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December 01, 2003 - December 07, 2003

News for Dec. 07, 2003

Cinerama Dome LOTR Display Images

12/07/03, 8:29 pm EST - Xoanon

Lomara writes: I took some photos of the lobby displays at the Arclight Dome (a.k.a Cinerama Dome) theatre in Hollywood, CA tonight. There are two amazing full size SideshowWeta figures in there. [More]

Sci Fi Talks To Wood & Mortensen

12/07/03, 8:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Victoria sends along these scans from the February 2004 issue of Sci Fi Magazine. It features articles with Viggo Mortensen & Elijah Wood [More]

'Sound and Spirit' of Tolkien

12/07/03, 7:57 pm EST - maegwen

Sharon writes: Tonight on Public Radio International the show "Sound and Spirit" did an hour-long overview of Tolkien's lyrics, both spoken (recordings of the beloved Professor himself) and sung, performed by numerous artists. [More]

Nylon Magazine's Elijah Wood Interview

12/07/03, 7:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Victoria sends along these scans from the Dec2003/Jan2004 issue of Nylon Magazine which has this interview with Elijah Wood. [More]

Media Watch: NewType Magazine Talks ROTK

12/07/03, 7:44 pm EST - Xoanon

TheBlueKat sends along scans from the latest issue of NewType Magazine which has this article on The Return of the King. [More]

Talking Gollum toy wins the gold ring

12/07/03, 7:38 pm EST - Xoanon

When is a movie tie-in toy more than a bit of marketing opportunism? When it sits on your desk and you play with it instead of doing work. I've never been a believer when it comes to commercializing movies beyond the simple box-office ticket transaction. [More]

Hard Hobbit to Break

12/07/03, 7:29 pm EST - maegwen

From Scotland's Sunday Herald comes an interesting article on the Lord Of The Rings films and the dispute between the Tolkien estate (Christopher Tolkien) and Newline/Peter Jackson. Thanks to cnu nick for the link. [More]

Trilogy Tuesday: Italy

12/07/03, 7:23 pm EST - Xoanon

Vincenzo writes: Medusa Film has announced the plans for the theatrical re-realase of the movies and the "Wopping Marathon" of the Full Monty version of the LOTR. [More]

NZ Herald Reviews ROTK

12/07/03, 7:16 pm EST - maegwen

No surprise here, but The New Zealand Herald has reviewed "Return of the King" and given it an enthusastic thumbs-up. With a five-star rating, I think they've invented a new class of excellence ;) [More] Spoilers

ROTK Action in South Korea

12/07/03, 7:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Haejin writes: The extended editions of Fellowship and Towers are being screened at the moment in Sang Am CGV theater in Seoul from December 5th to the 15th. I booked tickets last week for 2 viewings each, and "danced around like a mad thing" a la Gollum. [More]

What Tolkien can tell us

12/07/03, 7:05 pm EST - Xoanon

Anthony T. Selvaggio writes:A couple of weeks ago I was sitting through the obligatory stream of coming attractions to which movie theaters subject their patrons. It was the montage of gratuitous violence, sex and inanity that make up the standard fare from the factories of Hollywood. [More]

The Reviews Start Rolling In

12/07/03, 6:59 pm EST - maegwen

Avi sends in two links to published reviews of "Return of the King." Now that the press embargo is over, we can expect to see TONS of these as Dec. 17th draws closer. SPOILERS [Stuff.co.nz] [Weekend Australian]

UK Rating Announcted

12/07/03, 6:31 pm EST - maegwen

Dave writes: Just checked www.bbfc.co.uk and its finally posted the UK rating for "Return of the King" as 12a -- "Contains intense battle violence and horror scenes," which is good cause it passed with no cuts, too. [More]

ROTK LA Premiere Full Coverage

12/07/03, 1:38 pm EST - Xoanon

ROTK Premiere: Los Angeles - Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen gives a thumbs-up

Here is a great collection of pictures from the LA Return of the King premiere! [More]

Newsweek Posts Top Ten Films of 2003

12/07/03, 12:48 pm EST - Celeborn

Newsweek has posted their top ten films of 2003, with Return of the King coming in second to 'American Splendor.' [More]

10 minutes of ROTK Update

12/07/03, 12:42 pm EST - Celeborn

As an update to our post from earlier, we have received some more email from fans who have been able to view this clip without registration. Specifically, you can jump to http://www.memoirsoftheshire.com who has a direct link to the Windows Media Player stream. Unfortunately the quality is pretty bad, so good luck seeing anything of quality! SPOILERS! [More]

SHOP: Sideshow/Weta Free Hammer Offer

12/07/03, 12:32 pm EST - Celeborn

Sideshow/Weta has posted a special e-code (ADVCARD) that will get you a free Cave Troll Hammer with any order of $100 or more. If you were planning on ordering the brand new Uruk-Hai Berserker, don't forget to add the free item to your order! [More]

News for Dec. 06, 2003

Army of the Dead Figurines!

12/06/03, 9:16 pm EST - Xoanon

David sends along this link to some pictures of the Army of the Dead from Games Workshop! Take a look! !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Another ROTK Review!

12/06/03, 8:56 pm EST - Xoanon

Michael writes: I thought I'd write a quick note about last night's ROTK preview in Palm Springs. I had no idea of this beforehand, but we were told that this was the first-ever "public" screening of the film--all the previous screenings had been for invited guests. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Memorabilia Con 2003 Images

12/06/03, 8:49 pm EST - Xoanon

lorna writes: I went to Memorabilia Con on Saturday and Sunday last week and enjoyed every minute of it. Had met Jorn and Craig Parker before, but not Mark Ferguson. All three of them were really friendly putting everyone at their ease if they were slightly nervous. I had a great weekend and would like to thank them for being there. [More]

Middle Earth Meets Orlando (The City)

12/06/03, 8:39 pm EST - Xoanon

Attention all free peoples of Middle Earth! Just as Gandalf sought out the identity of the One Ring in the library at Minas Tirith so can you discover your true fellowship at the Orlando Public Library. Begin your preparation for the final leg of the journey with an afternoon of all things Middle Earth. [More]

Mortensen Interview in NZ 'Metro' Magazine

12/06/03, 8:30 pm EST - Xoanon

Paladin writes: Attached is the Viggo Mortensen interview form Metro's December issue. Metro is an Auckland-based "city life" magazine. [More]

Rave To Play 'Rings' Special Editions

12/06/03, 8:25 pm EST - Xoanon

BronzeBow writes: I found it cool that Fort Wayne was picked as one of 100 theaters to show all three LOTR films. This article even mentions the very wonderful TheOneRing.net! [More]

US Weekly's 'Holiday Movie Hunks'

12/06/03, 8:20 pm EST - Xoanon

Megwen writes: Here is an article from the magazine US weekly from December. It features "Holiday Movie Hunks" And among them were Viggo Mortensen (a bearded babe) and Orlando Bloom. [More]

LOTR celebration champagne breakfast

12/06/03, 8:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Michelle Le Maire writes: Thanks to Tourism New Zealand and the Science Museum in London, British LOTR fans were able to celebrate the premiere of ROTK in style on 1 December. [More]

