'The Hobbit' takes over Air New Zealand's in-flight safety video

Forget giant eagles. Citizens of Middle Earth have stepped into the future and are now flying aboard 777s. Or at least they are in Air New Zealand’s new in-flight safety video, “An Unexpected Briefing.” The video, which was created in anticipation of the December release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, starts screening on Air New Zealand flights this week.

In the video, the elven flight attendant starts with a message we’re used to hearing in safety videos (“Even if you flight with us often, be sure to keep a sharp eye on the briefing”) but aren’t used to obeying. But this video is different — orcs, hobbits, Ringwraiths, dwarves, and elves have a way of boosting entertainment value.

Check out the video below to see Peter Jackson put on the one ring, some gorgeous Aragorn-like hair whip back in the breeze, a Gollum cameo courtesy of Weta, and an obligatory quoting of Gandalf’s most airplane-applicable line. Dean O’Gorman, who plays Fili in The Hobbit, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s great-grandsons Mike and Royd also make an appearance.

The Kiwi airline is also holding a contest with a prize that will make any Lord of the Rings fan drool: passes to the World Premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington, New Zealand on Nov. 28. Details for the contest are on Air New Zealand’s website.

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