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June 27, 2001 - July 03, 2001

News for Jul. 03, 2001

McKenzie IS Elendil!

7/03/01, 8:43 pm EST - Xoanon

It seems a little late to be posting casting news, (someone please send me a complete cast list!!!) but here we go, Kiwi Peter McKenzie will play Elendil. [More]

Media Watch: The Daily Express

7/03/01, 7:31 pm EST - Strider

From: Tony N

Hi,
Just a little article from the Daily Express in the UK, July 3. I hadn't heard the thing about the sales of Tolkien books before. [More]

Lord of the Rings rough cut: Completed

7/03/01, 1:30 pm EST - Strider

FilmFour.com have confirmed that Peter Jackson has completed a roughcut of the film. The article also containts a quote from Howard Shore, saying this film has "the complexity and difficulty of writing an opera." [More]

SHOP: Meditations on Middle-earth

7/03/01, 11:33 am EST - Calisuri

For the past few months, we have been featuring excerpts of Meditations on Middle-earth' in our Green Books Tribute section. Now you can buy it before it is released. [More]

Dourif Hears 'The Calling'

7/03/01, 10:32 am EST - Xoanon

Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) has joined the Damian Chapa drama 'The Calling'. Dourif plays B.B. Gallen, in the life story of evangelist Leroy Jenkins. The film also stars Faye Dunaway.

Spence's 'Damned'...Damned?

7/03/01, 10:26 am EST - Xoanon

Is the latest Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron) film 'Queen of the Damned' damned to a 'straight-to-video' release?

Aint it cool news is reporting that this may be the case. [More].

Meanwhile, my buddies as Corona are saying we will see this Anne Rice book come to the silver screen. [More] (Scroll to the bottom).

So which story is true? Time will tell...


Weekly Ebay Items

7/03/01, 10:19 am EST - Xoanon

Check out all the Ebay goodies you can bid on! [More]

Weekly Cast Watch

7/03/01, 10:11 am EST - Xoanon

Another great chance to catch your favorite LOTR Star on the small screen! [More]

Tolkien Lectures Website

7/03/01, 9:26 am EST - Xoanon

From: Bonnie

Hi - I read your scanned newsclipping about the lecture series (here), and found out that more information is available from the University that's hosting them, here. I'm off to book my tickets before the free publicity fills them up!

Ayii, Ayii, The BarliBash Comes!

7/03/01, 12:16 am EST - Jincey

All interested people, we're getting right down to the wire here! The absolute deadline is fast approaching, so, if you'd like to match up nicks with faces, or perhaps give your favorite @Op a gentle boot in the rear... [More]

News for Jul. 02, 2001

Howe in United Airlines magazine

7/02/01, 5:33 pm EST - Strider

The United Airlines official in-flight magazine Hemispheres have posted an interview between themselves and John Howe, Tolkien artist extraordinaire. Also if you're interested in this, you might want to check out this interview conducted by TORn and Lordoftherings.nl staffer Leo a couple of months ago. [More]

Brush up on your Tolkien

7/02/01, 2:06 pm EST - Xoanon

From ringer spy PH sends along this article from The Evening Post.


Serkis: I'm A Tolkien Junkie

7/02/01, 1:58 pm EST - Xoanon

British actor Andy Serkis will be appearing in one of the biggest movies of the year - but his isn't the type of role that will get him pestered on the street. Serkis is playing the animated hobbit Gollum in The Lord of the Rings series, and CGI will ensure he's completely unrecognisable on screen. [More]

SHOP: New Line Store opens with a BANG!

7/02/01, 12:31 pm EST - Calisuri

I just surfed to the 'new' New Line Lord of the Rings store, and what do I see? A 48" by 72" Lord of the Rings Bus Shelter Poster! An Exclusive Limited-Edition Lord of the Rings International Sales Brochure! A Frodo Lives Baseball Cap! Oh my gosh could it be any cooler! The really cool stuff is quite expensive however, so be prepared to shell out a few bucks. Of course, i'm poor as heck, and donations to the Calisuri collection are more then welcome! [More]

More on the DVDs...