Singapore's Straits Times

12/06/03, 8:07 pm EST - Xoanon

milaya writes: This article appeared in the Straits Times, here in Singapore today. In there, there's also a mention of TheOneRing.net and the party as well. [More]

National Geographic Kids Talks ROTK

12/06/03, 7:58 pm EST - Xoanon

Becky writes: National Geographic Kids published an article about ROTK in their December issue. [More]

Dickson Hints at 'Super-Duper' LOTR DVD Set

12/06/03, 7:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Lloyd writes: Ngila Dickson, costume designer for the LOTR movies, hints in this interview with the Montreal Gazette that she may be recalled in 2004 for do work for a for a "vast, gigantic" future DVD release of the entire trilogy. [More]

First Magazine Talks ROTK

12/06/03, 7:44 pm EST - Xoanon

First Magazine Talks ROTK - Aragorn Cover
First Magazine

Milaya sends along the latest issue of of First Magazine which has this article on The Return of the King. [More]


Richmond Trilogy Tuesday Line Party Food Drive

12/06/03, 6:57 pm EST - Xoanon

Doseyclwn writes: This is Bill from the Richmond,VA Trilogy Tuesday line party. We are doing a food drive at the theater (Regal Short Pump 14) on that tuesday to collect food for the Central Virginia Food Bank. We are requesting that people bring breakfast items that will then be distributed to the food bank. For each donation given before 1:30pm, we will distribute raffle tickets. A tolkien themed prize will be given out at a drawing immeadiately following Fellowship of the Ring. [More]

Media Watch: Danish Magazine TJECK

12/06/03, 6:49 pm EST - Xoanon

GandalfTheWhite writes: Here are some Elijah Wood scans from the december issue of danish magazine TJECK. [More]

Critics in a spin as Rings preview screens upside-down

12/06/03, 6:42 pm EST - Xoanon

US critics at a preview screening of The Return of the King thought the camera angles a bit odd – till they realised the film was upside-down. A Rings website reports the influential audience were an hour into the film in Washington when things turned topsy-turvy during the first major battle scene. [More]

The greatest story ever told

12/06/03, 6:39 pm EST - Xoanon

Shane Hegarty writes: In Wellington on Monday, the première of The Return of the King, the final instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, was a quiet affair. Just the cast and crew, 100,000 fans, a 470 metre-long red carpet, an Air New Zealand jumbo jet flying low over Wellington harbour, its fuselage painted with movie scenes and daubed with its current slogan "Airline to Middle-earth", and a tickertape parade for director and local hero Peter Jackson. [More]

UK's 'Mail on Sunday' Goes Geek

12/06/03, 6:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Gulnaz writes: This Sunday (December 7) the UK Newspaper known as "The Mail On Sunday" are doing a ROTK special to celebrate the Movie release, They'll be giving a Free CD with ROTK Footage such as trailers, pictures, that sort of thing, with a magazine.

LA Premiere Party Pictures!

12/06/03, 6:04 pm EST - Xoanon

LA Premiere post-movie-party
LA Premiere post-movie-party

WeeTanya writes: I have pictures from the LA premiere pre- and post-movie parties. They are from TORN staffer Garfeimao, TORN ringer Primmy & TORN ringer Judy. [More]

Long-time LOTR fan ROTK Review - SPOILERS!

12/06/03, 5:56 pm EST - Celeborn

Ringer Lee sends us his review of the ROTK from a 27 year fan of the literature. While it is generally negative, please note, what is discussed will leave no surprises. So mucho spoilers. MAJOR SPOILERS [More]

'For Your Consideration' Ad

12/06/03, 2:55 pm EST - Xoanon

frodosam sends along this Oscar 'For Your Consideration' ad for Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens' work for 'Best Adapted screenplay'. The quote an image they use is both touching and full of !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Trilogy Tuesday Contest in Baltimore

12/06/03, 2:35 pm EST - maegwen

Tom "The Coolest Movie Theater Owner in America" Kiefaber writes from Baltimore: We will be doing drawings each evening starting this Friday 12/5 through Thursday 12/11, before each evening's 7:30pm show of the special edition of "The Fellowship of the Ring" for two tickets to "Trilogy Tuesday". [More]

People Magazine Talks NZ ROTK Premiere

12/06/03, 2:33 pm EST - Xoanon

Time Warrior sends along the latest issue of People Magazine which has this nice photo spread of images from the NZ Premiere of The Return of the King. It features images of Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Liv Tyler, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin and family. And a great pic of Peter Jackson doing his best 'ta-da!!!' presentation of the Embassy theatre. [More]

Media Watch: Mortensen in Vanity Fair

12/06/03, 2:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Media Watch: Viggo Mortensen in Vanity Fair - Cover
Vanity Fair

TheBlueKat sends along these scans from Vanity Fair Magazine. They dedicate the cover to Viggo Mortensen and have a great photo spread inside. [More]

TV Watch: WB ROTK 'Commercial'

12/06/03, 2:00 pm EST - Xoanon

Edana writes: There will be an exclusive preview of 'Return of the King' during Smallville on Wednesday, Dec 10, at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the WB.

Ian McKellen Chat Transcript!

12/06/03, 1:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Thanks to Glorfin2 we have the complete transcript from Ian McKellen's recent chat on Sci-Fi.com! Take a look! [More]

SHOP: Uruk-Hai Berserker Figure

12/06/03, 1:54 pm EST - Calisuri

Side View - Uruk-Hai Berserker Figure

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles debuts the Uruk-Hai Berserker figure for pre-order. The figure is nearly 17" long (with the huge Berserker blade) and 9" high. It has a worldwide limited edition size of 1500 pieces. Check out the high resolution images in our scrapbook and jump over to SideshowWeta.com to pre-order. [Pre-Order] [Scrapbook Images]

French Premiere Magazine talks ROTK

12/06/03, 1:16 pm EST - Xoanon

French Premiere Magazine talks ROTK - Aragorn Cover
French Premiere Magazine

Ringer Spy Marie sends along the latest issue of French Premiere Magazine with this article on The Return of the King. [More]

Premiere Marks Bittersweet Finale For 'Rings' Cast

12/06/03, 1:02 pm EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES — There were at least two members of the "Lord of the Rings" family who were a little embarrassed to be at the "Return of the King" premiere Wednesday night. Andy Serkis, or "Gollum" to the fans, recoiled in terror at the sight of an MTV News microphone. [More]

Director's Guild Theatre Screening with PJ Report!

