Pat writes: Next weekend there is a sci-fi/horror/fantasy convention in Chicago, and there will be a screening of The Two Towers at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, IL. There will also be a Q&A with Brad Dourif from 6:15-6:45. [More]

hooly writes: I work in a superstore in New England and every sunday our head office sends files that contain new upcs into our computer which then prints out tags we can use when the items finally arrive. Today the computer printed out two tags for "Lord of the Rngs 2 Twrs. One VHS and one DVD, from the prices on them. (22.99 and 29.99 retail, if you were wondering).

lithq writes: The June 13th issue of Entertainment Weekly had an article about their response to news of the planned LOTR musical. Like lots of fans I know, they couldn't resist coming up with their own songs. [More]

Orangeblossom writes that bands and performers looking to join the action at BitofEarth.net's Hall of Fire Summer Music Festival (part of their Tentmoot 2003 gig) need to act fast. The final date for submissions of demo discs is June 15. The festival - to be held at Holiday Park, Portland, Oregon, USA is being billed as a 'two-day concert series packed to the gills with exciting local performers and a few big-name surprises!' [More]

It seems the release dates are getting earlier. Natalie from Moldova writes that her uncle, who works at the Patria cinemas (the biggest cinema in Moldova), found out RoTK will debut there on the 20th of January (Towers only began screening on the 26th). Maybe we'll see this sort of thing as a worldwide trend?

Ringer Spy Woltmann writes: I thought that I would let you guys know that Mugglenet.com is hosting a poll asking whether Dumbledore or Gandalf would win in a wizard duel. [Pity poor, left-out Saruman - Dem.] Dumbledore currently has something like 67% of the votes. [More]

Ringer Spy Fraggle found this tidbit on Stuff.co.nz. Between all the fluff, it reveals that Liv Tyler has finished her re-shoot sequence in NZ. Presumably, Viggo Mortensen still has work to do. [More]

Update: Ringer Spy Tim send in this scan from the Sunday Star-Times. The text is exactly the same, but it also has a couple of pictures - including Mortensen wandering around Wellington all hobbit-like. [More]

Today, June 7th is Karl Urban's (Eomer) Birthday! Karl was born on June 7th, 1972 in Wellington, New Zealand. That makes him 31 today! Happy Birthday Karl!

Sauron, is best-known as the Dark Lord of Mordor – the terror of the Third Age. However, as Gandalf points out, he was not always evil. Originally a Maia of Aule, he was corrupted by Melkor, becoming his most powerful servant. It was only after Morgoth’s fall that Sauron took the place as the new Great Enemy of the free peoples of Middle Earth. [More]

Khazi, minging, bling-bling? Not some crazy new dialect, but standard British vocabulary, according to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, published Friday. [More]

Carl writes, "Just started is an exhibit on 'World Famous People in Porirua'. Porirua is about 20mins north is Wellington and probably the most world famous to come out of Porirua is Peter Jackson." [More] "The exhibit is only small, so don't get too excited and expecting a huge Peter Jackson display... They have small video clips on each person and the PJ one is taken from the Bad Taste DVD Special Edition, where he talks about his childhood and how he got into filming and also shows some of his earlier films before Bad Taste." Nice photo of PJ though.

PippinRulesOK1 writes: I'd like to draw TORN's attention to the fact that there is an LOTR fan on Big Brother (Jon Tickle) currently running on Channel 4 in the UK. He is up for eviction today, let's hope he stays in. He has been talking about LOTR while in the house (as well as Star Wars). [More]

Nurindel sends along this link to Elijah Wood (Frodo) reading a children's story called "Me and My Cat" and Sean Astin (Sam) reading "A Bad Case of Stripes." for bookpals.net. You can download the videos for Windows Media Player, Realplayer, or Quicktime. [More]

Thanks to hard work of Staffer Asfaloth we can now show you a short clip from the MTV Movie Awards followed by Andy Serkis' and Gollum's acceptance video. As most people will know by now (and if not I'm sorry but I'll spoil it for you) Gollum won 'Best Digital Performance'! The Quicktime-video can be found in various sizes for your viewing pleasure: [8.2 MB] [5.6 MB] and [1.03 MB]! But mind you: it does contain some very strong language...

