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February 04, 2002 - February 10, 2002

News for Feb. 10, 2002

Putting the fellows into fellowship, nudge, nudge

2/10/02, 7:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Geoff Pevere writes: As one of those readers who found the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings rather heavy lifting, it was left to the recent movie — called, in case you've just returned from an alternate dimension, The Fellowship Of The Ring — to tell me what happened after my strength gave out. [More]

Weekend Box Office Reports

2/10/02, 7:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Yahoo! reports that FOTR made only 3 million this weekend, which is a typical lack-luster time for Hollywood. FOTR was in 11th place for this weekend and has now passed #14 'Shrek' and comes in right under 'Home Alone' in the all time box office list. [More]

Tolkien's hobbits show basic goodness of people

2/10/02, 7:24 pm EST - Xoanon

by Noelle Hay: During a discussion I recently had with a Tolkien fan, he informed me that we are all like Gollum, selfish and prone to evil. I think he missed Tolkiens message in LOTR. [More]

Malaysian Press Talks LOTR

2/10/02, 7:22 pm EST - Xoanon

Quistis Skywalker sends us two articles from the Malaysian press. The first is an article in the Malaysian newspaper The Edge's weekly supplement, Options. The second is from Galaxie, a local entertainment magazine from a column called Suzy Says. [More]

Blanchett In 'Heaven'

2/10/02, 7:10 pm EST - Xoanon

sethdove sends us these few choice pics from the new Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) film 'Heaven'. [More]

Nazgul At Trentham Raceway

2/10/02, 6:53 pm EST - Xoanon

Lucas & Dezzy sent us these great pics of some of the dark riders at the Trentham Raceway in Wellington a few weeks ago. [More]

Sideshow opens Toy Fair LOTR Section

2/10/02, 2:34 am EST - Calisuri

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles has opened their Lord of the Rings Toy Fair 2002 section. Before you visit however, get something to cover your keyboard. You might find yourself drooling over this stuff! Check out the close-ups of the Balrog and Cave Troll statues including a nifty 360 turnaround view. From the looks of it, this section will be updated regularly over the next few days. (oh, and they are doing Muppets and Bond now too!) [More]

News for Feb. 09, 2002

Russian FOTR premiere

2/09/02, 1:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Natalya writes: FOTR was finally released in Russia on Feb 7th. There were celebrations in several best movie theaters in Moscow and other cities: costume shows, concerts, trivia games with prizes etc. [More]

Capital FM Talks LOTR

2/09/02, 1:13 pm EST - Xoanon

Kim writes: Capital FM have got up a text and audio interview with Orlando Bloom (Legolas) and Ian McKellen (Gandalf). [More]

SFX Goes LOTR Mad

2/09/02, 1:02 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Sony Mouse sends along these articles from the latest issue of SFX Magazine. Take a look! [More]

Men Behaving Sublimely

2/09/02, 10:56 am EST - Xoanon

Fran & Marian send in this review from 'The Washington Post' [More]

Hall Of Fire Chats For February 9th & 10th

2/09/02, 7:39 am EST - Strider

As a child actor, Elijah Wood was always expected to achieve big things in his acting career, impressing in many films. But of all the roles he would play to date, none would compare with the role of Frodo Baggins, the main protagonist in the 'greatest book of the 20th Century'. This weekend, the Hall of Fire discusses Elijah Wood's performance in FotR and what TTT and RotK brings. [More]

Couric And Costas Make Olympic LOTR Reference

2/09/02, 6:50 am EST - Strider

JWB, Eowyn Greenleaf and Simone X all sent in e-mails about these lines uttered by the NBC commentators during the opening of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Games: "And New Zealand is where the blockbuster 'The Lord of the Rings was filmed,'". "No hobbits out there though today, Katie". "No, none are competing in this Olympics."

Uruk-Hai Toy Biz/Burger King Action Figure

2/09/02, 6:34 am EST - Strider

TORn staffer Pipesmoke writes: Finally got my mail-order Toy Biz/Burger King tie-in Uruk-Hai figure today. It's the same body mould as the Lurtz that comes in the Boromir vs. Lurtz twin-pack, same paint job: no accessories, at least not with mine. Thought it might have been meant to have one of those squarish swords. Different head, and the Uruk-Hai mask. Has an action button, seems to be the same one for that Lurtz.