12/06/03, 1:00 pm EST - Xoanon

Patrick writes: Last night I was blessed to attend an advanced screening of RETURN OF THE KING at the Director's Guild theatre in Hollywood. This is where director's view their films privately among their peers and to vote on Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. It is arguably the best theatre in L.A. - private - with the BEST sound and image available (and darn comfortable seats too). !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

South Florida Advance Screening Contest

12/06/03, 12:51 pm EST - Xoanon

frodosam writes: The Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) is offering fans a chance to win a pair of tickets to the South Florida Exclusive Advance Screening on Wednesday, December 10th. After completing the form, fans can also vote for their favorite Lord of the Rings character. [More]

Cinefex Pre-Order Available

12/06/03, 12:48 pm EST - Xoanon

Cinefex Magazine talks ROTK
Cinefex Magazine

frodosam writes: CINEFEX issue #96 (January 2004) featuring RETURN OF THE KING is available for pre-order with a ship date of December 17. Price is $10.00 with free shipping to U.S. and additional $3.50 shipping for outside U.S. The previous issues on FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING and THE TWO TOWERS were loaded with photos and detailed information. [More]

NZ TV Watch: ROTK 'Making Of' on Channel 2

12/06/03, 12:34 pm EST - Xoanon

Tracy writes: On Tuesday 9th December on New Zealand's channel 2 there is a "Behind the scenes special on the making of The Return of the king", at 7.30 pm till 8pm and later on the same channel 9.30pm till 10 pm "Eating media lunch" shows coverage from the Wellington Premier. Wellington was awesome, the TORn party was fantastic, thanks guys!

Oz TV Watch: ROTK 'Making Of' on ABC

12/06/03, 12:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Aranwë writes: Beyond the Movie: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King will be shown at 8:30pm on Wednesday the 10th on the ABC in Australia.

Elijah Wood on Jay Leno Transcript

12/06/03, 12:30 pm EST - Xoanon

A BIG thank you to Cyloran for this transcript, photos to come soon. Take a look! [More]

Orlando Bloom on Jay Leno Transcript

12/06/03, 12:22 pm EST - Xoanon

A BIG thank you to Cyloran for the transcript! Photos to come soon. Take a look! [More]

10 Minutes of ROTK Goodness!

12/06/03, 12:14 pm EST - Xoanon

Dimatariel writes: I just found out a Norwegian TV channel, TV2, broadcasted 10 minutes worth of footage from "The Return Of The King" on their website! The problem is, the sound quality is bad, and you've got to be a member and pay a small fee and stuff like that to see it, so I've published a small sort of summary of all the nine clips. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Media Watch: UK's Daily Mail

12/06/03, 12:03 pm EST - Xoanon

The latest edition of the Daily Mail had these LOTR related articles. [More]

TV Watch: 'Making Of ROTK' on ITV

12/06/03, 11:56 am EST - Xoanon

D&T Stone writes: On 13th December at 12.30 pm GMT, the TV channel ITV I here in the UK is showing a ROTK 'making of' entitled: The Return of the King: The Quest Fulfilled. If you can't catch it then, it's repeated in the bowels of the night on Thurs 18/12/03 at 01.20 am GMT. It appears to be a half hour behind the scenes type of thing.

Andy Serkis: Meet the ring master

12/06/03, 11:54 am EST - Xoanon

Ryan Gilbey writes: I meet Andy Serkis, whose leather jacket and crown of moist black curls give him a rockabilly tinge, in a Soho café. [More]

Free TTT showing in Vegas

12/06/03, 11:51 am EST - Xoanon

Fargo7 writes: There will be a free showing of TTT - Extended Edition at at 2pm today at the West Charleston Library in Las Vegas. The reason I know about this is I will be running the projector that day and using my own personal DVD copies as well. It is being presented in the Lecture Hall by the West Charleston Branch Young People's Library.

TV Watch: Wood on Germany's "Wetten dass..."

12/06/03, 11:49 am EST - Xoanon

Elijah Wood is slated to be a guest on the German chat show 'Wetten dass...' tonight. [More]

Graeme Anthony at Harrods

12/06/03, 11:46 am EST - Xoanon

The creator of the Royal Selangor range the Lord of the Rings Collection, will be at Harrods, Knightsbridge, London. In the Silver department, on the 2nd floor, today and tomorrow. He will demonstrate his skill, and sign any pieces purchased, there is a free to enter prize draw.

Click here to read my report from the Graeme Anthony appearance in Montreal

PJ Talks 'Kong Casting & Locations

12/06/03, 8:53 am EST - Strider

'Director Peter Jackson, fresh from the Return of the King world premiere, will start work on his $200 million King Kong film in Wellington next month. Universal Studios is to pay Jackson a record $32 million to direct the film which is expected to provide between 1500 and 2000 jobs. "It's actually going to be easier. . . (than The Lord of the Rings) the logistics involved don't seem as daunting."' [More]

And The Winner Is...

12/06/03, 8:32 am EST - Strider

In another opinion piece, two of The Telegraph's writers go head-to-head in a debate over whether or not The Return of the King merits the Best Picture Oscar and a general clean sweep at the Academy Awards next year. [More]

Rolling Stone Raves About ROTK!

12/06/03, 8:21 am EST - Pippin_Took

Ok, that may be getting tiresome, but Rolling Stone's Peter Travers has a lot of positive things to say about ROTK in his "10 Best Movies of 2003" list. ROTK isn't #1, but it's close enough - in fact, if you read closely, it almost sounds like a tie. [More]

The Difficulties Of Adaptation

12/06/03, 8:11 am EST - Strider

Anyone who has purchased the FotR or TTT Extended Edition on DVD will know that each one has a documentary on it dedicated to the titanic struggle PJ and company faced with adapting Tolkien's masterpiece to the big screen. On that note, The Daily Telegraph today posted an op-ed piece discussing those exact difficulties and the similar challenges faced by those adapting New Line's next big franchise, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, for its theatrical run in London. [More]

Warner Village To Show ROTK With Interval

12/06/03, 7:37 am EST - Strider

Ringers in the UK planning to watch The Return of the King in a Warner Village Cinema should be aware that Warner have decided to have a 15 minute interval during the show, so as to give cinema-goers a break from a cinematic experience that will clock in at nearly four hours. [More]

David Poland Raves About ROTK

12/06/03, 5:42 am EST - Pippin_Took

Sense a pattern here? The Hot Button columnist David Poland has more positive things to say about ROTK. [More]

Variety Raves About ROTK

12/06/03, 5:37 am EST - Pippin_Took

A "King" that earns its crown, Peter Jackson's final installment in his monumental "The Lord of the Rings" represents that filmmaking rarity -- a third part of a trilogy that is decisively the best of the lot. (Note: A subscription to the site is required to read the full review, but a free 30-day subscription is offered - and the detailed review is worth it!) [More]

The Hollywood Reporter Raves About ROTK

12/06/03, 5:32 am EST - Pippin_Took

"The Return of the King" is the longest and most complicated of the three "Rings" films and probably fated to be the biggest moneymaker. Sure to be an Oscar contender in many categories and a breathtaking argument for director Peter Jackson winning every award there is to give, "King" has none of the usual deficiencies that frequently scuttle third films. [More]

News for Dec. 05, 2003

Ticket Exchange: FIVE Exchange opportunities

12/05/03, 7:30 pm EST - maegwen

With Trilogy Tuesday only 11 days away, we are stepping up the pace on Ticket Exchange. LOTR fans are surely a generous bunch, and we still have quite a few tickets left to offer. Tonight we have FIVE Ticket Exchange offerings. [More]

UPDATE: We have winners for all 5 locations. Congratulations to everyone. :)

Line Party Goodies from Sabertooth Games!

12/05/03, 4:58 pm EST - Xoanon

MrCere writes: We have some great partners helping us this year with our LP3 - The Return Of The Line efforts. One of these, Sideshow Games is shipping out a figure produced just for some select LP3 lines. Read on for details [More]

Return of the One Party Details!

