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September 09, 2002 - September 15, 2002

News for Sep. 15, 2002

Peter Jackson & Sean Astin Talk LOTR Casting!

9/15/02, 11:54 pm EST - Xoanon


Peter Jackson describes casting Elijah Wood

In another TORN EXCLUSIVE VIDEO we bring to you some amazing footage of Peter Jackson, Sean Astin (Sam), and Fran Walsh from the LA bookstore 'Brentanos'. The LOTR gang got together a while back to talk LOTR and other things. [More]

Get TheOneRing.net Newsletter Today!

9/15/02, 4:38 pm EST - Xoanon

The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 10 800 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]

Weekly Ebay Items

9/15/02, 4:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Each week, I scour Ebay looking for the hot Tolkien items up for sale. I post the most interesting here for you to bid on. [More]

Weekly Cast Watch

9/15/02, 4:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Another great chance to see your favorite LOTR star on the small screen! Follow the link below for couch potato goodness... [More]

Annotated Hobbit Images!

9/15/02, 3:28 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks at Houghton Mifflin send along this link with great images from 'The Annotated Hobbit'. Take a look and pick up a copy for yourself! [More]

SFX Talks TTT Coolness

9/15/02, 12:58 pm EST - Xoanon

Ringer Spy Irascian sends along the rest of the 13 page TTT coverage from SFX Magazine. Calling their feature '101 Reasons Why You MUST See The Two Towers', it features great pics and tons of info for the Tolkien newbie, and some great insight into some of the characters and actors in the film. [More]

News for Sep. 14, 2002

Gambling er...Gamling The Old Talks TTT

9/14/02, 11:46 pm EST - Xoanon

Lessa writes: A friend from NZ saw Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) at a debate this past week and had this to say: He finally had to leave since he flies to Wellington tomorrow to film more LOTR! He is so excited about LOTR since his part has grown from a paragraph in the book to a decent-sized speaking part. [More]

UofT Goes Geek For TTT

9/14/02, 11:31 pm EST - Xoanon

Soloman writes: My college at UofT is Victoria College, and I was part of the team to welcome the new freshmen. Anyway, Alliance Atlantis (LOTR's distributor in Canada) was kind enough to give us stacks of free TTT teaser posters, temporary tattoos, and "Frodo Lives" T-shirts!! [More]

Media Watch: SFX Magazine

9/14/02, 11:17 pm EST - Xoanon

One of the first magazines to cover FOTR over 2 years ago, SFX is again jumping the gun on most other magazines and covering all things 'rings'. [More]

Bobblehead Collectible LOTR Dolls

9/14/02, 10:29 pm EST - Tehanu

How stupid can a collectible item get? I challenge anyone to come up with a LOTR item as daft as this! According to the sales blurb, they'll help you "relive the magic of Lord of the Rings." Yeah, right. [More] Thanks to Brian for the link! No, really!

LOTR in Lego!

9/14/02, 1:01 pm EST - Tehanu

This is a labour of love! Jon writes, "Over the past year I have been constructing scaled down Locations and Character Minifigures from Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings out of stock Lego Bricks and pieces. I browse TORN religiously, and thought that other Tolkien fans might like to have a gander at what I've constructed." [More] Cute fun!


TTT Action Figures in the Philippines

9/14/02, 12:57 pm EST - Tehanu

News from Chino in the Philippines: "Hello. I went to a toy store here in the Makati,Philippines this morning and saw the new Two Towers Action figures. I saw all of asst. 1 except for Easterling (which is sold out), the twin packs and the 12" figures. The Eowyn is nearly sold out. The Legolas 6" is also nearly sold out."

Elijah at the Toronto Film Festival

9/14/02, 12:35 pm EST - Tehanu

Annette sent a link to this pic of Elijah Wood shaking hands with a lucky fan. [More]

Interview with Digital FX Wizard Miles Bellas

9/14/02, 12:32 pm EST - Tehanu

Thanks to Monica for this link to one of the guys who worked on some of the LOTR digital effects, including the fireworks dragon, the cave-troll and the 'fell beasts,' which he really likes...He says film II will be 'Dark, powerful and massive....' [More]

TTT 360 Degree Puzzle

9/14/02, 11:19 am EST - Tookish

Sarntolias has an Eye for toys: I've been keeping an eye open for any TTT merchandise available in England. The only thing so far is a 360 degree 'magic' Jig saw puzzle which i spotted yesterday for sale at £8.99 in Toymaster.

