Though it was already pretty much expected, we now have confirmation from Warner Bros. that an extended edition of Peter Jacksonâs The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released on home video sometime during the fourth quarter of 2013. The idea of extended editions for Jacksonâs The Hobbit films is somewhat intriguing, though, given that the adaptation was initially expected to be two films in length before Jackson was granted permission to extend it to a full trilogy.Hit the jump for more, including details on an âUltimate Collectorâs Editionâ of Christopher Nolanâs The Dark Knight Trilogy.Though Jackson will be going back to do some more filming to fill out his Hobbit trilogy next year, one has to wonder just how much material can possibly be mined from The Hobbit and J.R.R. Tolkeinâs appendicies. Personally, Iâd be interested in seeing a âshortenedâ edition once the trilogy has concluded to see how Jackson originally envisioned The Hobbit arc to play out over two films. Nevertheless, itâs hard to complain when more time spent in Middle Earth is being promised. The timing of the fourth quarter release of An Unexpected Journeyâs extended edition is no coincidence, as The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters next December.News of the extended edition came from Warner Bros. Home Video (via Movies.com), which also announced the 2013 release of The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collectorâs Edition. Warner Bros. is already releasing a 3-pack Dark Knight Trilogy this December that includes Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises, but I guess theyâre getting a head-start on their double-dip.  No details are given as to what this the âultimateâ collectorâs edition, but I assume some limited edition packaging will be part of the deal.The set is slated for release sometime during the third quarter of 2013, so youâll have to decide whether you want to wait a full year to own the trilogy set or if you absolutely need it this December. My guess is youâll probably get more bang for your buck with the âUltimate Collectorâs Edition,â but who knows.This home video news comes on the heels of the announcement that a 3D conversion of The Wizard of Oz is being done for a Blu-ray release later next year.  Here's an image of the WB release calendar, via Movies.com:
THE HOBBIT Extended Edition Confirmed for 2013; Plus DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY Collector's Edition Set for Q3 2013 Release
THE HOBBIT Extended Edition Confirmed for 2013. An extended edition of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released during Q4 of 2013.