Ringer Spy Kate sends in this batch of scans from the new edition of Starbust - a UK-based magazine. It's supposedly a RoTK preview, but there's not a lot of new stuff in this - the vast majority of the images are in fact from Two Towers. The cover is an (oldish) RoTK image, so the spoiler wary may want to avoid. [More]

WeeTanya sends news of a small videoclip of the event which is available on the official Christopher Lee (Saruman) website. [More]

We get hundreds of emails a day here at TORN, but today I personally have gotten at least a dozen asking about the ROTK trailer. People asking me why it wasn't attached to TTT or panicking when they notice TTT has left their local theatre. Here is what we KNOW.

The ROTK trailer will not be attached to the end of TTT anywhere. It WILL be seen as a regular trailer (the type before a film starts) sometime soon but NOT IN JUNE. The last I heard it will NOT be attached to 'Dumb and Dumberer', but of course things are fluid and could possibly change.

So there's the news that is fit to print. Take a screenshot of this page, print it out, stick it on your fridge...tell your friends or family or the guy who hands you your food at the next drive-thu you go to....just get the word out.

Be sure to catch the MTV Movie Awards tonight on MTV (Canadian fans can catch it on MuchMusic Saturday June 7 at 6pm and repeated at 9pm ET). The results are already in as the show was pre-taped last weekend, take a look at them here.

Also be sure to take a look at the photo collection in our Scrapbook here.

TORn Discussion Board Regular le gollum stumbled across a clip from the MTV Movie Awards that were held a few days ago. You'll need Quicktime - and the quality isn't great - but the file size is only 2.5MB. We've trimmed out the bits not relevant to LoTR - and that's as much spoiler information as I'm giving! [More]

raptor writes: The release of ROTK in Romania is the 2nd of January 2004. Fairly resonable, considering we here only got to see FOTR and TTT in February.

Coldplayer writes: I am (someone fairly important at Disneyland...not Mickey -Xo) and I can say with certainty that all major cast members of the POTC, including Orlando Bloom (Legolas) movie have confirmed attendance (in regards to this report from yesterday). Also, that it is HIGHLY unlikely that any guests will be able to view arrivals on the red carpet. This is the biggest event since the opening of Disneyland to be held inside the park itself, security will be extremely tight.

Screen Actors Guild Foundation will launch the second season of Storyline Online in a ceremony at 11:30am on June 5th at the Screen Actors Guild Cagney Room. This on-line streaming video program features SAG members reading children's books. The program is made possible by a $100,000 grant from Verizon Foundation, philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. Storyline Online's 2003 line-up showcases readings by Elijah Wood (Lord Of The Rings), Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie & SAG President), Esai Morales (NYPD Blue), Bonnie Bartlett & William Daniels (St. Elsewhere) and former Vice President Al Gore. [More]

PennyQ sends along this scan from Sunday Night&Day Magazine featuring Elijah Wood (Frodo) and family. [More]

The Philippine Tolkien Society will be holding a hiking moot on June 14 and 15 up Mount Sembrano, a mountain in the province of Rizal within Metro Manila. The fellowship of hikers will be singing praises to Elbereth at the peak. This is to celebrate The Philippine Tolkien Society's first anniversary. [More]

Patty sends along this word that the 'Saruman' TTT poster (the one with his back to us and his Uruk Hai army ready to attack) has got been nominated for the Key Art Awards. [More]

We've known about Houghton Mifflin's upcoming releases for a while, but they've just recently released this catalogue detailing when they're coming out and the sort of promtional activities they'll be undertaking as the film release approaches. If only I had the money to be able to afford all of these ... [More]

From Keith Stern: Ian McKellen (Gandalf) and Frances De La Tour wrap up their successful run in London's West End this Saturday. Sir Ian is committed to film work, including some additional shooting in New Zealand for THE RETURN OF THE KING. Only three more days to catch what is probably the finest English production of Dance of Death. [More]

Celefinniel writes: I was booking a Disneyland weekend today and was "warned" by the Disney Club Travel desk that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" Premier will be at Disneyland Theme Park in California on the evening of June 28th, and the park will close early at 6:30. She also rumored that "those in the park may be able to see the stars arrive down Main Steet prior to the park closing." She thought Orlando was worth lining up and waiting on the curb for a photo!

