The Hobbit Desolation Of Smaug Extended Edition Portable -
The Extended Edition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug expands the theatrical cut by 25 minutes , bringing the total runtime to 186 minutes (3 hours and 6 minutes)
. Released in November 2014, this version is widely considered a more "complete" experience than the theatrical release, specifically for its inclusion of major book-based scenes and deeper lore connections to The Lord of the Rings Key Narrative Additions
The extended cut adds or expands several key sequences omitted from the cinema version: Thrain Subplot
: Gandalf encounters Thrain, Thorin’s father, imprisoned in Dol Guldur. Gandalf helps Thrain regain his memory before Azog and the Necromancer attack, and Thrain is killed. Beorn’s Introduction the hobbit desolation of smaug extended edition
: The "Queer Lodgings" chapter from the book is fully realized, showing Gandalf introducing the dwarves to Beorn in pairs. Mirkwood Expansion
: New scenes heighten the sense of disorientation in the forest, including the crossing of the Enchanted River. Bombur falls into a deep sleep and must be carried. Laketown Politics
: Additional dialogue between the Master of Lake-town and Alfrid provides context on their political schemes and distrust of Bard. The Extended Edition of The Hobbit: The Desolation
: The opening scene at the Prancing Pony is expanded to include a flashback of the Battle of Azanulbizar and mentions of Thror's ring, establishing higher stakes for Thorin's journey. Critical Reception and Impact
Reviewers and fans often consider this the strongest extended edition of the Josh Reviews the Extended Edition of The Hobbit
1. The Dwarves Finally Get Personalities
The theatrical cut raced from Mirkwood to Lake Town so fast you barely learned the dwarves' names. The extended edition fixes this with The "Gathering of the Durin's Folk" scene. What happens: The dwarves sing a solemn, beautiful
- What happens: The dwarves sing a solemn, beautiful song around a fire before entering the Mountain.
- Why it matters: For the first time, you feel their ancestral pain. They aren't just comic relief; they are exiles returning home. This single scene elevates the final act from "heist movie" to "emotional epic."
Recommended Watch Strategy (single viewing)
- Watch the Extended Edition uninterrupted to absorb pacing changes.
- Take note of added character beats—especially Bard, Thorin, and Gandalf.
- Rewatch the Smaug sequence with audio focus to catch added dialogue and leitmotifs.
- Optionally compare with the theatrical cut to see how edits change tone and emphasis.
The Only Downside
If you hate long movies, be warned: This pushes the runtime to nearly 3 hours and 10 minutes. It requires a commitment. Also, the extended edition does not change the cliffhanger ending—you still have to watch Battle of the Five Armies.
How to Watch the Extended Edition
Currently, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition is available on:
- 4K UHD / Blu-ray / DVD (the 2021 Middle-earth Ultimate Collector’s Edition is the best release)
- Digital retailers: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu (search for “Extended Edition,” not theatrical)
- HBO Max (formerly, check current rotation; it’s often listed as a separate entry)
Do not confuse the “Special Extended Cut” (which just adds behind-the-scenes) with the actual extended film. Look for the 186-minute runtime.
