Tomi writes: Just wanted to let you know that Riot-E (which has/had "exclusive rights to manufacture, sell and distribute accessories to mobile phones, in relation to the Lord of the Rings but also rights to wireless games and services concerning the same legend") has filed for bankruptcy. Riot-E isn't the first mobile company in Finland to go under.

Several folks have written in to report that they have spotted Sean Bean (Boromir) singing a couple of lines in the new Moby music video playing on MTV, "We're All Made of Stars." UPDATE: André was kind enough to send us a link to view the video! [More]

News from Random Pseudonym: "National Geographic's 'Beyond the Movie' documentary is now available in the UK, priced £9.99 on video or DVD. I had no idea it was out until I stumbled across it in the DVD section of my local Woolworths on Friday. Just out of interest, it was number 12 in the DVD chart - not bad for a 52 minute documentary!"

Thanks to 'ree for this link to UK paper The Sun, which has done the tricky maths necessary to convert movie earnings to 'bums on seats' as they say - allowing for inflation, different currencies and so on, it turns out that the alltime most popular movie is Gone with the Wind. LOTR is only sitting at 26th by this count. Still beats 'Home Alone' for which I'm grateful. [More]

Seems that the TTT trailer is popping up on TV here and there, though most people say there's only bits of it shown. [More]

I've never heard of bootlegged toys before, but who knows in this day and age, blyxa sends us a 'buyer beware' letter from the Philippines, just take a look at those pics...very odd indeed... [More]

Tommy sends us a very cool story about a place in Japan where you can buy a gold lettered 'ticket' for TTT right now! [More]

BILLabong the Pony writes: My bro-in-law just got back from Japan and he scoped out the LOTR merchandise at the Japanse movie theaters. He found the Elusive Leaf-brooch pin for 500 yen (around $5) was sold out at the time, but you can see it on the scan included here of all the cool stuff. [More]

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring has surpassed Independance Day and gone to number 5 in the All Time Worldwide Box Office Gross with $815.4m. The next movie ahead of the first Lord of the Rings movie is Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, on $920m. [More]

Arkenstone writes: While watching TV, a commercial appeared on contact lenses. The person who was advertising looked very farmiliar. Then it hit me. No, not who it was, my LotR book. My brother had thrown it accross the room and it hit me in the head. Well, I got really angry, but I really shouldn't have. He pointed out Sean Bean and then pointed out the commercial. It was Sean Bean! He was the advertiser! I was so stunned.

Ice Hobbit writes: Last night I was flipping thru the channels at high speed. (My wife was upstairs so I could get away with it) and I saw the last frame of the (a?) trailer and the TTT logo. Unfortunately I flipped past it and had to go back and only caught a brief glimpse of the logo both times. Is a trailer on TV now? Am I crazy or what? I thought you would have mentioned it earlier today so I didn't write in sooner. It was on one of those third tier cable channels late at night.

Scooby writes: On New Zealands National radio, Brian Sibley’s 26-part BBC radio adaptation of the Tolkien trilogy Lord of the Rings started today, Saturday 6 April, at 1.30pm. [More]

Jedi Loomis writes: I just got finished watching the PPV version of the "FOTR," and it does NOT have "The Two Towers" trailer at the end. As for the movie itself, it is exactly the same. I doubt this earth-shattering news to anyone, but I just wanted to be the first to let you know.

King Elesar sends in some information on a new book available in Brazil called (in English) 'The World of Lord of the Rings' and a picture of the cover to boot. [More]

ed writes: Saw your news item "FOTR available on PPV within 2 weeks" from April 3. I'm just back from Lake Tahoe where FOTR *was* available as a PPV movie. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village (North Lake Tahoe).

'J.R.R. Tolkien was clearly a fashion editor manqué—after all, the man did construct an epic trilogy around an extremely powerful accessory. And with the success of last year's movie adaptation of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings," it's no surprise designers presented collections rife with references to a Middle Earth populated by blonde supermodel elves and sexy, sweaty warriors.' [More]

Thanks to Quinn for the link.

Barlimans regular and talented artist KT Shy sends in the proposed mural for a wall in her school library based on a library scene with various characters and objects from famous literature that she has enjoyed. [More]

Nona from 'The Compleat Sean Bean' sends us official word that Sean Bean (Boromir) is indeed returning to New Zealand to do a few more re-shoots for The Two Towers and possibly The Return of the King.

