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October 24, 2001 - October 30, 2001

10-30-01 Latest News

Inquest Gamer Mag's Countdown Number 3
Berendir @ 7:40 pm EST

The latest Inquest Gamer is full of Lord of the Rings gaming goodness! Read what EA and Sierra have to do with Tolkien games, the progress of Decipher, and past LOTR TCG's and role playing games.

Check out the scans to read all the great info from Inquest Gamer # 78 - October 2001.

Thanks to Saulone for the great scans!

Comic Minds Behind 'Rings Parody
Strider @ 6:00 pm EST

From Chris

New Spin on Mystery Science Theater

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 18, 2001 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- After years of exile in outer space, the comic minds behind "Mystery Science Theater 3000" are turning toward Middle-earth for their next parody.

Former writers and performers of the cult cable-television favorite are re-teaming for "The Adventures of Edward the Less," an illustrated streaming video series premiering Oct. 25 on www.scifi.com.

The 13 five-minute episodes are a loose takeoff on J.R.R. Tolkien's "Middle-earth" books, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Instead of diminutive hobbits on a quest for a powerful ring, Scifi.com says "Edward the Less" features "an average little guy ... who yearns to trade in his fairy-tale existence for a taste of real life."

Scifi.com is the official Web site of the Sci-Fi Channel, which carried "Mystery Science Theater 3000" from 1997-99. The Twin Cities-produced show featured a trapped-in-space human and his homemade robots mocking cheesy movies, such as "Soultaker" and "Invasion of the Neptune Men."

A New Look At Bree
Berendir @ 3:59 pm EST

Josef Bugman does it again! New artwork from his Age of Kings LOTR Mod continues to turn out at a steady clip. This model is the second Bree house type. It's not inspired directly from the movies, but adds variety while staying true to the general feel of the town of Bree.

If you like what you see, check out the following links to see just how amazingly accurate some of his work is to the movies, and learn more about his new Mod in development:

First Bree House Comparison

Prancing Pony

Exclusive Interview

Decipher Updates
Berendir @ 3:26 pm EST


The complete Fellowship of the Ring Cardlist! [More]

Complete Fellowship of the Ring Spoiler List! [More]

The Essential Magic team had the opportunity last week to play the new Lord of the Rings trading card game (which releases November 6th). The game is made by Decipher (makers of the Star Trek and Star Wars line of CCGs) and is based on the upcoming Lord of the Rings movie (in theaters December 19) which is of course based upon the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. [More]

Auckland 'Middle Earth' for a week?
Tehanu @ 6:32 am EST

That estimable journal The Sunday Telegraph [UK?] reported here that Auckland, New Zealand was planning to rename itself 'Middle Earth' the week the LOTR films were released. Most other papers have reported that Wellington was the city hoping to rename itself while throwing the biggest whopper party to celebrate the release of the film.

I rang both city councils and they confirmed that if anyone's going to be called 'Middle-earth' it ain't Aucklan. We don't get a lot of LOTR news in Auckland. LOTR is regarded as a merely Wellington local-interest news item in Auckland, which is a city that probably wouldn't notice if Wellington invented an interstellar drive powered by cold fusion, installed a spindizzy and went round the solar system, other than to note that the Reserve Bank had been out of action for a week. Certainly LOTR-mania (as the Sunday Telegraph called it) doesn't get this far north very often.

Tours to NZ for the fans?
Tehanu @ 6:10 am EST

Last week my casual mention to Wellington's Evening Post newspaper concerning LOTR-fan-based tours round NZ caused an unexpected media frenzy. At a time when countless bits of LOTR-related news and interviews are available, I had little idea that that Red Carpet Tours' plans could make such an impact internationally. Since then I and my colleague on the tour venture, Vic James, have been interviewed by everybody from the BBC to Radio Pacific. If the degree of worldwide media interest in these tours is any measure of the kind of public interest we can expect to see, then we're onto something. I expect the media do know their listeners, or they'd be out of business, so we ARE onto something.

The media attention (and requests for bookings) have caught us rather unprepared - months of planning and preparation are behind us and we have most pieces of the jigsaw puzzle sorted out, but there is still a good deal to be done before we have a complete tour package to offer to fans. Meanwhile, we're registering expressions of interest via this flash new "newzealandonvideo" tourism information site. Look for the 'New Zealand Film Tours' pic on the right and click on it to contact Red Carpet Tours

The website is full of other good reasons to visit NZ too! [More]


10-29-01 Latest News

Royal Selangor's NEW Rings-Inspired Pewterware
Jincey @ 11:05 pm EST

I recently had the opportunity, at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, to see the complete line of Royal Selangor's Lord of the Rings pewterware. Their LOTR collection consists of pewter goblets, chess sets and shot glasses. Recently, they launched their new LOTR shot glasses/chess set. This new and exciting collection can be purchased as a complete chess set that is enhanced by using dark liqueur to represent the "evil" side and clear liqueur to represent the "good" side, (handicap chess) - inspiring a game of true wit and sheer bliss!



