Good news— Hollywood is feeling creative again. The artful fare in 2001 includes ‘Moulin Rouge,’ ‘Ali’ and ‘Possession.’ [More]

!!!Spoilers!!!

From: Chris

I was browsing through the Radio Times (UK), and I found something that might interest people at TORN. Christopher Lee (Saruman) will be reading four Victorian ghost stories by MR James on BBC 2: The Ash Tree at 11:25 p.m. on the 26th, Number 13 at 10:50 p.m. on the 29th and A Warning to the Curious at 9:45 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

Also, Gods and Monsters, starring Sir Ian Mckellen (Gandalf), is on BBC 2 at 10:15 on New Year's Eve.

Looks set to be a good end to the year. Also, the Radio Times had a mini-interview with Christopher Lee, with some LotR mentions.

NEW YORK (AP) - Since being nominated for an Academy Award in 1998, Cate Blanchett has turned down several lucrative roles in major Hollywood films. But she isn't against the idea of starring in a big-studio blockbuster.

``I love action movies,'' the Australian-born actress told the New York Times for Sunday's editions. ``I'd love to be in one. I just haven't yet. Maybe one day I'll regret that because, you know, it wasn't that long ago that I couldn't even pay my electric bill.''

For now, Blanchett, who earned an Oscar nomination for ``Elizabeth,'' continues to focus on roles in relatively low-budget features. In her latest film, an independent murder mystery called ``The Gift,'' she plays a psychic in the small-town South.

``The Gift'' premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday and will open nationwide on Jan. 19.

Well, I woke up this Christmas morning to find something quite pleasant in our email box. I haven't had a chance to run out to the store and pick up the latest edition of USAToday, but this picture is supposedly in it! It's amazing! It's the first real CGI effect we see... or I think it's CGI. Needless to say, I'm as happy as a 5 year old on Christmas morning, literally! [See it!]

!!! SPOILERS !!!

Harry's last and final report of his adventures in Middle-earth. Check it out! [More]

A while back Xo reported on an LOTR article from the Boston Globe. Here's the same piece with a great picture of Sir Ian on the set of what could be Moria. Thanks to CW for that one.

!spoiler pics!

That's right, installment number nine is out! Check out Harry's latest offering right here!

minor spoilers

Now, that may not be an issue of importance to the average Ringer fan. But the derranged TORNadoe like myself may find this interesting. The following is what was served at the LOTR wrap party.

The Menu

BBQ Lamb marinated in mustard and rosemary served in a bun with a kiwiana salad

Pacific Style Fish with BBQ banana & noodle salad

Roast Vegetable Pie

Salmon Pie

Kebabs - Various

Vegetable Fritters - Carrot & Cumin - Spinach & Gruyere.

I had McDonalds last night thank you very much. :)

So it's real close to the Holidays, and you forgot to send someone a snail mail card. Well, why not send them a Tolkien greeting ecard?? [More]

For a great article on yesterday's fiesta as well as related links galore, check out Kim Grigg's story here at WiredNews.com. Thanks to SG for sending in the link!

The great folks at New Line were gracious enough to send us our very own copy of the LOTR movie calendar. The images are spectacular and the card that came along with it asks us very kindly to not reproduce the images online. We have obliged; you can, however check out the link on Ebay.

Fifteen months of film production drew to a close last night on Wellington's waterfront at 'The Lord of the Rings' end-of-shoot party for cast and crew. [More]

Anton has once again alerted us to Harry's latest adventure in Middle-earth! Hurry over there! [More]
!!! spoilers !!!

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) was on Leno tonight (Thursday) to promote 'The Gift'. Blanchett was sporting a very short haircut and mentioned how she has noticed how large she thought her ears were.

"... in fact, that's why I did Lord of the Rings, besides loving Peter Jackson and the books, I was perfect for it. They actually did make me prosthetic ears, which I later had bronzed."

Blanchett Tackles New Queen

Cate Blanchett, who received an Oscar nomination for playing Elizabeth, told SCI FI Wire that it's a completely different thing playing the queen of the elves (Galadriel) in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film trilogy. "Oh, the queen of the elves was a very different queen [from] Elizabeth. You'll see," Blanchett said. [More]

Ringer Spy John Doe sends in his copy of the wrap party invitation. It seems all types of folks will be attendting... Have a drink on me folks!

