I have read the Hobbit & The Lord Of The rings yearly since I was 17. (1975) In that time I have worn out at least 4 sets of books.
I liked the movie and agree that they tried to stay true to the book. The visuals were great and I hate having to wait for the next installment.
I have read LOTR and Hobbit many times although not as many times as you. My eyes are weaker now and so I have started listening to audio books. Finaly this year they came out with unabridged (non dramatized) versions which are really very good. I say non dramatized because before all they had were abridged versions with cheesy readings by a gaggle of actors. Now it’s one reader who does change his voice a bit but not too much which is sort of like if Tolkien himself were reading it to his children. I love listening to audio books of books I’ve read. I find myself focusing on different aspects. I’m not part way into The Fellowship of the Ring. Mr. Mercat and I will probably go see the Hobbit this weekend.