Ringer Spy Ed comes through again with some great pics of the LOTR:FOTR two figure sets, featuring Sam and Frodo with an Elven boat, and Gimli with an Orc warrior to hack at with his axe. [More]

Throughout the Fellowship of the Ring, we learnt much of the ways of Elves through Lothlórien and Rivendell and Dwarves in the mines of Moria. Yet much was told of the great city of Men, Minas Tirith and their struggles against Sauron. It is not long into The Two Towers however that we are introduced to a race of men who would prove to be one of the bravest and loyal allies to all those who fight against the tryanny of Sauron. This weekend the Hall of Fire's Two Towers chapter-by-chapter discussion continues as we look at the Riders of Rohan. [More]

OBMarie writes: Hey I was at the doctors when I found a poll in the March 25th, 2002 edition of People Weekly. The poll questioned how much people were looking forward to the second installment of the Lord of the Rings. Here are the results: 36% said "I am in line right now", 31% said "A Lot", 26% said "What's a Hobbit?", and 7% said "A Little" Looks like we have a lot of die hard fans ready to see the next film!

DarSpi writes: Just a reminder that Orlando Bloom will be on So! Graham Norton on BBC America starting tonight (Friday) at 11pm. I am assuming all times in Eastern. Check BBCAmerica.com for details. For those of us with digital cable, get multiple opportunities to watch or tape the show.

OBMarie sent in this anime-styled comic detailing what Legolas would be writing about if he documented the day to day happenings of his life...or not. Not for weak hearted Bloom fans (please don't send me irrate mail! Please!) [More]

Although director Peter Jackson has promised an expanded DVD release of "The Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring," his most important work on the project may remain under wraps. [More]

The latest Andy Serkis (Gollum) film '24 Hour Party People' has been released today in the UK. [Showtimes]

DarSpi writes: Just a reminder that Orlando Bloom (Legolas) will be on So Graham Norton on BBC America starting tonight. Check www.bbcamerica.com for details.

With all the pirated copies of the TTT trailer for download on the net, we were waiting for a download of decent quality for folks (like myself -Xo) who were unable to see it in their local theatres. We may have found it.

Incidently, ever wonder why the TTT trailer isn't online officially? Peter Jackson himself wished all fans to see it the way it was meant to be seen, on a giant screen with surround sound.

However, many unfortunate folks, the trailer is simply unavailable for them so they rely on the internet. www.tiscali.nl has gotten their hands on a fairly decent version of the trailer, and this is the FULL version, not the 1:22 min version. Check it out here! (Quicktime needed) [More]

Update: The download site above only allows a certain number of people to download the trailer at one time. So remember patience is a virtue, and that you will get through eventually. Or if you just can't wait, Movie-list.com has a list of download sites here.

Gordon writes: On New Zealands National radio, Brian Sibley’s 26-part BBC radio adaptation of the Tolkien trilogy Lord of the Rings is going to be played Saturday 6 April 1.30pm [More]

The Lord of the Rings may have won Oscar glory for New Zealand, but Australia has announced that its scientists are on a quest to Australia's own Mordor - "In the land of Mordor, where the shadows lie" to quote from Rings author J R R Tolkien. [More]

We've gotten about a billion emails from people asking us to post a frame-by-frame look at the amazing new Two Towers trailer, so we've obliged! Follow the link to see the trailer frame-by-frame, it WILL be updated as more info pours in! !!!MAJOR SPOILERS!!! [More]

When TORn decided to be officially sponsored by Sideshow/Weta Collectibles, we knew there would be perks. The best is the ability to bring you Lord of the Rings product announcements before anyone else! Introducing Lord of the Rings Wall Plaques. These 16x9 inch masterpieces are sculpted by Virginia Lee, yes, the daughter of Alan Lee, and are exquisitely detailed. The first in the series is 'Escape off the Road,' and features a Ringwraith sniffing out the hobbits. [More]

In an article at The Sydney Morning Herald, Academy Award winner Jim Rygiel speaks about the evolution of digital effects and how this will make what we see in The Two Towers and The Return of the King as real as could ever be imagined. [More]
Thanks to Demosthenes for this link!

The Sideshow/WETA LOTR Collectibles page has been updated with many new items, including Series 5 pre-orders, gorgeous medallions, insightful sculptor interviews, a Pippin Took bust (hey, I like that one!), and much more! [More]

Midnight on Oscar Sunday, and having packed up my laptop and taken leave of the backstage press room, which has been the often surreal scene of my Academy Awards experience (of which, more later), it's time to find a cab. [More]

Today, April 4th is Hugo Weaving's (Elrond) birthday! Hugo was born Hugo Wallace Weaving on 4 April 1960 in Nigeria. That makes him 42 today! Happy birthday Hugo!

