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August 20, 2001 - August 26, 2001

News for Aug. 26, 2001

Media Watch: Sydney Sunday Telegraph

8/26/01, 8:20 pm EST - Strider

From Zerxy

Thought you might be interested in this little piece that appeared in the Sunday Telegraph (Sydney), in the film reviews section. Looks like the film is being noticed. This is the first time that I have seen something in the reviews section for an unopened film, and I am quite a regular reader. [More]

Tolkien On Canadian Learning Network

8/26/01, 7:06 pm EST - Strider

From Tallboy

Channel surfing this afternoon I found a Tolkien documentary being shown on Canadian TV @ 6pm EDT (The Canadian Learning Network - Channel 440 on Bell ExpressVU satellite). Don't know yet if it will be re-broadcast.

WorldCon 2001 Programme

8/26/01, 6:08 pm EST - Strider

The final programme for WorldCon has been published on the website, and thanks to the hard work of Vincent we have a list of Tolkien events that are happening in the Pennsylvania Convention Center this year. [More]

Ian McKellen Caricature

8/26/01, 1:39 pm EST - Xoanon

From: rraven

A bit off-topic perhaps, but I found a particularly stunning caricature painting of the dear Ian McKellen (Gandalf) here. Derren is a talented magician, mind control expert, and artist.

Media Watch: Empire Magazine

8/26/01, 1:36 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Peter

You might be interested to see a LoTR report (about 2 pages), along with previews of other upcoming films, in September's Empire magazine (UK). It has the same image of Ian McKellen as Gandalf that appeared in previous issues.

Anyone with this issue and a scanner, send it along!

Media Watch: Rolling Stone

8/26/01, 1:34 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Chris

I just wanted to drop a line to let you know that there is a short little article in the latest Rolling Stone magazine (August 30th) about LOTR on pg. 87 under HOT BUZZ. It doesn't give any new information and it has 3 pics (the hobbits standing with swords drawn, Gandalf standing at the gates of Moria, and Galadriel kissing Frodo on the head). Nothing really new....it does mention that the movie will give Harry Potter and "hard fight for bragging rights as 2001's top adventure fantasy".

Trailer II At Filmspeed

8/26/01, 12:04 pm EST - Strider

From Eric F:

In case folks haven't noticed, Filmspeed.com has the 2nd LotR trailer up in a 1500k mpeg4 encoded downloadable format. Looks and sounds great! Much better than the crappy Real stuff, almost DVD quality. Only thing is folks must be online to watch it as it requires a license registration.

Media Watch: The Today Show

8/26/01, 11:39 am EST - Strider

From ZLenc:

This Sunday morning on "The Today Show" there was a preview of fall movies with someone from Entertainment Weekly. They mentioned LotR: FotR, and showed parts of the trailer without sound. He said it was in competition with Harry Potter, but recognized that FotR will be more for adults than Harry Potter.

Aaliyah, 7 Others Said Killed in Crash

8/26/01, 1:02 am EST - Xoanon

MARSH HARBOUR, Bahamas (AP) - R&B singer and actress Aaliyah died when a small plane that was to carry her and eight others back to the United States crashed after takeoff in the Bahamas, authorities said. [More]

Aaliyah's last few films are 'Matrix: Reloaded', with Hugo Weaving (Elrond) and 'Queen of the Damned' with Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron). I post this news here not just because of her connections with our 2 LOTR stars, but I also thought this young songstress had some great acting ability and was a rising star, she will be missed.

News for Aug. 25, 2001

InQuest Gamer Magazine: Issue #79

8/25/01, 2:49 pm EST - Tookish

One of the InQuest bigwigs dropped us a note about their next issue, which will feature Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and lots of good juicy gaming and film tidbits: There’s all kinds of hobbit-brand fun in the upcoming issues of InQuest Gamer... [More]

AOL Again

8/25/01, 2:11 pm EST - Tookish

From Thranduil: Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that LOTR is once again featured on AOL's welcome screen. It's got links to the official site and they mention the "new" screensavers and wallpaper we've seen for a while...

