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sauget.diblosio
Dor-Lomin
Feb 17 2013, 8:48pm
Post #14 of 26
(9729 views)
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Hard to believe that that bright green logo is actually permanently on the German steelbook cover. Pretty much ruins it and nullifies the entire point of the steelbook... it's asthetics. Looks like if i want one i'll have to go with the British one (if the Blu-ray band across the top is removeable, that is).
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 17 2013, 10:31pm
Post #15 of 26
(9799 views)
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Hard to believe that that bright green logo is actually permanently on the German steelbook cover. Pretty much ruins it and nullifies the entire point of the steelbook... it's asthetics. Looks like if i want one i'll have to go with the British one (if the Blu-ray band across the top is removeable, that is). When Warners make steelbooks in Germany, they mostly make the first batch (at least, for Amazon.de exclusive steelbooks) with a removable sticker for the FSK ratings logo. Later batches in fact have a printed ratings logo.
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Owain
Dor-Lomin
Feb 18 2013, 1:49am
Post #16 of 26
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I really hope that there will be...
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3D/2D Extended Edition Steelbooks.
Middle Earth is New Zealand!
"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."
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MouthofSauron
Dor-Lomin
Feb 18 2013, 3:42am
Post #17 of 26
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take me down to the woodland realm where the trees are green and the elf women are pretty, oh will you please take me home!!
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Elessar
Doriath
Feb 18 2013, 4:04am
Post #18 of 26
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Not until the fall though if pattern holds.
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MrCere
Sr. Staff
Feb 18 2013, 5:32am
Post #19 of 26
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This belongs on TORn's front page. Would we need to twist your arm?
I have no choice but to believe in free will.
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
The cake is a lie
My blog
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 18 2013, 8:16am
Post #20 of 26
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This belongs on TORn's front page. Would we need to twist your arm? You would absolutely not. :)
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 18 2013, 8:19am
Post #21 of 26
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The link for the standard 2D BluRay UK version is broken. Here's the right one.
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Shagrat
Mithlond
Feb 19 2013, 7:27pm
Post #22 of 26
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New addition: Canada Walmart Exclusive Digibook
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Remains to be seen if the US will get it. Definitely my preferred choice, looks great:
http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey-blu-ray-dvd-ultraviolet-blu-ray-digibook-walmart-exclusive-bilingual/10198888?trail=SRCH%3Aexclusive+blu&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=10008&searchString=exclusive+blu&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=true&addFacet=
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TheHutt
Mithlond
Feb 28 2013, 6:18am
Post #25 of 26
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Here is a (later) list of special BluRay releases in USA. All of them are 2D.
- BestBuy: Special Gollum cover, access to exclusive 30 min featurette
- Target: Collector's box with LEGO figurine and access to exclusive 30 min featurette
- Wal-Mart: exclusive digibook with 63 page booklet.
- WBshop.com: exclusive panoramic poster
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