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April 12, 2007 - April 19, 2007

News for Apr. 19, 2007

Classic FM Soundtrack Poll

4/19/07, 2:49 pm EST - Xoanon

Eledhwen writes: Just thought you might like to put the word out that Classic FM have opened the voting for this year's Top 50 Movie Soundtracks. Howard Shore's Rings score has been at the top for 5 years now (and is still the top movie score in the Hall of Fame top 300 classical pieces of all time) and obviously we want to keep it that way! [More]

The "Travel Day From Mordor"

4/19/07, 1:42 am EST - MrCere

Sorry there isn't anything posted about the Children of Hurin event that TORn took part in on Tuesday in Manhattan. I still can't believe Christopher Tolkien autographed stuff! I had the 'travel day from Mordor' but I promise to post pictures and prose as soon as I get sleep, luggage and time!


News for Apr. 18, 2007

Penny Arcade Goofs on LOTR Online

4/18/07, 11:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Penny Arcade Goofs on LOTR Online

jennysinspace writes: I found this Penny Arcade comic this morning, spoofing on the new LOTR online game, and had to send it to you.

What's this About Peter Jackson's New Short Film?

4/18/07, 9:47 pm EST - Xoanon

fxguide.com ran a story today about a new brand of high end cameras that were used by Peter Jackson to make a short film. We wanted to verify the articles so we chatted with folks at WETA/3foot6/Wingnut and this is what we received. RED (red.com) made contact with Peter and his team, they offered us the opportunity to field test the camera in New Zealand. Jim Jannard flew to NZ with members of the RED team with two prototype cameras. Peter shot a short film over 2 days, then it went to post production at Weta Digital and Park Road Post. The film is screening in the RED tent at NAB Las Vegas. The lucky folks at NAB got to see the 12 minute short...hope we get to as well! Click here for the article in question. [More]

Behind the Movies: King Kong on YouTube

4/18/07, 9:20 pm EST - Xoanon

The 'Behind the Movies: King Kong' special that aired on CityTv earlier this month is now on YouTube! Behind The Movies brings you the movies people love and the ones they're anxiously waiting to see. What was the drama, determination and the dreams that went into the making of these films and what were the results? We focus in on the films that have become legendary, were controversial, cult favourites or have yet to find their fate. Along with film clips and footage from behind the scenes, we talk with the actors, directors, producers, cinematographers, stunt people, costume designers or whoever has a tale to tell. [More]

TimesOnline on Children of Hurin

4/18/07, 7:07 am EST - Demosthenes

"When the shops opened in London yesterday, Marcus Harrison and Richard Hayward achieved something special in the annals of fandom." [More]

News for Apr. 17, 2007

CNN.com Reviews The Children of Hurin

4/17/07, 4:50 pm EST - Celeborn

CNN.com gives The Children of Hurin a glowing reviewing saying it is a "worthy part of Middle-earth mythology." Read the full review through the following link. [Read More]

Salon.com Reviews The Children of Hurin

4/17/07, 1:34 pm EST - Celeborn

Take a few minutes out of your day to read an extended review of The Children of Hurin from Andrew O'Hehir of Salon.com. "J.R.R. Tolkien's son Christopher spent more than 30 years piecing together fragments his father left behind. Now readers can learn what happened 6,000 years before Bilbo Baggins found the One Ring." [Read Full Review]

Happy Birthday Sean Bean!

4/17/07, 12:44 pm EST - Xoanon


Today is Sean Bean's Birthday! Sean was born on April 17th, 1959 in Sheffield, England. That makes him 48 years old today! Happy Birthday Sean!

BBC Talks 'Children of Hurin'

4/17/07, 12:40 pm EST - Xoanon

Iain writes: Last night on BBC2 Newsnight programme (weekly news and arts programme on BBC's 2nd terrestrial channel) there was a 6 minute piece on Tolkien's The Children of Hurin. Newsnight is only 50 minutes in length, so this was a significant percentage of the entire programme. There were interviews with Adam Tolkien (assistant editor on the book), Alan Lee plus a previously unbroadcasted interview with JRRT himself from 1968. [More]

First Review of The Children of Hurin!

