'The Hobbit’ Trailer, Showtimes, Ticket Information

Full disclosure: I'm a pretty huge "Lord of the Rings" fan. So it should come as no surprise I'm anxiously awaiting a return to Middle-earth.

The latest movie in the blockbuster franchise—"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"—is hitting theaters just in time for the holiday season. The Peter Jackson epic opens at midnight on Dec. 13, and it's not too soon to figure out where you'll watch it.

The movie traces the story of "a curious Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, (who) journeys to the Lonely Mountain with a vigorous group of Dwarves to reclaim a treasure stolen from them by the dragon Smaug."

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, official trailer

The fantasy film based in a land of elves, wizards and hobbits starts with midnight showings the night of Thursday, Dec. 13, with its "official" opening on Dec. 14.

You're certainly not short on options when it comes to seeing the film opening night at Southdale Center's AMC Theatres, with eight different screenings taking place between midnight and 12:05 a.m. Thursday. The only decision you need to make is whether you'll see it in high frame rate 3D, normal 3D, IMAX 3D or just catch a normal screening.

Details for the Southdale AMC's midnight showings are as follows:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Regular Showing)

Cost: $10.50 adults, $7.50 children, $10.50 seniors

Showtimes: 12:01 a.m., 12:02 a.m., 12:04 a.m., 12:05 a.m.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (High Frame Rate 3D)

Cost: $14 adults, $11 children, $14 seniors

Showtime: 12:01 a.m.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (3D)

Cost: $14 adults, $11 children, $14 seniors

Showtimes: 12:01 a.m., 12:03 a.m.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (IMAX 3D)

Cost: $16 adults, $13 children, $16 seniors

Showtime: 12:01 a.m.

Why do you love "The Hobbit" books and movies? Tell us below in comments.

Like Edina Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our daily newsletter