Mortensen Book Released February 15th

2/09/02, 6:28 am EST - Strider

Kathryn writes: You can now order and pre-pay online for a copy of Viggo's "Signlanguage" catalogue, due to be released Feb 15. It features 60 colour and 30 balck and white reproductions of his photographs and works, may of which pertain to his time in NZ and LoTR. The publisher is Smart Art Press. [More]

Arnie Compliments FOTR In Recent Interview

2/09/02, 6:23 am EST - Strider

Heather noticed that Arnold Schwarznegger was lavishing praise on FotR in a recent interview: 'The Lord of the Rings was a tough movie. It was rated PG-13! A wonderful movie, brilliant. But it was a tough movie to watch, for children. There was action from the beginning to the end..' [More]

Noble Collection Extra Info

2/09/02, 6:15 am EST - Strider

Riskbreaker writes: I have information from an insider that Noble Collection will be releasing a replica "leaf" brooch, as seen on the Hobbits after their visit with Galadriel. They will also be releasing a full-size replica of one of Legolas' ornate Elven arrows. I do not know when. Amnel also claims that there will be 5 items released.

News for Feb. 08, 2002

'The Art of the Lord of the Rings'

2/08/02, 7:55 pm EST - Tehanu

Another lush visual companion is coming out in June, according to Amazon.com. [More]

LOTR: The Short Version

2/08/02, 7:35 pm EST - Tehanu

Another cartoon, this time from AngryFlower.com [More] Thanks to Ostadan for the link.

Viggo Mortensen Exhibit In USA Today

2/08/02, 5:02 pm EST - Strider

The Library Wizard writes: I picked up a copy of USA Today (Feb 8, 2002) on newstands, and there is a very nice article on Viggo Mortensen's art exhibit. "Mortensen is an Artist 3 Times Over." LIFE section, page 10B. [More]

Blanchett At Heaven Berlinale Premiere..With Friends!

2/08/02, 4:42 pm EST - Strider

sethdove sent in this great photo from the Heaven Berlinale premiere of Cate Blanchett and a couple of her acting compatriots...Giovanni Ribisi and Tom Tykwer! [More]

Sir Ian And Orlando On Capital FM

2/08/02, 4:27 pm EST - Strider

Kim writes: Capital FM have got up a text and audio interview with Orlando Bloom and Sir Ian McKellen as they attended the Empire Awards in London. [More]

20% Of Norwegian Population See FOTR

2/08/02, 4:11 pm EST - Strider

Eirik writes: Since your site seems to be refering to the Scandinavian countries when it
comes to the number of people seeing FOTR: Here in Norway, 840,000 have seen the film so far. We have a population of approximately 4.2 million, so that means about 20% of us have seen the film...the same figures stands for the rest of the Scandinavian countries!

More Noble Collection Replicas In Spring 2002

2/08/02, 3:54 pm EST - Strider

Jenny writes: I wrote to Noble Collection today (they carry the offical replica Evenstar necklace) asking them if they knew and if they will be carring anymore LotR replica jewelry. I got a short note back saying yes, they will. And the new Item will be in they're spring catalog. They wouldn't say what it was though. So, I'm glad to know that there will be something set to come out this spring.

Rankin/Bass 'The Hobbit' Follow Up

2/08/02, 3:37 pm EST - Strider

In response to yesterday's mail, I've had a lot of e-mails from Ringers who seem to recall seeing an extended version of the Rankin/Bass movie 'The Hobbit' than the one on video. Never fear however, for there are always people out there who can shed light on a situation. [More]

GAMING: Ulaire Attea Card

2/08/02, 12:14 am EST - DarthCaeser

Decipher sent us an exclusive card image from the upcoming Mines of Moria expansion for the Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game. Take a look at Ulaire Attea, a "Twilight Ringwraith". [More]

News for Feb. 07, 2002

Rings takings fatten Jackson wallet

2/07/02, 11:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Last year the 40-year-old director of The Lord Of The Rings was estimated by weekly newspaper National Business Review to be worth $NZ20 million on the strength of a reported eight-figure salary he was receiving for making that trilogy. [More]

FOTR = Franchise of the Ring

2/07/02, 11:33 pm EST - Xoanon

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings is hot property at the moment - everyone is buying into it. Hate it or love it, movie merchandising and related advertising is big bucks, and as such, bound to happen. [More]

Media Watch: Bucks County Courier Times

2/07/02, 11:29 pm EST - Xoanon

Lynn writes: I thought you might find the attached article of interest. It comes from the Bucks County Courier Times of Feb 4. [More]

Peter Jackson teams with Sideshow Toy

2/07/02, 8:17 pm EST - Calisuri

Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings, has teamed up with Sideshow Toys to start a line of World War 1 Collectible Figures. If you didn't know, PJ is a HUGE World War I collector. [More]

Dick Cheney as Gollum?

