10-23-01 Latest News

Decipher Update
Berendir @ 3:27 pm EST

This card inspires one of Gimli's finest quotes, "Sleep! I feel the need of it. Yet my axe is restless in my hand. Give me a row of orc-necks and room to swing and all weariness will fall from me!"

Starter Decks

We provide two different kinds of starter products to begin your Lord of the Rings TCG adventures: starter decks and deluxe starter sets. There's been a lot of discussion and questions about these products, so this article attempts to set everybody straight on all the details. You'll also find below complete cardlists for all three kinds of starter products.[More]

Revival of WotR?
Berendir @ 12:31 am EST

WotR was published by the paper-wargaming company Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in the 1970s. It was one of their most elaborate presentations, with a large mounted map, cards, a gazillion little cardboard counters representing the armies of the War of the Ring, and artwork by (then) popular Tolkien artist Tim Kirk. You can look at the rules and board at http://matrix.dumpshock.com/tzeentch/Tolkien/tolkien.htm("Rules" and "Maps" tags; the "Playaids" tag will give counter and card lists).

SPI eventually went bankrupt and was eaten by TSR. The boardgame license, of course, reverted to Tolkien Enterprises, but it appears that co-designer Richard Berg has some control of the intellectual property
associated with the game itself, and has some interest in reviving the product.

Thanks to Greenbooks staff member Ostadan for the overview on WotR, and for alerting me to the new developments below.

From rec.games.board:

The designer of the original, Richard H. Berg, is off on his annual trek to Essen. On www.consimworld.com, he mentioned that he had been asked by a German company on the possiblity of a revamped WotR in the future. Thus while at Essen, RHB will be discussing with company officials and the Tolkein estate on this issus. Mr. Berg has said that he hopes that the project will be a go but will probably not be likely.

Obviously though, WotR is on life support and there is a glimmer of hope that gamers will get to see it on store shelves once again.

IGN Gaming Poll
Berendir @ 4:10 pm EST

IGN's running a poll on the hotest games of this year. While no LOTR games are slated for release this year, there are a good deal of Xbox games listed (the company we are anticipating to release at least one LOTR title next year), not to mention titles like "Harry Potter", Frodo's arch rival.

Sick of having "the media" tell you what's hot and what's not? Well, here's your chance to make a difference. We have assembled a listing of the most popular and best games of 2001 for all gaming platforms, including home consoles, PC and Game Boy Advance. As you can see, the list includes games that are already out as well as games slated to be released before the end of the year. [More]

The Puzzle Zoo: SideShow/WETA Display in LA
Calisuri @ 2:01 pm EST

If you live in LA and you have some time in the next few weeks, get your butt over to The Puzzle Zoo, on the Third St. Promenade in Santa Monica. The Puzzle Zoo has a completely unique store display, built for them by the folks from Sideshow/WETA Collectibles. The display is absolutely gorgeous.

The thing that grabs your attention is the large scale model of a Troll (turned to stone by Gandalf in The Hobbit) reaching out at passers by on the sidewalk. The troll's finger-tips are pressed against the glass. Next to his head, is a large layout of the Sideshow/WETA Collectible offerings. While they display objects from series 1 to 3, not all of them are currently for sale. However, you can purchase all of series 1, right now at the official SideShow/WETA website.

Green Books Writer Quickbeam and his friend Robert had a chance to visit the store and take some pictures. So Enjoy!

The Puzzle Zoo
1413 Third St. Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401, U.S.A
Phone: 310 - 393 - 9201
Email: puzzlezooguy@yahoo.com

LOTR bar promotion
leo @ 12:14 pm EST

Ringer Spy MP gives us a few more reasons why going to a pub in England is fun, especially in the near future...

Hi,

If you are interested, this is a copy of an e-mail sent to the University of London Union about a bar promotion for LOTR. Print whatever's interesting. I'll let you know if and when it runs...

'Fellowship of the Rings'
The Lord of the Rings Part 1
Bar Promotion Nights.

Guaranteed to fill your bars up of real ale drinking computing studies students (and for some reason I suspect Ents Staff too) faster than you can say Bilbo Baggins.

It's scratchcard promotion where we provide scratchcards with allocated merchandise to win shuffled in. These scratchcards are intended to be given out over the bar with purchase on any drink or a specific brand at the discretion of your bar management. There will be a good prize fund for this one but has yet to be totally finalised. (unfortunately our suggestions of comedy elf ears and dwarf beards weren't taken that seriously - so it'll be good stuff instead.) It will however include:
1 LOTR Crew Jacket
Soundtracks
T-shirts
Pewter key rings
Quads
Minis Posters

There are certain things that we have to do which are slightly different compared to our normal way of working please read the points below.
1. Types of night - You know your campuses best, but it needs to be busy there will be nothing in the prize fund that will cause problems for your security e.g. swords, axes, rings of invisibility etc.

2. Dates - between 18th - 25th November

3. Reports / Photos - where we can we will be asking our Student Reps (for this please read student staff rather than student brand manager) to get photos and give us the student perspective but we will need Photos and short reports form every bar/venue manager that the promotion takes place with. We will put cameras in every kit that goes out and a fax back form for a report for those who you who don't want to use electronic mail. We'll phone to remind you but would rather we didn't have to. If you take this promotion an integral part of the agreement is to return photos and a short report - this is very important to us and the film company. I'm not going to waste everyone's time with stupid bits of paper to sign but please be aware that this is the agreement for us placing the promotion with you.

Sounds like fun! If anyone happens to attend one of these, send us a report too!