4/17/07, 8:19 am EST - Celeborn

While we celebrate the release of The Children of Hurin in stores today, take a moment to read Michael Rogers glowing review of the first Tolkien novel to be released in years! [More]

Contest: Last Day to enter Children of Hurin Giveaway!

4/17/07, 8:13 am EST - Celeborn

Don't miss out folks! With the release of The Children of Hurin today, we are also marking the last day to enter our exclusive giveaway! You could win brand new copies of Children of Hurin and other titles autographed by Alan Lee! Don't miss out! [Enter Today]

News for Apr. 16, 2007

The salad days for Tolkien fans

4/16/07, 8:36 pm EST - MrCere

Written by a TORn staffer, interviewing a TORn staffer but perhaps of interest to TORnados everywhere. The Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City takes a look at the state of J.R.R.'s fandom. Here

UK 'Children of Hurin' Contest

4/16/07, 7:36 pm EST - Xoanon

From guardian.co.uk: To celebrate the launch of the first story from JRR Tolkien since the Silmarillion was published in 1977, we've teamed up with HarperCollins to give you the chance to win a copy of The Children of Hurin signed by Christopher Tolkien. We have five signed copies of the hardback edition, and one signed copy of a deluxe slipcase edition to give away. All you have to do is answer this question:

'After many troubles, Hurin's son Turin renamed himself Turambar. What does "turambar" mean in the High-Elven speech?' [Enter Here]

Rare RINGERS and Oscar Party Items at Auction!

4/16/07, 7:31 pm EST - Xoanon

We have plundered the "Prop Museum" over at RINGERS Central and put up many new eBay items! You can now get your hands on exclusive items from our three groundbreaking Oscar Parties for LOTR. Not to mention Film Festival hats, Sauron MiniMates, and a Wellington Premiere T-shirt! Come join the auction fun. [More]

Wenham Themed Sweepstakes for Charity

4/16/07, 7:23 pm EST - Xoanon

Dina writes: The Spartans at Spartans Wear Hoodies, a charitable group dedicated to raising funds and support for David 'Faramir' Wenham's beloved cause The Wayside Chapel, are sponsoring a contest for a great 5"x3" oval sticker bearing the name SPARTA & all the glorious gore we LotR & '300' fans have come to cherish. Enter to win before midnight (EDT) May 1st. For more information about the contest, the prize, how to enter, and terms, see this link.

Sam Raimi Talks 'The Hobbit'...Sorta

4/16/07, 7:18 pm EST - Xoanon

From comingsoon.net (via Entertainment Weekly): Entertainment Weekly talked to Spider-Man 3 director Sam Raimi, star Kirsten Dunst, and Sony's President of Production Matt Tolmach about a possible fourth installment and what would happen if Raimi took on The Hobbit.

On the eve of what is expected to be the biggest Spider-Man yet, Entertainment Weekly learns that director Sam Raimi is seriously considering directing The Hobbit—a choice that could potentially leave Spidey 4 without a director and, says Kirsten Dunst, a leading lady.

Raimi's name has been floated in connection with The Hobbit ever since a very public dustup between Peter Jackson and New Line chairman Bob Shaye left the Lord of the Rings prequel without a director. Raimi went on the record for the first time about his potential involvement in the project during an exclusive interview with EW's Steve Daly for the magazine's Summer Preview issue, on stands Friday: "Peter Jackson might be the best filmmaker on the planet right now. But, um, I don't know what's going to happen next for me right now. First and foremost, those are Peter Jackson and Bob Shaye's films. If Peter didn't want to do it, and Bob wanted me to do it—and they were both ok with me picking up the reigns—that would be great. I love the book. It's maybe a more kid-friendly story than the others."

DVD Tuesday: History, Venture & More!

