Tobias from the Radiomelodie.net Team writes: There will be a special radio show with the topic "the one ring" on the October 16th. This show will not only report about "The Lord of the Rings" but also about his other works for example "The Hobbit" or "The Silmarillion". There will be a special quiz where you can win free tickets for Ring*Con2003. [More]

Nona writes: There's a feature article, with a nice interview and pix, with Sean Bean (Boromir) in the UK Sunday Express, Oct 5, 2003. Unfortunately it's not online at their website and the article is very large and difficult to scan properly. I have the pix and the text at The Compleat here. [More]

Many of you have mailed us about the alleged "feud" between Andy Serkis and Elijah Wood, a story that is gaining momentum in the last few days, and an excellent example of how urban myths are created. [More]

That is possibly the worst book-title I've ever heard, and does itself a disservice. HuanCry wrote, "I was not inclined to buy this book thinking it would be too basic and a 'jumping on the band wagon' type book but having read the excerpt I think I will change my mind. It is much much better than I imagined it was going to be .... Harvey is a language scholar who has studied Elvish , Latin & Anglo-Saxon amongst others." [More]

Did you miss out booking for the Return of the Ringers party? Due to continuing demand, we're seeing if we can the party venue so we can fit more people in. If you're interested in coming, WE NEED TO KNOW! [More]

Haddy and friends write in with another report from Collectormania 4, and some nice pictures of Elijah and Dom. And Calogero writes with details on seeing Sala Baker and Lawrence Makoare. [More]

Where to see the ROTK trailer in NZ? Thankfully there's a bit more choice than I thought: Adam emailed Hoyts NZ, and they replied that the trailer for ROTK would be playing in NZ attached to Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys 2, Tombraider 2, Legally Blonde 2, American Pie: The Wedding.

Ericka writes: I’m from Nova Scotia, where we have a yearly pumpkin people event in a nearby community (Kentville). This year’s theme was the movies, here is the LOTR entry. Enjoy! [More]

EsteTook writes: Hi! I just wanted to tell people that there are some cool events going on in Cleveland Ohio for ROTK from November 20- 22! There are some Tolkien workshops, a ROTK marathon reading, and Prizes! [More]

Ringer Spy Aleta writes: I just attended the Royal Scottish National Orchestra classic children's concert, Magic and Monsters, at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh with my youngest daughter. Billy Boyd was there, narrating a brand new piece. Here's my report! [More]

Ringer Spy Melissa writes: I'm a movie theatre manager in Ohio sending this along. Not only will there be the Return of the King play going on in Cincinnati, and the reading marathon in Cleveland, but Columbus (aside from getting Howard Shore to visit in March) will have a couple of big events taking place. [More]

Each week I scour Ebay looking for the hot Tolkien items up for sale. I post the most interesting here for you to bid on! [More] [Shop]

A BIG Thank you to both Silverstar & lalaith for sending us these Q&A transcripts from Collectormania 4. This Q&A session was with Elijah Wood (Frodo), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Sala Baker (Sauron), Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz) and Brent McIntyre (Witchking). Take a look! Thanks again! [More]

Sarah Campbell can't recall when she didn't love the tale of Bilbo, Gollum and Gandalf. Now the University of Tennessee student and mother of a 5-year-old son brings the story she loves to the Black Box Theatre. She's director and costume designer for the Actors Co-op presentation of "The Hobbit." [More]

Michelle writes: I just found out that Billy Boyd (Pippin) will be attending London Expo this year, (held 18th-19th October). He will be there both days. [londonexpo.com]

Embassy Trust spokeswoman Sue Elliott said people from all over the world, from Japan to Canada, have sponsored seats in the theatre, currently undergoing refurbishment in time for the world premiere of The Return of the King, the third film in Peter Jackson's movie trilogy, and requests continued to pour in. [More]

Trueogre writes: Sala and Lawrence were hidden away around the corner from everyone else. Today Elijah and Sean will be situated near Michael Keating from Blakes 7. Boy is he going to see a queue, unfortunetly they won't be queuing for him. They will be signing on the opposite side of the corridor to Sala, Lawrence, Dom and Andy. [More]

Ian McKellen makes a small appearance in the latest Photo Issue of Entertainment Weekly Magazine. [More]

AICN has reported a few more tidbits of information concerning ROTK's running time. There is also a brief discussion of the ending of ROTK. !!! MAJOR SPOILERS !!! [More]