Halloween Costumes: Galadriel
Tehanu @ 6:25 am EST

Lateral thinking from Ringer Spy Jakcie, who wrote to say "I was looking around today for costumes that could be used for LOTR costumes. I found one that could work pretty well for Galadriel, so I thought I'd tell you about it in case any of your readers are also looking for Halloween costumes. You'd still need a blond wig and maybe some kind of elven crown, but I figured that this would be an easy start for a lot of people." Thanks, Jackie

More

Green Dragon Ale
Tehanu @ 6:14 am EST

For all you home brewers out there, ArcherSam has this recipe to share with you:

Hi, for those home brewers out there I put together a simple little Bywater special brown ale served quite often at the Green Dragon inn (and often quaffed by Sam Gamgee). It consists of:
6lbs pale malt extract
12 oz. crystal malt
4 oz. chocolate malt
1-1/2 oz. roasted barley
1 oz. Styrian Goldings boiling hops
1/2 oz. Cascade aroma hops
2/3 cup corn sugar for bottle priming
1to 2 pks. Nottingham ale yeast

[Heat?] Crushed grains in 1-1/2 gallons water to 150 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove grains and add malt extract. Bring water to boil, add boiling hops for 60 minutes. Add aroma hops last 2 minutes of boil. Remove from heat and add to primary fermenter with water to 5 gallons. Add yeast at 80 degrees or so. Ferment for a few days and rack to a secondary fermenter for another 7 to 10 days. Bottle with 2/3 cup corn sugar.

For home brewers this should be a simple but tasty recipe. I have often shared a pint at the Green Dragon with many a hobbit.
Cheers!
Archersam

Samw@kctc.net

Miranda Otto's New Projects
Xoanon @ 7:08 pm EST

Miranda Otto (Eowyn) has signed on to two more projects to star in.

The first is 'La Volpe a tre zampe', set in 1956 Naples, a destitute young boy believes he has become friends with the movie star of his dreams. The film also stars Tomas Arana (Quintis in Gladiator) and is directed by Sandro Dionisio, Miranda plays 'Ruth'.

The second is 'Doctor Sleep', a thriller based in London. The premise: While treating a homicide detective for smoking, hypnotherapist Michael Strother has a telepathic vision of a young girl floating beneath the surface of a stream. The escaped victim of a ritualistic serial killer, the girl has become mute, and Michael is called upon by Scotland Yard to unlock the secrets she holds in order to catch a man who believes he has discovered the key to immortality.

The movie stars Goran Visnjic of 'ER' fame, and is directed by Nick Willing (Jason and the Argonauts). Miranda plays Clara.

Weekly Cast Watch
Xoanon @ 6:57 pm EST

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)

28 Days (2000)
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Albino Alligator (1996)
Prophecy, The (1995)
Passion of Darkly Noon, The (1995)
American Yakuza (1994)
Ruby Cairo (1993)
Boiling Point (1993) UK
Young Guns II (1990)
Witness (1985) UK

Liv Tyler (Arwen)

Plunkett & Macleane (1999) UK
Onegin (1999) UK
Armageddon (1998) UK
Stealing Beauty (1996)

Ian Holm (Bilbo)

Joe Gould's Secret (2000)
Fifth Element, The (1997) UK
King Lear (1997) (TV) UK
Life Less Ordinary, A (1997) UK
Madness of King George, The (1994)
Hamlet (1990)
Henry V (1989) UK
Dance with a Stranger (1985)
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) UK
Alien (1979) UK
Robin and Marian (1976)
Juggernaut (1974)
Young Winston (1972)
Fixer, The (1968) UK

Sean Bean (Boromir)

GoldenEye (1995) UK

Martyn Sanderson (Bree Gatekeeper)

Hercules and the Circle of Fire (1994) (TV) UK
Angel at My Table, An (1990)
Ned Kelly (1970)

David Weatherley (Barliman Butterbur)

"Potato Factory, The" (2000) (mini) UK

Marton Csokas (Celeborn)

Three Stooges, The (2000) (TV)
Halifax f.p: Swimming with Sharks (1999) (TV)

John Noble (Denethor)

Airtight (1999) (TV) UK
Nostradamus Kid, The (1993)

Peter Mackenzie (Elendil)

Chill Factor (1999)
Major League: Back to the Minors (1998) UK
Nick of Time (1995)
Lorenzo's Oil (1992) UK

Hugo Weaving (Elrond)

Matrix, The (1999) UK
Strange Planet (1999)
Bedrooms and Hallways (1998)
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The (1994)

Miranda Otto (Eowyn)

What Lies Beneath (2000) UK
Jack Bull, The (1999) (TV) UK
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Well, The (1997) UK
Nostradamus Kid, The (1993)
Last Days of Chez Nous, The (1992)
Initiation (1987) UK

David Wenham (Faramir)

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)
Boys, The (1997/I) UK
No Escape (1994)

Elijah Wood (Frodo)

Bumblebee Flies Anyway, The (2000)
Faculty, The (1998) UK
Ice Storm, The (1997)
Good Son, The (1993)
Forever Young (1992) UK

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)

Ideal Husband, An (1999)
Pushing Tin (1999) UK
Talented Mr. Ripley, The (1999) UK
Paradise Road (1997)

Ian McKellen (Gandalf)

X-Men (2000) UK
Apt Pupil (1998) UK
Restoration (1995) UK
Cold Comfort Farm (1995) (TV)
I'll Do Anything (1994) UK
Shadow, The (1994) UK
Scandal (1989)

Mark Ferguson (Gil Galad)

Hercules and the Circle of Fire (1994) (TV) UK

John Rhys-Davies (Gimli)

Secret of the Andes (1998) UK
Great White Hype, The (1996)
Firewalker (1986)
King Solomon's Mines (1985)
Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, A (1979) UK

Andy Serkis (Gollum)

Among Giants (1998) UK

John Leigh (Hama)

Frighteners, The (1996) UK

Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron)

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Sean Astin (Sam)

Sky Is Falling, The (2000)
Kimberly (1999)
Icebreaker (1999)
Dish Dogs (1998)
Bulworth (1998) UK
Encino Man (1992) UK
Where the Day Takes You (1992) UK
Toy Soldiers (1991) UK
Staying Together (1989)
Like Father, Like Son (1987) UK
White Water Summer (1987)
Goonies, The (1985) UK