411Toys recently recieved the third assortment of Toy Biz’s figures from Lord of the Rings. The cases they received included the following figures. [More]

HOLLYDAZE: BBC Teletext in Britain has the prices for the British DVD set as £24.99 for the 2 DVD, August release and £44.99 for the 4 DVD, November Release.

Ian writes: Official UK XBox magazine gives "World Exclusive" 2-page "First Looks" at LOTR: FOTR game due in December.Notice that the article says the authors decided to go with the book version of events not the film. [More] [Gaming Havens]

From Ed: I'm just back from Lake Tahoe where FOTR *was* available as a PPV movie. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village (North Lake Tahoe).

The Vancouver Sun has snapped a photo of our Elijah Wood (Frodo) in Vancouver, Canada shooting the film 'Try Seventeen'. [More]

Cynthia writes: Jon Favreau is premiering a new series called "Dinner for Five". When he guested tonight on Jon Stewart's "Daily Show", he brought a clip showing an episode featuring Sean Astin, Bonnie Hunt, Ray Romano and Kevin James as guests.

New ''Rings: Two'' footage reveals surprises. A special preview of ''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' answers questions, unlocks secrets, and even wakes the dead. [More]

New Line Cinema and RIOT-E brings the Lord of the Rings-story to cinemas and to the mobile phone world, worldwide. RIOT-E has been licensed by the New Line Cinema with the exclusive rights to manufacture, sell and distribute accessories to mobile phones, in relation to the lord of the rings but also rights to wireless games and services concerning the same legend. [More]

Details on the Fellowship of the Ring DVD releases
New Line Home Entertainment will release three DVDs of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. On August 6, the theatrical version will be available in a 2 disc special edition. Then, on November 12, an R-rated extended cut incorporating 30 minutes of material back into the film, will be available in a four disc set - two discs for the film and two more for extra features. Finally, a collector's boxed set will be available for the extended cut, including all four discs, the National Geographic Lord of the Rings special and extra features for that documentary. [More]

John sent in a scan from the New Zealand Herald's 'e.g.' TV guide about a visit to Barlimans on Oscar Night. Fiona Rae, the author, seems to have spent the evening with us and writes about the wonderful frenzy beheld during our Academy Awards coverage in #AwardsParty. [More]

After only a couple of weeks the folks at DorkTower.com are already using the words 'The Two Towers' and 'Academy Award' in the same sentence. However, don't start counting the days until Academy Awards 2003 just yet. [More]

Greg writes: The Rohirrim are modeled after the Anglo-Saxon peoples of Briton, before the Norman Conquest. Look to references for their culture & etc. Their art & ornamentation have strong celtic influences.

Sammie writes: The FIDM costume exhibit in LA which includes the LOTR costumes has a little visual joke. (I'm assuming it's a joke). The mannequin wearing Isildur's armor is also wearing Gandalf's silver scarf just under its surcoat. Look for it. The LOTR costumes by the way are much more like historical clothing than costumes. The difference in detailing and manufacture makes the rest of the exhibit look unbelievably tacky.

Jedi Loomis writes: Just wanted to let you know that a buddy of mine works for a hotel chain, and he said that LOTR will be availabe in the next couple of weeks on some pay-per-view hotel/motel networks. Just to prove it, he gave me a dubbed copy of LOTR on VHS, taped from a pay-per-view channel that his hotel will be showing later this month!

Here's something new. A website called The Art of the Rings looks at some of the images in FOTR and interprets them in the light of mythic symbolism and art criticism. You may not agree with the conclusions on the page, but there is a lot to think about on this beautifully-presented page. [More]

Matt LaSorsa, senior vice president of marketing for New Line Home Entertainment, answered a few questions about the upcoming LOTR:FOTR dvd's and the strategy behind it. [More]

Scifi.com has a small article up in which Orlando Bloom and Richard Taylor talk for a bit about LOTR:TTT, it's short but still quite interesting. [More]

Thanks to CP for that!

Ringer Spy Pippin Skywalker writes: IMDB has a list of the top five soundtracks and at # 4 is Fellowship of the Ring. It is also worthy of note that a few days ago it was #5. That Academy Award gave it a real booster.

Adrahil writes: Miranda Otto is appearing in the PBS Masterpiece Theater minisieries "The Way We Live Now" starting this week for 4 weekly episodes. She plays the character Mrs. Hurtle.

