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Preview of 'The Hobbit' in 48fps draws mixed reviews

Some viewers of the film come away unimpressed by higher framerate, while others love it. Most agree, however, that it makes for a huge change.

Philip Wong Associate Editor
Philip Wong is an A/V, PC, photography and gaming enthusiast. Besides spending countless days and late nights fiddling with his home theater system and watercooled PC, he also hits the roads frequently on his iron horse to sweat it out. Now, who says geeks don't work out?
Philip Wong
Poster for The Hobbit
MGM

"The Hobbit" is possibly one of the first movies to be filmed in 48fps, or double the framerate of tradition theatrical releases. According to a Facebook entry by its director Peter Jackson, the switch promises significantly higher clarity and smoothness, especially when it comes to fast movements and panning shots.

Some viewers, however, were unimpressed after a preview of the movie at the CinemaCon trade show in Las Vegas. A rival studio's projectionist was even quoted by the Los Angeles Times, saying that the film looked like a made-for-TV movie and was too accurate and too clear.

Twitter reactions to Hobbit
The Verge

The above tweets come from some of the other attendees at the screening who mostly agreed that the 48fps provided a different viewing experience.

(Source: Crave Asia via The Verge)