7/02/01, 9:36 am EST - Calisuri

We announced on Saturday that all of the animations based on Tolkien's work will be available on DVD this coming september. Thanks to DVDFile.com we also have our first look at the coverart. Nothing ground-breaking, but its cool! We'll alert you when they are available for pre-order at Amazon.com. [More]

Thanks to Ringer fan Stephanie for the tip!

Calling all Italian ringers!

7/02/01, 5:59 am EST - Strider

Our Italian friend Scisho mailed us today to tell us that there is a 15 day dedication coming up in Rome to "Il Signore Degli Anelli" or Lord of the Rings. Beside showing the trailer (first? second?) there is also a presentation of the game that was inspired by the book (I think that's the Sierra game) and a comic expo called "The Mirror of Galadriel". Sounds great! If anyone has some more info, send it over.

News for Jul. 01, 2001

GAMING: Decipher talks LOTR TCG

7/01/01, 7:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Necromancer of the East sends us a link from a Decipher.com RealAudio interview with some of the folks in charge of the LOTR TCG. They also talk about all you folks who sent in word on being a BETA tester! [More]

Liv Tyler's Birthday!

7/01/01, 2:07 pm EST - Xoanon


Today, July 1st, is Liv Tyler (Arwen) Birthday! Liv was born on July 1st 1977 in Portland, Maine. That makes her 24 today! (and about a year and 2 weeks older than me...) Happy Birthday Liv!

SHOP: Pre-Order Animated Tolkien DVDs Today!

7/01/01, 12:17 pm EST - Calisuri

All animations based on Tolkien's work are coming to DVD! According to DVDPlanet.com they will be out this September 11th, 2001. You can pre-order Bakshi's 'Lord of the Rings' and Rankin/Bass's versions of 'The Hobbit' and 'Return of the King' today for 30% off. [More]

Fellowship in front of Evolution

7/01/01, 9:52 am EST - Strider

UK ringers might be interested to know that the Fellowship of the Ring Trailer is showing in front of the comedy Evolution in Odeon Cinemas. Thanks to Jodan for the tip.

Rings article in The Sunday Times

7/01/01, 7:38 am EST - Strider

The Sunday Times posted an article on their site which has some very condemning things to say about anyone who has bashed Tolkien's works in the past and also the mounting hysteria as the first film approaches. Thanks PK for the heads up. [More]

News for Jun. 30, 2001

Rings reference in Heart of the City

6/30/01, 5:05 pm EST - Strider

Today's Heart of the City strip features a reference to Lord of the Ring's today. Thanks to uuddlrlrbass for the tip. [More]

More Tips on Seeing the FOTR Trailer

6/30/01, 3:52 pm EST - Calisuri

A projectionist in America wrote us today with additional information for those of you who still haven't seen the Fellowship of the Ring trailer. Apparently the trailer has been passed around with a note asking for it to be played before 'BIG' movies. These would include, A.I., Tomb Raider, Jurassic Park 3, etc. But remember folks, and I can't say it enough, call ahead of time to find out when the trailer is playing near you!

UK TV Times talks LOTR

6/30/01, 12:16 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Nick sends along an article from the TV Times in the UK, Enjoy.

Media Watch: Dreamwatch Magazine

6/30/01, 12:10 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Frodo Lover

I just got a copy of this months DreamWatch Magazine and it has an interview with Liv Tyler about being in LOTR. It has some really cool pics of Saruman (Lee) some new some old also some of Gandalf and Arwen.

Anyone with that copy of Dreamwatch send it along!

Trailer in front of A.I.