4/16/07, 7:12 pm EST - Xoanon

Take an early look on our 'DVD Tuesday' feature...every Monday! Check out some TV on DVD goodies like 'Happy Days - S2', 'Highlander - Ultimate Collection (Best of the Best)' & 'Larry Sanders Show - S1'. There are a few compilations out tomorrow including; 'Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show' & 'Larry King Live - The Greatest Interviews'. The big releases of the week are 'The Last King of Scotland', 'Notes on a Scandal' & 'Smokin' Aces'. Personally I'm interested in 'Smokin' Aces' & 'History Boys'! Check out the whole list here! [More]

Globe and Mail Subscribers: Win a Trip to NZ!

4/16/07, 2:34 pm EST - Xoanon

Erniel writes: For Toronto's "Globe and Mail" Subscribers there's a chance to win a trip for two to New Zealand, plus the first 100 entrants get a copy of "The Children of Hurin". For the rest of there's a chance at some Signed Editions, or a Tolkien Library for signing up for a newsletter.

From the website: A once-in-a-lifetime publishing opportunity. brings you a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience! The 30-year wait for The Children of Húrin is over, and we're celebrating! We're sending two lucky people to New Zealand, where they'll experience the magical world of Middle-earth, the setting of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings as immortalized in Peter Jackson's majestic films. Runner-up prizes include five complete J.R.R. Tolkien libraries and three copies of a limited-edition of The Children of Húrin. It's a world-wide publishing phenomenon; enter now and don't miss YOUR chance to win. [More]

London preps for "Children of Hurin" release

4/16/07, 2:14 am EST - MrCere

Sammy LOTR writes: Just to let you know that Alan Lee book signing in Piccadilly in London on the 17th of April will also have Bernard Hill attending from noon reading a chapter from "The Children of Hurin." There will be a lot of press for the launch of the book and (it) will be very busy and you will never know who else will be there. We can't verify this information but that is the word on the street! These are exciting times!

News for Apr. 14, 2007

Andy Serkis Nabs Bafta Nom

4/14/07, 6:32 pm EST - Xoanon

Rosie sends along word that Andy Serkis has been nominated for a BAFTA Award for his portrayal of Ian Brady in 'Longford'. Congrats Andy! [More]

Boyd's 'Scotsman' Sees Light of Day in the US

4/14/07, 6:29 pm EST - Xoanon

A movie charting the highs and lows of a world-beating Scottish cyclist has landed a distribution deal in America, thanks to its appearance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Flying Scotsman was chosen as the opening film of last year's festival, despite having been riddled with problems since its financing fell through in 2003. The exposure may yet pay dividends for the unpaid cast and crew, who at one point threatened to disrupt the gala screening of the film with a protest. [More]

LOTR Musical Press Release

4/14/07, 6:26 pm EST - Xoanon

“THE LORD OF THE RINGS”, the first major stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic trilogy, will receive its British and European Premiere when it opens in London this Summer. “THE LORD OF THE RINGS” will open in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday 19 June, following previews from 9 May. This follows the 70th anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien starting to write the trilogy and the 50th anniversary of the publication of the complete trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring”, “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King”. [More]

Southwest Airlines'

4/14/07, 6:18 pm EST - Xoanon

Southwest Airlines' Dan writes: There is an excellent Tolkien article in the April edition of Southwest Airlines' "Spirit" magazine from Melinda Mahaffey. She says "JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings debuted more than 50 years ago, but its message - about what it takes to be good in a hostile world - is just as pertinent today." If you are not flying with SW soon here are some scans of the article. [More]

Alternatively you can click on over to the website to view the PDF's yourself. [spiritmag.com]

Children of Hurin Events in the US

4/14/07, 6:15 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from Houghton Mifflin Company write: In addition to the big event in NYC on Tuesday that you already know about, a few other bookstores are also hosting events to mark the release of THE CHILDREN OF HÚRIN. These stores will be hosting "READ-A-THONS" and other celebratory activities. Each of these stores will have 5 signed bookplates (signed by Christopher Tolkien and Alan Lee), which they will be using as prizes at their events. [More]