'The music from the Harry Potter film is the highest new entry in the Classic FM Hall Of Fame. John Williams' soundtrack to the film entered the annual list at number 81. Howard Shore's Lord Of The Rings soundtrack came in 50 places behind, despite picking up an Oscar for Best Film Score.' [More]

(Can't wait for the UK media to start hyping-up HP to lofty new heights again this year! - S)

Right now FilmFour are running an impromptu Sir Ian McKellen night, showing McKellen's Apt Pupil followed by the role he received an Academy Best Actor nomination for in Gods and Monsters. Thanks to LadyT for the tip! [More]

Quinn writes: There is a two page spread on the inside cover of the March 25-31 Variety. It's from Alliance Atlantic (the Canadian distributor). Congratulating PJ and New Line that it's the 2nd highest grossing film in Canadian History. Left page has the poster collage, right page has the wraiths galloping in the water, spread across both pages over the images is $50,100,000 and counting.

Audio111 writes: Glass Hammer spies report that filming of the music video "MIRKWOOD" is set to begin this month at a nature preserve somewhere in the South Eastern United States. [More]

Tracy sends in a list of New Zealand magazines covering the Oscar and after-Oscar events, get those scanners warmed up! [More]

Jasmine Watson is one of New Zealand's leading contemporary and costume jewellers. Her work features prominently in LOTR and can be seen in the long running American television series Xena: Warrior Princess, and Hercules: the Legendary Journeys. Jasmine received a Highly Commended for her entry in the Nelson Wearable Art Awards.

TheOneRing.net recently sat down with Jasmine to talk about her work on LOTR and much more! [More]

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles have posted 5 new images of the exclusive Ringwraith and Steed statue. Some of you had asked for some close up shots, and it looks like they have obliged! [More]

Nuno writes: Here is the Portuguese ad announcing the TTT preview on the end of FOTR. [More]

Jenny writes: LOTR is going to be shown in China staring April 11th. There is a clip in chinese. [More]

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Zap2it.com) – Don't let the innocuous, generic title fool you. The Movieguide Awards isn't just another awards show. Backed by the Christian Film & Television Commission ministry, its goal is to honor film and television that is "uplifting, inspirational and encouraging to all audiences." [More]

'Chasing the Dragon starring Cate Blanchett, the new blockbuster movie about the murder of Irish crime journalist Veronica Guerin, is to have its ending changed. According to reports in the Irish press, the changes come as a result of the acquittal of Paul Ward, who has had his conviction for her murder quashed. Blanchett had said that playing the role of Veronica Guerin had been a very "positive" experience.' [More]

'Today Batman Books proudly announces that they have reached agreement with the Tolkien Estate to authorize a certain major fantasy writer, identified only as T— B—, to do a 21-book rewrite of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings for a "solid" eight figure advance.' [More]

Yes this is another April Fools, and thanks to Jeremy for the link!

Katarina writes: In case anyone is interested in seeing the 'official' version. The text of Ian McKellen's monologue from Saturday Night Live has just appeared on Sir Ian's McKellen.com. [More]

Darcie writes: In the current special issue of Cinescape, Frodo Baggins is rated as "the most powerful character in genre entertainment". Note 'character', as in, 'not actual person'. Gandalf is number 9 (the list seems full of inside jokes) and, in the related news column, Agent Smith from The Matrix is number 26. The bulk of the issue is about DVDs and the upcoming LotR DVD is listed as a "best disc still to come in 2002".

OBMarie writes: Watch for the April/May edition of Renaissance Magazine for a Cover page of LotR and an 18 page spread of LotR pictures!

Brandon Gray
Boxofficemojo.com

'Lord of the Rings' finally crossed the $300 million milestone at the domestic box office over the weekend. Although, it didn't receive much of a boost from its Oscar wins or "The Two Towers" footage, it dipped just 3% to an estimated $2.3 million, lifting its 103-day total to $301.2 million. [More]

Too bad they don't give Oscars for "best supporting land mass." If they did, New Zealand's role in the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" would have swept that award, along with the five Academy Awards it won last week. [More]

Oscar's help came in handy over Easter weekend for "A Beautiful Mind," "Monster's Ball," "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" and "Gosford Park." Universal's "Mind," which took home four wins including best picture, maintained its long-running presence in the top 10 with $4 million at 1,560 engagements in its 15th session. [More]

Missed all the news this weekend? Busy with the family at this time of holiday celebration? Or were you perhaps out and about enjoying the lovely weather like I was? (and making tasteless April Fools jokes), well either way we have an extra Friday-included weekend round up for you! [More]