I understand that at one point it was suggested that they cut the book in half and make two movies out of it since there was so much but they figured out how to cram it all into one. This is a shame since I agree that so much was sacrificed that would have been enjoyable to see. As well, unless you've read the book, there would be much that would be confusing I think or not fully appreciated. Hasn't hurt the box office take though. ;-)