2/07/02, 8:07 pm EST - Tehanu

Perhaps Dick Cheney's not that popular here in San Francisco...check out why in Mark Fiore's animated cartoon from sfgate.com here Thanks to Carter for the good laugh!

Fellowship Of The Ring Nominated For WGA Award

2/07/02, 5:48 pm EST - Strider

The Writers Guild of America, West and East announced nominations for outstanding achievement in writing for the screen during 2001, including Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson for The Fellowship of the Ring as Best Adapted Screenplay. [More]

Fashion Institute of D & M Costume Hosting

2/07/02, 5:41 pm EST - Strider

LeiaSky writes: Not sure if you have heard this yet. I've not seen it listed on your site but....the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles will be hosting costumes from LOTR (and other 2001 films) beginning Feb 18th.

McKellen Speaks On X²

2/07/02, 5:16 pm EST - Strider

'Having been lauded left, right and centre for his performance as one ninth of the Fellowship of The Ring, Sir Ian McKellen is now gearing up for second bout as arch-villain Magneto in Bryan Singer's X-Men 2 - or X² as it's now called.' [More]

Heavenly Creatures IMDB Movie Of The Day

2/07/02, 5:12 pm EST - Strider

The Dunadan notes that today on the Internet Movie Database, Peter Jackson's fantastic 'Heavenly Creatures' is the movie of the day.

17% Of Swedish Population See FOTR

2/07/02, 4:36 pm EST - Strider

Dagger writes: As of today, 1,525,687 have seen Fellowship of the Ring in Sweden, and there live today 8,910,559 people in this country. So there you have it 17.12% of the population have seen FotR. Great or what?

Must....Ogle....Reflection....

2/07/02, 4:23 pm EST - Strider

Emyn sent in this link of a great cartoon of Legolas and Strider fighting over something other than who is the most popular amongst female Ringers. [More]

Elfenomeno Open New Multimedia Section

2/07/02, 4:04 pm EST - Strider

Our community member Elfenomeno.com have just opened their new multimedia section, containing a database of 1100 pics, broken up into nearly 70 categories. Check it out! [More]

Different Versions Of Rankin/Bass 'The Hobbit'?

2/07/02, 3:52 pm EST - Strider

Jeff writes: I received this email the other day from a fellow Tolkien fan. Since the Rankin/Bass "Hobbit" has some sentimental value for me, I wondered if any of you know anything about the version this writer describes... [More]

Happy (Belated) Waitangi Day!

2/07/02, 3:39 pm EST - Strider

Today was Waitangi Day in New Zealand. Not farmiliar with it? Well Larry sends in the link for a information on the day that commemorates the signing of a treaty at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 by a group of Maori chiefs and the British Government. [More]

Bloom In March Edition Of Premiere Magazine

2/07/02, 2:49 pm EST - Strider

Lou sent in a clip from the March edition of Premiere magazine which does a brief bio on Orlando Bloom (Legolas). [More]

New Zealand Actress Coy Over Hobbit Infatuation

2/07/02, 2:38 pm EST - Strider

Lousie writes: Here is an article from the Sydney Morning Herald about the supposed romance between NZ actress Madeleine Sami and Elijah Wood. [More]

National Geographic LOTR Special Out Soon

2/07/02, 2:35 pm EST - Strider

Mizer writes: I thought I'd let you know that I just got an email from Amazon.com saying that they will be selling the National Geographic LOTR special on video in a couple of weeks.

