New Zealand airline make Hobbit-inspired in-flight safety video

AN airliner has created a special in-flight safety video to mark the release of the forthcoming Hobbit movie, a prequel to the record-breaking Lord of the Rings trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.

Air New Zealand, who have also produced similar videos featuring the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team and Snoop Dogg, have made a four-and-a-half minute film highlighting the safety features of the 777-300ER aircraft, with passengers and crew depicted as Orcs, wizards, hobbits and elves.

The clip, which has racked up nearly 7 million hits on Youtube, also features cameo appearances from The Hobbit director Jackson, and a digitised Gollum who can be seen prowling the aisle.

The Hobbit will be released nationwide in cinemas on 14 December.