Sideshow Collectibles Newsletter

4/14/07, 5:07 pm EST - Xoanon

Be sure to check out our weekly Sideshow Collectibles update! Each week we provide an update on your favorite Sideshow goodies, from busts to premium figures and more! Take a look! [More]

Premier Magazine Talks 'Alatriste'

4/14/07, 4:53 pm EST - Xoanon

22 million Euros, more than 4 months of filming, 10,000 extras and a star like Viggo Mortensen. Arturo Perez-Reverte’s anti-hero adaptation has given us the biggest Spanish-cinema project. Alatriste now lands in Mexico after alluring more than 3 million viewers in Spain. Thanks to Nimthiriel for the translation! [More]

Viggo Mortensen in Mexico's 'Premier Magazine'

4/14/07, 4:00 pm EST - Xoanon

Mortensen in Mexico's 'Premier Magazine' AKA 'The Return of the Stash'. Nimthiriel did another fine job of translating this article from Mexico's 'Premier Magazine'. It features Viggo Mortensen with his now (in)famous mustache from his film 'Alatriste' which is getting a release in Mexico. Take a look! [More]

News for Apr. 13, 2007

A Tolkien survey

4/13/07, 4:47 pm EST - MrCere

Mark Keuthan writes: I have created a survey to test my ideas about how Tolkien's novel and Jackson's movies speak religiously to people. This is for a Quantitative Research Methods class and I would really appreciate your participation.

Here is a link to my research website with the link to the survey: here


Thank you for your time.

Mark Keuthan
Doctoral Candidate, Regent University

Children of Hurin: Signed, sealed and waiting for you!

4/13/07, 10:36 am EST - MrCere

It will be an important and historical day in Tolkien history when the new book, "The Children of Hurin" goes on sale. It will be even more significant for a few hundred people who manage to snag a copy signed by Christopher Tolkien and illustrator Alan Lee! At the Manhattan's Barnes & Noble (555 Fitfh Ave., between 45th & 46th streets) fans will start lining up at 8 a.m. to get one of the rarest of rare, highly coveted copies. TheOneRing.net will be on hand to distribute edible breakfast stuff to keep fans alive until the book goes on sale at noon. Better yet, the first 500 fans in line will get a great (and we mean great) prize from Sideshow Collectibles! Click here for more details!

News for Apr. 12, 2007

Codemasters Online Gaming Celebrates Its Largest Ever European Pre-Release Campaign as Pre-Order Numbers Reach Unprecedented Heights!

4/12/07, 8:09 pm EST - Xoanon

April 12th 2007 (14.00 GMT) - Codemasters Online Gaming today revealed that tens of thousands of players have already pre-ordered the highly anticipated MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ scheduled for release on April 24th across Europe. Players have already declared their intention to pack their bags and move to Middle-earth as pre-order packs fly from shelves across Europe in what has now become Codemasters’ largest ever pre-order campaign! Pre-order packs contain 10-day head start access to the game as well as access to exclusive in-game items and the chance to become a Founder of The Lord of the Rings Online. The Lord of the Rings Online Founder Program* presents players two different membership options including £99.99 (EUR 149.99) for a lifetime subscription or a 6-month subscription for £35.94 (EUR 53.94), equivalent to £5.99 (EUR 8.99) per month. This offer is only open to Founders who purchase the pre-order pack of The Lord of the Rings Online. Pre-order packs are now available across all leading games retailers across Europe and are already limited in supply. [More]

Live in Ohio? Wanna Meet Shadowfax?

4/12/07, 8:06 pm EST - Xoanon

LOTR Shadowfax star "Blanco" will be at Equine Affaire Ohio from April 12-15, 2007. Please come see him where he will be on display from 8:30-5:00 each day featured in the Celebrity Horse Showcase in the Youth Pavilion. In addition, we'll be bringing him out of the viewing stall once daily for an up-close and personal session once daily.. [More]

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