Marton Csokas, Swimming with Hollywood Sharks

9/14/02, 11:14 am EST - Tookish

From Ringer wizardlex: Here's an interesting story on Marton Csokas from the Sat. Sept. 14 edition of The New Zealand Herald online. [More]

News for Sep. 13, 2002

LOTR Paintball!

9/13/02, 7:52 pm EST - Tehanu

How cool is that? Ninecompanions.net reports that a LOTR-themed paintball game in North Carolina. Come in costume, and join the Fellowship or the Dark Force. Trouble is it's TOMORROW, so if you live in the area, make some quick plans! [More] Thanks to Orangeblossom for the link!

Wrong Link for LOTR /NZ tours.

9/13/02, 7:12 pm EST - Tehanu

Whoops. Yesterday's story about the NZ Premiere tour for LOTR fans [here] should have led to Red Carpet MovieTours link, not the unrelated 'Red Carpet Tours' company in Sydney.

Mysterious Elf Identities.

9/13/02, 3:07 pm EST - Tehanu

News for the total elf-fanciers among you, from Uruviel of The Argonath "I saw the names of these elf actors on a message board atMysterious Elf [and if you aren't a fully-fledged Pervy Elf Fancier, you do NOT want to explore too much there! - T] - and found a picture of Orophin/Jason Secto and this picture of Sam Kelly/Silinde. I hope someone can help me locate Saelbeth!

3 Rings For Elven Kings, And YOU

9/13/02, 2:52 pm EST - Xoanon

From Badali Jewelry: I am happy to announce that we have just received approval and licensing from Tolkien Enterprises for NenyaTM, NaryaTM, and VilyaTM. We are making these in silver, gold, and platinum with several choices in gemstones. And we have made NenyaTM available as a wedding ring set with either one or two tracer bands for those who want a Tolkien wedding without the negative vibes associated with The One RingTM. [More]

UK Artists Prints: Alan Lee Prints for sale.

9/13/02, 2:36 pm EST - Tehanu

News from Brendan: "Greetings, You may be interested in knowing that Artists UK.net is selling some signed Alan Lee prints from LotR, here starting at around £18 + P&P. The site actually has quite a large Tolkien section with many different Tolkien inspired prints for sale. I've bought from them before and have had no problems and can recommend the service."

TTT Action figures Out In Oz?

9/13/02, 1:49 pm EST - Xoanon

Rain sends in an interesting story from Down Under, seems she was lucky enough to find some TTT action figures at her local geek store! [More]

Oxenmoot 2002

9/13/02, 1:45 pm EST - Xoanon

Mark writes: StAnthonys College Oxford plays host to The Tolkien Society. From Friday to Sunday Oxonmoot takes place in this Oxford College. With, talks, sales, book signings, lectures, trips arround Oxford, and a trip to JRRT's Grave on Sunday for Enarie. [More]

FOTR Re-Release & Extended DVD Credits

9/13/02, 1:40 pm EST - Xoanon

From DarkHorizons: The first chapter (FOTR) will be re-released in Aussie cinemas on November 14th, whilst Phantastik.De indicates the British BBFC have timed the end credits to the new 'Extended Edition' DVD version to come in at a whopping 19 minutes.

Wizard of the Walk

9/13/02, 1:22 pm EST - Xoanon

It's just been announced that Shakespearean actor Sir Ian McKellen, famed for his role as the wizard Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings," is coming to Seattle for the AIDS Walk and Fun Run at Seattle Center on Sept. 22. [More]

(Another) Mock Trial For PJ

9/13/02, 1:17 pm EST - Xoanon

Julie writes: The Franciscan University of Steubenville is having a mock trial about if Peter Jackson did justice to the book. Joseph Pearce writer of 'Tolkien: Man and Myth and Tolkien: A Celebration' will be Peter Jackson's lawyer. Franciscan University will web cast it on the Internet from 3:30 to 5;30. My Brother Teddy and his friend John are Hobbits in the jury. [More]

News for Sep. 12, 2002

!!!Extended FOTR Script Review!!!

