Costumed fans camp out for ‘The Hobbit’ premiere

>>> unexpected journey . nbc's keir simmons has more on that from london. good morning.

>> reporter: good morning. tens of thousands of loyal fans turned up for the premiere of "the hobbits" dresses at dwarves, wizards, pretty much every character. huge crowds turned out.

>> we're from the u.s. a bunch of us have been camping out all night.

>> reporter: for a movie that tells an epic story.

>> far to the east of the ranges and rivers.

>> reporter: and took its director years to make.

>> i think the biggest challenge is always just actually making the movie.

>> reporter: new zealand's transformed into middle earth for the premier. the story centers on bilboa baggins played by martin freeman .

>> a lot of work, a lot of hard slog and time and love, and it's a beautiful film.

>> reporter: cate blanchett returns briefly.

>> it's a privilege. you can only hope that you rise to the responsibility that you have to the fans.

>> reporter: the actors are arriving on a specially chartered plane.

>> even if you fly often.

>> reporter: one airline recording a hobbit flight safety video.

>> every time i land in wellington airport it feels like i'm coming home.

>> reporter: "the hobbit, an unexpected journey " has everything you would expect from this franchise. plenty of small hairy people except, of course, for one.

>> it's nice to be back.

>> reporter: on a difficult journey, facing every obstacle with brave hearts.

>> loyalty, honor.

>> reporter: and while "the hobbit," movies, there will be three are more like " lord of the rings ," the fans are as devoted as ever. we'll see what fans make of the way "the hobbit" is filmed at 3-d and at a fast 48 frames per second which apparently not everybody likes. guys, if you look the book, there's a chance you'll love the new movies.

>> key simmons in london, thanks very much. not the last you'll be hearing about the