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September 09, 2005 - October 24, 2005

Monday, October 24, 2005

Lembas For The Soul - Tehanu @ 01:35 PST
October 19, 2005

Lembas for the Soul, the new LOTR Fans’ Anthology, is now available to pre-order!

The much-anticipated collection of The Lord of the Rings fans' true experiences will be released December 1, 2005. Ringers from all over the world have shared their Lord of the Rings experiences with editor Catherine Kohman. Deeply-felt tales of newly forged friendship, courage and inspiration, joy and loss fill the pages.

Experience the heart-felt stories in Lembas for the Soul and see how Professor Tolkien's masterwork still has the power to change lives, fifty years after its initial publication.

Pre-order from White Tree Press before November 15 and receive a 10% discount!

Early Reviews "We're not orcs! We're hobbits!" . . . Wherever those of us who love J. R. R. Tolkien's works—as well as those of his fellow Inklings—gather, we tell stories of how burdens on the rocky road are made lighter by these beloved tales... I've long thought that collecting these stories into a book would create a treasure—and Lembas for the Soul is it! — Maureen McKittrick Stewart, Special Guest Green Books Contributor, theOneRing.net

Within these pages are some of the most poetic — and profound — illustrations of LOTR's effects on its audiences, both literary and cinematic. I couldn't put it down! — Renee Alper, Founder/Head of The American Hobbit Association

Monday, October 10, 2005

DVD Tuesday: Bloom's 'Kingdom' Astin's 'West' & Lee's 'Dracula' - Xoanon @ 22:05 PST
Kingdom of Heaven

It's hard to believe Ridley Scott's handsome epic won't become the cinematic touchstone of the Crusades for years to come. Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a vital, mostly engrossing tale following Balian (Orlando Bloom), a lonely French blacksmith who discovers he's a noble heir and takes his father's (Liam Neeson) place in the center of the universe circa 1184: Jerusalem. Here, grand battles and backdoor politics are key as Scott and first-time screenwriter William Monahan fashion an excellent storyline to tackle the centuries-long conflict. Two forward-thinking kings, Baldwin (Edward Norton in an uncredited yet substantial role) and Saladin (Ghassan Massoud), hold an uneasy truce between Christians (who hold the city) and Muslims while factions champ at the bit for blood. There are good and evildoers on both sides, with the Knights Templar taking the brunt of the blame; Balian plans to find his soul while protecting Baldwin and the people. The look of the film, as nearly everything is from Scott, is impressive: his CGI-infused battle scenes rival the LOTR series and, with cinematographer John Mathieson, create postcard beauty with snowy French forests and the vast desert (filmed in Morocco and Spain). An excellent supporting cast, including Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and David Thewlis, also help make the head and heart of the film work. Many critics pointed out that Bloom doesn't have the gravitas of Russell Crowe in the lead (then again, who does?), but it's the underdeveloped character and not the actor that hurts the film and impacts its power. Balian isn't given much more to do than be sullen and give an occasional big speech, alongside his perplexing abilities for warfare tactics and his wandering moral compass (whose sole purpose seems to be to put a love scene in the movie). Note: all the major characters except Neeson's are based on fact, but many are heavily fictionalized. [Order 'Kingdom of Heaven (Widescreen Edition)' on Amazon.com Today!] [Order 'Kingdom of Heaven (Full Screen Edition)' on Amazon.com Today!] [Order 'Kingdom of Heaven (UMD Mini For PSP)' on Amazon.com Today!]

Into the West

Experience one of the most definitive and triumphant chapters in American history by journeying Into the West with this powerful 4-disc DVD set. Presented by TNT in association with DreamWorks Television and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, this 12-TV-hour event contains all 6 timeless episodes of the action-packed mini-series and boasts an entire disc of exclusive bonus features. Chronicling the struggles, heartache and conquests of two inspiring families, Into the West captures the hopes and perseverance of both the explorers who risked everything to fulfill their dreams and the land's indigenous people forced to watch their way of life disappear. Featuring an ensemble cast of Hollywood's brightest stars, including Beau Bridges, Graham Greene, Matthew Modine and Keri Russell, Into the West is an American Dream saga that Entertainment Weekly calls "epic in scope and cast." [Order 'Into the West' on Amazon.com Today!]