Gilgalad70 writes: The Hobbits have arrived safe and well! The TTT showing tonight had Brent McIntyre (witchking in FOTR), Lawrence Makoare, Sala Baker and Dominic Monaghan. [More]

Ringer Spy Oru sends along more pictures from Tokyo, curringly in a TTT DVD promo blitz mode. Take a look at these great pics from Sibuya street and the underground (where I'm sure they filmed a Beastie Boys video a while back). Take a look! [More]

He's been a carrot-chomping resident of Bree in 'Fellowship of the Ring,' a rock-hurler at Helm's Deep in 'The Two Towers' .... But now, Ringer Spy Jenisa points out what may possibly be Peter Jackson's most cleverest disguise of all!! NO SPOILERS [More]

Where to see the ROTK trailer in NZ? We didn't know what film was going to have the ROTK trailer in front, but now according to Fraser, in Wellington's Reading Cinemas at least it's before Bad Boyz II. Ooooh. Now there's a dilemma. Can I bring myself....? Bad Boyz II???

He's been called one of Australia’s sexiest men, but to play junkie-thief Johnny "Spit" Spitieri in his latest film, David Wenham got in touch with his inner scuzzball. It is almost impossible to recognise David Wenham in his latest film, Gettin' Square. He plays Johnny "Spit" Spitieri, a recently released jailbird and drugged-out hustler with thongs on his feet, a stringy, greasy mullet haircut, a cold sore on his lower lip, and a bad attitude everywhere else. [More]

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2003--Sony Ericsson Actors, Musicians, Sports, and Fashion Favorites Share "Slice of Life" Moments with Mobile Phone Camera; Pictures to be Auctioned at Charity Event. Participating in Sony Ericsson's "Shoot for the Stars" are celebrities such as Lenny Kravitz, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, and more. [More]

Megan writes: I just wanted to let you know that Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno the week of October 5th. Her appearance will be on Thursday October 9th. The Tonight Show is on NBC at 11:35PM. Check your local listings.

bunny of many colors writes: Richard Taylor talks miniatures. The web site for Master and Commander is up and running fully now, including some behind the scenes videos for broadband users. One video is specifically about the miniatures used on Master and Commander, includes an interview with Richard Taylor (where you can see him wearing one of our TORN T-Shirts!). Unfortunately, very little Billy Boyd to be seen and no interviews with him. [More]

Ringer Spy Helen writes: I am sending a copy of info received yesterday from Birch, Caroll and Coyle Cinemas - might be of interest to OZ Ringers... [More]

TTT DVD Promotion in Japan

Pon writes: 'The Two Towers' DVD was only released in Japan on October 1st. To promote the event fliers flew high over Sibuya street, one of the most famous strips in Tokyo. [More]

Michael Szarek writes: On Wednesday, October 22, the Kean University (Union, New Jersey, USA) MALS Colloquium will include a graduate thesis presentation by yours truly on J.R.R. Tolkien's motivation behind the writing of The Lord of the Rings. My thesis concerns Tolkien's desire for England to have, as he put it, "stories of its own." If anyone is in the Union area that night, at 7 PM, you are more than welcome to attend. [www.kean.edu]

Mirky writes: I just wanted everyone to know that Series 2 of the miniature LotR busts, available from vending machines, are out! They've been released for at least a month, and I've finally gotten around to buying a scanner and sending along a scan of the list of new figures. [More]

Say goodbye to gory, slash-'em-up flicks and hello to finely choreographed fight scenes. Tony Wolf, fighting styles designer and combat instructor for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, visited Fairchild Theatre on Wednesday to teach theater students how to do just that. [More]

Gilgalad70 sends in this report from Collectormania 4! Take a look: Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz) is getting good queues. He was wearing a LOTR movie fleece today... [More]

Folks in Seattle will have a chance to hear Tolkien biographer Joseph Pearce speak at a conference at Seattle University tomorrow, October 4th. Follow the link for more info. [More] [seattleu.edu]

"Leaf by Niggle" was first published in the Dublin Review in January 1945, and is widely regarded as an allegory of Tolkien's own creative process. Many would also claim that it is indeed an allegory of Tolkien's life up to that point. [Despite Tolkien's avowed dislike for 'allegory'] Along with the essay "On Fairy-Stories" the story about Niggle can be found in the book "Tree and Leaf" which offers the underlying philosophy (Sub-Creation) of Tolkiens writings. [More]

Roger Friedman writes: Early last evening I got to see about 20 minutes from “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” Peter Jackson’s third and final installment in his epic rendering of the Tolkien books. As we could have predicted, the scenes a few of us had the pleasure of screening were top notch — indicating that Jackson and the folks at New Line Cinema will go boldly into this year’s Oscar race with every intention of winning. NO Spoilers [More] (Thanks to everyone who sent this in!)