Liv Tyler - Pinup Queen?

8/25/01, 9:24 am EST - Strider

IGN have posted up an article linking Liv Tyler (Arwen) with the main role in the upcoming biopic of 50's pinup queen Betty Page. [More]

Bored? Short of laughs?

8/25/01, 8:39 am EST - Tehanu

Jimcalagon the Red has a cunning plan to cure you of that....[More]

SHOP: Decipher LOTR Wrapper

8/25/01, 1:04 am EST - Xoanon

No, I'm not talking MC Bilbo and DJ Jazzy Gaffer..I'm talking the wrapper on Decipher's LOTR Cards...we got it and you want to see it...we know you do.. [More]

Boyd Talks Hobbits

8/25/01, 12:48 am EST - Xoanon

Billy Boyd (Pippin) talks Hobbits and Humans on the latest RealVideo file on the Official site. You can get a nice insight on the Scotsman's take on Hobbit-folk (RealPlayer Needed). [More]

News for Aug. 24, 2001

Hall of Fire Chats for August 25th and 26th

8/24/01, 7:11 pm EST - Strider

For a lot of people, the Silmarillion is the next logical step for people who begin to appreciate Tolkien literature. Just as The Hobbit is more akin to a children's storybook tale, The Silmarillion is considered to be one of the more thought-provoking and enriched pieces of J.R.R's work. But no-one would say that the book is easy-reading: spanning thousands of years, thousands of people and thousands of places, the Silmarillion is often too much to take in for one reading. This weekend, the Hall of Fire becomes A Guide To Reading The Silmarillion. [More]

Cannes Footage Screened in LA?!

8/24/01, 4:11 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Bombur sends in the following letter he received. unfortunately, this screening is only for Hollywood-types...sorry folks! I want to go as bad as you do!

Many of you have asked to see The Lord of the Rings footage that New Line previewed in Cannes a few months ago. The special print will be back in Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 5th. New Line will host three screenings of the Cannes footage at 11 AM, 3 PM and 5 PM in our Screening Room...We look forward to sharing the footage with you and answering any questions you may have about The Lord of the Rings trilogy or our upcoming films, Life As A House, Bones and I Am Sam (working title).

Any folks out there who will be attending this screening should drop me a line!

Media Watch: VG Newspaper

8/24/01, 2:38 pm EST - Strider

Ringer Spy Odin sends us news that Lord of The Rings made an appearance in Norway's biggest newspaper, VG. On the topic of upcoming movies for the Fall & Winter, the newspaper said "The biggest event in December this year is not Christmas, or Newyears Eve, its J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings movie (Fellowship of The Ring), directed by Peter Jackson!"

Tolkien and Christianity II - I recant

8/24/01, 1:09 am EST - Tehanu

A few days ago I sent people off to read Hollywoodjesus.com's article on the Christian elements of Tolkien's work. Lazy me, I didn't read the whole thing, and soon enough I got plenty of feedback to say that Greg Wright hadn't done his homework....[More]

SHOP: WETA/Sideshowtoys Series III

8/24/01, 1:09 am EST - Xoanon

The cool folks at WETA/Sideshowtoys have updated their site with series III of the LOTR set! [More]

News for Aug. 23, 2001

Astin's 'Goonies' on DVD!

8/23/01, 9:55 pm EST - Xoanon

The citizens of Astoria, Oregon, known as "The Goondocks," are on their way out. A wealthy and ruthless businessman is near-completion on his bid to take over the land and create a haven of snobbery for the well-to-do. Seemingly hardest hit are some of the neighborhood's children, who band together as "The Goonies." [More]

Xoanon here: Gooooooonies!!! Awww yeah! I'm so getting my DVD fixed and getting this golden oldie!