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Also new to the line are wonderful miniature goblets, exact replicas of the full size goblets, tailored for those interested in fine LOTR collectibles. These goblets stand 4" in height and are of the exquisite quality for which we've come to know Royal Selangor.



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Royal Selangor is a manufacturer of more than 1000 pewter items. In fact, they are also the official licensee for Tolkien's LOTR pewter merchandise. The largest and one of the oldest pewter houses in the world, with over 115 years of experience, they have garnered international recognition for their quality of design and excellence in craftsmanship. Their brand name can be found in over 20 countries worldwide, which further re-enforces their commitment to producing a superior product. Harrods of London, Myer of Australia, Mitsukoshi of Japan and Hudson's Bay of Canada are but a few of the distinguished retailers that carry the Royal Selangor brand.



To see their full line of merchandise, visit their [website].


U.S. customers placing an order can avoid international duties by e-mailing Royal Selangor USA.

Lord of the Rings to set NZ cash registers ringing
Xoanon @ 8:31 pm EST

AFP - New Zealand is seeing multi-million-dollar signs as the first film based on JRR Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy premiers, media reported.

The New Line Cinema series made by New Zealand's Peter Jackson was filmed for more than four years around here and is to premier in London on December 10.

But a rather grumpy farmer, who provided the land for "Hobbiton", is not about to open his farm gate.

"One thing you can be sure of, I certainly won't be letting people ... on to the farm," Matamata farmer Ian Alexander told the Waikato Times daily.

"I don't want tribes of people visiting the farm 24 hours, seven days a week."

Tolkien's classic has inspired hard-core followers and during the filming Jackson was obliged to hire extensive security and impose fierce secrecy deals.

New Zealand is used to cult movie followers.

"The Piano", which took the Palme d'Or at Cannes and three Oscars, has attracted thousands to the beach it was shot at -- despite the movie having been mostly of rain and mud.

Indian filmmakers, who have begun flocking to the Southern Alps for scenes showing the hero and heroine singing and cavorting on hillsides, are helping boost New Zealand's tourism.

"Lord of the Rings", starring Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler, is being touted as several magnitudes greater than all that.

The Evening Post in Wellington last week reported Prime Minister Helen Clark has designated a cabinet minister "Lord and Minister of the Rings". Energy Minister Pete Hodgson will co-ordinated a multi- million dollar package to cash in on new Zealand's connection.

This sort of interest has led to some Auckland travel operators and Tolkien fans forming a company, Red Carpet Tours, to cater solely to Rings junkies.

Red Carpet Tours chief executive Vic James, who runs another Auckland-based company, said international interest in the project was so big he had approached dedicated Rings fan Erica Challis to help him and two others set up and develop a tour around New Zealand.

"We have got heaps of replies and interest from people who want to come from all over the world," Challis said.

The films were shot over a wide area of New Zealand, including Matamata, Tongariro National Park and in Wellington in the North Island, as well as Queenstown (also popular with the Bombay film industry) and Methven, near Christchurch.

The castle sets on Mount Somers near Methven have tended to become the icon for the project here with its bare plains in the foreground and towering Southern Alps behind it.

Media Watch: Script Magazine
Xoanon @ 8:09 pm EST

From: Lightwards

Here is a scan of an article I saw in Scr(i)pt Magazine. I don't think I've seen this on the site yet. Lord of the Rings was the cover story.

Decipher Update
Berendir @ 1:39 pm EST

The meniacle glint in Bilbo's eyes perfectly depicts the control and influence the ring came to have over him.

Inside The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game, Part 2

This second installment offers another look at the process of the creation of the game engine and rules for The Lord of the Rings™ TCG. In Part 1 we took a look at how the scope of the game came about. In Part 2, we'll have a peek at the closely linked vitality and sanctuary systems. Again, I'm assuming that you have read the rules regarding these concepts. [More]

Walk On The Wild Side
Xoanon @ 1:30 pm EST

Andra sends along these great scans from LA Times Magazine, take a look our our boys Sean Astin (Sam) Orlando Bloom (Legolas) and the immortal Sean Bean (cool as ice Boromir). Gotta love it!

Media Watch: Famous Magazine
Xoanon @ 1:17 pm EST

Rob sends along these scans from the latest issue of Famous.

10-28-01 Latest News

Parker Joins 'No One Can Hear You'
Xoanon @ 11:29 pm EST

Craig Parker (Haldir) has joined the cast of 'No One Can Hear You'. The thriller revolving around the lives of a sedate suburban family. After the arrival of a house-guest who is not what he seems to be things begin to turn rather gruesome. The film also stars Kelly McGillis (Top Gun), and is directed by John Laing (of "Cleopatra 2525" "Hercules" & "Xena" fame).

