The Hobbit trilogy is returning to select theaters in the US, with screenings of the films' extended editions scheduled for this October. According to a report from Variety, the three-night event will be screened in 500 venues, with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey showing on October 5th, The Desolation of Smaug on October 7th, and The Battle of the Five Armies on October 13th. (Some listings suggest these dates are a day later, but individual cinemas seem to be selling tickets on the 5th, 7th, and 13th.) It will be the first time the extended versions have been shown in cinemas, and the first time the longer version of The Battle of the Five Armies will be seen anywhere.

"a chance to binge-watch as a community."

Screenings will include a recorded introduction from the trilogy's director, co-writer, and producer Peter Jackson, with each film starting at 7.30PM local time. After mixed reviews for the trilogy, though, it's not clear how much of an audience these screenings will attract, with organizers Fathom Events suggesting it will appeal to fans who want "a chance to binge-watch as a community." With the total running time of all three extended editions topping nine hours though, this is a binge for the dedicated only.