Whether you're a fan of Tolkien myth lore or not, everyone can agree that the backdrop alone is worth sitting through The Hobbit.
How does director Peter Jackson and his crew select the perfect location? Is all of New Zealand really that stunning?
The mini-documentary shown above, provided by Air New Zealand, shows Jackson and his location scouts in helicopters, seeking brand new scenery to take your breath away.
Jackson is no stranger to location in New Zealand, having filmed the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy there too. The director chose almost completely different spots for The Hobbit.
The scenery is not only important for the film, but to New Zealand itself. The entire country has structured its tourism around the books and films, drawing in fans to visit Middle Earth in real life.
Air New Zealand, the country's top airline, has been giving passengers the Tolkien treatment before they even set foot in the country. The latest in-flight safety video pays homage to the film, with cameos from Jackson himself, among other stars.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on Dec. 14. In the meantime you can find more resources to keep you entertained at Air New Zealand's Flying Social Network.