9/12/02, 3:28 pm EST - Xoanon

TORN EXCLUSIVE: Close your doors, lock the shutters, unplug the phone and turn off the TV. I have read the EXTENDED FOTR script and am about to share it for all who are in the need of some deep dish spoiler action. !!!HEAVY HEAVY SPOILERS AHEAD!!! [More]

Universal's Concept Art Galore!

9/12/02, 1:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Now this is something really special, I love concept art, the initial stages of creation, you can see it all happening here. Universal had no small feat to accomplish with these games, how do you create an entirely different look and feel from a film tha this been seen by million around the glbe, yet STILL stay true to Tolkien? You be the judge with these 40 plus images, some of them are fantastic, some seem only 1/2 completed, while a small few leave much to be desired. Take a look and enjoy the ride! [More]

Weta Digital Speaks at Aussie SFX and Animation Festival

9/12/02, 1:14 pm EST - Tehanu

The Australian Effects & Animation Festival in Sydney, Dec. 1-4, covers 3 days of seminars and master classes, as well as 4 evenings of screenings and networking opportunities. There will be an Opening Night Party where you can meet the speakers, which include Jim Rygel and Randy Cook from Weta Digital, woo hoo! [More] Thanks to Lolly for the news.

LOTR Action Figure Storybook Updates

9/12/02, 1:00 pm EST - Tehanu

Andrew writes: "I was surfin' the web and I checked the Lord of the Rings Action Figure Storybook, and I noticed they added quite a few pics. They have added Walls of Moria, Rivendell, and some more of Gandalf and Bilbo." [More]

FOTR in Spain: Extended DVD

9/12/02, 12:56 pm EST - Tehanu

Good news from Spain thanks to Dani. [More]

Waiting for Frodo....

9/12/02, 12:42 pm EST - Tehanu

Remember Deborah Ridpath Ohi's online journal about reading LOTR for the first time? She's doing the same now with The Hobbit. She invites comments from readers. [More]

MASSIVE GAMING UPDATE! -UPDATED-

9/12/02, 2:05 am EST - Xoanon

The folks at Universal Interactive have sent us a SLEW of info and screenshots from the Game Boy Advance, PlayStation2, PC and XBOX LOTR Games! Stick to this space to see a massive amount of game concept art to be posted soon!

First check out the stats and tons of pics from 'portable Middle-earth' in our GameBoy Advanced Page. [More]

Then get your drool bib ready to check out over 50 images and stats from their PlayStation2 and XBOX games! [More]

UPDATE

Universal's LOTR:FOTR PC Game Screenshots!: Take a look at these 20 plus images and get ready to make some space on that hard drive! [More]

And while we're talking Gaming, be sure to check out DarthCeasar's report from the EA camp a little while back! [More]

Report From 9/11 Events With Sean Astin

9/12/02, 12:50 am EST - Xoanon

Two days ago we got word from Sean Astin himself that he will be attending a 9/11 memorial with US president Bush (Read Sean Astin To Head 9/11 Ceremonies Tomorrow from September 10th, 2002). Jennie sends along a great report from the event, take a look! [More]

NZ beats Australia in tourist numbers

9/12/02, 12:45 am EST - Xoanon

Sly marketing, a successful fantasy film and sheer remoteness have consipired to help New Zealand trump Australia in attracting international tourists. New Zealand defied worldwide trends and boasted a 3.8% increase in arrivals in the 12 months to June. [More]

No Latin American Release Of Extended DVD(?) Update

9/12/02, 12:41 am EST - Xoanon

Ivan writes: Let me tell you , Warner is always saying they aren't sure whether releasing an extended version down here, and they make sure to get it clear on their official brazillian site, it is a marketing strategy, they want to sell the theatrical version to huge numbers. [More]

More On Alan Lee In NYC

9/12/02, 12:35 am EST - Xoanon

Maltawingiel sends along more news about the Alan Lee appearance in NYC later this month (Read Live In NYC? Wanna Meet Alan Lee? from September 5th, 2002). [More]

Red Carpet Tours News

9/12/02, 12:31 am EST - Xoanon

Charles writes: I just got this note yesterday US east coast time regarding the Red Carpet NZ TTT premier tour (Read LOTR tourism in NZ gets going from July 11th 2002). The conversion factor from the NZ dollars noted to US is to multiply by about 0.478.