Rings museum still on agenda says Blumsky

2/07/02, 1:09 pm EST - Xoanon

A permanent museum that would showcase images from The Lord of the Rings is still a possibility now that the first movie in the fantasy trilogy has been screened, according to former Wellington mayor Mark Blumsky. [More]

Tolkien Estate Sues Over Rewrite

2/07/02, 1:07 pm EST - Xoanon

A one-man publishing house has been ordered not to publish - at least for now - his "The Lord of the Rings Diary," which puts J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved epic trilogy in chronological order. [More]

LOTR Box Office Weekend Finals

2/07/02, 12:53 pm EST - Xoanon

Brandon Gray
Boxofficemojo.com

"Ocean's Eleven" lifted an estimated $16 million from 2,855 theaters in 20 countries to end up in a virtual tie with "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" atop the overseas box office for the weekend ending Feb. 3 [More]

The Berlin Film Festival

2/07/02, 8:36 am EST - Xoanon

From IMDB: The Berlinale opened yesterday (Wednesday), with Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and 2,500 guests due to attend the screening of the opening film, the Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) film, Heaven.

News for Feb. 06, 2002

New Interview with Billy Boyd

2/06/02, 8:01 pm EST - Tehanu

Gotta love BillyBoyd.net - it's such a laid-back site! According to Oroalphien they have a new interview with him posted up - it's number 12 (so you have a lot of catching up to do if you haven't been there yet!) [More]

LOTR - the alternative versions

2/06/02, 7:54 pm EST - Tehanu

Check out this website for a hilarious look at how LOTR could have been - if it'd been written by other people! [More] Thanks to Maestro for this one!

Elijah on Letterman: New transcript

2/06/02, 7:49 pm EST - Tehanu

When Elijah Wood was interviewed on Letterman in December, TORN posted up a transcript. Now thanks to Lisa we have a more accurate version for you to enjoy. [More]

One film to rule them all

2/06/02, 1:09 pm EST - Xoanon

During the months of lead-up to the release last Christmas of "The Fellowship of the Ring," Peter Jackson's remarkable film adaptation of the first volume of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," one question kept pushing to the fore. [More]

Yet Another LOTR-Comic

2/06/02, 8:45 am EST - leo

Good friend of mine and talented artist Philippe Collin has updated his site again with a very funny new comic. If you find the time, browse through the archives as well for some more comics. [More]

News for Feb. 05, 2002

Orange Bafta Awards

2/05/02, 11:30 pm EST - Xoanon

Robin (we love you Robin) sends along this link to the Orange BAFTA Awards, go there and vote for LOTR! [More]

Premiere Predicts Oscar

2/05/02, 11:23 pm EST - Xoanon

Falcon writes: The Lord of the Rings was picked for three categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Ian McKellen) [More]

Reel.com Editor Awards

2/05/02, 11:16 pm EST - Xoanon

Quinn writes: Reel.com editors awards gave FOTR Best Picture, Best Director and more! [More]

All Orlando, All The Time

2/05/02, 11:12 pm EST - Xoanon

It really is amazing to me, especially considering his magazine article to screen time ratio must be 25:1, that Orlando Bloom (Legolas) even has TIME to make films during all his interviews, photo shoots and award shows. Artemis sends along these two articles on 'the dreamy' Orlando Bloom. [Article1] [Article2]

New Line to film 'His Dark Materials'

2/05/02, 4:40 pm EST - Tehanu

So, it's official: fantasy is IN and the success of LOTR shows that it's not just eye-candy any more. New Line is taking on yet another fantasy trilogy, the intelligent, subtle and controversial Philip Pullman trilogy 'His Dark Materials.' Thanks to Kevin for the news. [More]

Empire 2002 Awards!! LOTR WINS!!

2/05/02, 3:47 pm EST - Xoanon

A goodly proportion of The Lord of the Rings cast donned their party gear tonight to help celebrate the Empire Awards 2002. Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellen, and the youthful LOTR contingent of Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan joined a clutch of British stars as honoured guests at our annual celebration of all that's good and right in the world of film. [More]

Waiting for Viggo

2/05/02, 3:40 pm EST - Xoanon

"Roadblock," a man in a black roll-neck sweater cried out from the thick of the crowd trying to get into Track 16 Saturday evening. [More]

(Spikey?) Wheel Of Fortune

2/05/02, 3:33 pm EST - Xoanon

Endobai writes: Imagine this. My wife and I are sitting, watching Wheel of Fortune and my Digital Camera is sitting next to me. [More]

LOTR: FOTR 'E' Poster

2/05/02, 3:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Mike writes: I recently won an auction on Ebay of a LOTR: FOTR E style poster. The seller said that this is an international poster from Thailand. [Moe]

LOTR:FOTR Poster In Taiwan

2/05/02, 3:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Leiya writes: About the chinese LOTR poster, it's actually the China LOTR poster. Because there's a slite difference in the China and Taiwanese words. Here's a version of the Taiwan poster. [More]

SHOP: Want To Know Where Your Aragorn Toy Is?