Christopher Lee (Saruman)

Sleepy Hollow (1999) UK
Safari 3000 (1982)
Serial (1980)
Arabian Adventure (1979)
Return from Witch Mountain (1978)
Three Musketeers, The (1973) UK
Creeping Flesh, The (1973)
Nothing But the Night (1972)
Horror Express (1972)
Theatre of Death (1967) UK
Night of the Big Heat (1967)
Brides of Fu Manchu, The (1966)
Gorgon, The (1964) UK
Longest Day, The (1962) UK
City of the Dead, The (1960)
Dark Avenger, The (1955)
Cockleshell Heroes, The (1955)
Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
My Brother's Keeper (1948) UK
Saraband for Dead Lovers (1948) UK

Bernard Hill (Theoden)

True Crime (1999) UK
Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1999) UK
Loss of Sexual Innocence, The (1999) UK
Mountains of the Moon (1990)
Gandhi (1982) UK

Brad Dourif (Wormtongue)

Shadow Hours (2000)
Storytellers, The (1999) UK
Bride of Chucky (1998) UK
Urban Legend (1998) UK
Death Machine (1995)
Color of Night (1994)
Amos & Andrew (1993)
Cerro Torre: Schrei aus Stein (1991)
Child's Play 2 (1990) UK
Exorcist III, The (1990)
Child's Play (1988)
Fatal Beauty (1987)
Blue Velvet (1986) UK
Dune (1984) UK

Jim Rygiel (SFX)

Anna and the King (1999)
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Cliffhanger (1993)
Last of the Mohicans, The (1992)
Batman Returns (1992)
Alien³ (1992)
Last Starfighter, The (1984)

Howard Shore (Composer)

Cell, The (2000)
Dogma (1999)
Game, The (1997)
Moonlight and Valentino (1995)
Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
Big (1988)
Moving (1988)
Fire with Fire (1986)
Fly, The (1986)
After Hours (1985)
Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)
Places in the Heart (1984)

Peter Jackson (Director)

Frighteners, The (1996) UK

To get more information, use the sites I use like:

mydigiguide.com, tv-now.com and IMDB.com

JVC Ad/Contest
Xoanon @ 1:36 pm EST

Ringer Spy Emaen sends along this scan from the latest issue of 'Harley Quinn' (quite a cool comic if I do say so myself). Check out the special LOTR mention:

Potter VS Frodo Article #554457
Xoanon @ 1:23 pm EST

Here is another article on the highly original concept of pitting two films against eachother...there really must be a 'pooh-pooh disturber' department in every newspaper, magazine and TV outlet around the globe. This one apparently focuses on the merchandise war between Potter and LOTR:FOTR.

Media Watch: Sweeden's Norra Vasterbotten Article Translated
Tookish @ 1:20 pm EST

Many thanks to Ringer Emma for this:

Hello!

My local newspaper here in Sweden had an article about LOTR last Thursday. It also had a beautiful picture I haven't seen before, of Elrond and Arwen in Rivendell.

It said (poorly translated by me):

"The Fellowship of the Ring" is not a rush job - The preparations have taken seven years

Sometimes it feels like Hollywood is trying to manipulate the world's moviegoers with commercial campaigns for millions. Then you have to be steadfast. Still I'm already longing after "The Fellowship of the Ring", which has its premier in Sweden and Skellefteå [my town] december 19th.

Am I hereby a victim of smart marketing?

Most people have heard about J R R Tolkien's trilogy about the Ring. I read the whole trilogy a few dark winter nights in the garrison in Luleå. My friend Gunnar from Stockholm said the books were just so good and lent them to me. I was doubtful the first 30 pages, after that I had no time with attentions and marches. Instead I took every opportunity to shirk away to read. I was done in a week and sat there with tired eyes longing for more.

I still don't know exactly where the facsination was. Can it be so simple that the good fight against evil has such an attraction/force? Or maybe it was the little hobbits fight against such terrible opponents. It may be whatever it wants. Good it was, anyway, and since then, Frodo and his friends has always been my favourites.

Another film about The Lord of the Rings has been made. In 1978 came a cartooned variant by Ralph Bakshi. It was a great disappointment which felt way too blurry and lacked the special Tolkien-feeling wich is necessary to make it work. This time it is Peter Jackson from New Zealand who will bring life to the mythology. He has also used the magic nature of his homeland to recreate Middle-earth.

The preparations have taken seven years. No one can say that it is a rush job. Jackson has also made a row of famous actors appear in the films. Frodo, for example, is played by Elijah Wood, whom we've seen in movies like "Forever Young" with Mel Gibson and "Deep Impact" with Robert Duvall. I'm sure many recognize Liv Tyler from "Armageddon", where she played the daughter of Bruce Willis. Here she plays Arwen, an elf forced to choose between immortality and love. Christopher Lee, forever connected with Dracula, is Sauron [it actually says Sauron, it is not my mistake][NOTE: We know this is an error; Saurman is the character played by Lee] the premier of all warlocks (yeah, Carl-Einar Häckner [a famous Swedish magician, warlock and magician is the same word in Swedish] can go hide himself) who wants to conquer the Ring for himself.

Doesn't this look exciting? The only thing I am worried about is how the abstinence (substance?) for the next movie will express itself. Because the whole trilogy is already recorded. But we're gonna have to wait until Christmas 2002 for "The Two Towers". And Christmas 2003 "The Return of the King will be released.

It seems far away. Almost as far as wandering all the way to Mount Doom...

This article was written by Roger Lindström, for the newspaper Norra Västerbotten.

French Ringer Stumbles Onto Media Event?
Tookish @ 12:05 pm EST

Oh my gosh:

Today went as I wanted to to an UGC Cine Cite in Paris... And the trailers were there. The room was huge, and so was the screen (YEAH!), and as we were at the most 45 (it was the earliest trailer show in the morning, at 9.10 AM, the others were in other cinemas around 10.30 AM, so I bet there were many more people there) it appeared quite void. But they showed the three trailers, including the last one, four times over: FOUR TIMES! And in subtitled English. Oh my Gosh!!!!