We now have the final price for the Premiere Lord of the Rings tour for this December. [More]

News for Sep. 11, 2002

Depp film hit by blaze

9/11/02, 1:35 pm EST - Xoanon

More news on the California fire story we broke (see Bloom's 'Pirates' Sets Go Up In Flames from yesterday). BBC: A fire at the Walt Disney studios has caused $350,000 (£224,000) of damage to sets for the new Johnny Depp film Pirates Of The Caribbean. [More]

ANCANAR One Sheets

9/11/02, 1:31 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks working on the indie Tolkien-themed film Ancanar have sent along 2 one sheets they plan to use to promote the film at Ring*Con 2002. Take a look! [More]

More On Elijah At TIFF

9/11/02, 1:20 pm EST - Xoanon

Emma sends along her great report from the Toronto Film Festival and a great set of shots from the event with Elijah Wood (Frodo). Take a look! [More] [Photos]

One Mug To Rule Them All

9/11/02, 1:16 pm EST - Xoanon

Imladhrim sends along three great pictures of a truly wonderful one-of-a-kind gift! Take a look! [More]

More TTT Toy Biz Toys

9/11/02, 1:08 pm EST - Xoanon

dbzshop.com has gotten some great new TTT figures for you to check out, take a look. [More]

Plant a Garden or Help a Child to Read!

9/11/02, 12:18 pm EST - Tehanu

Thisis a great idea from Oregon: "In response to the Unity in the Spirit of America service program, in support of which Sean Astin will be appearing in Washington DC on the morning of September 11, 2002, Bit of Earth.net would like to announce *Project Elanor.*

"Our plan is to select a charity organization in the Portland, Oregon area that supports reading programs for children, due both to Sam's role as the keeper of the Red Book of Westmarch and Mr. Astin's special interest in children's literacy, and to landscape the grounds surrounding it."

Bit of Earth.net are looking for expressions of interest in this project from local Ringers willing to help, especially with planting "Sam's Garden."

Full story on Project Elanor here.

Barnes & Noble TTT News

9/11/02, 9:19 am EST - Xoanon

From A Barnes & Noble Insider: I work at Barnes & Noble and apparently there will be stand ups of Frodo and Gandalf as well. Apparently it changes each month until December...though that would mean that another stand up is possible as well...though no word on who it will be. We're guessing Sam or Saruman. As employees, we get to claim the stand ups whenever it's time to take them down. You should have seen the girls fight over Orlando and Viggo....quite an interesting sight! And a little inside news...Barnes & Noble will set up a Lord of the Rings display table again in their stores on October 1st. Don't know if Houghton-Mifflin will be releasing anything new for this day or not...but I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Elijah At TIFF

9/11/02, 9:16 am EST - Xoanon

Our own Elijah Wood (Frodo) is in Toronto for the 'Toronto Film Fest' in which his latest film 'Try Seventeen' is being screened. Take a look at some pics from Empire Movies. [More]


And here are a ton more from WireImage. [More] Stay tuned for plenty more pics and a few reports from TORN spies in the area!

News for Sep. 10, 2002

Bloom's 'Pirates' Sets Go Up In Flames

9/10/02, 2:29 pm EST - Xoanon

This is hot news right from friends on the inside. Seems that stage 2 at Disney has had an accident and all of the sets for the next Orlando Bloom (Legolas) film 'Pirates of the Carribbean' have burned down! Stay tuned for more.

Sean Astin To Head 9/11 Ceremonies Tomorrow

9/10/02, 1:51 pm EST - Xoanon

Sean Astin (Sam) himself asked us to post this open letter to all Ringer fans, and specifically those in the DC area:


"First a big "Thank You" to all the fans for their support and concern.

I would love to have Ringer fans in the D.C. area come out and show their support. This event is all about the community and is very important to me. These people have asked me to help celebrate the idea of Community Service. I want to demonstrate with my own actions that Community Service is important, especially now. It means so much to give back to the community and I greatly appreciate you all coming to join the spirit of our gathering while we celebrate this idea.