Weekly Cast Watch
Xoanon @ 11:19 pm EST

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)

28 Days (2000)
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Albino Alligator (1996)
American Yakuza (1994)
Ruby Cairo (1993)
Boiling Point (1993) UK
Witness (1985) UK

Liv Tyler (Arwen)

Onegin (1999) UK
Armageddon (1998) UK

Ian Holm (Bilbo)

Joe Gould's Secret (2000)
Bless the Child (2000)
Match, The (1999) UK
Simon Magus (1999/I) UK
Fifth Element, The (1997) UK
Life Less Ordinary, A (1997) UK
Frankenstein (1994)
Blue Ice (1992) UK
Naked Lunch (1991)
Henry V (1989) UK
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) UK
Alien (1979) UK
Fixer, The (1968) UK

David Weatherley (Barliman Butterbur)

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

Marton Csokas (Celeborn)

Halifax f.p: Swimming with Sharks (1999) (TV)

John Noble (Denethor)

Airtight (1999) (TV) UK

Peter Mackenzie (Elendil)

Chill Factor (1999)
Major League: Back to the Minors (1998) UK
Nick of Time (1995)

Karl Urban (Eomer)

Heaven (1998)

Hugo Weaving (Elrond)

Matrix, The (1999) UK
Bedrooms and Hallways (1998)

Miranda Otto (Eowyn)

What Lies Beneath (2000) UK
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Initiation (1987) UK

David Wenham (Faramir)

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)
Dark City (1998)
Cosi (1996)

Elijah Wood (Frodo)

Black and White (1999)
Faculty, The (1998) UK
Forever Young (1992) UK

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)

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

Ian McKellen (Gandalf)

X-Men (2000) UK
Apt Pupil (1998) UK
I'll Do Anything (1994) UK
Ballad of Little Jo, The (1993) UK
Scandal (1989) UK

John Rhys-Davies (Gimli)

Secret of the Andes (1998) UK
Marquis de Sade (1996)
Firewalker (1986) UK
Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, A (1979) UK

Andy Serkis (Gollum)

Topsy-Turvy (1999) UK
Among Giants (1998) UK

John Leigh (Hama)

Frighteners, The (1996) UK

Harry Sinclair (Isildur)

Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron)

Dark City (1998)
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) UK

Sean Astin (Sam)

Kimberly (1999)
Icebreaker (1999)
Dish Dogs (1998)
Encino Man (1992) UK
Where the Day Takes You (1992) UK
Toy Soldiers (1991) UK
War of the Roses, The (1989) UK
Like Father, Like Son (1987)
Goonies, The (1985) UK

Christopher Lee (Saruman)

Sleepy Hollow (1999) UK
1941 (1979) UK
Vem var Dracula? (1975)
Four Musketeers, The (1974) UK
Three Musketeers, The (1973) UK
Horror Express (1972)
Nothing But the Night (1972)
Julius Caesar (1970)
Blood of Fu Manchu, The (1968) UK
Gorgon, The (1964) UK
Longest Day, The (1962) UK
Beat Girl (1960)
City of the Dead, The (1960)
Dracula (1958)
Saraband for Dead Lovers (1948) UK
My Brother's Keeper (1948) UK

Bernard Hill (Theoden)

Eisenstein (2000) UK
Loss of Sexual Innocence, The (1999) UK
True Crime (1999) UK
Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1999) UK
Mountains of the Moon (1990) UK

Brad Dourif (Wormtongue)

Storytellers, The (1999) UK
Urban Legend (1998) UK
Bride of Chucky (1998) UK
Color of Night (1994)
Amos & Andrew (1993)
Child's Play 3 (1991) UK
Child's Play 2 (1990) UK
Blue Velvet (1986)

Jim Rygiel (SFX)

Anna and the King (1999)
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
Batman Returns (1992)
Alien³ (1992)
Ghost (1990)
Last Starfighter, The (1984)

Howard Shore (Composer)

Analyze This (1999)
Dogma (1999)
Game, The (1997)
Striptease (1996)
Moonlight and Valentino (1995)
M. Butterfly (1993)
Guilty as Sin (1993)
Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
Naked Lunch (1991)
Moving (1988)
Big (1988)
Fly, The (1986)
Fire with Fire (1986)
After Hours (1985)
Places in the Heart (1984)

Peter Jackson (Director)

Frighteners, The (1996)
Heavenly Creatures (1994)

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

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

Media Watch: CinePremiere Magazine
Xoanon @ 9:50 pm EST

From: RosaNegra

Just to send you some images that I have not seen before from LoTR. They are from CinePremiere Mexico November's issue, featuring the same Elijah Wood's (Frodo) interview from Premiere.

