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January 13, 2003 - January 19, 2003

News for Jan. 19, 2003

TTT Misses Out To 'The Hours'

1/19/03, 10:53 pm EST - Xoanon

The Hours has just won best dramatic film at the Golden Globes, beating TTT and a long list of other fine films.

How will the effect the Oscar race? No one knows...but it will be interesting to find out!


Jackson Misses Out At Golden Globes

1/19/03, 10:08 pm EST - Xoanon

Peter Jackson has just missed out the best director award at the Golden Globes. Martin Scorsesse won for Gangs of New York.

Sean Astin At The Golden Globes

1/19/03, 7:58 pm EST - Xoanon

Our very own Sean Astin (Sam) is attending the Golden Globes, check out these two images from the red carpet. [More]

The show begins at 8PM EST, check your local listings, and be sure to look at this space when the winners for best director and best dramatic film are announced!

If you want to chat about the awards while they are on, log on to Barliman's chat and type /join #awardsparty and have a ball!

Media Watch: American Cinematographer

1/19/03, 7:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Andrew Lesnie, ACS and director Peter Jackson take on The Two Towers, the second installment of New Line's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. [More]

'Hobbit' Stage Play Report

1/19/03, 7:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Catherine writes: Despite the press that everything else "Tolkien-esque" is receiving, it almost passed unnoticed that "The Hobbit" was being performed at my local theatre, The Empire in Liverpool. [More]

Cast Watch: Viggo at Book Soup Signing.

1/19/03, 3:51 pm EST - Tehanu

Entertainment Weekly has a great pic of Viggo Mortensen at the recent booksigning held at Book Soup. Those who watched him on the Charlie Rose show a while back will probably realise how much the photo caption would annoy him. [More] Thanks to Kim for the link.

David Salo, Translator to the Elves

1/19/03, 3:41 pm EST - Tehanu

Wisconsin State Journal has an article on David Salo, who provided the film trilogy with many of the translations for things that are written, spoken or sung in Tolkien's invented languages. [More] Thanks to XC Badger for the link.

Gollum Wins At Critic's Choice Awards

1/19/03, 2:02 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Spy Kerbear reports that the Critics Choice Awards were on tonight and that Gollum snared an award for Best Digital Acting Performance in The Two Towers. Our congratulations go out to Andy Serkis and the WETA team for their fine work. [More]

Bilbo's Partychart!

1/19/03, 1:40 am EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Fan Aura Boy was was sitting in a coffee house reading the Fellowship of the Ring and across Bilbo's famous quote; "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; And I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." Wanting to clear up the confusion, threw together this fun little chart to help this famous line. (*giggles* - Dem.) [More]

The Golden Globes Are Coming

1/19/03, 1:19 am EST - Demosthenes

The Golden Globes are coming this way. At roughly this time tomorrow, Two Towers will be fighting it out for Besrt Director and Best Dramatic Film. Here's TVGuide's predictions. People in the USA can also check broadcast times in their your local area. [More]

News for Jan. 18, 2003

RoTK Calendar Pics to Knock your Socks Off!

1/18/03, 11:42 pm EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Super Spy Lisa sent us the most amazing hi-res scans of the RoTK calendar that has been doing the rounds lately. And if you really want to check out the incredible detail in this calendar, these images are an absolute must! [More] Spoilers!!

Shore's Tower Score Remains Eligible

1/18/03, 10:48 pm EST - Demosthenes

The music branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has moved to deflect a brewing controversy by postponing a ruling that would have disqualified Shore's Tower's score from nomination. Thanks to Ringer Spy Arwenelf for the link. [More]

Two Towers - One Party Hotels

1/18/03, 3:50 pm EST - Calisuri

Two Towers - One party

We've just updated our Oscar Party section with a list of local hotels near the 'Two Towers - One Party.' In some cases, we have arranged for some discounted rates! You can check the complete listing for yourself in our Hotel Area. For those of you holding out on tickets, we have approximately 50 left!

If you think they're sexy ...