6/30/01, 12:06 am EST - Calisuri

The Fellowship of the Ring trailer is showing in some theaters before the new Spielberg flick 'A.I..' Now, we can't guarantee it is showing in your town, so call first to find out. (Most theaters give you a real number at the end of the recorded message). If you want to see the trailer, check out the official site. If you want in-depth analysis of it, check out our frame by frame.

News for Jun. 29, 2001

McKellen.com Updates e-Posts

6/29/01, 3:46 pm EST - Calisuri

Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) has updated the Lord of the Rings E-posts section of McKellen.com. Look for his answers on Peter Jackson, New Zealand and re-recording lines in the film. [More]

Thanks to Beau from Fingolfin.com for the tip!

Famous Magazine talks LOTR Goodies

6/29/01, 1:31 pm EST - Xoanon

From: Phyoras

Hullo, I was just at the theaters and I picked up a copy of "Famous", a Canadian entertainment magazine which is given out free in most theaters. Inside there is a small article about the LOTR toys called "Product of Middle Earth". [More]

Hi, I'm Peter Jackson.....

6/29/01, 12:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Liam sends along word of what some european Ringers can see if they happen to catch the FOTR trailer at a local cinema! A personal greeting from PJ! [More]

Billy Boyd talks LOTR

6/29/01, 12:31 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Dauvit the Hobbit sends along word of an article from 'The Scotland Daily Record'. They chat it up with Billy Boyd (Pippin). Dauvit also sends along word that he knew Billy way back when. [More]

BookExpo Report with some Cool Info!!

6/29/01, 11:35 am EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Kinch sends along word on the recent Book Expo that was attended by Houghton Mifflin and suits from New Line, Kinch also sends along word of not one but TWO TV specials coming this fall!! [More]

IFC Talks Cannes

6/29/01, 11:27 am EST - Xoanon

From: Annael

Caught a quick glimpse of Sean Bean, Viggo Mortensen, and John Rhys-Davies being interviewed at Cannes last night while watching the Independent Film Channel. [More]

EW Talks LOTR

6/29/01, 11:22 am EST - Xoanon

Thanks to a Random Hobbit we've got the scans from the new Entertainment Weekly, they have a small article and what they claim are 'new' pics from LOTR. I guess these guys don't surf the net much. [More]

There be Trolls Here!

6/29/01, 11:14 am EST - Xoanon

From: Greg

I got some pretty cool news for the french fans: I've heard (that's an insider information so I would prefered to stay anonymous) that they will put a real size Troll in the main hall of the Virgin Megastore on the "Champs Elysées"! I dont know exactly when but it's quite a sure thing.

If anyone sees this Troll in the Virgin Megastore, send along some pics!

GAMING: Computer Gaming World Magazine

6/29/01, 8:31 am EST - Calisuri

There is a small positive mention of Reiner Knizia's Lord of the Rings boardgame in this month's Computer Gaming Magazine.[More]

News for Jun. 28, 2001

Thinking about arms and armour in Middle-earth

6/28/01, 10:53 pm EST - Tehanu

Eric sent in a good link to the Historical Arms and Armour site, with an essay 'There is no best sword' that comments on some of the mistakes we see on films trying to show historically authentic medieval fighting. This should interest all those of us who sneak off to get our fix of sword&sandals epics while we wait for LOTR to come out....[More]

'The Onion.com' interview with Ralph Bakshi

6/28/01, 10:48 pm EST - Tehanu

I swear I've read this before, but here it is again on the Onion: Ralph Bakshi (who made the 1978 animated 'Rings') responding to the current 'Rings' project. It's pretty funny, in an unfortunate way. [More]

Thanks to Derek

News for French LOTR fans.

6/28/01, 10:37 pm EST - Tehanu

Just a few words about Trailer 2 of FOTR. It will be seen in France during " la Fête du Cinéma ", ( at the start of July ) with a message from PJ himself in front of the trailer, according to the president's event. Thanks to Gillossen of Elbakin.com for that tipoff!