The Film Society of Lincoln Center and New Line Cinema in January will present a weekend-long event screening special extended editions of the first two films in Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, plus the upcoming final chapter, "The Return of the King," introduced by the director and cast. [More]

(I'm already begging for an invite...somone help! -Xo)

Roheryn writes: Oh, what to do, what to do in that dreary stretch between the release of the ROTK trailer and the release of the film itself? If you feel the need for an ROTK fix, come to Cincinnati in late October. The Clear Stage Cincinnati theatre company will be presenting the final installment of the three-year-spanning Lord of the Rings production! [More]

Speaking of Return of the Ringers, one of its aims is to raise money for the Organ Donor Awareness Campaign, a charity which Peter Jackson nominated. There's some news from them - Their first TV ad "Everyday Heroes" is made, and there's an interview with the director which aired on TVNZ's "Holmes" show recently. You can see both here.

Too many heart-wrenching emails from people who missed out booking a place for our November 30th Return of the Ringers party, set to celebrate the world premiere of Return of the King in Wellington. You were in transit, you were under anaesthetic having surgery, your ISP was down, the Ticketek site was jammed, and next thing you know, it was sold out. Well, we're talking to the venue and it seems that it might be possible to expand it to fit more people. So if you want to come, and you missed out....we need to know! [More]

Many of you have asked us for a listing of International theaters that will be participating in 'Trilogy Tuesday.' The latest information we have received confirms there will be international showings, but the theaters are still TBD (To be Determined). Stay tuned for developing details. US theater goers, if you missed our earlier post, see the Trilogy Tuesday theaters on the official website. [More]

PippinsSunshine writes: The folks from the Dallas Comic-Con update the site yesterday with the ticket information. They also confirmed another LOTR Guest: Brad Dourif! There is an option to buy a RingsPass that includes meeting Brad and John Rhys-Davies and the oppurtunity to get one item signed for free from both. It also includes admission to a special LOTR Q&A/Presentation that Saturday afternoon. John will only be there Saturday, Brad and Sala Baker will be there both days. [More]

Didyma2 writes: Grand Valley State University is having a 24 hour marathon reading of the LOTR trilogy October 9-10. GVSU is located in Michigan, just west of Grand Rapids. It is a fundraiser for local schools. [More]

LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) - The long, wide underground walkway that leads from London's South Kensington tube station to some of the best museums in the British capital these days leads to Middle-Earth. Londoners and tourists alike are flocking to see "The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy -- The Exhibition" at the Science Museum. [More]

When director Wolfgang Petersen began filming Troy (due out in May 2004) at an old fort on Malta's coast, the production crew was greeted by a pack of friendly stray dogs. The dogs weren't looking for a scoop – just some food and attention. [More]

Fionn writes: An article in The Toronto Star entitled "Ex-police force of nature" had an interesting article about Canadian director Bronwen Hughes. It said her next film is the Dan Eldon biopic "The Journey is the Destination", to star Orlando Bloom as Dan Eldon, the young Reuters photo journalist who was killed on assignment in Somalia in 1993.

MT_Wealhtheow writes: Goldderby.com, a website which specializes in predictions for awards shows, has RotK on its short list of possibilities for Best Picture, Peter Jackson on its short list of possibilities for Best Director, and Viggo Mortensen on its short list of possibilities for Best Actor. (All the short lists contain 14 possibilities). [More]

[Sidenote from Tehanu: Interesting: of those top 14 films, The Last Samurai, Whale Rider, and LOTR were all shot in NZ, with Whale Rider being based on a novel by Maori writer Witi Ihimaera, directed and acted by New Zealanders. Run, don't walk, to your nearest cinema showing it, and take tissues.]

