LAS VEGAS — Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” is preparing to leave the shire.

The director of the Oscar-winning “Lord of the Rings” trilogy previewed 10 minutes of assorted footage Tuesday from his upcoming prequel.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” is being filmed in New Zealand using more frames per second than the Hollywood standard. Jackson said in a video introduction that using 48 frames per second produces a smoother image.

The movie could usher in a new era of filmmaking and require film houses across the globe to embrace digital technology.

Jackson said the human eye no longer sees individual pictures under the faster speed, but a steady stream of clear images.

“The movement feels more real,” Jackson said while introducing his film at the CinemaCon convention for theater owners on the Las Vegas Strip. “It’s much more gentle on the eyes.”

Indeed, the footage was vivid, with grass blades, facial lines and soaring mountains appearing luminous and pronounced. The actors looked almost touchable.

It’s unclear what the final product will look like when it’s released in December. Jackson said he was still editing the movie and the shared footage included green screens that will eventually be used to add in scenery, action or special effects.

Other digital pioneers are making the same push for higher film speeds. “Avatar” creator James Cameron has promised to shoot the sequel to his sci-fi blockbuster at 48 or 60 frames a second.

Jackson warned the new approach would take time to adjust to. Some bloggers agreed, claiming that the unfinished scenes looked like a low-budget TV show.

British actor Martin Freeman stars as Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit who acquires the evil ring that sets the action of “The Lord of the Rings” in motion.

The footage showed Baggins lost in Gollum’s cave. Andy Serkis’ portrayal of the strange creature known for his “precious” obsession and speaking in the third person is just as disturbing as it was in the trilogy.

Ian McKellen, reprising the role of the wizard Gandalf, persuades Baggins to join him on his journey. The footage of the hobbit’s hometown is stunning, with each color having almost a neon glow.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the first chapter in Jackson’s two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy classic.

How much is that puppy on the website?

NEW YORK — Chris Brown is delivering more than hit songs – he’s selling puppies.

A rep for the singer confirmed Tuesday that Brown is selling 2-month-old pit bull puppies on a website. Maureen O’Connor called Brown an animal lover and said the pups were born to dogs he keeps at his family home in Virginia. She says he’s selling them simply to ensure they go to good homes, and it’s not going to be a new business for the star.

Brown’s mother Sunday tweeted a link to the site, which shows Brown cuddling a puppy. He’s selling them for $1,000 each, and the site guarantees their health, shots, registration and more.

Kardashians to keep up life on camera

NEW YORK — The Kardashian family will continue living life on TV for the next three years.

The E! Entertainment network said Tuesday it had reached a deal with its most bankable franchise to make three more seasons of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” Terms were not disclosed.

The sixth season of the show averaged 3 million viewers on Sunday nights, the cable networks’ top series. Five of the 10 most-watched shows in the network’s history, in fact, involved the Kardashians. The 18-episode seventh season begins May 20.

E! said the entire family is covered by the deal: Kim, Kourtney and Rob Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian Odom, and Bruce, Kris, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. E! will continue to have the first crack at any spinoff projects.

Deion Sanders’ wife denies attack

McKINNEY, Texas — Deion Sanders’ estranged wife denies that she broke into his room in their Dallas-area home and attacked him in front of their children.

Pilar Sanders was arrested Monday on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

She was released Tuesday and said she is innocent and that she’s not being treated fairly because her husband is a Hall of Famer who played for the Dallas Cowboys.