Earlier this month, it was revealed that Warner Bros. would only be releasing the 48 frames-per-second version of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in select locations across North America. This news led to disappointment from numerous fans who do not live near major locations. This decision was made in order to be careful while judging the reaction to the presentation. Why might they do that you say? At CinemaCon earlier this year, the footage was shown at 48fps and definitely received quite mixed reactions from those that viewed it. However, there is some  good news here from Showblitz.  You will not have to pay extra to see this version of the film come December. Warner Bros. has expressed a desire for exhibitors not to charge even more on top of the already high 3D ticket price, with 3D already costing on average $3-$5 more than a 2D ticket, and the exhibitors have agreed. So, if you live near a theater that will be showing this version…you’re in luck! If not…I am sure you’re already planning a road trip.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey returns to middle-earth on December 14th.

So, the trailer only has three new bits of footage but I don’t think any of us has a problem with that at all. Something is better than nothing right?

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is in theaters December 14th, 2012

Unable to attend Comic-Con next week? Can’t wait for your return to The Shire? We have your first look at the Comic-Con poster for ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’!

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Source: Peter Jackson