Even though I think the film improved a lot in the Extended Edition - I think it is a shame, that they cut out Smaugs attack on Laketown and his death. Getting rid of the "Kill the dragon" with gold scene and add Smaugs attack and death would have made the film better and complete.

It was a waste to begin the 3 film with Smaugs scenes. The 3 film didn´t need any more action, but the second needed a better ending. Smaugs death and the battle that´s to come would have been enough for a cliffhanger imho.

Anyway. I´m still thankful for 9 hours of well produced fantasy. Watching all the specials in the bluray disc sets let´s you really feel how much afford and love went into this.