1/18/03, 2:49 pm EST - Xoanon

The men of The Rings are larger than life. But how well would they fare in the real world? They are visions of nobility: selfless, pure of heart and devoted to good. Well, mostly. They are arrestingly beautiful. And oh, their hair. Shoulder-length, carelessly wavy, sometimes slick with sweat, sometimes shimmering in the breeze. [More]

Precious Moments

1/18/03, 2:39 pm EST - Xoanon

"Normally, if we need a character to emote and give a performance with dialogue we try to cast a human being," said Peter Jackson, director of The Two Towers, "but Gollum's the one exception where we are creating what we hope is a very extraordinary CG creature." It was far from certain, going into the mammoth five-year undertaking that is The Lord of the Rings trilogy, that technology would yield a totally believable computer-generated (CG) character. [More]

Sabertooth Games Announces New The Lord of The Rings Tradeable Miniatures Game

1/18/03, 2:34 pm EST - Xoanon

January 17th, 2003 (TUKWILA, WA and Nottingham U.K.)
-Sabertooth Games Inc. (a subsidiary of Games Workshop Group PLC) is proud to announce the Christmas 2003 release of The Lord of the Rings ® Tradeable Miniatures Game! The game will feature expertly pre-painted three-dimensional versions of characters from New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy-such as Gandalf, Frodo, Aragorn, and Legolas. The fast, intuitive Combat-Hex rules system used by The Lord of the Rings Tradeable Miniatures Game allows players to recreate the action and adventure of the films-experiencing the exciting battles of Moria, Helm's Deep, The Pelennor Fields, and much more-in just a half hour or less. [More]

Stardom finally 'Rings' for actor

1/18/03, 2:26 pm EST - Xoanon

The past 18 months have seen actor Viggo Mortensen make a name for himself by hanging with hobbits. But before he picked up sword and saddle to play the dark hero Aragorn in the blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy, he spent 15 years quietly gaining a reputation as "the guy who should be a star." [More]

Middle-earth Fabric: Cloaks and Scarves at Te Papa

1/18/03, 2:20 pm EST - Xoanon

Frodo's Girl writes: The folks who made the fabric for the elvish cloaks in LOTR are selling some products, and [New Zealand's national museum] Te Papa has them. Stansborough Gotland Fibre has a scarf (50cmx180cm), a throw (135cmx180cm) and a lined cloak. (now with pictures! -Xo) [More] [Shop]

Castwatch: Bloom To Attend Ned Kelly Premiere

1/18/03, 12:28 pm EST - Demosthenes

Orlando Bloom watchers can mark their calenders. Australian newsite news.com.au is reporting that Orlando will be attending the premiere of Ned Kelly (in which he plays bushranger Joe Byrne) in Melbourne, Australia on March 22. [More]

Serkis The Best Performance?

1/18/03, 12:15 pm EST - Demosthenes

Not only is Andy Serkis wholly tangible within the digital character, his performance (as Smeagol/Gollum) is the best in The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers. Thanks to TomGreen for the link. [More]

SHOP: Gollum Snow Globe

1/18/03, 11:18 am EST - Demosthenes

Very shiny ... and new! This gorgeous globe recreates one of the most powerful scenes in The Two Towers, where Gollum hovers above Frodo and Sam and tries to grab the One Ring. Thanks to Frodo's Girl13 for the link. [More]

Ben's LOTR Tour Diary:PT 2

1/18/03, 3:21 am EST - Tehanu

The Red Carpet tour party continue their LOTR adventures in the South Island. [More]

News for Jan. 17, 2003

EXCLUSIVE: The Stone Trolls Environment

1/17/03, 8:49 pm EST - Strider

TOR.n can exclusively bring you the latest addition to the Sideshow/Weta Environment range: The Stone Trolls. Immaculately replicating the three trolls who made a fleeting but notable appearance in The Fellowship of the Ring, this hand-numbered collectible limited to 750 pieces goes on order Monday morning at the price of $300. [Buy]

Hall Of Fire Chats For January 18th & 19th

1/17/03, 8:30 pm EST - Strider

Of all the relationships that exist in the latter parts of The Lord of the Rings, the triangle between Frodo, The One Ring and Gollum is one of the most intriguing and arguably the most important to the story itself. This weekend, the Hall of Fire crew invite you to join us as we put this relationship under the microscope and examine what really was the key factor by which Frodo controlled Gollum. [More]

Ahoy There! Bloom Spotted!