12/05/03, 4:57 pm EST - Xoanon

Mark next Wednesday on your calendar! December 10th 2003 at Noon PST.

Tickets will go on sale for $125 a piece at Noon PST, December 10th 2003. You will only be able to purchase tickets using PayPal. Please note, that PayPal accepts VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and synchs directly with your personal bank account! Make sure you set up your PayPal account now and put the needed funds into it. [More]

DVD Award Party Photos

12/05/03, 4:55 pm EST - Xoanon

Krsitina sends along these images from the DVD Awards Party held recently. Watch this space for tons of images from the LA Premiere. [More]

Minneapolis Carleton College ROTK Reviews!

12/05/03, 4:44 pm EST - Xoanon

TORNS of reports and reviews from the Minneapolis Carleton College ROTK Charity Premiere with Barrie Osborne. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

ROTK Screening at USC Reports

12/05/03, 4:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Reports from the USC Screening with Leonard Maltin last night at USC. Take a look! !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Wood and The Dry British Humour

12/05/03, 4:16 pm EST - Xoanon

ELIJAH WOOD found it difficult to get along with his LORD OF THE RINGS co-stars DOMINIC MONAGHAN and BILLY BOYD when he first met them, because he didn't get their dry British humour. [More]

'Rings' runs around Hollywood

12/05/03, 4:14 pm EST - Xoanon

LOS ANGELES — Before their journey ends, the publicity tour must begin. And Wednesday evening, the massive PR push for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King brought director Peter Jackson and his cast of hobbits, elves, wizards and warriors to Westwood's Mann Village Theatre for the film's North American premiere. [More]

TV Watch: National Geographic Special Tomorrow

12/05/03, 4:11 pm EST - Xoanon

National Geographic will be showing Beyond the Movie: Lord of the Rings on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9PM. [More]

Serkis deals with devil in indie 'Child'

12/05/03, 4:08 pm EST - Xoanon

Heather Graham, James Purefoy and Andy Serkis have been tapped to star in the independent feature "Samantha's Child." The film is being directed by English commercial director Simon Fellows and is being produced by Brad Wyman, Donald Kushner and Andrew Stevens. David Hemmings also was working on the film when he died unexpectedly Wednesday. [More]

North Castle Public Library's Tolkien Party

12/05/03, 4:04 pm EST - Xoanon

Deirdre J writes: I'm just sending you an announcement of a party for young people, to be held at the North Castle public library in Armonk, New York next Friday afternoon. [More]

Long live the 'King'

12/05/03, 3:53 pm EST - Xoanon

D.C. resident Kyra Mairead Gorski, 21, founded a "Lord of the Rings" fan group on the Internet called the District of Dark Whispers, whose members live around the world. [More]

New Sam Video on Official Site

12/05/03, 3:49 pm EST - Xoanon

Hobbit Dan writes: There is a minutes long video regarding the character of Samwise on the official website now. It will take a little long to download but it's worth it. There's a long clip from ROTK that shows Sam and Frodo discussing Gollum that I haven't seen before. [More]

Trilogy Tuesday: Portugal

12/05/03, 3:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Silmarien Patricia writes: The Extended Versions of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers will be shown from today (December 4th) until December 11th exclusively at the Millenium Alvalaxia cinemas in Lisbon. [More]

Lord of the Rinks

12/05/03, 3:27 pm EST - Xoanon

Roger writes: In one of the more intriguing offers to see Return of the King, the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team are offering a package where for $25, you can see Return of the King and a hockey game (not on the same night). Someone who likes hockey and LOTR and lives in Columbus, Ohio might be interested. ($25 for just an NHL game is good deal). [More]

TV Watch: Orlando Bloom on Jay Leno Tonight

12/05/03, 3:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Orlando Bloom (Legolas) is making a rare American TV chat show appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The Tonight Show airs on NBC at 11:35PM.

Ian McKellen Chatting on SciFi.com Today!

12/05/03, 3:17 pm EST - Xoanon

Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) will be chatting on SciFi.com today (December 5th). [More]

The Fantastic Realm of Inner-Earth

12/05/03, 3:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Susan Thea Posnock writes: I was in for a treat when I decided to watch the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers with my sister Ilene. Now, just to give some background: Ilene is an amazing person, one of the kindest, warmest, funniest people I know. But, when it comes to watching a movie, she's the type of viewer who asks things like “who's that?” “what are they doing?” and “what's going to happen?” with disturbing frequency. [More]

Hall Of Fire Chats This Weekend

12/05/03, 3:10 pm EST - Frode

Only a couple of weeks left to wait for 'The Return of the King'. In #thehalloffire we shall shorten the wait, by having a little chat about 'The Two Towers - Extended Edition'. Forty minutes have been added to the film; we get to see the entmoot, huorns at Helms Deep and Denethor with his two sons. It's commonplace to pack new and deleted scenes into DVD offerings these days, but noone does it quite like Peter Jackson.[More]


SHOP: 9 Gandalf Bronzes Left

12/05/03, 2:25 am EST - Celeborn

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles is down to the last nine Gandalf Bronze statues. Follow the link to learn more about this 36 piece limited edition collectible for the most discriminating (and wealthy!) collector. [More]

Using PayPal to get Return of the One Party Tickets

12/05/03, 12:19 am EST - Calisuri

A lot of folks have written to ask about PayPal, how it works, and how they can register before tickets for The Return of the One Party go on sale. Ringer Staffer Beldin has been kind enough to write up a brief description. [More]

News for Dec. 04, 2003

LA Press Roundtable

12/04/03, 10:00 pm EST - WeeTanya

The Return of the King press round table was held at the Four Seasons Hotel. This was my first-ever press junket, and I had no idea that the whole point was to coddle us (the press) into submission. The Four Seasons is an amazing place for coddling – there are people hired simply to stand around and smile and ask you if you need anything. Did I mention the swag? We were handed bags of promotional material to “help” us report on the movie. The bags had several movie-related books, Return of the King itself (with Viggo on the cover), little figurines, a puzzle, a PlayStation game, and more. So much swag that it instantly felt like stupid levels of bribery. [More]

Media Watch: Famous Magazine

12/04/03, 9:51 pm EST - Xoanon

Canuck writes: The newest issue of Canada's "FAMOUS" magazine has 14 pages worth of material on ROTK. [More]

Vodafone Available in Middle-earth

12/04/03, 9:08 pm EST - Xoanon

Joel writes: Vodafone mobile phone service in New Zealand has a feature that shows the current location of the phone in its main display. Normally, downtown Wellington is shown as "Wellington CBD" (Central Business District). However, the phones today say "MiddlEarth". The photo included in this note shows an example... cute! [More]

The UK Sunday Times Talks ROTK

12/04/03, 9:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Cadiliniel of Gondor writes: Here are the scans from December 30th Sunday Times. Yes it is certainly worth the cover price, I'd pay much more for the great Eowyn and Witch King pics! Great interview too. [More]

The Pillar of the King

12/04/03, 8:52 pm EST - Xoanon

Ataahua writes: This cartoon is by Tom Scott, and depicts the Inter-island Ferry passing a certain recognisable landmark in Wellington Harbour. [More]

Ticket Exchange: FIVE Locations

12/04/03, 7:00 pm EST - maegwen

With Trilogy Tuesday only 12 days away, we are stepping up the pace on Ticket Exchange. LOTR fans are surely a generous bunch, and we still have quite a few tickets left to offer. Tonight we have FIVE Ticket Exchange offerings, one of which has special circumstances. Please read all the details carefully before replying. [More] Good luck!

