We have an update to Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first major movie release to be shot at 48 frames per second. When the film premieres in the U.S. on December 14, a new projection technique — that could possibly revolutionize the industry — will offer some film fans a brand new experience.

Warner Bros. ran a test reel at the Landmark Theater in West LA with senior VP of technology Wendy Aylsworth. “We’re seeing good detail and a richness in the characters,” she noted. “It’s right on.”

“The studio has been running the test reel in hundreds of theaters from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Madrid to ensure that the theaters are ready for the rollout of the new technology,” reports the Los Angeles Times. Warner Bros. wants to make sure the projection tech works and moviegoers have time to adjust, so the high frame rate version will only be shown on about 450 screens of the 4,000 in North America planning to exhibit the movie.

While industry reaction has so far been a mix of excitement and apprehension, filmmakers such as Jackson and James Cameron have become strong proponents. Cameron has announced plans to release his “Avatar” sequels at 60 frames a second.

“They contend that seeing more images each second is more natural because it’s closer to what the human eye actually sees, giving a sharper, more lifelike picture and reducing eyestrain for 3D movies,” explains the article.

Some leading theater execs hope to see a strong consumer response. “They view faster frame rates — along with big screens, 3D and improved sound systems — as a way to stay relevant to younger audiences who are increasingly lured away by entertainment options in the home,” notes the article.