Regular readers will know how good Sir Ian McKellen's 'Grey Books' reports are, with their insider's observations of the LOTR film project and his experiences while playing Gandalf. Sir Ian's latest update is available here

From: MSNBC.com

In this Manhattan movie house, at 10:30 a.m., you can tell who isn’t here to watch Kevin Costner handle the Cuban missile crisis in “Thirteen Days.” You, sir, with the tattoos and the FRODO LIVES! T shirt? Bet you came to see the trailer for “The Lord of the Rings”? Knew it. [More]

The 'LA TIMES' (via DarkHorizons) has some new pics for movies to look out for in 2001. Our very own LOTR film is listed of course, as well as the Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) film 'Heaven'. In the film Cate 'takes justice into her own hands', it is directed by Tom Tykwer. 'Heaven' was filmed in Germany and Italy, and is currently in post production.

Thanks to DH and Tim for the article!

Bad jokes heard after the LOTR Trailer....and they don't pull any punches either, these are horrible. [More]

Thanks to Brian from Rockheads for the tip!

By Tehanu

Somebody wrote recently to complain that 'all the reporters ever talk about in relation to LOTR is the money.'

Articles like the following, from digitrends.net make me sympathise with him. According to this we're all 'Consumers' and things like 'The Lord of the Rings' are just 'Properties.' [More]

Rigner Spy Fran sends in a small article from the UK newspaper 'The Editor'. [More]

From: Scout

The Hollywood Reporter

The trailer for New Line Cinema's highly anticipated "The Lord of the Rings" made its Internet debut today. Project partner Real Networks launched a "Real Channel" for video materials from the film trilogy, the first part of which -- "The Fellowship of the Ring" -- reaches theaters this Christmas. All three stories of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy series were filmed consecutively on location in New Zealand by director Peter Jackson ("Heavenly Creatures"). The project has inspired hundreds of fan Web sites.The trailer can be accessed at real.com or at lordoftherings.net.

Check it out for your chance to see your favorite LOTR stars on the small screen! [More]

Another article that takes Tolkien seriously. I'm not imagining this, am I? A year ago most major news providers felt they had to be all coy about admitting any intererest in the subject. Go here for some serious reporting.

LOTR Parlor Games!? Apparently so. Check out the Havens to read about EA and their plans for LOTR Gaming. Also, read up on The Siege of Khazad-dum, and help make the decision on what to do next!

Chris wrote to say: "Just wanted you to now that the LOTR trailer in sweden does not go up in front of Eva & Adam but Jalla Jalla, The Cell and Gossip"

From Mikko in Finland we hear: "If you want to see the trailer on 19th Jan or later, go see the one of
the following movies:

Red Planet (Bristol 1)
Turhaa lemmentouhua (Forum 1)
Perhe on painajainen (Kino 1)
Vertical Limit (Tennispalatsi 3)
Little Nicky (Tennispalatsi 8)

A Finnish version of the website will be opened shortly here!

Looking through the mailbag in the last few days, there is one topic that's overwhelming everything else: People's feelings about viewing the trailer on Realplayer. We've got some insider information from Value Ape on the motives for that decision, and I've had my own thoughts on the matter. (More)

Then head on over to the Shop and see what Matt O. found.

They're not saying anything that hasn't been said before, but this article is an encouraging sign that the British mainstream media are finally taking a more straightforward approach to reporting on the 'Rings' project. Last year we seemed to get a lot of articles from Britain that were ill-informed or had an apologetic tone, as though they felt ashamed to been seen concerning themselves with such childish fanboy stuff as Tolkien. Lately that's not been the case.

Thanks to Funky Monkey for the link

Aaron T brings us this ultra cool piece of news, you can now check out hobbiton thanks to iPIX! It's hard to explain, but very cool to play with!

The Lord of the Rings Fans Experience an iPIX 360-Degree, Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of the Films. [More]

It seems that this week will be forever known in my mind as the "Week of the Trailer." Plans were re-arranged, lunches were missed, massive amounts of time were wasted downloading things, and all in the name of trailers. Now I am not just talking about the Official New Line theatrical trailer which Debuted a week ago today. But I am also refering to some other very cool trailers.