I could see details I hadn't seen before: When you see Sauron's piked helm, in the respectful (fearful?) army, I did see one or two bearded + mustached humans... And in the pictures in the mirror of Galadriel which shows the Shire aflame, a few men-sized people are carrying whips and making the Hobbits flee. And when Legalos says, "Something draws near, I can feel it," you could see his breath on the air. Must be quite cold where he was... Of course u already noticed that, but I hadn't on my poor-quality QuickTime trailer...

And more important: There was a camera team which made interviews, before and after the trailers, to make a short movie on the fan reactions... I was actually interviewed, and I think I made quite a good impression... and there was a guy at the head of Tolkienfrance: www.tolkienfrance.com who told me HE is doing the French translation of the Decipher card game! Coooooooool.

In a nutshell: IT WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT!

Thanks for the report Cuivienor!

How to Participate in a Live Chat Event
Tookish @ 4:01 pm EST

Participating in a Live Chat Event is a unique chat experience. The first thing you need to do is get connected. You may find information at Barliman’s. If you need help fire us an email. You will connect to our main chat room, and if the event is not there, you will be directed to it in another room.

Depending on the event, the room will either be open to all speakers or moderated. In a moderated room, the flow of conversation is structured and you may find that you are unable to ‘speak’ freely. Regular conversation happens after the main question and answer session. Questions are asked by patrons like yourself in private messages to staff, who relay them to our guest speakers. Please message the appropriate staff member(s) by typing /msg nick your question. For example, /msg Berendir When will the first series come out?

After the main Q & A, there will probably be an open session with our guests. It is important to keep in mind the general room guidelines at this time. If you are having difficulty connecting or with other issues please feel free to message or email the Barliman’s moderators.

We hope you enjoy your stay!

Russian Ringers Want Release Date Changed
Strider @ 1:40 pm EST

From Henneth Annun

Kinowelt losing its rights on LotR movie and giving it to Warners in Germany, Eastern Europe and Russia dealt a blow to the Russian fans - the release date is moved from December 21 by Kinowelt to February 7 by Warners.

But what is especially sad about this event is that the other "Kinowelt" countries - Germany etc. would still get their release in December!

But Russia was singled out and placed with other Asian countries (who will also get LotR movie released in February), and this is an incredibly damb move from Warners: they'll lose loads of money to videopirates, who would steal from movie theaters countless repeat viewings of Tolkien fans. (Most of the people who eagerly awaits this movie would buy a pirated video in December instead of waiting for February release, you may trust me on this! Just try to estimate the percent of people who can avoid spoliers on TORN and you get the idea!)

And let me tell you that in no country in the world the Tolkien fandom is as strong as in Russia. LotR was first published in Russia in full in the early 90-s, and since then, in 10 years, about 2.5 mln copies of LotR were published in Russia and it still goes on in full steam.

Reading Tolkien in the early 90-s was like a religious experience for lots of Russian people, who found in his work the new light and hope after the crush of the Communism system. Tolkien affected a lot of people in our country on a very, very deep level, and the LotR movie should create an enourmous interest and would sure break all box office records for Russia (they are modest, but still it can easily climb from current 5mln$ to, say, 15mln$ just because of repeat viewings by the millions of fans, let alone other people. Even with the average ticket price of 1$ in province and 4$ in Moscow).

And now Warners wants to throw the huge chunk of it to video pirates, which would surely happen if the movie gets released in February. I just don't get it!

And another thing: technically it's possible to make Russian premiere in December as planned, because dubbing usually takes 2 months, and Kinowelt's Russian subsidiary Gemini-Kinomir had dubbing works well under way. Warners might take the works from Gemini-Kinomir and continue and they'd easy make the December deadline, but no - they plan to throw everything away and start anew. But even in this case they still have enough time to do the dubbing.

It's all politics, and it's very sad. I hope that somebody in New Line would listen to us and would change this situation before it's too late.

Franklin Mint Catalog
Xoanon @ 1:00 pm EST

Ringer Spy irhobbitish sends along a scan from the latest Franklin Mint Catalog.

Coolio LOTR Merchandise
Xoanon @ 12:39 pm EST

From: Atreieux

I just got my latest catalog from the Noble Collection and it has some LOTR'S stuff to buy I haven't seen before.

Media Watch: Swedish Papers Talk Tolkien
Xoanon @ 8:23 pm EST

From: Henrik

When I sat down to read the newspaper this afternoon I was surprised to see a large image of the infamous orcs on the last page. The article is called "Fairytale for grownups" with the subtitle "England got its own mythology". The fact that it is published today – exactly two months before the premiere is no coincident. In the ingress the author states that “this year, going to see the Fellowship of the Ring will be almost as common as eating Christmas ham”, however the article is about the books that the upcoming movies are based on instead of the movies them self. :-)

The books are discussed both by content and style and the message is that they are very good, even though they have been criticized by literary scholars for as long as the books have been around.

One of the main points is that the story is told from the Hobbits’ points of view, with all their naivety and surprise about the world in which they embark on their long journey. That means that the reader feels very comfortable reading the books, since he/she – just as the Hobbits knows nothing or very little about the places, people and history of Middle Earth. Since the Hobbits share the reader’s ignorance and surprise about most of the presented events, the reader becomes part of Middle Earth in an insidious way.

I don’t have the time to translate the entire article now, but if anyone is interested in reading the article in Swedish, it is available on the web at the following URL (with image and everything). [More]

InQuest Gamer #80
DarthCaeser @ 5:44 pm EST

The next issue of InQuest Gamer is chock-full of Lord of the Rings Gaming goodness.

"We’re counting down to “The Fellowship of the Ring,” and the last few month’s of InQuest Gamer are as packed with Middle-earth stuff as Samwise after his third breakfast. And IQ #80, on sale November 7th, is the best yet.

