Avandel
Half-elven
Jun 18 2014, 1:40pm
Post #27 of 27
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Hadn't given it a lot of thought as for me there's just this overwhelming epic massiveness to the scenes, from Thorin jumping into the pit until Smaug rises (Smaug exploding covered in gold think is incredible and a nice nod back to the Asian golden dragon) but.
I am good with Thorin riding the gold, just think a wheelbarrow is too unstable and I would have handled that entry differently. Did think the melting gold in the forges looked great, but agree when the statue melts at Smaug's feet, it's good work, but not great (re Pixar and comments from that team on depicting water for Finding Nemo, I'm guessing liquids are one of the toughest things to replicate?). On the other hand I am in raptures when the gold is streaming across the floor, gleaming in the wide shots.
Not sure about scratches on Smaug, re a dragon's "hide is tough?" LOL he's certainly not happy when tons of rocks fall on him, and think his lashing about is beautifully done, the shot when his neck comes up and snaps the ropes.
One thing that stands out for me more than anything, is when the platform collapses under Bilbo and he lands, the CGI there needed a do-over *wince*.
Still, thanks to screen shots, and being able to really (finally) study the forges scenes - I'm even more appreciative - for the most part think it's fabulous work. And in depicting heat and fire think WETA is hard to beat. Another favorite for me is Smaug's claws as he pushes his way into the forges, curling around the edges of the iron bars - and the sounds are perfect, too, hearing the forges "breathe", the tread of Smaug, the grinding of gears, and banging as the forge doors draw open and let the gold flow.
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