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Peter Jackson responds to 'Hobbit' frame rate controversy: 'You settle into it'

Peter Jackson responds to 'Hobbit' frame rate controversy: 'You settle into it'

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Peter Jackson has responded to the controversy over his decision to film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at 48 frames per second

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hobbit poster
hobbit poster

Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and its unconventional 48fps frame rate came under fire after a ten minute preview screening was held at CinemaCon last week, but the director seems unfazed by the controversy and remains confident it was the right way to bring his Lord of the Rings prequel to the big screen.

Critics say the enhanced clarity stripped the picture of filmic characteristics and made it all too obvious they were looking at a movie set and props, which gave the experience an unpleasant, artificial feel. For his part, Jackson does admit there will be an adjustment period before viewers get accustomed to the quicker frame rate, but says it shouldn't take long. "At first it’s unusual because you’ve never seen a movie like this before," he told Entertainment Weekly. "It’s literally a new experience, but you know, that doesn’t last the entire experience of the film — not by any stretch, [just] 10 minutes or so." He adds, "you settle into it."

He also implores fans to wait until they've seen the completed film before passing judgement. But for those who simply aren't fond of the visual style, Jackson doesn't seem worried about playing the role of convincer. "I can’t say anything," he said. "Just like I can’t say anything to someone who doesn’t like fish. You can’t explain why fish tastes great and why they should enjoy it."

You'll be able to form your own opinion when The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters in December.