Yeah, Decipher’s new Lord of the Rings Trading Card game is cool, but we want more! We prove that there’s no such thing as too many wizards with our “Rule Them All” feature, where the populace of Middle-earth invade games like Magic: The Gathering, Mage Knight and Magi-Nation. Ever wonder how Frodo would fare among Dragon Ball Z combatants? Well, wonder no more.

Plus, we’ve got the first killer deck anywhere for Decipher’s new card game. If you want to win right out of the gates—of Moria—you’ve come to the right place.

And, as if that weren’t enough, InQuest #80 has a “Lord of the Rings” Gift Guide, packed full with titles, prices and sources for everything from Gandalf busts to obscure Tolkien books on tape, and from action figures of Aragorn to weapon replicas of Glamdring. Everything associated with the new films.

In the next few months, look for InQuest Gamer to provide you with even more info on the new “Lord of the Rings” games; you don’t want to miss a Middle-earth minute of the excitement, and we won’t let you."

Weta/Sideshow deal for Kiwis!
Tehanu @ 6:45 am EST

Here's a great offer for LOTR fans in NZ, Thanks to Ian Brodie of the NZ Fighter Pilots' Museum. Some of you may remember that PJ himself has a liking for old planes too! So, from the ranks of the Tolkien Fans who Like Aviation:

"As a total fan I am so pleased to be able to offer these amazing figures to New Zealanders through our secure internet store. [I asked - this is for New Zealanders only! - Tehanu]

"We are very pleased to announce that the amazing Sideshow Weta Collectible figures, busts and helms are now available in New Zealand via our secure internet store at nzfpm.co.nz Whilst we are a museum normally selling aviation memorabilia I am a total enthusiast for the Lord of the Rings and am totally amazed by the quality that Weta in Wellington have been able to produce. We are based at Wanaka, New Zealand and look forward to providing you with these lasting images of the three movies. Images will be posted shortly onto the store but in the meantime if you have any queries please contact me at ibrodie@nzfpm.co.nz

"I would be happy to offer a 7.5% discount off the quoted prices for those that mention that the order came via www.theonering.net You have all done a wonderful job for us enthusiasts!"

A look at Howard Shore's Track Record
Tehanu @ 5:28 am EST

Ringer Spy Anthony wrote in with some statistics that suggest that Shore has the knack of picking good movies to write for - or his music helps them succeed, either might be true:

"I’ve noticed something about movies that Howard Shore does the music for.  They are critically acclaimed.  I got a list of many of the movies he composed music for in the last decade, from IMDB and looked them up on Roger Ebert’s site and RottenTomatoes.com.

Many of the reviews from Ebert are 4 stars…and very few below 3 ½ or 3.

"On RottenTomatoes.com, a percentage of positive reviews from a large group of critics, many movies scored above 60%…giving it a “fresh” rating rather than “rotten.”

"I don’t know if this correlates that good music subconsciously alters critics opinions, or if Howard Shore only takes good scripts, or if it’s just a coincidence, but it does add to the stack of evidence hinting that Lord of the Rings will be a critically acclaimed box office smash (a rare phenomenon).

Movie Title ~ Music By Howard Shore, with
Ebert’s Review out of 4 stars, and
Rotten Tomatoes.com (percentage)

Yards. The (2000)
***
59%

High Fidelity (2000)
****
88%

Dogma (1999)
***1/2
88%

Analyze This (1999)
***
75%

Game, The (1997)
***1/2
75%

That Thing You Do! (1996)
***
92%

Looking for Richard (1996)
***
100%

Crash (1996)
***1/2
46%

Truth about Cats & Dogs, The (1996)
***1/2
100%

Se7en (1995)
***1/2
100%

Nobody's Fool (1994)
***1/2
N/A

Ed Wood (1994)
***1/2
100%

Philadelphia (1993)
***1/2
100%

Guilty as Sin (1993)
***
N/A

Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
***
N/A

Single White Female (1992)
***
N/A

Kiss Before Dying, A (1991)
***
N/A

Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)
***1/2 ~ later ****
100%

By the Way…Heavenly Creatures directed by Peter Jackson got a ***1/2* from Ebert, and 88% on RottenTomatoes.com.

Yards. The (200) - *** 59% High Fidelity (2000) - **** 88% Dogma (1999) - ***1/2 65% Analyze This (1999) - *** 75% Game, The (1997) - ***1/2 75% That Thing You Do! (1996) - *** 92% Looking for Richard (1996) - *** 100% Crash (1996) - ***1/2 46% Truth about Cats & Dogs, The (1996) - ***1/2 100% Se7en (1995) - ***1/2 100% Nobody's Fool (1994) - ***1/2 N/A Ed Wood (1994) - ***1/2 100% Philadelphia (1993) - ***1/2 100% Guilty as Sin (1993) - *** N/A Prelude to a Kiss (1992) - *** N/A Single White Female (1992) - *** N/A Kiss Before Dying, A (1991) - *** N/A Silence of the Lambs, The (1991) ***1/2 originally…later **** 100%

Still having trouble signing up for the new Fan Club?
Tehanu @ 4:58 am EST

Thanks to Ringer spy Brendan, we have help from Decipher for those of you who are having trouble signing up to the Fan Club announced yesterday.

Hello there, Recieved this today from the fanclub help people, may be of use to some having problems who don't what to ring overseas.

------------

"Dear Brendon:

It has come to our attention that you are encountering difficulties joining the Lord of the Rings Fan Club while using LOTR Fanclub. We sincerely apologize for your inconvenience and would like to help you join the Lord of the Rings Fan Club. Your business is very important to us.