2/05/02, 3:13 pm EST - Xoanon

Chris writes: I e-mailed Toy Biz this morning, and I am happy to forward their prompt response to my e-mail. [More]

TV Watch UK: 'Bilbo and Beyond' Re-Peat

2/05/02, 8:40 am EST - Xoanon

Philippa I noticed your news bulletin regarding the Discovery Channel showing of 'Bilbo and Beyond'. I missed it last night but I have checked it out and Discovery are showing it on Sunday 17th February at 10 pm GMT in the UK.

News for Feb. 04, 2002

Hobbit confesses to Kiwi crush

2/04/02, 11:39 pm EST - Xoanon

The Lord Of The Rings star Elijah Wood has admitted being spellbound by talented Kiwi actor Madeleine Sami - but the enamoured actor won't kiss and tell. [More]


'Hawk' still flies at box office

2/04/02, 11:26 pm EST - Xoanon

A slow Super Bowl weekend at theaters helped lift "Black Hawk Down" to yet another box-office victory as the controversial combat thriller took in $11.5 million to remain the No. 1 film for a third weekend. [More]

LOTR Weekend Box Office - February 1st-3rd

2/04/02, 2:09 pm EST - Strider

Brandon Gray
Boxofficemojo.com

"The Lord of the Rings" moved up one rung to No. 7 over the February 1-3 weekend, dipping just 16 percent to an estimated $6.575 million. The total after 47 days stands at $267.145 million, putting it right on the heels of "Shrek's" $267.665 million to become the second-highest grossing picture from 2001. [More]

Viggo Mortensen Exhibit Report #2

2/04/02, 1:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Moochsqueak writes: Saturday night at Track 16 Gallery, in Santa Monica, CA , Viggo's painting and photographic show entitled "Signlanguage" opened to a expectedly huge crowd. [More]

LOTR Reference In Nancy Comic Strip

2/04/02, 1:45 pm EST - Strider

Joel sends word that there is a reference to Lord of the Rings in today's edition of the 'Nancy' comic strip. [More]

Treasures from the world's great libraries

2/04/02, 1:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Peter writes: The National Library of Australia is currently showing a exhibition in Canberra and includes the original design for the book cover of The Hobbit. [More]

Christopher Lee Has More Than Dracula at Stake Now

2/04/02, 12:38 pm EST - leo

With more screen credits to his name than any other international star, Christopher Lee has at age 79 finally gained recognition as one of Britain's acting stalwarts. [More]

Discovery To Air LOTR Special!

2/04/02, 11:18 am EST - leo

Hmm.. better late then never I guess, so for those of you who can get the Discovery Channel check out the special they are airing tonight at 10pm CET (which is 9pm GMT) called Bilbo and Beyond!

Update! Several people have emailed me already and it seems that this special will only be aired in Europe, so for those of you who are from any other part of the world.. umm.. bad luck..

FOTR Reaches Million Visitors in Denmark

2/04/02, 11:03 am EST - leo

On the website of SF-Film, the Danish distributor of the movie you can see for yourself that the number now is 1.000.525 viewers here in Denmark, which is roughly 20% of the population!

Thanks to Sangarunya for that! [More]

Bloom Voted Most Beautiful Man of February

2/04/02, 10:47 am EST - leo

Liz wrote in to tell us that Orlando Bloom got voted Most Beautiful Man of the month february. [More]

Weekend Round Up

2/04/02, 1:39 am EST - Xoanon

Miss all the news this weekend? Watching the Superbowl? Malcolm in the Middle? Or did you sleep it all away like I did? Well fear not! TORN never sleeps! Take a look at all the news you may have missed right here! [More]

Viggo Mortensen Exhibit Report

2/04/02, 1:21 am EST - Xoanon

Edie writes: This weekend my friend and I drove to Santa Monica from Las Vegas, and while we were there we decided to go to Track 16 to see the Viggo exhibit. [More]

Brian Bansgrove R.I.P.

2/04/02, 12:39 am EST - Xoanon

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) has left a remembrance note for Brian Bansgrove (Master Lighting Technician, LOTR), who died recently. Take a look [More]


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