Dracula A.D. 1972

London's become a small town for a handful of jaded psychedelic-era hipsters. But Johnny Alucard has a groovy new way for his pals to get their kicks. A certain ritual will be the living end, he insists. And if you still wonder where Johnny's coming from, try spelling his last name backwards. Dracula is raised into the modern era in this Hammer Studios shocker that's "quite well done" (John Stanley, Creature Features). Christopher Lee dons the cape for the sixth time and seeks out fresh victims. As archnemesis Van Helsing, fellow horror legend Peter Cushing clutches a vial of holy water and edges within throwing distance. Their harrowing battle royale is not to be missed. In fact, it's the living end. Director: Alan Gibson Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Stephanie Beacham [Order 'Dracula A.D. 1972' on Amazon.com Today!]

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

DVD Tuesday: Broadbent's 'Robots' - Xoanon @ 12:58 PST
Robots

The delightful designs of William Joyce (writer/illustrator of such popular children's books as George Shrinks and Bently & Egg) make Robots a joy to behold. The round, bouncy, and ramshackle forms of hero Rodney Copperbottom and his computer-animated friends are part of an ornate and daffy Rube-Goldberg universe of elaborate contraptions and gleaming metallic surfaces. Rodney (voiced with a hint-of-Scottish lilt by Ewan McGregor) is a young inventor who sets off for Robot City to work for Big Weld (Mel Brooks), the supreme inventor of the mechanical world. But upon his arrival, Rodney discovers that Big Weld has disappeared, and the slick, shiny Ratchet (Greg Kinnear, As Good As It Gets) is phasing out the spare parts that lumpen robots need to function and replacing them with "upgrades"--expensive and glistening new exoskeletons. Unfortunately, from this suitable beginning, the story degenerates into a series of action sequences that make very little sense, though some are kinetic and fun (though others are only there to serve the inevitable Robots video game). Most kids will enjoy the sheer visual pleasure of the movie, but compared to the narrative richness of Pixar movies like The Incredibles and Toy Story, that pleasure is pretty short-lived. Also featuring the voices of Robin Williams, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Coolidge, and many, many more. [Order 'Robots (Widescreen Edition)' on Amazon.com Today!] [Order 'Robots (Full Screen Edition)' on Amazon.com Today!]

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Kong Goodies This Fall - Xoanon @ 11:52 PST
Bob writes: Universal is going to release the Toho (Japanese) King Kong films; KING KONG VS GODZILLA(1962) and KING KONG ESCAPES(1967) on November 29th. (I know lots of people can go either way-love'em or hate'em but myself, I love the Toho Kongs for what they were). [dvddrive-in.com]

BenBella Books will release on November 29th, the SmartPop book KING KONG IS BACK which contains essays by luminaries from the SF/Fantasy genre (yours truly did one on the FX work and a list of KOng sequels and inspired films/remakes) and is edited by David Brin.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Master Replicas' Narnia Products - Xoanon @ 22:02 PST
The folks from Master Replicas send along these images and info on some new Narnia goodies coming our way!

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
Peter's Christmas Gifts

Perhaps the most important of all of the gifts presented to the Pevensie children by Father Christmas, Peter's silver shield and golden sword play an integral part in the battle against the evil White Witch and her 100 year reign over Narnia.

Symbols of Peter's strength and bravery, these authentic 1/6th scale replicas are modeled after the original Weta Workshop, Ltd. props. Die cast and injection molded, each piece is constructed with the quality and authenticity you've come to expect from Master Replicas.

The set, displayed in a collectible-quality presentation box, comes complete with imprinted prop story and removable Certificate of Authenticity.

Price: $35.00

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
Susan's Christmas Gifts

Precious gifts from Father Christmas, Susan's ivory horn, bow, and arrows save her life, just as he predicts. Her gifts also enable her brother Peter and the great Aslan to track the evil White Witch, launching the battle of good versus evil and putting an end to the Witch's wintertime reign over Narnia forever.

Relive Susan's transformation from stoic child to gentle Queen with these incredibly detailed 1/6th scale prop replicas. Modeled after the original Weta Workshop, Ltd. props, each piece is constructed with the quality and authenticity you've come to expect from Master Replicas.

Displayed in a collectible-quality presentation box, this set comes complete with imprinted prop story and removable Certificate of Authenticity.

$35.00

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
Lucy's Christmas Gifts

Presented to young Lucy by Father Christmas, the magical dagger and vial set saves the lives of brother Edmund and his wounded troupes after their victorious battle against the evil the White Witch.

Emblems of Lucy's innocence and goodness, these authentic 1/6th scale replicas are modeled after the original Weta Workshop, Ltd. props. Die cast and injection molded, each piece is constructed with the quality and authenticity you've come to expect from Master Replicas.