We'd like to offer you a few alternative ways to join:

(1) We have a very dedicated staff of Customer Service Representatives who are capable of taking your order by phone. The phone numbers where they can be reached are:

In the U.S. - (800) 451-6381 Outside the U.S. - (303) 856-2201

(2) If you are outside of the U.S. and would rather not have the toll charged to you, you can reply to this email with your first name, last name and a phone number where you can be reached. One of our Customer Service Representatives will call you shortly in order to receive your membership information. You will not be charged for the call and your information will be transmitted securely.

(3) You can email the same information that you are asked for from the website to this email address:

(4) You can fax the same information that you are asked for from the website to this fax number: (757) 623-3630

(5) You can mail the same information that you are asked for from the website to this address: Lord of the Rings Fan Club P.O. Box 111000 Aurora, CO 80042 U.S.A.

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to hear from you soon!

Best regards, Lord of the Rings Fan Club Decipher, Inc.

Are you a member yet?! Visit LOTR Fanclub to sign up!"

Happy Birthday Howard Shore!
Xoanon @ 11:33 pm EST

LOTR Composer, and all around cool Canuk Howard Shore was born on this day in 1946 in Toronto, Canada. But I won't hold that against him ;)

Ringer Spy Anthony takes a deep look into Shore's work, I found the results interesting.

I’ve noticed something about movies that Howard Shore does the music for. They are critically acclaimed. I got a list of many of the movies he composed music for in the last decade, from IMDB and looked them up on Roger Ebert’s site and RottenTomatoes.com.

Many of the reviews from Ebert are 4 stars…and very few are below 3 ½ or 3.

On RottenTomatoes.com, a percentage of positive reviews from a large group of critics, many movies scored above 60%…giving it a “fresh” rating rather than “rotten.”

I don’t know if this correlates that good music subconsciously alters critics opinions, or if Howard Shore only takes good scripts, or if it’s just a coincidence, but it does add to the stack of evidence hinting that Lord of the Rings will be a critically acclaimed box office smash (a rare phenomenon).

Key

Movie Title ~ Music By Howard Shore.
Ebert’s Review out of 4 stars.
Rotten Tomatoes.com

Yards. The (2000)
***
59%

High Fidelity (2000)
****
88%

Dogma (1999)
***1/2
88%

Analyze This (1999)
***
75%

Game, The (1997)
***1/2
75%

That Thing You Do! (1996)
***
92%

Looking for Richard (1996)
***
100%

Crash (1996)
***1/2
46%

Truth about Cats & Dogs, The (1996)
***1/2
100%

Se7en (1995)
***1/2
100%

Nobody's Fool (1994)
***1/2
N/A

Ed Wood (1994)
***1/2
100%

Philadelphia (1993)
***1/2
100%

Guilty as Sin (1993)
***
N/A

Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
***
N/A

Single White Female (1992)
***
N/A

Kiss Before Dying, A (1991)
***
N/A

Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)
***1/2 ~ later ****
100%

By the Way…Heavenly Creatures directed by Peter Jackson got a ***1/2* from Ebert, and 88% on RottenTomatoes.com.

Wraith Toy Pics!
Xoanon @ 11:17 pm EST

Ringer Spy Ed sends along some GREAT pics of the RingWraith and his evil steed! I have this Toy Biz Action Figure, and let me tell you, this thing KILLS any Star Wars toy I've ever seen.

Texan round-up of LOTR fans for the big day.
Tehanu @ 5:52 pm EST

Live in Texas? Want to see the Fellowship with a theatre full of fellow fans? Josephina's been organising a big fan gathering for December 19th and is up to the point of getting exact numbers:

"I am still planning the Fellowship Gathering.

I have contacted all the interested people who so far have contacted me. The final details as far as we have them is:

The cinema we will meet at will be:

Cinemark Legacy -Plano Texas
7201 N. Expressway
Plano Texas, TX 75025

The Day: 19 December 2001

We do not have the time of day yet, still working on that.

Any people who are SURE they can come can contact me at: miruvin@srv.net

I need an exact count...other wise the people who are interested but who are not sure may have to come at their own risk depending how much room is left in the cinema we will be at.

Cannot wait till that magical day!

Josephina."

Media Watch: Interview Magazine
Xoanon @ 5:34 pm EST

Check these images out, again, thanks to Cleo:

Media Watch: Dallas Observer
Xoanon @ 1:29 pm EST

From: Lightwards

I saw an article online in the which included the following:

"The [Fort Worth Film] festival will look forward to the winter release of the first film of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy with a showing of as-yet unseen trailer footage "spooled into a featurette," a showing of the animated feature The Hobbit and a reading from Lord of the Rings by KRLD's Charlie Jones ("The biggest Tolkien fan in the English-speaking world," says Price), which rounds out the Middle-Earth portion of the festival." [More]

Live Chat With Decipher!
DarthCaeser @ 3:55 pm EST

This Saturday, October 20th, you're invited to join the developers of Decipher's Lord of the Rings trading card game and staff from theonering.net in an exclusive event. This is your chance to ask your questions and learn first hand from the direct source. The release of the game is drawing near, so don't miss your opportunity to interact with the developers themselves.

Time: 5PM EST, October 20th.
Place: Barlimans chat room. Instructions are avaliable for access to the chatroom.

Criteria: Bring your questions on Decipher's LOTR trading card game! The images look great, and from everything we've heard from Decipher thus far the project promises to be a must for any card gamers out there.

Hope to see you there!