Games Workshop Manual Review
DarthCaeser @ 5:30 pm EST

TheOneRing.net Staff member Tookish sent in this great review of the Manual from the Games Workshop FOTR Starter set. I also recieved review copies of Games Workshop's products, and should have a review up soon (If you live in South-Eastern Connecticut, are a big miniatures gamer, and want to help; drop me a line.) Now for Tookish's review:

Games Workshop Product Review: The Manual

Tookish here. The good folks at Games Workshop have sent us a taste of the future! As we’ve reported, their soon-to-be-released first wave of miniatures are incredible, with character and costume details that are not only true to the Jackson LotR, but in their own right, outstanding. I spent some time reading the instruction manual that accompanies the first set of miniatures, which included dozens of Moria orcs, Elf warriors, and the Fellowship.

The manual itself reflects the professional quality of this product. Visually, it’s full of FotR film images, from characters to armies, a beautiful map of Middle-earth, pictures of game play and scenarios, elvish language text, and more. In addition to the directions and rules, written content includes LotR quotes, character, plot, and location details relevant to the game, charts and maps, and at least half a dozen movie spoilers! I won’t spill them all, but one example is that Moria orcs have bows, which can also be used as stabbing weapons. I believe the text is translated (probably from German) and this does result in some occasionally awkward phraseology, but pains are taken to detail necessary information in a clear and concise manner.

The manual is aimed at two audiences: first time gamers and old salts. For the newbie gamer, directions focus on basic game play and getting started. The experienced gamer will appreciate deeper nuances which reflect more ‘reality’ of individual behaviors and the way that events might unfold if played out by themselves in the story. The book introduces the general game’s concepts, continues with rules about movement, combat, etc., then articulates detailed information about character abilities. Game play is divided into scenarios that reflect actual story events: Ringwraiths stalk at Weathertop; Gandalf and Saruman contest; orcs and a cave troll attack in Moria. There are also scenarios for scores or hundreds of combatants for minor skirmishes and major battles, including in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men and (I’m sure what will be) the War of the Ring conflicts.

The brains behind this creation have really thought through the many subtleties that would influence the outcome of events in Middle-earth, from distinguishing character abilities to remaining true to plot points and situational realities. Hobbits are resistant to magic but can’t move as quickly as humans; Ringwraiths are able to see Frodo with the Ring on while others cannot; Boromir’s horn impacts friend and foe. It’s up to gamers to determine if they will pick and choose from scenarios or chronologically follow the events of the story, but certain significant events cannot be avoided or circumvented. Special locations and circumstances also influence character actions and abilities to impact the results of play.

I’m a fifth grade school teacher, much of my curriculum is based on The Hobbit -- and thought I’d have my students try the game. They were thoroughly excited, and after I handed it over, spent every minute of their free time getting to know it. These ten-year-olds were able to digest the manual (with some minor occasional help), set up scenarios, and play full games in short order. Before I knew it I had piles of dead orcs and elves on my hands… and loads of happy students eager for more. Now I’ve got to have my peers give it a whirl…

If you’re ten or eleventy-one, you’ll find this Games Workshop product is a pleaser. The fun of seeing Middle-earth come to life, interacting with events and characters, and playing through the story line just rocks according to my students. The manual takes both the first time gamer and seasoned campaigner through directions in a way that enables play and experience to come quickly, captivating players not unlike the spell woven by Tolkien himself. As the essential handbook to questing through Middle-earth, the Lord of the Rings Games Workshop Manual is a guide that will see you through.

Games Workshop Catalog
DarthCaeser @ 5:09 pm EST

"I received my free Games Workshop 2001 Citadel Miniatures Holiday Catalog today and it contained some cool FOTR info. I have sent along some scans of the catalog, which include release dates and pricing. From the release dates it sure looks like they don't want us seeing too much too soon, but the miniatures shown look very good.

You can order one of these free catalogs at:
1-800-394-GAME (US) and 1-888-GW-TROLL (Canada)

dvdrew"

You can view the scans Here.

Prancing Pony!
Berendir @ 4:37 pm EST

An incredible portrayal of the Prancing Pony by Josef Bugman for his Age of Kings LOTR Mod. The below pics are shots the Bree set filmed in the movies, just compare the detail from Josef's work to the actual shots from the movie and see how cool these are.

Exclusive Interview with Josef Bugman.