New York Post Talks ROTK and Oscars

12/04/03, 5:47 pm EST - Pippin_Took

The New York Post has a small review of ROTK and a good summary of the Oscar race as it currently stands. [More]

More News On The Cancelled Montreal Triple Screening

12/04/03, 5:05 pm EST - Xoanon

Thanks to those of you who have written in about this matter. I've made sure to send an email to Jim Sherry regarding his decision to NOT allow TheOneRing.net and myself to host a special Trilogy Screening for 330 people signed up for my line party. Obviously we are very disappointed about this. [More]

TV Guide ROTK Covers!

12/04/03, 3:58 pm EST - Xoanon

Gandalf the White TV Guide Cover
Gandalf the White TV Guide Cover

December 5th, 2003/New York, New York - For its December 13th issue (on newsstands December 8th) TV Guide celebrates the upcoming release of "The Return of the King," the third and final installment in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" saga, with four collector's hologram covers, each featuring a different signature character. [More]

Howard Shore Nominated for a Grammy!

12/04/03, 3:43 pm EST - Xoanon

Gerald writes: Howard Shore has been nominated for a Grammy for the soundtrack to 'The Two Towers' in the category of 'Best Score Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media'. The nominations were announced Thursday for the 46th annual Grammy Awards which will be held February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles and will be aired on CBS.

Hollywood Life Talks Blanchett & Mortensen

12/04/03, 3:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Frazzzld Kat writes: The latest issue of Movieline's Hollywood Life magazine has Cate Blanchett on the cover and an interview inside. I didn't see it posted on TORN so I am sending it to you along with a smaller Viggo Mortensen article on his photography. [More]

RO - Intermission - Then TK

12/04/03, 3:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Catherine writes: We've just put a story up on the site about an English cinema chain cutting ROTK in half by putting an interval in. We've got quotes from the chain in question, and the story is here. [More]

New Line Pursues Hobbit Rights

12/04/03, 3:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Keen to build on the success of its three Lord of the Rings films (ROTK is a foregone conclusion), New Line Cinema is now actively pursuing the possibility of a film based on The Hobbit. According to The Australian, however, there is a hang-up: the Tolkien estate. [More]

Exhausted Bloom Takes a Timeout

12/04/03, 3:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Lord Of The Rings hunk Orlando Bloom is taking some time out from his busy filming schedule to allow himself to reflect on his incredible rise to fame. The hunky British actor has become an international sex symbol and a hot property in Hollywood following his performances in the Peter Jackson- directed trilogy and swashbuckling adventure Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. But Orlando, 26, is finding it hard to cope with the persistent press attention that has accompanied his movie success and wants to escape the media furor in order to keep his feet on the ground. He says, "I've bought a place in London and I'm having my first break in a long time. I'm going to furnish it, get back to watching some movies and get myself sorted out. [More]

Spike TV Game Awards

12/04/03, 3:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Tfe First Annual Spike TV Video Game Awards are tonight at 9PM. The Return of King is nomintated for Best Game Based on A Movie. It's up against Enter the Matrix and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. Vote for ROTK on spiketv.com. [More]

Tolkien Talk at St. Lawrence University

12/04/03, 3:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Weaver writes: Matthew T. Dickerson, author of Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in the Lord of the Rings, will give a lecture titled “J.R.R. Tolkien and the Real Battle in the Lord of the Rings” today at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York (Viggo’s alma mater). The lecture will be held at 8 PM in Room 113 of Griffiths Arts Center. [More]

ROTK Screening at Carleton College Today

12/04/03, 3:16 pm EST - Xoanon

Joe writes: There will be an advance screening of ROTK at the Crown Theaters in Minneapolis, MN today (December 4th). The screening is a benefit for Carleton College, courtesy of producer Barrie Osborne, who graduated from Carleton in 1966 (he set up advance screenings for both previous movies as well). The Carleton website has been updated with the ROTK advance screening info that I email you earlier about.[More]

Premiere Video Clips from flipside.com

12/04/03, 3:13 pm EST - Xoanon

The dudes over at flipside.com sent us this link to a few videos from the ROTK Premiere. [More]

"Ring" in the new

12/04/03, 3:09 pm EST - Xoanon

The Hollywood Reporter: "The Lord of the Rings" director Peter Jackson is keen to shoot the trilogy's prequel, "The Hobbit," if the rights become available. Jackson spoke Monday at a news conference in Wellington, New Zealand, just before the premiere of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which opens Dec. 17 in the United States. Jackson said that while he would like to shoot "The Hobbit," which was published 17 years before the "Rings" trilogy, he will be tied up for the next two years with his next project, "King Kong," and then would like to make a New Zealand-originated film. Jackson also hinted that the DVD for "Return of the King" could run for more than four hours.

'Return of the King' Review!

12/04/03, 1:14 pm EST - maegwen

Ringer Spy Hornhead sends in this comprehensive review of "Return of the King!" Not for those wishing to retain a shred of surprise about the film. Here be SPOILERS [More]

ROTK UK Classification Changes

12/04/03, 9:05 am EST - Xoanon

Tiriel writes: I just had a mail from my local UCI cinema after I mailed about possible midnight showing, that also goes on to suggest that the classification could still be changed, in UK at least. [More]

Irascian in Middle-earth Reports Continue

12/04/03, 7:31 am EST - leo

In between all the dozens of reports we are getting from people who were in New Zealand (or Los Angeles) the last few days are also those of good friend Irascian. His ever-excellent reports and pictures can be found here! Apart from coverage of the worldpremiere and the cast leaving New Zealand the site also features the reports about one of the Red Carpet-tours currently taking place on the South-island! Click on the pictures for the full reports!

NZ Television Clips

12/04/03, 12:53 am EST - maegwen

Barliman's Ringer Spy Goblin gave us this link tonight from NZoom.com featuring 2 televised premiere clips, and 5 unedited interviews with Peter Jackson, Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, and Ian McKellen. Very cool stuff indeed! [More]

Los Angeles Premiere Pictures

12/04/03, 12:47 am EST - maegwen


Orlando Bloom at the LA Premiere

Our friends at ThePete.com have posted some cool pictures of the stars arriving at the Los Angeles premiere this evening. Check them out! [More]

News for Dec. 03, 2003

Montreal Triple Screening - CANCELLED

12/03/03, 10:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Xoanon here, We have sad news to announce you today, it seems we will not be able to host a Montreal Triple Screening of the Lord of the Rings movies. The hard work of myself and people like Seb from MONSFFA have had to report this news to over 330 people signed up for the line party (one of the top 5 biggest line parties in the world). This comes to an even blow to us since we feel like we let you all down. Jim Sherry, C.E.O. of Alliance Film Canada has finally answered our numerous attempts at contacting him. Here is what he had to say without even having heard all the options we had to propose to him. Thanks Jim. [More]

Sydney Radio Station ROTK Tickets

12/03/03, 9:51 pm EST - Xoanon

Triple M (Sydney, Australia) is offering the chance to win one of 90 tickets to see a special preview screening of ROTK on the 18th of December at the George St MegaPlex. The movie opens in Australia officially on the 26th of December, but Triple M are offering the tickets to members of its frequent lister club FREQS for the special advanced screening. [More]

Tolkien Experts at the Philadelphia Free Library

12/03/03, 9:45 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from Houghton Mifflin write: Brush up on your Middle Earth History with leading Tolkien historian and critic, Oxford don, Tom Shippey, and Medievalist and Tolkien scholar, Joyce Lionarons. And before that, enjoy a FREE (albeit 3.7 hour) screening of Jackson's The Two Towers, extended edition starting at 10 a.m. [More]

ROTK Screening at USC This Friday!