Designer dressing for Orcs

8/23/01, 9:49 pm EST - Xoanon

Dressing the Orcs in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings was the project of a lifetime, says costume maker Matt Appleton. As the Orc Army art director, his work was a journey into dreams, fantasies and illusions, with just a few sketches drawn at the outset on what each Orc might look like. [More]

Thanks to Louise for the tip!

Internet piracy spreads from music to books

8/23/01, 9:47 pm EST - Xoanon

J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien are the best-selling authors most likely to be copied by internet pirates, according to a survey warning of the rapid spread of file-swapping from the music industry to book publishing. [More]

Thanks to DP for the tip!

Lord of the Rings Video At Millenium Philcon

8/23/01, 9:25 pm EST - Strider

Ringers living near the Pennsylvania Convention Center might want to check it out next Friday, as there is a good possibility that Lord of the Rings will feature in the "Wall-to-wall trailers, teasers, clips and featurettes from upcoming science fiction, fantasy, horror, animated and other genre releases under one roof in one room at one time" hosted by Jeff Walker at 5 pm. [More]

Thanks to Robert for the tip.

Wanna See some WITCHKING Armor and rings!?!!?!

8/23/01, 3:01 pm EST - Xoanon

An undisclosed Ringer Spy sent along these really COOL pics of some Witchking armor (Armour for some) and one of the RINGS! One of the nine rings for mortal men doomed to die....how coooooooool!!! !Spoilers! [More]

Decipher Press Release

8/23/01, 12:22 pm EST - Xoanon

DECIPHER TO BRING NEW LINE CINEMA¹S OTHE LORD OF THE RINGS¹ TO LIFE FOR TRADING CARD GAME PLAYERS & COLLECTORS

(NORFOLK, Va., August 23, 2001) ­ Decipher announces plans today for its captivating trading card game based on the epic adventure trilogy The Lord of the Rings. [More]

Behind-the-Scenes Screener!

8/23/01, 12:15 pm EST - Xoanon

From: The Lincoln Centre Website

Sunday, Sept 9th

7:30 pm Welcome to Middle Earth: A Look Behind the Scenes of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. [More]

Koontz likes Tolkien

8/23/01, 12:07 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Melissa D

As well as being a LOTR fan I am also a big Dean Koontz fan. I just read one of his books called "False Memories". It's not a new book but it was new to me. Imagine my surprise and delight when I found the entire book littered with references to LOTR.

The main character is a video game designer who is programming a game on Tolkien. Throughout her harrowing adventure she frequently refers to the baddies as Orcs, the tower that the main villain lives in is compared to Cirith Ungol. When walking down a hall she compares herself to Frodo walking to Mordor where "death awaits".

Regal retreats from New York

8/23/01, 12:03 pm EST - Xoanon

I wonder if Regal's 'pre-packaged bankruptcy reorganization' will involve working out the tiff that they have with New Line? We shall see...

NEW YORK (Variety) - Ailing Regal Cinemas, the nation's largest movie exhibitor, has pulled out of the New York market into which it had entered with much fanare a year ago. [More]

Thanks to Storm for the tip!

SHOP: The Dwarven Forge

8/23/01, 12:00 pm EST - Xoanon

The cool folks from The Dwarven Forge have sent along some pics and info on some way cool minis they're making, check them out! [More]

Help STOP the Pan-and-Scan of LOTR

8/23/01, 3:43 am EST - Quickbeam

We need your voices! In September, Warner Home Video will release a horribly chopped up, full frame, pan-and-scan DVD of the 1978 animated version of The Lord of the Rings. NO! this cannot happen. Your signatures on our petition will teach Warner Bros. that the only acceptable format is anamorphic WIDESCREEN, for this and all future film versions of LOTR (are you listening P.J.?). Click for full details and sign our petition! [More]

News for Aug. 22, 2001

Movies, Marketing and kids....