Fan Art Update 10/28/01
Calisuri @ 4:12 pm EST

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Just in time for Halloween, Fan Art gets a 40 image update. I cannot express in words how thrilled we are to have such a diverse representation of art in the gallery. Thanks to the fans for contributing, and remember, if you want your own free gallery on TheOneRing.net, all you need to do is send me some art! Please attach either a JPG, GIF, TIF or PSD file in an email addresssed to calisuri@theonering.net. The next update will be in about a month, so stay tuned! [More]

Christopher Lee: 'The Greatest EVER'
Xoanon @ 1:34 pm EST

From: Dimitris

I just wanted to report that in a Christopher Lee's (Saruman) interview (Sunday 28th) in a greek channel 'ANT1' the famous actor was asked about his future projects. While he didn't even mention the Star Wars movie, he said that the LOTR trilogy will have (in his opinion) "the greatest EVER effect on worldwide cinematography"!!! He emphasized the "ever" part and generally spoke with great enthusiasm about the movies. These are quite strong words from a man who obviously knows what he is talking about, don't you agree?

Media Watch: Total Film Magazine
Xoanon @ 1:05 pm EST

From: Alistair C

Just thought i'd send in some scans from this month's Total Film. It's part of a two page spread (One page just showing an image of Saruman), and doesn't include anything new, but interesting all the same. They also had a teaser for next months LOTR edition, very exciting!

10-27-01 Latest News

Essen Game Fair Report
Berendir @ 9:07 pm EST

There were hobbits in all kinds of sauces and cooking at the Kosmos and Ravensburger boothes, not to speak of the fantasy / ccg hall. None of the new big boxes games settled in Middle-Earth seems to have the depth, interest and originality of Reiner Knizia's Lord of the Rings, published one year before, and for which the Bree & Isengard expansion was unveiled at the fair. Among the smaller boxes, it's once more Reiner Knizia who made for the best adaptation of the book with his LotR card game, published by Ravensburger. A clever bidding and placement system of character and places cards recreates some of the flow of the story. Unfortunately, the game is illustrated with bad pictures from the movie. All hobbits have the same irish drunkard faces, and Gandalf looks like a macrobiotic garderner. It's a pity, since this clever game clearly deserved a true graphich work. [More]

Thanks to Ostadan from the Greenbooks for the note.

LOTR Mod Update
Berendir @ 5:28 pm EST

I also started the Bree Set (the next place in the hobbits route). Here you can see the first taste: a nice old-looking Bree house! (soon you'll have the "Prancing Pony" Tavern too).

As Tolkien explained, Bree has a reasonable Hobbit population, specially in holes and small houses around the hill, so, as you pointed, Bree scenario will probably have some hobbit-hole areas.

The Bree house looks incredibly accurate to the set pictures we've seen from the movies. You can check out Josef Bugman's message board Here, where you can even volunteer your services to the project.

Compare the two images for yourself! The one on the right is straight from our spy pics of the Bree set. Remarkable how much attention Josef has put into fashioning this game after the likeness of the movie.

Check out our exclusive interview with Josef Bugman on the game Here.

10-26-01 Latest News

Games-Workshop Report
Berendir @ 11:45 pm EST

From Cameron:

I don't know if you want to make mention of this (you may already have done), but my local Games Workshop store (Greensborough, Victoria, Australia) has a couple of the painted LOTR miniatures in it's windows (Gandalf, Pippin, and a few rank and file troops). If the one in Greensborough has them (and Greensborough is commonly referred to as 'out in the sticks') then I dare say the city store would have them as well.

From George:

I just wanted to inform you that you could obtain your own elf, gondorian, or goblin, from Games Workshop. There is a painting contest going on, and you can get a free miniature from them, and paint it, and you could win a free starter set. I have my own spiffy elven bowman, so you may just want to pick one up if you can or inform people of their opportunities.

(If anyone has any more info on this contest, where to pick one up, or any other reports about Games-workshop, send them My Way!)

Games-Workshop Site

Games-Workshop Pictures

Barnes And Noble Ad
Xoanon @ 11:08 pm EST

Let me tell you something folks, alot of you guys out there are really excited about this LOTR day coming this early november. We posted the press release stating all the places where you can see the special 30 minute behind-the-scenes video headed up by the Houghton Mifflin folks, and for some reason many of you think this is the Cannes footage, let me assure you that this is not NOT the Cannes footage sorry folks. Now on to Jeff L's report:

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know so that you can inform fans in this area. I stopped by my local Barnes and Noble today, and to my delight I was informed that on Thursday, November 8 from 1:00 to 1:30pm, Barnes and Noble will be showing the exclusive Behind-the-Scenes footage from the Fellowship of the Ring. They didn't say specifically that this is the Cannes footage (because it isn't -Xo), but that's what I am assuming since the presentation is close on a half an hour. This Barnes and Noble is on Route 17 South in Paramus, NJ. I can't wait to see this footage! Just thought you would like to know.

Move Over Spielberg
Xoanon @ 7:40 pm EST

Check out this coverage of the Embassy theatre's Cannes footage screening.