1/17/03, 7:17 pm EST - Xoanon

Coming Soon! brings us our first ever look at Orlando Bloom (Legolas) in his latest film 'Pirates of the Caribbean' [More]

Viggo & Jude Booksigning Event Report II

1/17/03, 7:12 pm EST - Xoanon

Arwen writes: The first LOTR booksigning of the new year (at least to my knowledge) was held on January 16 at 3pm at Booksoup (“Booksellers of the Great and Infamous”) on Sunset Blvd, and featured Visual Companion author Jude Fisher, and our very own Aragorn son of Arathorn: Viggo Mortensen (also known in some circles as “the barefoot prince”). [More]

SHOP: Asylum Makes Mini LOTR Toys

1/17/03, 7:04 pm EST - Xoanon

Lawrence writes: The toy company Art Asylum will be doing a line of LOTR figures in a "mini" style, like the imported Japanese "Kubrick" figures. (a recent interview with Elijah Wood had him mention his love of the "Amelie" Kubrick). AA also did Crouching Tiger figures, including Mini figures. [More] [Shop]

Hobbits Hold Off Scorcese

1/17/03, 6:34 pm EST - Demosthenes

Martin Scorsese's epic movie Gangs Of New York has been unable to knock Lord of the Rings fantasy The Two Towers from the top of the UK and Ireland film charts. [More]

TTT Nominated For Viewer's Choice BAFTA

1/17/03, 4:21 pm EST - Strider

The Two Towers has been nominated for the Orange Film of the Year BAFTA award. The award, which is based on votes from the British public and awarded the night of the BAFTAs, has ten strong nominees including Harry Potter, Star Wars and Spider-Man. The Fellowship of the Ring won the award along with the Best Movie BAFTA last year. [More]

TTT: EE & ROTK Release Dates Galore!

1/17/03, 2:38 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Jimi sends in the release dates for the Two Towers DVDs, and Return of the King theatrical, DVD and special edition DVDs as well! [More]

Christopher Lee and the Tolkien Ensemble

1/17/03, 2:37 pm EST - Tehanu

Thorbjorn wrote in to correct our earlier news: The new Tolkien Ensemble CD "Dawn in Rivendell" has already been released, and Christopher Lee helped launch it at a concert in Copenhagen. [More]

Entertainment Weekly Talks Oscar

1/17/03, 2:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Entertainment Weekly has posted their Oscar predictions, TTT is listed as the front runner for a few categories including Best Picture and Best Director. [More]

Elijah Not On Conan After All

1/17/03, 12:34 pm EST - Xoanon

Earlier this week we reported that Elijah Wood (Frodo) would be a guest on the Conan O'Brien show tonight (Jan 17th). Either he had to drop his commitment or we were in error, either case Elijah will NOT be appearing on Conan tonight. Everyone can get some sleep!

Bjork Talks TTT's 'Gollum Song'

1/17/03, 12:31 pm EST - Xoanon

Lady Druadan sends in this news about Bjork being asked to sing 'Gollum's Song' but having to turn it down due to her pregnancy, take a look! [More]

Strider meets Croc: that's not a sword

1/17/03, 12:15 pm EST - Xoanon

It could go down as this column's stupidest prediction, but we feel it in our bones: The Two Towers is about to steal Crocodile Dundee's title as the second biggest money-making movie ever shown in Australia. [More]

SHOP: Haldir Action Figure News

1/17/03, 12:07 pm EST - Xoanon

Mosby writes: Action-figure.com is reporting that a Haldir action figure is coming out in the early spring. The bad news is that he will only be available in a Helm's Deep battle set with four previously released figures - Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Theoden. [More] [Shop]

Report from Viggo and Jude signing in Hollywood

1/17/03, 12:04 pm EST - Xoanon

Garfeimao sends in her report from the Book Soup signing with Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) and Jude Fisher! [More]

VARIETY: Big pix click with PGA

1/17/03, 11:55 am EST - Xoanon

Taking an unpredictable turn in the season's wide-open race for feature honors, the Producers Guild of America has opted mostly for large-scale and high-grossing releases as nominees for its best picture award. [More]

LOTR News: Japan

1/17/03, 3:54 am EST - Tehanu

Bruce writes in to tell us about the build-up to TTT in Japan, which seems more widespread than last year. [More]