12/03/03, 9:36 pm EST - Xoanon

Jon writes: Film critic, Leonard Maltin just appeared on NZ tv talking about Return of the King. In it he said that he'd be having a secret screening of it this Friday for the students of his USC class and that Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd would all be there to field questions after the screening. Guess it's not a secret anymore, sorry Lenny!

What? Something Else Happened This Weekend?

12/03/03, 9:30 pm EST - Xoanon

Angua writes: Just a brief note about the Memorabilia show in Birmingham, England this past weekend! I was lucky enough to meet both Mark Ferguson and Craig Parker. Also previously unannounced, Jorn Benzon was there signing too. I had a brief chat with Craig, who mentioned he had been doing some Orc voices for RotK. As he put it, he had the better end of the deal, not having to run around in all that Orc gear!

Trilogy Tuesday: Peru

12/03/03, 9:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Morgoth writes: I want to let you know that we will also be part of the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Tuesday and the sceenings of the extended editions of the FOTR and TTT. [More]

Rings stars keep souvenirs

12/03/03, 9:05 pm EST - Xoanon

Elijah Wood has the ring, Sean Astin has Sam's bag and Peter Jackson has, well, a framed carrot. The Lord of the Rings stars all took a little souvenir with them, gifts from Jackson, after filming the trilogy. Wood, who as the hobbit Frodo must destroy the One Ring to save Middle-Earth, got to keep the ring and his blade. [More]

Wood and Astin shared hobbits' bond

12/03/03, 9:01 pm EST - Xoanon

Wellington: The hobbits Frodo and Sam share a special bond in J.R.R.Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings , and the actors who play the roles in Peter Jackson's movie version of the story say they now feel a similar connection. [More]

Trilogy Tuesday: Costa Rica

12/03/03, 8:54 pm EST - Xoanon

ReyHechicero writes: The Discine company announced screenings of the Extented Editions of FOTR on December 12th and TTT on December 19th in all local cinemas. The Return of the King will be december 25th. What a great Christmas gift!!!

Shore's North American Debut in Montreal!

12/03/03, 8:45 pm EST - Xoanon

D writes: I thought you would be interested to know, The Lord of the Rings Symphony conducted by Howard Shore is coming to Montreal, Monday, February 23rd, 2004 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. [More]

Ticket Exchange: Washington D.C. and Palm Springs

12/03/03, 7:04 pm EST - maegwen

Tonight we have TWO Ticket Exchange offerings, both of which have special circumstances.

UPDATE: We HAVE OUR WINNERS.

we will have TWO ticket opportunities posted at 7 pm tomorrow. Read the complete details HERE. Good luck!

The Return of the One Party Details!

12/03/03, 5:50 pm EST - Calisuri

We are pleased to give you some more information about our upcoming Oscar celebration: The Return of the One Party. Follow the link for details! [More]

Bruce Hopkins Premiere Report

12/03/03, 5:29 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from bruce-hopkins.com write: I just added his Wellington premiere photos to his site. He sent along photos from the airport tarmac of the cast and other photos showing fans and others. He wrote the captions for each photo. [More]

Lord of the Screwups

12/03/03, 5:27 pm EST - Xoanon

Elisa Lipsky-Karasz writes: I hear that New Line Cinema is out for blood over Monday's catastrophic Washington screening of its Christmas blockbuster "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." I'm told that the first full-dress battle scene, more than a hour into the 3-hour, 17-minute epic, was run upside-down for some 30 critics at the Loews Georgetown. "At first I thought, 'Wow, that's a totally cool camera angle, from the perspective of someone who was felled in the battle," one witness told me yesterday. Baltimore Sun movie critic Michael Sragow said: "It was the first massing of forces, and you got these elephant creatures coming on screen upside down. Obviously, it was about the worst way to see a movie." Worse still, the influential audience had to wait 45 minutes while the projectionist re-threaded the film, only to restart it after a huge gap in the action. In due course, an upside-down Frodo appeared, and the screening was halted again for another 45 minutes. "Obviously we're upset as anyone would be, and we're in discussions with Loews," a chagrined New Line spokeswoman told me. "We want to know if Gollum was in the projection booth."

DVD Awards Report

12/03/03, 5:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Kristina: I just wanted to give you guys a little report on what my sister's and I saw on the red carpet at the DVD Awards last night. Apparantly Billy, Dominic, John Rhyes, and Andy Serkis were supposed to be there but, only Dominic, John, and Andy showed. In any case, we met all three and were able to get our Fellowship Visual Companion autographed (It was already autographed by Viggo, Peter J, Fran Walsh, Philippa, Sean Astin, and Sir Ian McKellen). They were all verious gracious and ever willing to interact with their fans. I even got a kiss from John. He was very sweet. [More]

Andy Serkis GOLLUM Book Tour

12/03/03, 5:02 pm EST - Xoanon

The frolks from Houghton Mifflin write: We will be sending Andy Serkis on a U.S. tour in mid-January to promote his new book, GOLLUM, available in bookstores now! [More]

The Journey Ends

12/03/03, 4:49 pm EST - Xoanon

"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" concludes Peter Jackson's epic cinematic motion picture trilogy as Lord Sauron's forces wage a final siege to eliminate the race of Men. Making a perilous journey across treacherous enemy lands, the small but determined Hobbit, Frodo, must cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom to save Middle-earth and end Sauron's quest for absolute power. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" carries the viewer along the epic journey of Men, Hobbits, Wizards, Elves, Dwarves and the rest of Middle-earth's creatures and cultures as they wage the ultimate fight for good against evil. Ultimately, we learn that courage, commitment and determination by even the smallest person can change the course of the future. [More]

'Rings' Stars Bid Farewell to New Zealand Fans

12/03/03, 4:43 pm EST - Xoanon

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — "Lord of the Rings" stars thanked fans with a short farewell dance at Wellington airport Tuesday. Orlando Bloom led co-stars Ian McKellen and Viggo Mortensen in the goodbye dance for excited fans. Cast members had attended the world premiere of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," the final film in Peter Jackson's trilogy, in this capital city on Monday. [More]

VARIETY: 'Rings,' 'Alien' top DVD nods

12/03/03, 4:41 pm EST - Xoanon

James Earl Jones, Jessica Alba, Bob Hoskins, Martin Short and Jack Black were among those honored Tuesday at the 2003 DVD Exclusive Awards with kudos for performances in pics that premiered exclusively on DVD this year. [More]