Media Watch: American Rifleman Magazine
Xoanon @ 7:33 pm EST

I tell you, LOTR shows up in the most odd places...ah well. Ringer Spy Bob sends along this scan from American Rifleman Magazine. More from the Noble Collection.

More on Elizabeth Frasier
Xoanon @ 7:22 pm EST

From: Rory

I don't know if you can use this information, but I checked the soundtrack wesite and saw that, in addition to Hoawrd Shore and Enya, Elizabeth Frasier was credited on the page. She is the vocalist for a group call Cocteau Twins, and has a very distinctive vocal style, so if any site readers are familiar with her work, they know that the sound she goes for is very ethereal.

CityTV Covers LOTR
Xoanon @ 7:08 pm EST

From: RVD

They had about a five minute blurb on CityTV's Breakfast Television this morning @ about 7:20 AM. They had Dan Hennah who was introduced as the Supervising Arts Director? for the upcoming movie.

He and his wife? were there with some of the props. They had Glamdring, Sting, Gimli's axe and Legolas's bow as well as Gandalf's hat and well as a rubber mask of one of the "background" orcs.

It was pretty cool except for the fact that the Host - Ann Rohmer acted as if she knew all about the
"Trilogy" as she kept referring to it but actually knew nothing at all. It was hard for Dan to get a word in edgewise.

Decipher Updates
Berendir @ 1:20 pm EST

We've seen this card image before, but today is the first time it's been featured at Decipher's site.

Recap of the Excitement at Spiel in Essen, Germany

For the last couple of decades, Essen, Germany has played host to the largest gaming convention in the world: Spiel & Comic Action, an event that regularly draws up to 150,000 people.[More]

Matthew M. Colville Bio:

Matt was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, 31 years ago. After many fantastic adventures, he connected with the design team at Last Unicorn Games through their magnificent Dune CCG in 1997. Matt worked on some of the CCG design, as well as assisting in the writing and development of the Dune RPG.[More]

Kenneth Hite Bio:

Game designer Kenneth Hite has been a lifelong Chicago native ever since he moved there from Oklahoma City in 1988.[More]


MediaWatch: Focus Magazine Dec 2001
Calisuri @ 3:19 am EST

Thanks to a good spy, we have a sneak peak at the December edition of Focus Magazine's (http://www.focusmag.co.uk) article "Special Effects of Middle-earth." The article gives us a great look behind the scenes at WETA with a sneak peak of some orc masks, costuming, and a model of Minas Tirith! (Wow that image is cool...) To subscribe or order your copy today, click over to the official Focus Magazine website at http://www.focusmag.co.uk.

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Gaming Update
DarthCaeser @ 12:54 am EST

First, about Stormfront Studios:

Stormfront Studios is developing LOTR games for Electronic Arts. Here's what info I have so far on their first LOTR game, most likely titled: Fellowship of the Ring. It's an Action game for PS2 and likely also for the Xbox. One interesting thing, they just started putting together a Dev team, I don't know how long it takes to make an Xbox or PS2 game nowadays, but I doubt they'll have it done in a little over a month in order to coincide with the first movie's release. That's pretty much all the info I have on the game right now, hopefully EA will supply some more info soon.

I supplied some info to IGN Insider for their Remember Rivendell article, here's my part about the Sierra mess, and what's happening now (minus a bit about MM3D, which you can find on the Havens):

Sierra (under Havas) had the license to make games based on the Lord of the Rings books. After a while, Tolkien Enterprises sued to get the license back, due to Sierra's not having done anything worthwhile with it. There was some negotiating, and after a while Sierra (or more specifically, Vivendi-Universal) got the license back.

Their first announced game was the Fellowship of the Ring, being developed by WXP, they showed off a demo behind closed doors at E3.

Then, fairly recently, there was the announcement that the LOTR game management had been moved from Sierra to Universal. From Sierra PR guy Adam Kahn: "Hey Gerry - all management for Lord of the Rings products has moved to Universal Interactive (our sister company)..." So I tried getting a hold of Universal, twenty e-mails later: "Your inquiry has successfully made its way to the right people! While we are unfortunately unable to share any information at this time, we will be happy to keep you informed in the future on developments related to the Lord of the Rings games." Not a whole lot of info there.

So, Universal now has management of the LOTR games, but, Sierra isn't totally out of it, later on in that same e-mail: "For information regarding The Hobbit game, please contact Sierra." OK, back to Sierra, where Adam Kahn says: "It was decided that we would manage the Hobbit franchise while our sister studio, Universal Studios, took over the Lord of the Rings franchise. I don't know why specifically that decision was made, but we're very excited about the possibilities of doing games based on The Hobbit. We'll probably begin talking about those titles next year around E3 2002."

So there you have it, Universal now has management of the LOTR games, Sierra is doing the Hobbit, WXP is developing the games based on the trilogy, MM3D was doing Tolkien/Lord of the Rings/Middle-Earth Online, but they sued Sierra so who knows who's going to develop the MMORPG now.