You've asked for it, and we finally got it! The official Lord of the Rings Website (http://www.lordoftherings.net) has given TORn the first look at the lucky theaters that will partake in the 'Trilogy Tuesday' celebrations. What is Trilogy Tuesday? How about watching The Fellowship of the Ring Extended Edition, followed by The Two Towers Extended Edition, followed by the 11pm Dec 16th start of The Return of the King! [View the List]

Kiran Shah stands just 1.2 metres high, but he is big in the movie industry. Never heard of him? Shah worked on The Lord of the Rings as Frodo's body double as well as doing stunts for the four main hobbit stars. Now, after after spending most of the past four years in Wellington he heads home to London tomorrow. [More]

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles has sent us a notice that a small amount of the limited edition Cave Troll Polystone Figures are back in stock. This item was previously Sold Out, so if you missed out the first time, here is your chance to get it! [More] [See the Figure]

AOL Movies Conducts Nationwide Search to Find a Red Carpet VIP Correspondent to Host Its Coverage of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Premiere in New Zealand. Fans Can Also Visit Moviefone.com on October 9 to Be Among the First to Purchase Advance Tickets to a Special Screening Series of All Three Lord of the Rings Films. [More]

Andrej writes: I have just found out that premiere of The Return of the King in Slovenia has been postponed from 18th December to 8th January 2004. The news has been officially confirmed by the distributor. [More]

The Princess Cinema in Waterloo, Ontario is having another LOTR double-bill. Seems the August one was so successful, they're doing it again! Check it out: October 2nd, 5:30pm. Six hours of Tolkien bliss! [More]

From stuff.co.nz: Now I understand why loopy Lord of the Rings fans created a following for Bret McKenzie after his three second, non-speaking, blink-and-you'll-miss-it role as a hobbit extra in Peter Jackson's blockbuster. Even the Scottish press are obsessed, calling him a "hunky spunk". [More]

The Wellington Premiere Party, Return of the Ringers, has sold out already. It was hard to pick how much demand there would be, because Kiwi fans are not as vocal and visible as elsewhere, and we couldn't really know how many LOTR fans would be visiting Wellington from overseas. Looks like we underestimated the demand. We'll be discussing plans for a more informal get-together for all the LOTR fans in the city (since there's clearly a LOT of you!) the following day during the screening of the premiere.

ShawnF writes: I was visiting the MusicTAP website and came across this article on the LotR soundtracks. It's a bit vague BUT it does mention that the score for Return Of The King will be released at the end of November! Here is the article: The Lord of the Rings soundtrack is a prolific beast to be sure. It now will get, in addition to the other formats, a Limited Edition 3CD set (probably containing the Trilogy's 3 soundtracks in one set) as well as another collection that will come in a slipcase. These are just written in addition so no info as to what they actually contain are available at this writing. However, the original single disc soundtrack bumps BACK to November 25 rather than the December date for the rest of the issues.

From ananova.com: Orlando Bloom is in talks to take the lead role in Ridley Scott's new epic Kingdom of Heaven. The drama, written by William Monahan, will begin shooting in Morocco in January. Set in the 12th century, it focuses on a young blacksmith who becomes a knight and helps defend Jerusalem against the Crusaders. The film will carry a budget of more than £60 million, according to Variety.com.

kcdrummer writes: Singer/songwriter Justin Roth has a new cd out called 'Shine'. He is such a big LOTR fan that one of the songs on the new release is aptly named Bagshot Row. Ringers could here a sample of the song, which is how I discovered it, at Justin’s web site. [Order]

Jeremy writes: I was feeling bored and annoyed with all of the comments about Shelobs size. So I decided to do a ROUGH composite of her size according to the trailer. By using two images from the trailer, a pic I found on the net of a spider (ehhhh, I swear I felt a dozen spiders crawling up my leg when I was creating this image) and a picture of a Frodo action figure, I put together this image. [More]

The world premiere of the final movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is just two months away, but as Wellington prepares to host the world premiere filming is still underway. Final scenes for The Return of the King are still being filmed on set despite the international premiere being just weeks away. [More]

If the official film trailer wasn't enough ROTK buzz for you this week, check out Electronic Arts' teaser for The Return of the King video game! Larger versions of the teaser are available at the Official EA website. [Watch the Teaser] [Official EA ROTK Site] [Gaming Havens]

Every LotR fan's favorite movie columnist, Jeffrey Wells, previews the current Oscar race, and talks about the likelihood of a Return of the King win. You know the buzz is strong when even this guy admits it! [More]

2 for 1 news today, Pavel sends along images from the Italian Edition of Vogue Magazine. [More]

Meanwhile Allykatty1 writes: I'm a subscriber to Inside the Actor's Studio, and just got a letter announcing Cate Blanchett as a guest on October 11.