Toy Biz Press Release
Xoanon @ 1:09 pm EST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2001

RING IN THE EXCITEMENT AS TOY BIZ INTRODUCES AN ACTION-PACKED LINE OF PRODUCTS INSPIRED BY ONE OF THE BIGGEST MOVIE EVENTS OF ALL-TIME

THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Based On J.R.R. Tolkien's Best-Selling Book Series, The Highly-Anticipated Movie Event Features An All-Star Cast Including Cate Blanchett, Sir Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler & Elijah Wood

Action Figures Utilize Innovative Laser Scan Technology To Recreate The Remarkable Likeness Of Their Film Counterparts

NEW YORK, NY -- Feel the sword lunging, arrow attacking excitement as Toy Biz, a division of Marvel Enterprises (NYSE: MVL), introduces an action-packed line-up of products inspired by one of the most momentous movie events of all time -- New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings. Widely heralded as the book series of the century, the cinematic version of J.R.R. Tolkien's world-renowned literary phenomenon is destined to be one of the hottest movies of 2001 as it boasts a colossal fan base and story line of immeasurable depth. On December 19, 2001, New Line will release the eagerly awaited The Fellowship of the Ring -- the first of the grand trilogy. Films two and three -- The Two Towers and Return of the King -- are scheduled to hit theatres Holiday 2002 and 2003. Featuring an all-star cast including Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Sir Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood, audiences worldwide will finally encounter the magical creatures and characters that have made these books best-sellers for more than over 40 years.

Toy Biz will add to the film's frenzy with an incredibly diversified line of toy products that brings home the magic of the movie. The initial wave of action figures and accessories, role-play items, and collectible marbles will be in stores this fall. To view Toy Biz’s, The Lord of the Rings toys go to www.marvel.com/toybiz/lotr.

Intricately sculpted in the likenesses of the actors, each item employs a combination of laser scanned technology and top talent sculptors, resulting in incredibly detailed figures that flawlessly captures the authenticity of the characters and accessories from the live-action film. Toy Biz will bring The Lord of the Rings line of action-packed toys to life by combining a number of dynamic action features -- including sound, movement, and light-up features -- allowing kids to re-enact the battles between elves, dwarves and wizards and the forces of evil.

The following is a listing of the sculpted, action-oriented line-up:

The Lord of the Rings Action Figures Assortment I & II
Bring home the excitement of the blockbuster movie from New Line Cinema with 10 new intricate action figures. These 6" fully poseable action figures depict each character of the movie with authentic sculptured costumes and accessories along with specific battle actions to recreate pivotal scenes from the film. The characters in Assortment I include: Frodo, Witch King Ring Wraith, Strider, Legolas and Newborn Lurtz Uruk-Hai. The characters in Assortment II include: Gandalf, Gimli, Sam Wise Gamgee, Saruman and Orc Overseer.
Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $7.99

Action Figure Twin Pack Assortment I

These pairings will match central characters against one another, recreating climactic encounters seen in the film. Each set contains two intricately sculpted figures with detailed accessories and unique innovative action features. The Twin Packs include: Boromir vs. Lurtz/Uruk-Hai, Galadriel & Frodo, and Merry & Pippin with Moria Orc (Goblin).

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $12.99

Deluxe Horse Assortment These fully articulated and elaborately decorated figures come with both horse and rider:

The Ring Wraith (Black Riders) and Horse – The beautifully articulated assortments each come with intricately detailed horses and riders. The dark riders are equipped with swords and utilize an exclusive sword slashing action feature. The traits of the horses are masterfully depicted in their facial expressions, armor, and saddles. Children can enjoy the horse's action features by pulling on the reigns to "light up" the eyes and produce an impressive snarling action or by squeezing the triggers located at their hind sections to activate a front leg galloping action.

Arwen With Asfaloth – Arwen, the young elven woman known as the She-Elf who rides the white horse named Asfaloth, is elegantly dressed and comes equipped with the Evenstar Pendant that lights-up when pressed. The figure is accompanied by a small and frail Frodo figure that is detailed to illustrate the dramatic poisoning scene from the movie. Joining the pair is Arwen’s trusted steed Asfaloth whose intricate detail is highlighted in its saddle and mane. The horse also features a galloping action when its trigger is squeezed.

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Electronic Cave Troll

The creature of the evil Goblins, the gigantic Cave Troll is one of the most fearsome creatures in Middle Earth. This 10", fully poseable, incredibly detailed deluxe action figure perfectly captures the character's menacing look. It features club swinging, spear jabbing and snarling mouth actions along with electronic sound effects that mimic some of the heart-pounding scenes from the motion picture. (Includes 2 "AAA" batteries)

In Stores December 2001 Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

The Lord of the Rings Collector Series These assortments of 9" to 12" action figures will focus on the most important cast members featured in the film. Assortment 1 features -- Gandalf, Frodo and Arwen. Each fully poseable, intricately detailed figure comes dressed in an authentic fabric costume that flawlessly captures the character's distinctive outfit from the live-action feature film.

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Bow N' Arrow

Kids can pretend to portray their favorite characters and battle each other with this Lord of the Rings Bow 'n Arrow set. It's stylized to look like the weapons used by the Uruk-Hai and comes complete with three foam arrows which shoot over 30 feet and a belt clip to store arrows.

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $16.99

Electronic Middle Earth Sword

The warriors and mythical creatures seen in The Lord of the Rings battle with swords and other magical weapons. With the Electronic Middle Earth Sword, children will be able to re-enact their favorite duels from the film. This 30" long saber features realistic clashing and clanging sound effects that are activated with just the press of a button. (Includes 3 "AA" batteries)

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Electronic Light 'N Sound "Sting" Sword

Children can use the Electronic Light 'N Sound "Sting" Sword to pretend that they are Frodo Baggins, the young hero of The Lord of the Rings motion picture. This 20" magical sword given to Frodo by Bilbo glows blue when evil Orcs are near and has sword slashing sound activated by a motion switch. (Includes 2 "AAA" batteries)

Now Available Suggested Retail Price: $12.99

The Lord of the Rings Phenomenon

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy has sold more than 100 million copies to date and has been translated into 40 different languages since it first appeared 45 years ago. The legend has inspired an entire genre of movie and fiction, and has influenced some of the greatest artists of our time but has never been told in its entirety on the big screen. Set in a mythic pre-history world called Middle-Earth, The Lord of the Rings saga tells the story of an epic battle between good and evil, involving wizards, hobbits and elves, and a ring with mysterious powers. All three films are being shot back-to-back and directed by Peter Jackson (The Frighteners, Heavenly Creatures). The frenzy surrounding April 2000's Internet preview on the film's official site at www.lordoftherings.net, proved the excitement for the film was at a feverish pitch. A new, more elaborate version of the site, launched January 2001, generated an astounding level of traffic on the net with more than 41 million hits in its first three days. Additionally, at least 400 fan sites are exclusively devoted to the production, many already featuring countdowns, to the very second, of the first film's opening.