And that's about it as far as updates go for the moment, look for more info from EA and MM3D on the Gaming Havens soon.

MediaWatch: Satellite TV Guide Magazine
Calisuri @ 12:05 am EST

102501_southafrica_sm.jpg

South African Ringer Mike sent us an email today with a scan from the Satellite TV Guide Magazine. In it, you can find a rather cool Lord of the Rings promo featuring an image of Gandalf.

Mike writes:

"It's weird, when I sent you guys an e-mail a few days ago saying that I was
unsure when the real marketing for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of
the Ring' was going to start in South Africa, it starts.

Here is an advert that was placed in the Satellite TV Guide Magazine for the
month of November which goes to...oh...just about EVERYONE in the country!

Also, today in the newspaper there was an article about 'Harry Potter and
the Philosopher's Stone' and 'The Fellowship of the Ring' being the two big
films coming out this year, quite a 'Lord of the Rings' day so far...
"

Thanks for the scan Mike!

10-25-01 Latest News

IGN Poll, TORN Quotes and More
Tookish @ 11:38 pm EST

Thanks to Gaming Guru DarthCaeser for the news on IGN!

Poll: How do you think the first Lord of the Rings movie will turn out!

Current Results: 52.0% Awesome, five stars
20.8% Good, four stars
16.6% I don't know
4.1% Average, three stars
4.1% Worst movie ever! One star
2.0% Poor, two stars

Quiz: Who is Sauron's master?
Answer: Morgoth (obviosly)

Remeber Rivendell: A weekly IGN Insider article about the Lord of the Rings, written by Jason Bates.

"So when it came time to think up another column for IGN, writing about Middle-Earth seemed like a very natural thing to do. In this column, I'll try to talk about all the different things that make Middle-Earth special, as we count down the days until the film debuts in late December. "

And a couple of TORN mentions (I sent in a bunch of Gaming info for them):

"Next, we'll sort out some of the licensing issues with the current crop of Lord of the Rings games, or at least start to. Gerry Morrow, games editor over at the TheOneRing.net was good enough to send in a letter breaking down some of the chain of events that have led to the current confusion in the Tolkien game space. As you may or may not know, Sierra's frequent changes of ownership and an ongoing court battle have created a situation where there aren't as many LOTR games on the market as you might think there should be."

And:

"Great letter, and the kind of sharing of information that is what this column is supposed to be all about. To be honest, I did not know all that about what's going on with the LOTR gaming license, and nobody here at IGN I asked seemed to know anything either. I'll definitely use this information going forward, thanks again Gerry.

And for the rest of you, if you haven't already, definitely check out The One Ring.net too, for daily Lord of the Rings content, as well as Gerry's section of it, the Gaming Havens, for more LOTR gaming news."

I'll be posting a similer update some time tonight. [More]

Malaysian Fans Gearing Up!
Tookish @ 10:57 pm EST

From Ringer Oleanara

"Hi. I'm a Rings fan from Malaysia and I wanted to tell you about a contest we're having right now. It's called the Hotlink Quest organised by Hotlink prepaid from Maxis Mobile. There are four rounds (in) which you're supposed to unscrambled a LOTR-related word from clues that came from Tolkien's books. It's really easy and the grand prize is a trip to NZ for 2 and thousands of free tickets! However it's only for Maxis subscribers (012) and the clues are available in Malaysian newspapers and various locations in Malaysia. So that (probably) makes it a Malaysian-only affair, I suppose... you can check out the reaction of LOTR fans in Malaysia 'cause we really just can't wait! [More]

Casa Loma Ads
Xoanon @ 7:23 pm EST

From: Count Dooku

Here are two advertisements for the Lord of the Rings in Casa Loma at Toronto. I am working on getting a copy of the radio commercial and I might be able to get a friend to take pictures of the one ring, sting, etc., at Casa Loma.

Media Watch: Film and Video Magazine
Xoanon @ 7:07 pm EST

Ringer Spy Ashron sends along, as promised, the article from 'Film & Video' Magazine, check it out!


Glance at Games-Workshop
Berendir @ 4:30 pm EST

From: Lorgalis

Hi everyone,
since I read some people are interested in the new game, here some quick news as I already have the box (retailer advantage).

The Miniatures:
Size and dimensions follow the Film equivalents, which means they got away from overdimensioned Weapons and stuff. They are quit well designed and show good detail.

The equipment is also according to the costumes shown in recent pictures of the film. All figures in the base set are plastic miniatures of the standard GW quality. No special characters are supplied in the box, though a few orcs, elves and men of Gondor.

The rules:
For all who already play GW Fantasy, it will mean some changes, because especially the close combat rules work mostly different.