A Fan meets Holm

6/28/01, 9:57 pm EST - Tehanu

Here's a report from Ringer spy Dave, who met Ian Holm [Bilbo] after a theatrical performance. [More]

JVC JOINS WITH NEW LINE CINEMA TO PROMOTE "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" TRILOGY

6/28/01, 5:43 pm EST - Xoanon

JVC to be the Exclusive Electronics Partner in Promoting the Highly Anticipated Epic Adventure Trilogy

Wayne, NJ (June 28, 2001) - JVC, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of sophisticated audio, video and related software products, today announced that it is partnering with New Line Cinema to establish a comprehensive co-branded marketing program. The partnership will cross-promote JVC consumer video products with the theatrical and home video releases of "The Lord of the Rings" motion pictures, and casts JVC as the exclusive electronics sponsor of the highly anticipated epic adventure trilogy. [More]

US Theater Chains Boycotting LOTR!

6/28/01, 2:03 pm EST - Calisuri

The Hollywood Reporter has some very bad news for US LOTR fans today.

New Line is changing their contracts with theaters and some theater chains don't like it. As a result, the US's largest theater chain, Regal Cinemas, is protesting by not showing Fellowship of the Ring in their theaters this coming December. Other chains might also follow this boycott.

This is not good news for us folks. Cinescape.com has a longer article describing this decision in greater detail. [More]

News for Jun. 27, 2001

WETA/Sideshowtoy Series II Pics!

6/27/01, 5:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Check out the amazing Series II Pieces from WETA/Sideshowtoy!! [More]

Poll Time! Lets show our stuff!

6/27/01, 3:32 pm EST - Calisuri

Harry over at AICN has a new web-poll asking, "Which franchise are you most excited for?" The options are Star Wars, LOTR and the Matrix series. Blow the trumpets...blare the horns...lets go get'em...beware the power of TORn! (heh, I know, thats REALLY cheesy..but hey, gotta have something to get me through the day) [More]

Thanks to Mark for calling out the troops!

New Line Film Shop's re-release pushed back

6/27/01, 2:36 pm EST - Strider

From Adam

I just went over to New Line's online store. They were supposed to re-open tomorrow, June 28th, but they've pushed it back to Monday, July 2nd. Bummer. Thought your readers may like to know.

BookExpo America Report

6/27/01, 12:20 pm EST - Calisuri

Ringer Garm sends in some additional info from this years BookExpo America at which New Line and Houghton Mifflin showed some exclusive LOTR footage. He also sends us a scan from the recent issue of Publisher's Weekly that showcases Sean Astin (Sam) and others at the event. [More]

Blanchett picks up another Role?

6/27/01, 10:35 am EST - Xoanon

NEW YORK (Variety) - Though her next pressing engagement will be the birth of her first child later this year, Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) is negotiating to join Brad Pitt in an untitled sci-fi project to be directed by Darren Aronofsky. [More]

Thanks to Pippin for the tip!

Australia's 'Showtime' talks Cannes

6/27/01, 10:29 am EST - Xoanon

From: Thoth

I was watching a wrap on the Cannes festival on the cable channel 'Showtime' in Australia when they had a three minute section on the Cannes party including a few comments from PJ, Christopher Lee etc. There wasn't anything new, and the only footage was from the two teasers, but there was a good joke from PJ about whether it was really appropriate to have cast Australians as the refined and cultured elves in the film!

Media Watch: Empire Magazine

6/27/01, 10:27 am EST - Xoanon

From: Ken

Just saw the July issue of EMPIRE magazine and saw a three page spread on the Cannes affair. Some good pictures, including some I have never seen before (eg. Gimli in Moria with a hobbit on either side, the banner of the Reunited Kingdom hanging from the castle ramparts at Cannes, etc).

If anyone has scans of the magazine, send it along!

What's going down Down-Under

6/27/01, 5:37 am EST - Strider

Australian ringer Joshua chimed in to tell us about the latest availability of Lord of the Ring merchandise in Australia. [More]

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