8/22/01, 8:35 pm EST - Tehanu

SMH.com in Australia has an interesting article on the way kids view the marketing and hype surrounding their favourite books. Although the article focusses mainly on the Harry Potter phenomenon, it does wonder whether LOTR hype will have the same effect. Abby, who sent us the link adds, "I for one, have no intention of buying LOTR merchandise, it's just not my thing (maybe a poster, if it was really beautifully done, but that's all). What do your other readers think? Are we happy to let LOTR live in our minds and on screen, or do we want it in our bedrooms and living rooms and cutlery draws (!) as well?" [More]

6,11,15,16,25...

8/22/01, 8:25 pm EST - Calisuri

While surfing Amazon.com today, Ringer fan Steve noticed something pretty cool:

Just browsing over at Amazon, where I always check out were our fav writer sits on the top sellers list. Surprise, surprise: JRRT has the no 6, 11, 15, 16 and 25 top seller spots.

Check out the entire list.[Top Selling Literature & Fiction]

Games Workshop Updates

8/22/01, 4:53 pm EST - Xoanon

Check out all the latest from the cool folks at Games-Workshop. I tell you, I've had the chance to play-er review, a bunch of their stuff, I'll have pics up for you soon, their stuff is very cool indeed! [More]

LOTR Discussions at the BPR

8/22/01, 4:50 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Brett

The Boston Public Library (Allston Branch) is having some LOTR discussions.

Lord of the Rings Book Discussion -- Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. A book discussion group devoted to J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy series. Sept. 5, The Hobbit. Oct. 3, The Fellowship of the Ring. Nov. 7, The Two Towers. Dec. 5, The Return of the King. Preregistration required. Moderator: Andy Schmidt, adults' librarian. [More]

Christopher Lee Likes CLONES

8/22/01, 3:08 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Assignment X

Veteran actor gives his impression of the second film's title. Christopher Lee (Saruman) has now given his opinion on the title STAR WARS: EPISODE II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES... and it's definitely different than Ewan McGregor. [More]

SHOP: United Cutlery

8/22/01, 2:30 pm EST - Xoanon

The great folks at United Cutlery sent along a CD full of LOTR Sword images in hi Rez, check out these pics of Sting, Gandalf's sword Glamdring and the sword of the Witchking! Take a look! [More]

Tolkien Mania, Tolkien's hobbits still charming readers after more than half a century

8/22/01, 12:10 pm EST - Xoanon

LONDON (AP) _ Before Harry Potter and wizards, there was Bilbo Baggins and hobbits. [More]

Media Watch: Extreme Collectors Magazine

8/22/01, 11:53 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Joelk sends along these scans from Extreme Collectors Magazine, check them out. [More]

Attack of the 60 Foot Hobbit!

8/22/01, 11:11 am EST - Xoanon

I can only imagine what it's like seeing your entire upper body on the side of a 6 story building...I'd be so worried about pigeons...Elijah's mom, drop me a line!.

Thanks to Keith and the folks at McKellen.com for the pic!

The Council of Elrond, a closer look

8/22/01, 11:01 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Mr. Tadpole takes a detailed look at what we know (or don't know) from photos and snippets from the council of Elrond scenes. [More]

'From Hell' Shown at TIFF

8/22/01, 10:53 am EST - Xoanon

The latest Ian Holm (Bilbo) film 'From Hell' will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Hollywood Reporter writes, check out all the other films that are lined up for the fest. [More]

News for Aug. 21, 2001

TheOneRing.net sponsorship updates.