Hobbit Cloaks and Scarves

1/17/03, 3:17 am EST - Tehanu

The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, is selling a line of cloaks and scarves made by the people who provided the beautiful fabric for the hobbits' elvish cloaks in the film. According to Ringer Frodo's Girl, they're "Gorgeous pieces." [More]

Ben's LOTR Tour Diary

1/17/03, 2:57 am EST - Tehanu

Part one of a highly entertaining account of one world traveller's sojourn in New Zealand, doing the Red Carpet LOTR Locations tour over Christmas. [More]

IMDB Daily Poll

1/17/03, 2:29 am EST - Demosthenes

At the moment at least, the IMDB Daily Poll is asking: "Which is the better movie ... The Fellowship of the Rings, Two Towers or something else?" But hurry, because it probably closes soon! Thanks to Emily for the heads up. (Requires registration, but it is free) [More]

News for Jan. 16, 2003

Lord of Racism Article - One Easterling's Experience

1/16/03, 7:20 pm EST - Xoanon

TK writes: I've just finished reading the "Lord of Racism" article on the TheOneRing.net site. Interesting stuff. I was lucky enough to work as an extra (attached to Unit 2A) for Three Foot Six. I started off an as Uruk Hai, but most of the work I did was as an Easterling. Were most of the Easterling extras "non-Europeans?" Yes - almost without exception, except for guys who had to "loiter" in the back of shot was taking place. Were we ever told that we, as Easterlings, were the "evil" bad guys? No. [More]

Christopher Lee & The Tolkien Ensemble?

1/16/03, 7:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Rosebud writes: I read in a recent issue of Star Wars Insider that Christopher Lee (Saruman)performed with the Tolkien Ensemble and that the Tolkien Ensemble will be releasing a new album, "At Dawn in Rivendell".

1st 'Ring' rules at DVD Premiere Awards

1/16/03, 6:58 pm EST - Xoanon

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" had a epic night at the DVD Premiere Awards, taking home five trophies Tuesday, including the award for overall new extra features. [More]

'Rings' Composer: A Quest for the Right Sound

1/16/03, 6:53 pm EST - Xoanon

LONDON -- On a recent autumn day at London's Abbey Road studios, director Peter Jackson was conferring with Howard Shore, his composer on "The Lord of the Rings." [More]

Hobbit Stageplay In Liverpool

1/16/03, 6:46 pm EST - Xoanon

The Hobbit lifts off on the Empire stage with a magical mist enveloping both an impressive cast and set, taking us on a captivating journey. [More]

Time Magazine Goes Back In Time

1/16/03, 5:27 pm EST - Xoanon

Lee writes: TIME Magazine has been writing about the Lord of the Rings for almost 50 years. To read actual articles and reviews that have appeared in TIME since the book was published in 1954, click on any cover below. [More]

TTT Nabs Producer Guild Nomination!

1/16/03, 5:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Sasha from oscarwatch.com writes: This morning, the Producers Guild threw their hat into the mix, nominating six in a tie vote, rather than five. [More]

ADAPTATION - COLUMBIA/ SONY PICTURES ENT.
CHICAGO - MIRAMAX
GANGS OF NEW YORK - MIRAMAX
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING - IFC FILMS
ROAD TO PERDITION - DREAMWORKS/ SKG
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS - NEW LINE CINEMA

TTT Premiere: Macedonia

1/16/03, 5:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Skopje sends in word that the TTT premiere will be held on Friday, January 17 in Macedonia. Not too long to wait now!

Tolkien saga helps Bloom's career blossom

1/16/03, 5:05 pm EST - Xoanon

This time last year, actor Orlando Bloom was just happy to be part of an A-list cast in one of the most successful films of all time. One year later, the blue-eyed star now is firmly in the A-list. Thanks to his role as Legolas in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Bloom has emerged as one of the biggest stars of the epic movie, and the bashful actor, who turned 26 Monday, still can't believe his luck. [More]

Box Office Reports: Turkey

1/16/03, 5:02 pm EST - Xoanon

Yusuf writes: On its 4th week, TTT has been watched by 73.921 more Turkish viewers making the sum of 1.070.774 people. Just to remind, the first film (FOTR) made a gross of 1.735.469 people in total.