If I have piqued your interest, if you are wondering what is wrong with me, or you work second shift, click here to find out what I am prattling on about.

With all these wonderful versions of the teaser trailer online, I have taken the liberty of redoing the frame by frame with much clearer images. I have also added some new stills. [More]

!!! SPOILERS !!!

After much hassle, Ringer fan Dark Spar was able to get this news on the trailer in Singapore. Unfortunately its not good.

"We are the cinema exhibitor not the film distributor but i managed to get some information on the this film, the film opening date is around december 2001. The trailer will be in november 2001."

So it looks like Dark Spar and other Singapore fans won't be seeing the teaser trailer in theaters for a while. If you have more information, please send me an email.

Harry over at AICN has a little rant on the De Luca situation. (Hey look, he also asks for quicktime version of the trailer....HINT NEW LINE!!!! HINT!!!) [More]

Calenial sent in word that the Teaser Trailer, (now available online in Real Player format at http://www.lordoftherings.net) will not show until February 2^nd in front of the film 'Vertical Limit.'

It's looking good! No Mr Fathead blocking the view of Frodo's hand catching the ring. Go to the official site and click on the 'Fellowship of the Ring' at the top left.

Thanks to ALL the TORNadoes that sent us the reminder about LOTR being on Access Hollywood and Extra. [More]

From Dave, who got this news story rolling!

Just a quick follow up to say I got to see the LOTR trailer today. I saw it at the theatre that I went to last week. Looked really good. Also let me say a few good words about the people at Malco. I had sent an email Friday from their website complaining about not having the trailer and got a reply Monday. I was given the name and number of a Malco representative here in Memphis. She apologized, explained what happened, sent me a couple of free passes, and contacted the manager to let him know I was coming. That, New Line Cinema, is the way to run a business.

Sheesh you people are *fast*. If you'd like to see on your computer what we're all checking out on our TVs here in the U.S., click here. Thanks to BJ for this one! Download at your own risk...

!!! SPOILERS !!!

This is a must see, blows the Fat Man away!

Update: It appears that Tripod has pulled that page. When we get a new link we will let you know.

Numerous fans have written in that Extra! is also running 'The Fellowship of the Ring' teaser in the closing credits... twice in one hour, woohoo!!

*Tookish fires up the vcr

Tomorrow New Line launches the teaser for internet fans and you'll probably be watching it here. Warning: connecting to that link will automatically add the Lord of the Rings/RealChannel to your RealPlayer settings. More information available here.

We've been getting some reports that Access Hollywood will air the teaser trailer on Jan 19th, and not as reported earlier, tonight (Jan 18th). I think we should just watch both episodes, and see what turns out.

The folks from Toy Vault have started selling some T's for us to wear, check it out! [More]

Patty alerted us to an article in today's Houston Chronicle:

Author J.R.R. Tolkien would be amazed: Even Sauron, the Dark Lord, did not have so many minions.

Since The Lord of the Rings Web site was officially relaunched (after a redesign) last week, it has been bombarded by Tolkien fans. [More]

The Irish Times gives a different story on the way Townsend left the role of Aragorn back in '99 (More)

Finally the trailer's opened here and we've got some responses to the project that's been going on round our ears for over a year. The NZ Heraldwas there, as was TV3 who included quite a lot of footage from the trailer.

Just a reminder to all who can catch Access Hollywood to make sure you watch it tonight with your VCR's handy! They'll be showing the LOTR teaser trailer tonight! If you don't know when it's on in your area, click right here.

The latest newsletter is away! Do you want to receive our 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 about 3100 mailing list Ringers! Sign up now! [More]

First, Mikko sends us the latest when and where on the Finnish teaser trailer. [More] (This link has been updated with the latest latest info..:) Thanks Mika!)

Mirkwood sends news that Finland's "Svenskateatern" is performing a musical adventure "SAGAN OM RINGEN"! Opening day is Friday 19.1.2001. Follow the link for more info! [More]

Greetings, Quickbeam here.