Marathon 'Rings' up sales

12/03/03, 4:32 pm EST - Xoanon

If you think the "Lord of the Rings" movies are hobbit-forming, you're not alone. The race for tickets to "Trilogy Tuesday" - an all-day, 99-city "Rings" marathon featuring the premiere of the eagerly awaited final chapter in the series - has sparked a feeding frenzy. [More]

ROTK Tickets On Sale in the UK

12/03/03, 4:31 pm EST - Xoanon

Clive writes: Tickets for Return of the King are available to order in the UK at odeon.co.uk from today. [odeon.co.uk]

TV Watch: Ebert & Roeper Talk ROTK

12/03/03, 4:28 pm EST - Xoanon

Atheryn writes: According to the TV Guide website, Ebert & Roeper are set to preview the Return of the King on their show December 13th. Anyone wanting to see it will need to check their local listings for the exact day/time - although the show usually plays several times over the weekend over a spread of channels, so there are plenty of chances to catch the show.

TV Watch: Elijah Wood on Jay Leno Tonight

12/03/03, 4:23 pm EST - Xoanon

Just a reminder that frequent-flier Elijah Wood (Frodo) is set to be a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The Tonight Show airs on NBC at 11:35PM ET. [nbc.com]

ROTK Rating in Finland

12/03/03, 4:21 pm EST - Xoanon

Mikko writes: Unlike the previous LotR films, RotK has been rated K-15 in Finland. The film distributor, FS-Film, is going to complain about this decision and trying to lower it to K-11. The age limit 15 was placed because the violence is more "personal" than before. [More]

Warners Academy Screening Review!

12/03/03, 4:18 pm EST - Xoanon

elanor writes: As promised, here is my Academy screening SMALL SPOILERS review. This was at Time/Warner on 51st Street NYC. I am so happy! Warmly happy, yes, and I'm also sad. Both at once. In fact I feel just like I feel when I get to the last pages of the book. I said to my still sniffling colleagues as we rode the elevator down, I forgot how sad it all is, and that watching this movie would make me feel bad at the end, not good. (I mean that in the best sense!) [!!!Small SPOILERS!!! [More]

Dispatches From Middle-earth

12/03/03, 4:12 pm EST - Xoanon

Brad Wieners writes: The first to pad up the red carpet were a dozen hobbits, their thick, curly, old-person's wigs looking more than a little warm in the late afternoon sun. A clutch of velvety elves followed, along with several fierce, evil warriors, a brigade of righteous men in chain mail, and a blithe clique of immortals—some elders from Rivendell and the Fords of Isen, no doubt. [More]

Ian Pryor Interivew

12/03/03, 4:09 pm EST - Xoanon

Ian writes: I’ve just posted the first internet interview with Ian Pryor, the author of the Peter Jackson Biography “Peter Jackson – From prince of splatter to lord of the rings”, about 2,500 words worth. This is the first interview he has given and the book was released just yesterday. [More]

Complete World ROTK Premiere Coverage

12/03/03, 12:05 am EST - Xoanon

Wellington Premiere Pictures
Click for more images

Here is it, our complete (until we get some more) collection of images and reports from the World Premiere of ROTK in Wellington! With well over 200 images of fans and celebs alike, you will not find more expansive coverage than this folks! Enjoy! Bring on LA tomorrow! [More]

News for Dec. 02, 2003

Return Of The Ringers Report

12/02/03, 10:29 pm EST - Demosthenes

I was at the Return of the Ringers party the other night in Wellington at the Skyline Restaurant. So were 700 other excited people, including more than a few from the cast and crew of Lord of the Rings. Here's my report (with some very minor RoTK spoilers) - and now with pictures! [More] [Gallery]

More Wellington Premiere Pics

12/02/03, 8:59 pm EST - Xoanon

Here's another gallery of images from the World Premiere of The Return of the King. Take a look at all the fans and stars in action! [More]

How a Local Boy Made Good

12/02/03, 1:51 pm EST - maegwen

The Age takes a look at how a local boy pulled off the the biggest entertainment event in New Zealand's history. (According to the reporter, creative accounting played a huge part) [More]

Orlando Bloom's T-shirt not for sale

12/02/03, 1:37 pm EST - maegwen

People wanting one of the "I Love New Zealand" tees worn by star Orlando Bloom are out of luck. The orange versions of the shirt, designed by Auckland company Huffer, are out of production and there are no plans for a re-release. [More]

Lord of the Ringing Tills

12/02/03, 1:25 pm EST - maegwen

Hosting the world premiere of the third instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy brought an estimated $7 million cash injection to the Wellington economy, and Mayor Kerry Prendergast is keen to ensure the man responsible is suitably recognised. [More]

SHOP: Uruk Swordsman Going bye-bye UPDATE

12/02/03, 1:20 pm EST - Celeborn

UPDATE! One of Sideshow/Weta's most popular Uruk statues is going bye-bye. In fact, they did go bye bye. Sorry! None are left. There were only 18 pieces left to purchase [More]

Rings king keen to start on Kong

12/02/03, 1:10 pm EST - maegwen

In this story from Stuff.co.nz, Peter Jackson told the reporter "he still had to edit an extended version of the third Lord of the Rings film for DVD late next year." According to the story, PJ hopes to finish it by Christmas. [More]

ROTK Premiere: Wellington

12/02/03, 9:08 am EST - Xoanon

Thanks to literally dozens of fans who sent in their images from the World Premiere of ROTK in Wellington we have this first gallery of fan images. A whole LOT more to come! [Gallery 1]

TTT Loses Out At Children BAFTAs

12/02/03, 6:03 am EST - Strider

Not quite as high key as its big brother, the winners of the British Academy Children's Film and Television Awards were announced on Sunday, and LotR's good form at the British awards seems to have come to an end, with The Two Towers losing out to The Whale Rider and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the Best Feature Film and the Lego/BAFTA Kid's Film Choice award respectively. [More]

McKellen to Make Australian Stage Debut

12/02/03, 4:28 am EST - Pippin_Took

In an extraordinary theatrical event, the great Sir Ian McKellen makes his long awaited Australian stage debut, starring in August Strindberg’s masterpiece Dance of Death. Thanks to Elenya! [More]

News for Dec. 01, 2003

Trilogy Tuesday in Sweden

12/01/03, 11:28 pm EST - maegwen

Ioreth writes: Finally some information about Trilogy Tuesdays here in Sweden. Some BIG cinemas in Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö and to a much lesser extent Umeå WILL screen the two extended versions followed by ROTK, but MANY many smaller cinemas will also do a maraton with the shorter TEs. [More]

ROTK Tickets in Turkey

12/01/03, 11:02 pm EST - maegwen

Ringer Spy Gandy.Phoebus writes: Just got the information from The Trilogy's turkish distributor Umut Sanat that the tickets for RoTK will be available this Friday (December 5) in theatres. The movie, starting December 19th, will have 156 copies (71 dubbed, 85 subtitled), surpassing TTT, which had 105 copies. [More]