Media Watch: 'German Cinema' Magazine

1/16/03, 4:59 pm EST - Xoanon

Padfoot sends in this translation from an article in 'German Cinema' magazine. “The big doors closed. BANG! Inside, iron bars were locking it. SNAP! The door was closed. Sam threw himself against the metal doors and fell to the floor unconscious. ROTK Story Spoilers! [More]

An Interview With Brad Dourif

1/16/03, 12:40 pm EST - Xoanon

An Interview with Brad Dourif, the duplicitous Grima Wormtongue in The Lord of The Rings II, The Two Towers. At the end of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the fellowship was divided into three groups after Boromir's death and Gandolf's(that's Gandalf -Xo) plunge into the pit of Khazad-dum. [More]

More 'Matrix,' more 'Rings': Movies 2003

1/16/03, 12:38 pm EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Sequels succeeded so well in 2002 that film studios have decided to do an encore. 2003 will see about two dozen followup movies, along with a few prequels -- some craved by audiences for a decade or more, others hitting theaters less than a year after their predecessors. [More]

Film critics often frown as movie fans delight

1/16/03, 12:36 pm EST - Xoanon

Why do the preferences of America's movie critics differ so radically from the tastes of the general public? This question comes up around this time every year as the leading organizations of working film reviewers announce their arcane choices for top movie awards. [More]

Future Film Festival Report

1/16/03, 12:34 pm EST - Xoanon

Robert writes: The LOTR Digital models supervisor was in Bologna yesterday at The Future Film Festival and our reader Rita sent me a fantastic report of the evening He partecipated at a conference, where he explained the work Weta Workshop has done. He spoke mostly about the work done with digital creatures as Gollum and the Ents. But he spoke also about the differences between what they have done in the first movie and what they have realised in TTT. There was also time to describe how they "improved" the human actors. For example, in one scene they needed to "erase" Viggo Mortensen's real legs and to create a digital pair of legs to be more realistic! [Photos] [More]

Wizards Slug It Out for Top UK Film Award

1/16/03, 12:30 pm EST - Xoanon

LONDON (Reuters) - Boy wizard Harry Potter and his middle earth counterpart Gandalf both weaved money-spinning magic over cinema audiences last year -- but whose sorcery left the biggest mark? [More]

Meed Viggo Mortensen & Jude Fisher Today!

1/16/03, 12:27 pm EST - Xoanon

Viggo Mortensen and author Jude Fisher will sign copies of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS VISUAL COMPANION at Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA TODAY at 3:00 p.m. Presented by Houghton Mifflin, publishers of J.R.R. Tolkien since 1938

LOTR Gets Commited

1/16/03, 12:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Check out this comic from Michael Fry and the folks at Commited. Take a look at the Orc dental plan! [More]

Fantasy wars

1/16/03, 12:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Quick. Name this movie: An innocent lad must save the world, while a wizened mentor gives counsel. A princess is caught in a love triangle, a world-weary warrior rises to the occasion, and a good guy is drawn to the dark side. Meanwhile, curious beings both scary and cute scoot about soaring cinemascapes that tease the eye and turbo-charge the imagination. [More]

More Info On Liv Tyler's Song

1/16/03, 12:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Aradan writes: I picked up a copy of the complementary magazine published by the 'Cineworld' cinema chain here in the UK because it contained an interview with Liv Tyler about 'The Two Towers'. Amongst all the usual stuff about costumes and elf ears there was one answer that caught my eye. [More]

Gollum is worthy of an award

1/16/03, 12:09 pm EST - Xoanon

He has been causing a stir since the movie came out last month, the long-awaited second instalment of the Lord of the Rings. While Gandalf, Stryder(that's Strider -Xo) and Legolas hold their own in Peter Jackson's epic, a thoroughly respectful and dynamic cinematic reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers, it's Gollum who has captured our imaginations. [More]

News for Jan. 15, 2003

TORN Flashback - Orcs Attack!

1/15/03, 4:15 pm EST - Xoanon

We travel back to the first few months in early February 2000, the action at Dry Creek Quary in Wellington is hot and heavy. Filming of the Helms Deep battle sequence is underway, and we had our spies right there to bring you all the action! Take a look at the Orcs making their way towards the first set of doors in a 'turtle shell' formation, and look who is scaling the wall! [More]

All Gollum, All The Time!

