If you’re in the market for a physical (BluRay or DVD) copy of The Desolation of Smaug Special Extended Edition, we think you may appreciate this handy buyer’s guide that Ringer TheHutt has laboriously assembled. It covers a number of markets (not just the USA and Canada): United Kingdom, France, Spain and Germany.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Special Extended Edition buyer’s guide
By Ringer TheHutt
Like last year, there are a great many versions of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition out there. In the USA, there are exclusive releases (for certain chains only), whereas in Europe there are some interesting designs not released elsewhere.
As for importing: you can buy Warner Bros. BluRays all over the world, as they are region-free and include original English audio and subtitles. This, however, is not valid for the DVD: USA is still Region 1 NTSC, and Europe is still Region 2 PAL. [Ed: if you have one of those nifty region-free players you’re home free! Best check your manual or whatever before purchasing, though.]
Also, you might mind that some European countries make usage of rather intrusive age rating logos (UK & Germany for instance). Also, most European countries translate the film titles and other inscriptions for release in their countries.
The prices are not listed, as they are liable to change. When ordering on non-US Amazon from within USA, the price will be reduced by the amount of the VAT valid for that country. However, shipping costs must be considered as well.
The basics
There will be basically three common non-exclusive editions of TH:DOS SEE, with the following options:
Some countries will also feature additional types of editions: collector’s gift sets with statues, extra discs, different packaging. In USA, the DVD release is exclusive.
This information is listed below, with the description of why this special release is exclusive marked in bold. Also, where there is an exclusive version with a different design than the standard USA one, a picture is included.
Region: USA and Canada. Released November 4.
High-definition versions
There will be two following official versions of BluRay non-exclusive to any chain.
- 2D BluRay: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with bonus materials.
- 3D+2D BluRay: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials.
Exclusive high-definition versions
- 3D+2D Collector’s Edition: one disc with the film in 2D; two d Discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials + Weta Statue. Exclusive to Amazon.com.
- 2D Collector’s Edition: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with bonus materials + Weta Statue. Exclusive to Amazon.com.
- 2D BluRay Steelbook Edition: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with bonus materials; steelbook packaging. Exclusive to Target.com.
- 3D BluRay Steelbook Edition: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials. Exclusive to Futureshop.ca. No working link at this time.
- Thorin’s Key 2D BluRay: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with bonus materials; Key to Erebor. Exclusive to Bestbuy.com.
Exclusive DVD
There is no DVD officially listed or advertised by Warner Bros., however, there will be an exclusive DVD release to WalMart.
- Five-disc DVD edition: two discs with the film; three discs with bonus materials; foldout digipak. Exclusive to WalMart.
Region: United Kingdom. Released November 3.
The UK versions are best suited for importing, given that they have the same english-language packaging. The age ratings (two round circles) might be irritating to some.
However, for The Hobbit, they are printed on a separate removable sheet of paper. Also, the Brits do have some nice exclusives as well. Like with AUJ, the Weta Statue is not released in UK, though.
High-definition versions
The spine of the packaging of the UK BluRay version is thicker than the US release in order to accommodate the BBFC rating logos! No 2D-only version seems to be available.
- 3D+2D BluRay: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials.
Exclusive high-definition versions
- 3D+2D BluRay Steelbook: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials; steelbook packaging. Same design as the USA Target exclusive, but in 3D.
- 3D+2D BluRay Bookends Edition: one disc with the film in 2D; two discs with the film in 3D; two discs with bonus materials; Guards of Erebor bookends. This seems to be a late issue of the Guards of Erebor bookends. The cover art does not show it yet, but the Amazon listing definitely states it’s the Extended Edition. A little overpriced to my taste though. Exclusive to UK.
DVD
The design of the UK DVD (first printing at least) is a foldout digipak with an outer cover without a photograph, and thus more resembling the old LOTR SEE DVDs! It won’t play on US DVD players though.
- Five-Disc DVD Edition: two discs with the film; three discs with bonus materials; foldout digipak.