I will be at the Pentagon in the morning, with the President. Then I hope to see all you Ringers come out to the Mall where we have our event at the Lincoln Memorial. -- Sean Astin" [More]

SHOP: Sideshow/Weta Collectibles Info

9/10/02, 1:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Calisuri gives us an update on all things Sideshow/WETA, take a look at Series I figues for TTT! And news on Series 5 for FOTR and more! [More]

Shore Pics Up World Soundtrack Award Nomination

9/10/02, 1:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Gail writes: Since TORN picked up on the Classic FM Poll of Top 100 Film Scores and LOTR's win, thought you might be interested in Howard Shore's nominations for World Soundtrack awards [More]

TTT Standees Pop Up At B&N

9/10/02, 1:09 pm EST - Xoanon

brandon writes: I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday, and stopped by the Legolas standee display I have seen for weeks. However, this time Aragorn was right next to it! It's a picture from FOTR, but it has a TTT ad to the side. There's a picture of the One Ring, and inside is a picture from TTT, Theoden with Aragorn.

3D Festival Talks With WETA's Jason Schleifer

9/10/02, 1:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Jason Schleifer is one of the internationals working at Weta Digital in Wellington (and a friend to TORN -Xo), New Zealand on the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Jason and his cohort Matt Aitken will be speaking at the 3D Festival London 2002 (October), on various aspects on the making of Lord of the Rings. [More]

Online Fraud Re: Parma Endorion

9/10/02, 1:00 pm EST - Xoanon

Michael Martinez sends in word to AVOID biding for issues of PARMA ENDORION: ESSAYS ON MIDDLE-EARTH, 3RD EDITION on eBay or any other auction site, because it's available for FREE via ebooks.net. [More]

News for Sep. 09, 2002

No Extended DVD For Latin America?

9/09/02, 8:15 pm EST - Xoanon

Juan Guillermo sends in word from a local paper that states the numbers don't justify a Latin American region 4 extended edition DVD. Take a look. [More]

Elijah Hits The Stage

9/09/02, 8:08 pm EST - Xoanon

wizardlex sends this in from virginmegamagazine.com: Seems that our own Elijah Wood was pulled onstage at Hybrid Japanese producer and performer Cornelius' (aka Keigo Oyamada) concert in LA last week. [More]

Lord of the Wings!

9/09/02, 8:02 pm EST - Xoanon

Sauron writes: This appeared in today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper here in Little Rock. Thought everyone might get a laugh out of it. [More]

EXCLUSIVE SWEEPSTAKES!

9/09/02, 12:39 pm EST - Calisuri

TheOneRing.net is proud to team up with New Line Cinema's official Lord of the Rings Shop, www.LOTRshop.com to give 200 lucky fans a free collectible pin set. This is an exclusive sweepstakes for you, TORn visitors, and these pins are not available for sale anywhere, so this is your only chance to own them all! [Enter Today!]

Extended DVD Back-Cover

9/09/02, 11:51 am EST - Xoanon

Well today just seems one of those days..here is yet another pic from DVD Town of the Extended DVD back-Cover...take a look and drool in anticipation of November 2002! [More]

Aragorn Fights A Warg Riding Orc!

9/09/02, 11:47 am EST - Xoanon

Another highly swapped pic floating around on the net today is this great pic of an Orc warrior riding what looks like a warg facing off against Aragorn! Take a look at this pic from Herr der Ringe. [More]

New TTT Posters

9/09/02, 11:42 am EST - Xoanon

Many folks from around the net have been posting these TTT posters online. I'm not too sure where or when these will be available. I'm not even sure they are actual posters, due to the general cheese-factor present in these images. But take a look anyway! (note: The first 8 are the new posters) [More]

LOTR News: Japan

9/09/02, 11:31 am EST - Xoanon

Elenah writes: In Japan the video rent stores are renting for free a DVD called "Lord of the Rings - The complete Guide", to introduce people to our beloved movie. There are scenes of the making and a couple of interviews that I had never seen before. The documentary is 25 minutes long and have the TTT trailer in the end. Rental of the movie begins September 20th and sales October 2nd.

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