Now that Mike DeLuca has left New Line Cinema, what does that mean for our beloved "Lord of the Rings" movies? Will this round of executive musical chairs make things difficult for Peter Jackson and company? I certainly hope not; but there are plenty of wacky things in store before it's all over. Here is my take on the recent shake up. [More]

The February edition of Entertainment Weekly has Arwen on the cover and a 2 page spread of LOTR images on the inside! These are exclusive images never before seen! Ringer spy Fleagol sent in the scans, but darnit, go get a copy at your local newstand!!! [More]

!!! MAJOR SPOILERS !!!

From: The folks at Corona

Michael DeLuca has stepped down as head production burrito at New Line Cinema after eight years. 2000 was not a very stellar year for the studio, with films like Little Nicky nowhere near recuperating its costs and Dungeons & Dragons not living up to expectations. As a result, DeLuca is out and is expected to be succeeded by New Line music president Toby Emmerich, who also scribed Frequency for the studio. No definite word yet on what DeLuca will do next, though he has been offered a production deal at the studio.

Ringer Mark sends in a heads up of two stories in today's Syndey Morning Herald (Jan 18th):

Coming Lord of the Clicks - True Hobbit fans, prepare to watch and weep as the commercial juggernaut that will carry tonnes of Lord of the Rings merchandise into stores builds speed online and off... [More]

Teasing Australians into a hobbit habit - When the trailer for the film The Lord of the Rings was released in the United States last Friday, hard-core J.R.R.Tolkien fans queued in the pouring rain for up to 12 hours to see just one minute and 46 seconds of footage... [More]

Observant ringer fan Lindsay sent us this news:

"I was watching Access Hollywood today, and they anounced that they would be showing the preview tomorrow(Jan.18)."

Great news!!! Get those VCR's running folks..:) Want to know when Access Hollywood is showing in your neighborhood? Check out their listings page. [More]

It was filmed mainly in Wellington, but Americans will get to see the first Lord Of The Rings film a week earlier than Kiwis. [More]

(I don't know where they get their info from, but this NZ paper claims that about '20 or so' people lined up in LA, I'm sure it was more than that. And they claim alot of people didn't want to stay for the film '13 Days', how would they know? - Xo)

Ringer Spy Dave sends in some interested news from the world of Stuart Townsend, the 'first' Aragorn.

For those that want to know what happened, or have no idea what I'm talking about, click on the link. [More]

Our very own Elijah Wood (Frodo) has been listed as one of the 'Sizzlin' 16 of 2001' on E! Online. We can all sleep much better now. [More]

As we have reported before, a LOTR TV Spot will be seen during the Superbowl on Jan 28. Now, a word of warning for all Canadian TORNadoes up here, we will most likely NOT be seeing the New Line trailer, as since the last 4 or 5 years, we don't get to see any of the american comercials at all :(

Read about LOTR and all the other coolness you can see while watching the Big Game at AICN. [More]

1. Fellowship of the Ring.

(Need we say more?)

Well, actually, Harry over at AICN has come up with 10 Films Not to Miss in 2001 list and, unlike E! Online, he got it right! He has LOTR as his number one. [More]

In today's Globe and Mail is a long story on Cate Blanchett (Galadriel):

"...Making The Gift was, by comparison with what came next, a mere toe-in-the-water step toward the cinematic supernatural. Blanchett plunged in deep to play J.R.R. Tolkien's elf queen, Lady Galadriel, in director Peter Jackson's ambitious adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. All three books of the trilogy are being filmed in a single, extended production effort in New Zealand, with New Line Cinema hoping that the anticipation for the first feature, due to be released in December, will make investing in the pair of sequels a wise bet..." [More]

Thanks to Steve K for the heads up.

Sorry guys, this website didn't organise a line to wait in for the cinema trailer. I know some of you would have sat out in the rain for an event like this.

The Daily Radar has a good report from a cinema trailer queue here if you feel you missed out.

Not that it's very inviting outside here in NZ either right now. Our chance to see the trailer on the big screen starts tomorrow. Anyone in NZ forming a line? TheOneRing recommends 'Kathmandu' wet-weather gear for all outdoor Tolkien-related activities...