We still have the same attributes, including movement (differs with race), abilities to handle a weapon in close combat, shot with bow or crossbow, Strength, Toughness, some kind of Hitpoints, number of attacks. And most important a moral value. Whereas ranged combat works out pretty the same as in GW Fantasy, the moral decides, after rolling dice, who will be able to attack. Rules take into consideration whether its a one on one fight ore more models are included. Still the models do not operate in formation.

The heroes:
There are also special rules for the LOTR heroes, which means, they have some kind of special equipment and more: the have a hero bonus, giving them to reroll dice in combat.

The concept:
After all, the concept is far from being perfect. There are slowing down elements , like movements,the moral dececision and the fighting gets less attractive.
It is in most cases a concept for small battles. A big fight will take long and the concept does not cope with it too well.

Finally:
Though miniatures are very well illustrated in the rulebook and also show several pictures from the movie, there is no picture of the balrog. Seems that has to stay a mistery until we all will enjoy the movie.

Games-Workshop Site

Games-Workshop images

Decipher Updates
Berendir @ 3:20 pm EST

A terrific shot of an Elf taking aim, quite possibly from Lothlorien, the golden wood.


MTGPlanet has put up an overview of Decipher's TCG. If your interested in commentary, thoughts and strategy on the game, it's worth a read.

Sometime last week, I got an e-mail from Decipher. They wanted to know if I wanted to playtest and review the new Lord of the Rings card game before it comes out. I jumped at the opportunity. Although the game comes out on November 6, I received two starters each of Gandalf and Aragorn.[More]

Serkis Joins WWII Thriller Movie
Xoanon @ 1:22 pm EST

LONDON -- In his first movie role since "Billy Elliot," teenage Jamie Bell has started shooting the untitled war project for debut writer-director Michael J. Bassett.

Pic, lensing in Prague, tells the story of a group of young Brit soldiers in WWI who get cut off in a captured German trench and start falling victim to a mysterious assassin who turns out to be far from human.

Bell's co-stars include Andy Serkis, who plays Gollum in the upcoming "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"; Hugh O'Connor ("Chocolat"); and Matthew Rhys.

It's the first film from new U.K. production outfit Film and Music Entertainment, a partnership between Germany's Fame and Brit producers Mike Downey and Sam Taylor.

Pic is being co-produced by Potsdam-based Apollo ProMedia.

Media Watch: Internet World
Xoanon @ 8:32 am EST

From: Jenny

You probably know it already, but Frodo, holding Sting, is on the cover of the November issue of the Swedish magazine Internet World.

Frodo, holding the Ring this time, also features on the index page. There is a half page inside the magazine concerning the fact that FOTR is already a success- via the Internet- before it is even released as a movie. In that same article there is a small picture of Bilbo under the tree at the Birthday party. No new facts about the film really, but it adds an interesting Internet aspect on our favourite subject.

Also, the ads for the Swedish film "Sprängaren" have a small banner at the base saying "Don't miss the new trailer for Lord of the Rings before the film!". It is only the ads in the papers that have got the banner though, there is no banner on the movie posters.

Media Watch: Tolkien Archives Article
Xoanon @ 8:28 am EST

From: Corsair of Umbar

Everyone in my office knows I am the resident Tolkien geek and one of them passed this article along. It is about the Tolkien archives at Memorial Library in Milwaukee. Thought I would send it along.

10-24-01 Latest News

Media Watch: Film and Video Magazine
Xoanon @ 1:58 pm EST

From: Ashron

Thought you guys might want the cover of the latest Film and Video magazine. I haven't read the article yet, but it's long and looks pretty cool. Once I've read it I'll try and scan it to send in (Hurry up!!! HURRY UP!!)

Media Watch: M! Magazine
Xoanon @ 1:47 pm EST

Interview with Viggo Mortensen in M! no.48 November 2001

THE STAR IS NAMED VIGGO

Viggo Mortensen have spend the last two years on making The Lord Of The Rings. The american with the danish name and a danish father have in the last 20 years fought through Holluwoods B-movies to reach this far. M!'s Rolf Pedersen met Mortensen in New York.

Decipher Update
Berendir @ 1:45 pm EST

"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will."

Decipher contest #8: Test of foresight

How well can you predict the actions of others? Your task is to foresee the best time to submit your entry so that it will be between the 201st and 250th valid entry received. One entry will be randomly selected from that group as the winner. (If fewer than 201 entries are received, the last valid entry received will be the winner.) Don't forget that you can only enter once![More]

Everyone should enter this one folks, doesn't take any special skills. My suggestion, email as soon as you can, don't wait!

Media Watch: W Magazine
Xoanon @ 1:40 pm EST

From: Erik

Here is the cover and 2-page article from the new "W" Magazine with an interview with Liv Tyler (Arwen).


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