I remember when you all defended the decision to pad the film with a bunch of LOTR filler and make it into three films "because they're adding what's in the appendices!" well some of us were saying its a terrible idea and will never work. LOOK WHO WAS RIGHT. The film is getting Phantom Menace level of attention now. People say it is way overlong, full of unnecessary LOTR filler and eye rolling that there'll be two more films. It's THE PHANTOM MENACE all over.
Have you actually seen it? No? Well, I have, and I couldn't disagree with you more. I'm so happy they decided to make it into a trilogy, and the first part absolutely lived up to my expectations (and they were high)! It's truly a magnificent film! STUNNING, in fact. It was not too long - two and a half hours felt like one, there was some LOTR foreshadowing - which only made it better, and I, for one, can't wait for the next two parts (curse the year long wait!).
I just watched it. Terrific film. I went in with lower expectations and with the mindset that there was noway it was going to live up to the LOTR--I was wrong. Its very on-par with Fellowship and, many times, feels like Fellowship--but I will say it moves faster than Fellowship did (probably because of the shorter run time).
Personally, I felt that each LOTR film got better as the series went on and, based on some of the best parts not making it into the first Hobbit film, I expect this to be the case with the new trilogy.
Will it change the minds of those who disliked LOTR? No, but for those who loved the films, they will love this one just the same (and its great seeing some "old friends" along the way).
It should also be noted that I didn't see it in 48fps or in 3D either...