1/15/03, 3:53 pm EST - Xoanon

More Gollum for fans of The Lord of the Rings! Check out this exclusive new video detailing went on behind the scenes on the set and at WETA Digital to bring Gollum to live on the big screen! This is a video not to be missed! [More]

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Training on a Grand Scale

1/15/03, 11:19 am EST - Xoanon

Much to the delight of devoted and seemingly insatiable fans, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is now two-thirds complete-on screen, anyway-with the latest release of The Two Towers. [More] Each film is a visual feast for horse-lovers, and this article talks a little more about how they were trained for the movie.

TTT Premiere: Italy

1/15/03, 11:15 am EST - Xoanon

To continue the worldwide theme today, CornoRosso writes: January 16th there will be TTT Premiere also in Italy. In Rome there is some activities: from January 13th to 31st in Castel Sant'Angelo there's an interesting exhibition on Tolkien's works.

TTT Premiere: Slovakia

1/15/03, 11:07 am EST - Xoanon

Not to be out done by the Czech, Slovakia also will premiere The Two Towers this Thursday the 16th! Check your local theatre! Thanks to Michal for the tip!

Box Office Reports: Greece

1/15/03, 11:00 am EST - Xoanon

Dimitris writes: Since its premiere in December TTT has made 600,000 tickets here in Greece, more than any other picture this season, and it still goes strong. For the record, Fellowship reached the record of 1.000.000 tickets last year.

'For Your Consideration' Ads

1/15/03, 10:57 am EST - Xoanon

Rookan sends us these images of the latest 'For Your Consideration' Ads New Line is publishing, take a look!

Tolkien 101

1/15/03, 10:48 am EST - Xoanon

Dusty writes: Just wanted to inform you of an interesting class being offered at Fordham University, Lincoln Center Campus in NYC this Spring semester. Lincoln Center Courses. [More]

TTT Sweeps The Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

1/15/03, 10:40 am EST - Xoanon

Winners were announced today by the Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) with top honors going to “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. The second installment from New Line Cinema’s trilogy took top honors, winning 8 awards including Best Picture and Best Ensemble Cast. “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” also received winning nods for: Screenplay - Adaptation, Song, Cinematography, Production Design, Makeup and Visual Effects. [More]

News for Jan. 14, 2003

SMEAGOL, Old Noser...REVEALED!

1/14/03, 6:46 pm EST - Calisuri

This comes from our Havens staffer Lao of Gondor: Here's your chance to see the Alternate Image Card of SMEAGOL, Old Noser for the Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game. This collectible trading card from Decipher will be part of an in-store promotion coming in February. Visit Gaming Havens to learn how you can get your hands on your very own SMEAGOL! Spoilers [More]

ROTK Calendar Contest!

1/14/03, 3:52 pm EST - Xoanon

Like the gorgeous images you have seen on the web of the new 2003 The Return of the King Promotional Calendar? Now's your chance to win one! This calendar is a promotional item produced by New Line Cinema and won't be for sale in stores! [More]

Canada Still Loves Towers

1/14/03, 3:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Unlike the US box office, the Canadian box office reports that TTT significantly outperformed Just Married last weekend. [More]

Brad Dourif At 'Collectors & Celebrities' Show

1/14/03, 3:47 pm EST - Xoanon

Luineannuniel writes: Brad Dourif will be at a convention in North Hollywood this weekend, if anyone wants to meet the man behind Grima Wormtongue. [More]

TTT Premiere: Slovenia

1/14/03, 3:31 pm EST - Xoanon

BLAZ writes in to tell us that TTT is also arriving in theatres on Thursday, January 16th.

TTT Nominated For Guild Award!

1/14/03, 3:20 pm EST - Xoanon

pippins_scarf writes: TTT is up for a Guild nomination for art direction. 2002 7th Art Directors Guild Awards (nominations January 14, 2003; awarded February 22, 2003)

Best Production Design - Period or Fantasy Film
Chicago - John Myhre
Gangs of New York - Dante Ferretti
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Grant Major
Minority Report - Alex McDowell
Road to Perdition - Dennis Gassner

Gollum Decipher Card!

1/14/03, 2:44 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Spencer sends along this Decipher card (in german) featuring Gollum! Take a look! [More]

TV Watch: Access Hollywood

1/14/03, 2:39 pm EST - Xoanon

Just a reminder tonight to catch Access Hollywood for their TTT special effects special! Andy Serkis and Gollum on the same screen! Coolness indeed!