Emanuel writes: IGA stores in Quebec and New Brunswick are running a contest for a chance to win one of 140 prizes of a private viewing for 4 people of Return of the King. [More]

Thea writes: First of all, I think "Pippin" just goes better with Posnock then "Frodo." Though I reserve the right to change my byline again, perhaps to something like Susan Thea "Elf Love Goddess to Aragorn, Legolas, and Faramir" Posnock. My prerogative. But even if my byline is intact, I can now kiss my self-respect goodbye. I could excuse that Fellowship of the Ring calendar I had up at work (you know, a friend bought it for me), and the Elvin Brooch (a boyfriend bought it for me). But now, having paid $10 to see Secondhand Lions, it is all over. The precious has me. [More]

CAhobbit writes: On Monday September 29th, Dominic Monaghan was a guest on the new Sharon Osbourne show. Here is a link to the recap of his appearance...it's at the bottom of the page. You can also enter to win 1 of 5 TT DVDs (theatrical of course) in his recap section. He did talked a little about his Lord of the Rings experience. He also mentioned that Elijah received the one ring after initial shooting had stopped in 2000 (we already know this) but he also said that Andy Serkis received his own one ring replica after pick-up shots where finished for Return of the King. [More]

Bookings open TODAY for our "Return of the Ringers" party to be held at the Skyline Restaurant in Wellington on November the 30th. It's the party for and by fans to celebrate the premiere of The Return of the King. [More] If you're in New Zealand you can book for Return of the Ringers by calling up your nearest Ticketek booking office. Overseas you can book online at the Ticketek Website and we'll send your LOTR-themed ticket to you.

Ringer Spy Thorbjørn was kind enough to translate and email an article that appeared in the Danish newspaper Urban a while ago about the popularity of the movies over there! [More]

Elf Helmet

Ringer Spy Karin sends along these great images from the Armageddon 2003 expo in Wellington. Take a look! [More]

A few days ago we reported that Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) would be helping out a charity in NYC by participating in 'Celebrity Charades'. Well a few lucky Ringers managed to get tickets, here are the reports! [More]

The Christopher Lee Collection, which features the films 'The Blood of Fu Manchu', 'The Castle of Fu Manchu', 'Circus of Fear' & 'The Bloody Judge' has been released today on DVD. Any Lee fans with a love for classic horror films will enjoy this! [More]

Claywise writes: There will be a TTT screening on Wednesday, October 1st at 7:30p at the good, old-fashioned Flatirons Theater (it has a BALCONY!) in Boulder. [flatironstheater.com]

Saintleoba writes: My favorite online comic, Sluggy Freelance, features a guest appearance of Orlando Bloom's face today, in the context of a Harry Potter takeoff - highly amusing. [More]

PippinRulesOK1 writes: I arrived over an hour early, very excited, and was conspicuously the only audience member wearing a Frodo t-shirt and The One Ring... I got my ticket and sat outside as the bar had not yet opened. [More]

Take a look at this hilarious comic from Dork Tower! [More]

In the Return of the King theatrical trailer, we see a great sword reforged. But who are the smiths doing the work? [More] !!!Spoilers!!!

We are a little late to get you this Sideshow/Weta Collectibles news: Using a coupon code of SARUMAN you can get $50 off the Saruman Statue and get a free medallion. With coupon code ORC, you can get 20% off Orc Busts and a free helm. These offers end tomorrow. Also, many fans, who do not have adventure cards from the LOTR DVD have asked for the secret Sideshow/Weta code. It would be silly of us to give you an unfair 'ADV'dantage over the people who bought the 'CARD'. [More]

AICN used their "chinese water torture" skills to weasel the ROTK running time out of their sources. Read on for the details. Hint: You won't need to bring survival supplies, but you might want to take care of business before the film starts. [More]

Go...download! Destroy someone else's bandwidth for a change!! Enjoy!!! !!!SPOILERS!!! [Apple.com] [Official Site]

Now that we have a version of decent quality, TORn has put together a Frame-by-Frame analysis of all the action. And while we're still uncertain of a few things, much that was hidden has suddenly bcome clearer to the eye. See for yourself! [More] !!!MAJOR SPOILERS!!! Updated yet again!

Comments from somebody in the studio about reshooting some stuff in the end of the movie. Micro Spoilers. [More]

Wellingtonians will have a chance to bid for rare drawings donated by Lord of the Rings animators in Pablos Annual Art Auction next month. [More]

Tired of viewing chinese characters all over your lovely RoTK theatrical trailer? Well, gripe no more, the AOL version has finally hit the stores. It's not full screen, but the quality is much better! Download, and enjoy today! (9MB - Quicktime required, though the 20MB version just a few stories above is better still.) [More] !!!SPOILERS!!!