8/21/01, 10:01 pm EST - Tehanu

Two stories from the charities TheOneRing.net sponsors: Books in Homes and WorldWide Fund for Nature. [More]

GAMING: Report on Decipher's showing at GenCon

8/21/01, 5:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Tish sent in this awesome report on Decipher's showing at GenCon. I'll have scans of the various items Tish sent in (Thanks Tish! :) as soon as they arrive. Now, for the report:

"I attended Gen Con in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 2-5. This was my fourth Gen Con. I usually spend most of my time at the Star Wars-related events. This year, I was looking hard for anything LOTR-related." [More]

Statue Of Tolkien To be Erected In Birmingham

8/21/01, 3:55 pm EST - Strider

Campaigners in the Moseley district of Birmingham are calling on the city council to make more of the area's links to the famous writer J.R.Tolkien. Tolkien, who wrote the epic trilogy Lord Of The Rings, and whose book The Hobbit is the best selling fiction book of the 20th century, lived in and around Moseley for most of his childhood. A Liberal Democrat activist, Martin Mullaney has drawn up a petition outlining six measures he'd like to see implemented, including the erection of a statue to the writer. [More]

That One's For The Gaffer!

8/21/01, 3:10 pm EST - Strider

At one time or the next, everyone has joked around and created some witty little one liners for the upcoming Trilogy that are so awful that they cause a round of chuckles from the people around you. You know the ones, lines like "Send THAT back to Sauron!" that would be more at home in a cheap action movie than a wonderful piece of literature. Well according to Herre-Der-Ringe, we should expect Sam Gamgee to say "That one is for the Gaffer!" after slaying an orc in Return of the King. Not so funny now is it? !Spoilers! [More]

SHOP: New Mithril Minis

8/21/01, 11:20 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Rei sends along word on some new Mithril Minis you can buy from the Mithril Miniatures Website. [More]

Council of Elrond Change?

8/21/01, 11:02 am EST - Xoanon

We recieved this report from a production insider concerning the council of Elrond. Highlight to read! !Spoilers!

Sources tell me Bilbo wasn't present when they were shooting the Council scenes... [More]

LOTR Designs

8/21/01, 10:49 am EST - Xoanon

From: darkhorizons

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Two sets of designs are in for the upcoming first film in the trilogy. These images will be used on promotional items such as posters, T-Shirts, lobby cards, billboards, postcards, etc. later in the year but there's a catch - they'll only be used internationally, domestic promo items will have entirely different graphics. [Here I] [Here II]

Tolkien Special On BBC Late Autumn

8/21/01, 5:39 am EST - Strider

From Daddy Threefoot and Dauvit The Hobbit:

BBC2 in England sometime in the Autumn (Fall) are showing a profile of JRR Tolkien. The programme will apparently include rare interview footage with the great man himself. One can only speculate that there may be some extracts from the film? Lets hope!

Green Books are Finally Here!

8/21/01, 5:04 am EST - Quickbeam

You know the old adage: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait. Check out the huge August additions to Green Books:

Green Books continues to be the most diverse and dynamic online Tolkien magazine on the web. Come explore the WORDS and WORLDS of Tolkien!

Much too hasty,
Quickbeam

SHOP: Big Movie Tie-in Covers

8/21/01, 1:25 am EST - Calisuri

A little while ago we showed you some of the new movie tie-in covers for LOTR from Houghton Mifflin. Today we have bigger versions for your viewing pleasure. !SPOILERS! [More]

FAN: Tolkien Reading Groups

8/21/01, 12:47 am EST - Calisuri

As the movie release gets closer and closer, more and more people are going to want to talk about Tolkien. By pure luck, I moved to a town which has a Tolkien reading group every monday night! [More]

News for Aug. 20, 2001

Hobbiton Comes Alive

8/20/01, 10:47 pm EST - Xoanon

Check out the latest RealVideo from the official site, 'Hobbiton Comes Alive', the video features an exclusive look at the first days on the Hobbiton set, with some great behind the scenes shots, Gandalf in Bag End, Bilbo's party, and Sam dancing with...Rosie? It's all fantastic! [More]

Media Watch: Daily Telegraph

8/20/01, 6:57 pm EST - Strider

"Harry Potter has been bumped by Frodo the Hobbit. In 20 minutes, The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring stole the title of the most anticipated film of 2001 from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Yesterday, fewer than 100 members of the Sydney film community were subjected to a metal detector search before being allowed to view excerpts from Part I of the $300 million adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's famous fantasy novels." [More]

Thanks to Wandmaker for the heads-up.