TTT Premiere Report: Taiwan

1/14/03, 2:36 pm EST - Xoanon

Lucifer writes: On December 28, Fantasy Foundation gathered over 900 people to enjoy TTT in the biggest theater in Taiwan. [More]

Media Watch: 'Closer' Ranks Mortensen & Bloom

1/14/03, 2:23 pm EST - Xoanon

Trueogre writes: In this weeks issue of 'Closer' a UK mag they have a top 15 sexy men and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) comes top at number one with Orlando Bloom (Legolas) 4th.

What's Next for Monaghan and Boyd?

1/14/03, 2:09 pm EST - Xoanon

Those hobbit fellows have themselves a comedy in development, they've written it and they're trying to get it off the ground – that's the news from one-half of the duo, Dominic Monaghan. While The Two Towers hits mithril at the box office, Monaghan and Boyd are putting in time on a new draft of their yet-to-be-titled comedy. We asked Monaghan about his future, the chance to again perform with Billy Boyd and the duo's comedy project which he describes as: "Funnier than a penguin playing a banjo." [More]

TTT Premiere: Czech Republic

1/14/03, 2:04 pm EST - Xoanon

Vojta sends in a reminder that the Czech TTT Premiere is this Thursday, January 16th! Check your local cinema!

TTT Deleted Scene Pics!

1/14/03, 10:34 am EST - Calisuri

Our good friend Robert from Caltanet.it sends along this link to a group of images highlighting scenes cut from The Two Towers. Click on the images along the right side of the page to see larger versions. Minor Spoilers [More]

News for Jan. 13, 2003

The not so very secret Diary of Tanja

1/13/03, 9:09 pm EST - Xoanon

Tanja sends along this amazing report from her trip to the various locations used to film LOTR! Take a look! [More]

'Flights Of Fancy' Info

1/13/03, 8:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Sue writes: Just a note regarding today's report on TORn about the RFH event on 6th July (here), which includes some of the LoTR music, but not Howard Shore. Howard Shore himself IS conducting the music from FoTR as part of an event "Flights of Fantasy" at the RFH on Sunday 9th February. [More]

Meet Viggo Mortensen & Jude Fisher!

1/13/03, 8:22 pm EST - Xoanon

Actor Viggo Mortensen and author Jude Fisher will sign copies of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS VISUAL COMPANION (for which Mortensen wrote the Introduction) at Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA on Thursday, January 16, at 3:00 p.m. Presented by Houghton Mifflin, publishers of J.R.R. Tolkien since 1938.

More Info On Arwen On Helms Deep

1/13/03, 8:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Yahweh70 gives us more evidence of the Arwen at Helms Deep cover-up (Read this earlier article): Brian Sibley noted at his recent Cambridge signing that during one of his visits to WETA, he saw the techies digitally remove what he called 'Arwen's attack at Helm's Deep'. I thought at the time he was joking, and making an insiders joke at all the internet rumours about the level of Arwen's film portrayal compared to her book appearances.

Allan Turner Lecture In Switzerland

1/13/03, 8:15 pm EST - Xoanon

LaWiseWoman writes: The Swiss-British Society in Basel, Switzerland, is having a lecture by Allan Turner, University of Newcastle, on "The Lord of the Rings - translating into film" on Thursday, 16th January 2003. [More]

Tolkien's monster resurfaces

1/13/03, 8:05 pm EST - Xoanon

A J.R.R Tolkien manuscript discovered by accident in an Oxford University library may give new popularity to the poem Beowulf, long the scourge of English literature undergraduates. [More]

Hildebrandt Exhibit In Santa Monica

1/13/03, 7:59 pm EST - Xoanon

Ask writes: Greg and Tim Hildebrandt will be appearing in person this Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19 from 2 to 5 PM at the Every Picture Tells A Story gallery and bookstore in Santa Monica, California. The gallery will be hosting a new major exhibit, "The Brothers Hildebrandt: Tolkien Art" running January 18 through February 18. Over 30 Lord of the Rings paintings will be on display, as well as over 60 rarely seen sketches, studies and prints. Signed, personalized editions of the Hildebrandts' works can be ordered by phone or on-line. Every Picture Tells A Story, which showcases the original art and prints from illustrated books, is located at 1318 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Phone is (310)451-2700 and online at Everypicture.com