We have no confirmed information that Orlando will be attending...so don't book those vacations just yet!

Erkenbrand sends along this scan from the Chicago Sun-Times. It's about the boom in NZ tourism since the LOTR movies have been released. [More]

Ringer Spy Garfeimao ties up her Book Expo America report with just a few more pictures that are a nice addition to the other set. If you're a fan of Billy Boyd, you'll be particularly interested about the Master and Commander covers she got a peak at. There's also a few tidbits from Ringer Spy Vegan about some new LoTR merchandise that USAopoly has planned. [More]

The Lord of the Rings official website has been nominated for Best Internet Advertising by the Hollywood Reporter for their annual Key Arts Awards. While the final award is voted by an industry panel, this year the ordinary punters also have a say with the new "Online Voters' Choice". [More]

TORn Staffer Luthien had the opportunity to attend Games Day over the weekend. She writes: Nearly 2,000 devotees spent nearly ten hours marvelling over the latest miniatures, playing exhaustive tournament rounds of Warhammer, attending seminars on new technologies, learning about forthcoming games, talking to industry members, ogling original artwork and eating junk food. It was a chance to schmooze, make new friends, and celebrate a mutual love of gaming. [More] [Gaming Havens]

Adele Tarbuck sends us to this article on Aint-it-cool-news, which has a great pic of Viggo Mortensen [Aragorn], but also some bad news for lovers of historical accuracy. [More]

Ringer Spy Taniwha found this on Scoop after looking at the All Blacks / Frodo's plane article. Notice: "...$14,000 to Jumping Dog Pictures of Central Wellington: towards the post-production of a documentary, Frodo is Great ... Who Is That?" Taniwha commented, "wonder what this will turn out to be, Figwit Does Dallas?"

There's been lots of responses on the 'What does Sam say?' question. Thanks to all who wrote in. Most people seem to think it's "Don't worry, Mr. Frodo. We'll get through this together - just as we've always done," though one guess says 'It'll be alright. We'll get through this . . . get through this together. Just ignore the voice, that's it." Another suggestion: "It's just looking for it, that's it." Yet another: "We will get through this together...And all that we fought for..."

Sideshow/Weta Collectibles have just posted 6 new miniature helms for pre-order. These limited edition helms are the first in their Return of the King line-up. Of particular highlight is Théoden's Helm and the Rohan Royal Guard Helm. Check out the details! [More]

About a year ago Hstaphath did a truly hilarious version of how a Monthy Python-movie of The Fellowship of the Ring might have looked, now he is back at it with The Two Towers. The first bit can be found here with hopefully more to come! Be sure to check it out!

Plenty of LOTR Alumni hitting the DVD shelves today. The Ridley Scott war drama 'Blackhawk Down' starring Orlando Bloom (Legolas) has a 'deluxe edition' out today.

Also be on the lookout for Mr.Kill played by our pal Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz) in the latest James Bond film 'Die Another Day'.

And if you are really nit-picky you can pick up the 'tricked out' edition of 'The Fast and the Furious' on DVD, why? Because our very own Jim Rygiel worked on the special effects of course!