Check out the pics here and here.

Security for 'The Lord of the Rings' wrap party on Wellington's waterfront on Friday night has been increased because some tickets may have been scalped for up to $1500 each. [More]

Once again Scoop is on the ball with some great new images of the Hobbiton Bridge. [More]

!!! SPOILERS !!!

From: Ringer Spy FurryCrew

Here are a few photos I took from the top of the Wingate tip of the set... seems like a nice crowd scene in progress around "the White Tree"... not completely sure what everything is... u guys would probably have more of an idea. [More]

!!!spoilers!!!

From: Leo

Just thought I'd drop you a line to give you this link here. You'll find the website of Tageschau, a German (not Dutch, German!:)) news program. Last night they had an item about LOTR on tv, and you'll find a RealVideo clip of that item. It's about 3 minutes and shows not only the internet preview but also some cool shots from Tongariro National Park (Mordor) and a short snippet of an interview with PJ from that press conference last month.

No info we didn't already know, but I thought you might want check it out...

Why are you reading this sentence? Just click!! [More]

(PS - Thanks so much to Ringer fan Anton for alerting us to these reports being online! After all, the majority of our information comes from you, the fans!)

Ringer Fans will want to watch NBC tomorrow (Thursday) and catch 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno', Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) will be the guest for the night. Jay Leno is on 11:35 ET on NBC. Happy watching.

From: anonymous

Contrary to speculation in NZ media today, the Elven princess Liv Tyler (Arwen) will not attend the festivities on Friday. Arwen today left Middle-earth to cross the big ocean. So, those who are foolish enough to try to buy tickets, forget about it. ;)

Fantasy artist Tony DiTerlizzi is doing some cover work for Del Rey, and here's what it says on his homepage:

Tony Does Tolkien

You want him to paint Bilbo Baggins, you got it! In preparation for 'The Lord of the Rings' movies, Del Rey Books is repackaging all of J.R.R. Tolkien's titles.

Tony painted a new cover for Unfinished Tales, an anthology of small stories and lost bits that Tolkien wrote while creating his legendary literature. Look for it in stores early next summer.

Head on over to the BEST Dominic Monaghan fan site on the web for a special treat (The Unofficial Dominic Monaghan Web Site)! Dominic (Merry) has sent them a wonderful letter concerning the last days of filming. He talks of training, Treebeard and his overall experience with the film. Check it out! [More]

(Thanks to Leo from affiliate Lordoftherings.nl for the tip on the story!)

We just received and email from Ringer fan Eryndur who seems to confirm the existence of this calendar:

"It's not for sale (yet), and is only being distributed within the industry... confirmed yesterday that the calendar IS for the movie, and all the pages are photographic stills..."

Well, i can definitely say I'm REALLY jealous. (But then again, since when is online media part of the industry?! heh)

If anyone feels like sending their copy to us, feel free! :) Thanks for the tip Eryndur!

Cinescape.com is reporting that a promotional LOTR Movie calendar will be out soon for 2001.

"A number of images from the 'Lord of the Rings' movies are likely to be turning up online given that New Line issued a promotional calendar for the coming films. The 2001 calendar features a different full-color picture from the films for every month. Already, the calendar has turned up on eBay commanding prices in the $50-75 range..." [The Real Thing?] [More]

While TheOneRing.net has seen the John Howe illustrated calendar available through the official website, we have not heard of this movie calendar. So it's your best guess if that Ebay auction is legit. We'll be looking more into this story today.

Tickets to a massive 'Lord of the Rings' wrap party on Wellington's waterfront on December 22 are being scalped for more than (NZ)$1,500, sources close to the production say. [More]

From: Albin

This morning in a local newspaper I found a small article on LOTR. I don't know where they got it from, but it has some info on the German release date. Here is my translation for all non-German speakers:

"The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Being Finished

"After more than one year of filming, the final take of the monumental film trilogy 'The Lord of the Rings' will be done at Christmas in NZ. The NZ director Peter Jackson is directing the 190 million dollar US production. The stars of this fantasy adventure are, among others: Liv Tyler, Elijah Wood, Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen. In one year, on December 20, 2001, 'The Fellowship of the Ring' will start in German cinemas."