TTT Arrives In Jakarta, Indonesia

1/13/03, 7:55 pm EST - Xoanon

Rishi TTT opened in Jakarta, Indonesia for one show only on the 11th of January as a Midnight Show Premiere and tickets all around the city were booked out that same morning. Tens of Thousands of people returned home at about 3 am to experience this 3 hour bridging chapter. Cinemas all over the country host a midnight show of new movies before their actual release a couple of days later. The rest of the people who were unfortunate not to get tickets can experience The Two Towers from January 15th onwards when normal shows commence.

A Special Day For Otto

1/13/03, 7:44 pm EST - Xoanon

ljosalfarau sends in these pictures from 'Woman's Day', Jan 13-20, the B&W is from Aussie 'Who' mag., also for Jan 20. [More]

More Pics From The Wellington TTT Premiere

1/13/03, 7:36 pm EST - Xoanon

frodo's girl sends along these great pictures from the Wellington TTT Premiere, a few weeks late...but fun anyway! [More]

Towers Scores Nine Noms For VES Awards

1/13/03, 5:50 pm EST - Demosthenes

Ringer Fan Owen dropped us a line to let us know Two Towers has received nine nominations (unless i miscounted) for the 1st Annual Visual Effects Society Awards. The VES Awards honour excellence for visual effects in feature films, television, commercials and music videos, and will be held on February 19, 2003. [More]

So WAS Arwen At Helms Deep After All?

1/13/03, 2:35 pm EST - Xoanon

Seems some strange things are going bump in the night. Folks from The Council of Elrond Message Board have an interesting theory into the possibility that Liv Tyler (Arwen) was indeed at Helms Deep, and later digitally removed - and even transformed into Legolas! However ... some compelling (albeit fuzzy) pictures show that they may not have been able to remove her entirely ... read on! [More]

Update: Council-of-Elrond.com seem to be having problems with the load of TORn's interest - we've mirrored the images to take the load off their server. Sorry, CoE guys :-\

Student researches links between Welsh and Tolkien's Elf language

1/13/03, 11:43 am EST - Xoanon

Links between Middle Earth and the language and mythology of Wales are now the subject of academic study at Cardiff University. PhD student Dimitra Fimi, 24, is researching the Welsh influences on the languages which JRR Tolkien created for his characters to speak. [More]

Comedy scales Two Towers at box office

1/13/03, 11:41 am EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Audiences ignored the critics and propelled the Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher comedy Just Married to the top of the weekend box office. [More]

Rings and Spider-Man tie for top film award

1/13/03, 11:40 am EST - Xoanon

Lord of the Rings and Spider-Man have BOTH been voted the best film at an American awards show. (See TORNs coverage from January 12th here) [More]

Royal Festival Hall To Play Tolkien In July

1/13/03, 11:38 am EST - Xoanon

PippinRulesOK1 writes: A little bit of The Lord of the Rings music is being perfomed in concert in London on 6 July 2003 at the Royal Festival Hall by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Howard Shore is NOT conducting! [More]

'Rings' star aims to help aspiring actors

1/13/03, 11:36 am EST - Xoanon

LONDON, England (AP) -- Billy Boyd, who grew up in one of Britain's poorest areas, says he wants to get more disadvantaged children involved in acting. Boyd, who grew up in Easterhouse, Glasgow, Scotland, says he's been in talks with the Equity acting union. [More]

`Lord' of racism? Critics view trilogy as discriminatory

1/13/03, 11:34 am EST - Xoanon

By David Ibata
Tribune staff reporter

Happily for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, director Peter Jackson stayed true to the fantasy author's artistic vision in "Fellowship of the Ring," the first film in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. [More]

New Viggo Picture From Hidalgo

1/13/03, 9:56 am EST - Xoanon

DarkHorizons (via Latino Review) has posted a new image of our Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) in the Disney flick Hidalgo. [More]

Orlando Bloom's Birthday!

1/13/03, 9:01 am EST - Xoanon


As countless women are no doubt aware, today is Orlando Bloom (Legolas) Birthday. Orlando was born on January 13th, 1977 in Canterbury, Kent, UK. That makes him 26 today! Happy Birthday!


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