LOTR and Christianity over at HollywoodJesus.com

8/20/01, 6:41 pm EST - Tehanu

We often get emails and postings asking about the Christian element in LOTR - most of which would take a moderately-long essay to reply to in depth. Here's a site that's done a really good review of this topic. [More]

Thanks to James C. for the tip!


AICN Clarifies Locking The Print

8/20/01, 4:35 pm EST - Strider

For clarity's sake, Moriarty from AintItCool has made an explanation of his previous post which for a lot of people suggested that the Fellowship of the Ring was finished and locked safely away. In fact, the only thinig that is a done deal is the content of the film itself. [More]

John Howe at FantasyFestival

8/20/01, 2:43 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Terry

I read in the swedish newspaper dagen snyheter that John Howe the Tolkien artist will visit the FantasyFestival in Stockholm on Saturday. [More] (Swedish link)

GAMING: Steven Long talks RPG Games

8/20/01, 2:41 pm EST - Xoanon

From: IGN Vault Network

I had a chance to sit down with Steven Long, from Decipher Games about their upcoming RPG. Middle Earth

Vault: How would you describe the RPG to the average gamer, and what are some of your goals for the project?

Steve: I think that the average gamer - one who has played Dungeons & Dragons, but probably not many other games - will find this game as easy to understand and use, if not easier, than other rules systems he's used to. [More]

Access Hollywood to talk LOTR

8/20/01, 2:38 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Jesse A

Access Hollywood is doing a feature on the blockbuster movies coming out in the rest of this year. I have a feeling FotR constitutes a blockbuster movie coming out this year. The feature is on Wednesday, Aug 22.

LOTR Extra Talks LOTR

8/20/01, 2:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Like any extra in the upcoming blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings', Lucy Long knows all about the glamour of the movies ... and the hard work involved. Lucy, 26, was plucked from obscurity and thrust into stardom when an old friend called and asked if she'd like a part in the film. "It was as out of the blue as that!". [More]

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

John Noble's Birthday!

8/20/01, 10:38 am EST - Xoanon


Today, August 20th, is John Noble's (Denethor) birthday! John was born in Port Pirie, South Australia on August 20th, 1948. That makes him 53 today! Have a good one John!

Give John your birthday wishes here!

SHOP: Bakshi's LOTR at Wal-Mart

8/20/01, 10:31 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Lester sends along word that you may be able to find the elusive Bakshi version of 'The Lord of the Rings' cartoon at your local Wal-mart. [More]

WizardWorld: Nothing New

8/20/01, 10:26 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Rob sends along a dissapointed word that Chicago's WizardWorld convention was devoid of anything new in the world in LOTR. [More]

The Today show talks LOTR

8/20/01, 10:22 am EST - Xoanon

Riger Spy Mike R sends in word that Matt Lauer and an Entertainment Weekly writer mentioned LOTR: FOTR this morning.

Unsurprisingly, he answered that [the holiday season] would be "neck and neck" between LOTR and Harry Potter. While he was talking about it, they showed some of the LOTR trailer with out sound.

Hobbit Stage Play

8/20/01, 10:17 am EST - Xoanon

From: Dr_Roger

Our web-site for The Hobbit (and our two other 2001 plays) is www.atf.ns.ca.

There are six performances remaining before 2 Sept. I urge all LOTR fans in the Maritimes (and further afield) to see this precursor to the trilogy. From the seed of "The Hobbit" grew the great tree of LOTR.

Hobbit Movie Matte Painting

8/20/01, 10:15 am EST - Xoanon

The fan-made production of the Hobbit is still being made in full force. You can check out a matte painting sent in to us from the folks in the production. [More]

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