The Hobbit vs The Lord of the Rings

3. Orcs

lord_of_the_rings_trilogy_blu_ray_photo_03

When asked why he opted to render the orcs in An Unexpected Journey using only CGI, Jackson commented that it wasn't a revolutionary idea. Indeed, had the technology been available at the time, he even admitted that the orcs of The Lord of the Rings would have been digitally added as well.

However, though the technology is undoubtedly available, it does not necessarily mean it should be used. The success of The Fellowship of the Ring - and, in fact, the entire trilogy - lent itself in part to the authenticity of Jackson's interpretations. The realism of each orc's make-up and apparel garnered the film an Academy Award; which begs the question, where was the precedent for change?

In contrast, there are some who will argue that, through their use of the Black Speech, the orcs of An Unexpected Journey heighten Jackson's commitment to authenticity. Whilst this is very much true, it does not make up for their satisfactory appearance.

Winner - The Fellowship of the Ring

Contributor

Aspiring film journalist, currently studying English at The University of Sheffield. When I'm not busy devoting my day to home cinema and retro gaming, I'll usually be found confined to my laptop; scouring the pages of IMDb for the latest updates on the silver screen.