Through the ownership of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies with operations in five divisions: licensing, toys -- via its Toy Biz division, comic book and trade publishing, entertainment and the Internet. Marvel licenses its characters in a wide range of consumer products, services and media such as feature films, television, the Internet, apparel, video games, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created and developed through the comic book publishing division, which maintains a leadership position in the U.S. and abroad. For additional company information visit the Company's corporate Web site at http://www.marvel.com.

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry’s leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units.

Wanna See Your Name in the LOTR Credits?!
Xoanon @ 9:31 am EST

PRESS RELEASE
DECIPHER® FAN CLUB STUDIO
253 granby street • norfolk, virginia 23510 - 1813
norfolk • denver • los angeles

The Lord of the Rings Director Honors Fans
with Their Names in Credits of film’s DVDs

The Lord of the Rings Fan Club Launches Today

(NORFOLK, Va. October 17, 2001) — Inspired by the one hundred million readers of The Lord of the RingsTM, Director Peter Jackson has become the first person in movie-making history to simultaneously write, direct and produce three films at one time. In another pioneering and Middle-earth-shattering move announced today, Jackson has decided to immortalize the most ardent Tolkien fans - charter members in The Lord of the Rings Fan Club - by placing their names in the film's credits on the DVDs.

"This is an announcement unprecedented in cinematic history and of immense importance to The Lord of the Rings fans," says Dan Madsen, vice president of Decipher's Fan Club Studio. "Peter is honoring the role of the fans in this creative journey. The fact that these films are being made with such precision and care is exciting in and of itself. But, by agreeing to place fans' names in the credits of the films, Peter is demonstrating that he truly understands what it means to be a fan of this brilliant property. This is the first time a director has acknowledged the contribution of fans to the creation of a film in this way."

Charter Memberships

The Lord of the Rings Fan Club launches today with an innovative charter membership program on LOTRfanclub.com. In addition to having their names appear in the film's credits on the DVDs, charter members receive an annual subscription to the bi-monthly movie magazine; special-edition, widescreen-format collector's lithograph (featuring scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring); a 10% discount at the Fan Club’s online store and catalog; preference (two weeks before the general public) in purchasing exclusive, limited-edition collectibles; a fan mail service to link fans directly to the stars of the trilogy; and more.

The cost of a one-year charter membership is $39.95US; $69.95US for two years; and $99.95US for three. Two-year charter members will appear in the credits of the DVDs for the first two films in the trilogy; three-year charter members will appear in the credits of all three films. International memberships will also be available.

Limited-Time Offer

Charter memberships will be available for a limited time only. To sign up, fans can visit LOTRfanclub.com, or go to the official Lord of the Rings web site at lordoftherings.net and click on “Fan Club.” Regular Fan Club memberships are expected to be offered starting in December. Tolkien enthusiasts will also be able to join the fan club by calling 1-800-451-6381 (inside the United States only) or 303-856-2201 (from anywhere in the world) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. MST.

Frodo Registers as First Member

Actor Elijah Wood, who stars in the trilogy as Frodo Baggins — the legendary Ring-bearer — has signed up as the fan club’s first official member. “I think what they’re doing with the fan club is really wonderful. Since I started working on these films, I’ve been amazed by how many people have been impacted by this story and how much they care about it at a deep, emotional level. The fan club creates one big, worldwide society of Lord of the Rings fans and I am proud to be part of that. Besides, I want to be sure Peter puts my name in the credits of the film’s DVD,” Wood quipped.

Worldwide Community

Decipher’s Fan Club Studio is the worldwide licensee of New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings Fan Club. Through international partnerships, local chapters are expected to be introduced next year throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Details of these features, as they develop, will be released on LOTRfanclub.com. Whether from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia or Antarctica members will receive similar benefits and share the same news, updates, and intimate connection with the stars as their friends from around the globe.

World Movie Premiere Sweepstakes

In celebration of the launch of The Lord of the Rings Fan Club, visitors to LOTRfanclub.com and fans everywhere will be invited to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip for two to London, England to attend the star-studded, world premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring on December 10th. Online and mail-in entries will be accepted. No purchase is necessary. Contest details are provided at LOTRfanclub.com.

For more information about The Lord of the Rings Fan Club, go to www.LOTRfanclub.com.

For more information about New Line Cinema’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, go to www.lordoftherings.net.

About Decipher

Founded in 1983 by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game industry and fan club industry. The company’s Trading Card Game Studio produces Star Trek™, Star Wars™, Austin Powers™, and The Lord of the Rings™ (scheduled to release on November 6, 2001) trading card games. Decipher’s Fan Club Studio operates the official fan clubs for Star Trek™ and The Lord of the Rings™ which includes publishing official fan magazines and managing online stores. Decipher’s RPG (roleplaying games) & Miniatures Studio is responsible for the creation of the all-new Star Trek™ roleplaying games and The Lord of the Rings™ roleplaying games. Decipher’s Online Games Studio offers digital versions of its Star Trek™ and, soon, its The Lord of the Rings™ Trading Card Games. Decipher’s Games Studio produces leading party, card and board games such as How To Host A Murder®, How To Host A Teen Mystery™, Pente®, Scratchees™ and more. Decipher’s Boy Crazy!™ Studio markets the popular Boy Crazy!™ brand for girls which includes a magazine, web site at boycrazy.com, trading cards, and various publishing and licensing ventures (represented by the William Morris Agency).

Visit decipher.com for additional information.

About New Line Cinema

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry’s leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com.