Viggo to Grace Vanity Fair

12/01/03, 10:38 pm EST - maegwen

Hollywood heartthrob Viggo Mortensen is one lucky guy... Vanity Fair writer Alex Kuczyinski spent three days with next month's cover boy and current "Lord of the Rings" trilogy star. She says that Mortensen is one Hollywood superstar who could care less about stardom. [More]

LOTR Symphony in Six Movements

12/01/03, 9:52 pm EST - maegwen

On April 16, 2004, the Flanders International Film Festival - Ghent will present the continental European premiere of The Lord of the Rings concert in the Sportpaleis in Antwerp. Leading composer Howard Shore will personally conduct the Flemish Radio Orchestra and Choir. [More]

ROTK Premiere Report

12/01/03, 9:27 pm EST - maegwen

Sara sends in this report from her fun day at the ROTK Red Carpet Parade in Wellington. [More]

ABC's 'Primetime' reports on ROTK

12/01/03, 9:08 pm EST - maegwen

In an exclusive Primetime Thursday report, Jay Schadler goes on the set and behind the scenes for an unprecedented look at how director Peter Jackson has made his incredible vision a reality. Jackson and the stars of the film discuss how the arduous process of making this big-budget movie is the culmination of a true labor of love. Primetime Thursday airs Thursday, Dec. 4 (10:00 p.m., ET), on ABC (USA) [More]

Jackson's the ringmaster

12/01/03, 8:45 pm EST - maegwen

HE is the hobbit king of New Zealand, hailed throughout the land as the saviour of hope, goodness, truth and the national economy. Now director Peter Jackson can burrow into his own little hobbit-hole, snug inside a grassy hillside. [More]

Tolkien party soured

12/01/03, 8:42 pm EST - maegwen

Even as 100,000 fans celebrated the world premiere of the final instalment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Kiwi director Peter Jackson was fighting with the estate of Rings author JRR Tolkien. [More]

Wellington basks in Rings success

12/01/03, 8:34 pm EST - maegwen

Wellington was still on a high today after a Lord of the Rings (LOTR) party with 100,000 well-behaved guests. [More]

A premiere fit for a king

12/01/03, 8:30 pm EST - maegwen

It may have been our first bow in the bigtime movie spotlight. It may well be our last. But as far as world premieres go, the bow of The Return of the King tonight in Wellington was an event that itself made movie history. [More]

Jackson happy with first view of finished film

12/01/03, 8:27 pm EST - maegwen

Director Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop's Richard Taylor told the Herald late last night they were pleased with their first look at the full, finished version of The Lord of the Rings trilogy's final film. [More]

Gimli role that dwarfs the rest

12/01/03, 8:26 pm EST - maegwen

John Rhys-Davies likes to say he told you so. The British character actor does just that in a deep, melodious Welsh accent. Though should you mention his two Lord of the Rings voices - of dwarf Gimli and Treebeard - he will slip into their respective tones in an instant. [More]

The Return of the King too precious for words

12/01/03, 8:21 pm EST - maegwen

From New Zealand Herald: The Return of the King is ... sorry about this, but we're not allowed to tell you what we think of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King until next Tuesday. [More] SPOILERS!

For Your Consideration - Gandalf the White

12/01/03, 7:51 pm EST - maegwen

This ad featuring Ian McKellen as Gandalf appeared in today's edition of Daily Variety, summarizing the Academy Award possiblities for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. [More]

Ticket Exchange: Spokane, WA

12/01/03, 7:01 pm EST - maegwen

Tonight's ticket exchange offering is for THREE tickets to the AMC River Park Square 20 in Spokane, WA.

UPDATE: We HAVE A WINNER. Peabo Baggins will be put in contact with the seller of this ticket, JeTmAn.

Thanks to JeTmAn and all of our ticket sellers, we will have TWO ticket opportunities posted at 7 pm WEDNESDAY. Read the complete details HERE. Good luck!

'Rings' gets rousing NZ premiere

12/01/03, 2:23 pm EST - Xoanon

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Thousands of ecstatic fans cheered "The Lord of the Rings" at the world premiere of the final installment of the award-winning movie trilogy. Like a victorious general at the front of his army, home-grown director Peter Jackson led stars from "The Return of the King" for five km (3 miles) through central Wellington on Monday, flanked by characters clad in armor and on black horses. [More]

Hobbit film in pipeline following Rings success

12/01/03, 2:21 pm EST - Xoanon

The runaway success of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy may be followed by a screen version of JRR Tolkien's original work, The Hobbit, although it would be a few years away. Mark Ordesky, the Rings executive producer, made clear his New Line Cinema company had not finished with the world of Middle Earth following the completion of The Return of the King, the final movie in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. [More]

TV Watch: Viggo Mortensen on ET

12/01/03, 2:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) is slated to be on Entertainment Tonight...tonight. No doubt this is either an interview before he headed off to NZ or while he was there. Check your local listings. [USA Listings] [CAN Listings]

101 Things Overheard at the ROTK World Premiere

12/01/03, 2:01 pm EST - Xoanon

Ok maybe not 101, but here are some VERY interesting and funny tidbits from the World Premiere of ROTK yesterday in New Zealand. [More]

Official Line Party Merchandise

12/01/03, 1:50 pm EST - Xoanon

With only four more days to buy "LP3: The Return Of The Line" t-shirts in order to get them delivered in time for line festivities, TheOneRing.net t-shirt division announces LP3 shirts are now available in blue! [More]

From hobbit to ape

12/01/03, 1:35 pm EST - Xoanon

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson plans to take a long break - it just won't be for another couple of years. Jackson jumped into his next project - a remake of the 1933 classic King Kong - before The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King even hit the big screen. [More]

More Red Carpet Images

12/01/03, 1:31 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from Scoop.co.nz send along these 2 links filled with images from the red carpet. [More 1] [More 2]

Why Lord of the Rings fans will never die

12/01/03, 11:27 am EST - maegwen

From the New Zealand Herald: What will happen to this crowd after the final movie is screened and all that anticipation, discussion and guesswork (not to mention the party planning) will be over? [More]

RoTK World Premiere Pictures!

12/01/03, 4:35 am EST - Demosthenes

TORn was on the red carpet today at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington, and we got some great pictures as everyone wandered past on their way to the premiere. [More]

Exclusive: PJ's Cameo in ROTK!

12/01/03, 3:56 am EST - Pippin_Took

Our staffer on the scene in Wellington, Demosthenes, was at the Te Papa press conference and media roundtable and also spoke to Richard Taylor. It seems that PJ has a brief cameo in ROTK as one of the Corsairs. WETA guys Richard Taylor and Gino Acevedo also have Corsair cameos. In fact, PJ cut an extended fight scene with himself from the film - a two-minute stretch of fight with a major character.

Paths of the Dead Clip!

12/01/03, 3:24 am EST - Pippin_Took

Jezabear captured this clip of Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli entering the Paths of the Dead that was shown on New Zealand TV today. Obviously, spoilers!! [Quicktime] [Windows Media]

Red Carpet Wellington Premiere Pics!

12/01/03, 12:45 am EST - Xoanon

A TORN Exclusive! Images from the HUGE Red carpet event! More to come! [More]

Follow this link for images from the Wellington Press Confrence. [More]


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