The MTV Movie Awards will air on June 5th on...MTV of all places (Canadian fans should check MuchMusic). Take a look at a bunch of newly added images featuring Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood. [More]

Sauron (yes, THE SAURON) reflects on the gaming industry's struggles with innovation: NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - It ain't easy being a non-corporeal, deposed evil overlord these days, let me tell you. Allow me to introduce myself. Name's Sauron. I used to rule Middle Earth, until some twit came around and lopped off my hand -- and my lucky ring along with it. Things kind of went downhill from there. Lost my body. Lost my kingdom. Pretty much all I retained was a lingering rage, one big honkin', lidless eye and nine henchmen -- the Nazgul. [More]

This belongs in the 'Is this really necessary?' department. These Frodo/LOTR themed bags are being sold overseas and available online. Take a look at one of the tackiest LOTR tie-ins ever! [More]

With TheOneRing.net's help, Houghton Mifflin is letting the fans of TORN pick the cover for a limited edition of The Lord of the Rings to be included in the 'Book and Bookends Gift Set' coming to American bookstores this November. Vote for your favorite jacket image by June 23rd and you might just win one free of charge! Right now, the 'Rivendell' cover is leading the charge. [Vote!]

Frodoette writes: Just to let everyone know for us Aussies, this Saturday on June 7th Sir Ian Mckellen will be on Parkinson ABC Television at 9.30 pm. Check local TV guides for times.

While some movies productions dream of an ENTIRE budget of $31.4 million, New Line spent that amount just for the marketing campaign for TTT. Take a look at 'The Hollywood Reporter' for a comparison of other big marketed films. [More]

Trust MTV to save us from a reprise of Oscar's "All That Jazz" razzle dazzle during its annual Movie Awards ceremony. Saturday night the music network awarded fan faves The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Spider-Man and 8 Mile with its irreverent top honors, completely ignoring Oscar's more cerebral picks. [More]

FourTales writes: IGN has posted a review of the new T2:Extreme Edition DVD that goes on sale today (June 3rd). Apparently there is a documentary about the film and in it, is a interview with PJ about how T2 helped with the FX in the LOTRs movies and more. Check out the review here with screen shots on the second page. [More]

Lisa wrote, "A few months ago I wrote to TORN telling them how fantastic Gollum was for my hearing-impaired husband. [The animation is so accurate that he can be lip-read! - T] TORN asked me if my husband could interpret what Sam was saying in Osgiliath, when Frodo fades in and out . After several attempts, however, he's said he can't understand Sam. One drawback of lip reading is that slow motion kills any ability to understand what the person is saying - which is why you should never exaggerate enunciation when speaking to a hearing impaired person!" OK, so we're putting the call out to all Ringers: What do YOU think Sam is saying when his voice fades out to Frodo in Osgiliath?

NZ's rugby team the All Blacks have been a national icon since, ooh, about 1915. Frodo's been a national mascot since around 2001, and Air NZ [also trying to be a national icon] decided to get Frodo and the All Blacks together in this photo on Scoop...[More]

LOTR Composer Howard Shore lost out on his Classical Brit Award to “Orient & Occident” composrer Arvo Pärt. To see a full list of winners follow the green link of goodness. [More]

The UK newspaper 'The Metro' featured this image of Gollum accepting his MTV movie award. Take a look! [More]

Thanks to Viper for the link to this interview over at Slushfactory. Scroll down for her comments on her work iillustrating The Complete Tolkien Sourcebook.[More]

Another stellar effort by Eledhwen brings us a complete translation of the articles we just posted, which appeared in French magazine Cinefilm[s] Eledhwen's translation is here. Great interviews with Peter Jackson, John Rhys-Davies, Viggo Mortensen and Andy Serkis.

I linked to the interviews from Studio magazine here because I knew some would enjoy the pics of Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) and some of his paintings.

However Ringer Eledhwen has made these great translations of the text, and there is a lot to enjoy even though the interviews were taken from before TTT came out. Lots of stuff! I couldn't fit it all on one page. There's an overview of the film project here, an interview with Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) here and a very long interview with Viggo Mortensen about his life and work here.

Ringer Spy Garfeimao has been attending the giant Book Expo America the last couple of days. If you want to find out about the LoTR book, bookmark and calendar goodies that the major publishing houses are planning to release later this year, read on! [More]