The set, displayed in a collectible-quality presentation box, comes complete with imprinted prop story and removable Certificate of Authenticity.

$35.00

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
Peter's Sword Letter Opener

Peter's sword plays an integral part in the battle against the evil White Witch and the return of his errant brother Edmund, uniting the Pevensie family and liberating the Kingdom of Narnia forever.

Elegantly decorated with words from Aslan to Peter, the stainless steel sword slips easily into a carefully sculpted model of the great Aslan's head. This authentic 1/5th scale replica is modeled after the original Weta Workshop, Ltd. prop and every effort has been made to ensure an exact match to the movie blade.

$39.99

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
White Witch’s Wand

The ultimate symbol of evil, the White Witch's Wand struck terror in the hearts of her subjects throughout the Kingdom of Narnia - just one wave of the wand turned the Witch's victims to stone statues.

Designed to be an exact replica of the original Weta Workshop, Ltd. prop, the wand features a beautifully polished cast metal handle decorated with intricate patterns and the unmistakable symbol of the White Witch. Each end of this authentic wand is cast in a clear, crystal-like resin, reinforced by a polycarbonate rod.

$249.99

Master Replicas' Narnia Products
Peter's Sword

Peter's sword plays an integral part in the battle against the evil White Witch and the return of his errant brother Edmund, uniting the Pevensie family and liberating the Kingdom of Narnia forever.

Designed to be an exact replica of the original prop supplied by Weta Workshop Ltd., the blade of Peter's powerful tool is constructed of durable hand-forged steel and sturdy full tang and features elegant acid-etched lettering details. The leather grip includes gold-plated, cast-metal details including an exquisite brass lion head. A nickel-chromed steel hand guard completes this authentic work of art.

$299.99

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Pre-Order Ringers: Lord of the Fans! - Xoanon @ 20:17 PST

Pre-Order On Amazon Worldwide:

FASCINATING DOCUMENTARY CAPTURES THE HISTORY, INFLUENCE AND PHENOMENON THAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS

ON DVD AND FOR PSP™ NOVEMBER 22

CULVER CITY, Calif. (September 12, 2005) – This November 22, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) invites you to return to the Shire with the release of the feature-length documentary RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS, direct to DVD. In association with the popular fan-site TheOneRing.net, Carlene Cordova produced, directed and wrote this award-winning film with executive producer Tom DeSanto (X-Men, X2: X-Men United and Transformers), which charts the incredible influence and ripple-effect that Lord of the Rings has had on worldwide pop culture over the past five decades. Whether you are a fan or first timer, critics agree, RINGERS, stands as the most comprehensive film documenting the ongoing impact of J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary achievement.

Dominic Monaghan (star of ABC’s Lost and the Academy Award® winning Lord of the Rings trilogy) narrates the documentary as it looks behind the curtain between Lord of the Rings and how it inspired so many artists of different mediums. The film moves beyond “cult classic” and through different generations unearthing the way legendary rock musicians, filmmakers, professors, actors and authors all unite under the banner of ‘Ringer.’ Interviewees included in the film are Lord of the Rings trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson as well as Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Sean Astin and David Carradine. Infused with a dynamic rock-driven score, irreverent cut-out animation (á la Terry Gilliam), and a centerpiece audience sing-a-long, RINGERS is a genre-busting documentary that shows how a single literary work continues to spark the minds and hearts of millions.

RINGERS continues the momentum of the motion picture trilogy Lord of the Rings, a winner of 17 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson, who made history as the first person to direct three major feature films simultaneously.

RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS arrives on DVD and for PSP™ from SPHE on November 22 with an SLP of $24.94. In addition to the documentary, the DVD also includes the bonus features below:


Color/Closed Captioned

Rated: PG 13 for some sex and drug reference

Running Time: Approx. 97 minutes

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

Friday, September 09, 2005

NEWS FLASH! Pre-Orders For Award-Winning Documentary RINGERS! - Xoanon @ 20:33 PST

One Book. One Ring. One World.

The wait is finally over for a worldwide audience eager to see the groundbreaking documentary RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS, narrated by Dominic Monaghan and released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment -- Pre-orders for both DVD and PSP format start on Amazon.com next Monday for U.S. and Canada (so be here for a special TORn announcement on Sept. 12th!). A film that has become a growing sensation since January, RINGERS tells the story of 50 years of Tolkien’s influence on popular culture. Audiences found the next “LOTR” film they’ve been craving as RINGERS blew the roof off the Slamdance Film Festival, going on to win Outstanding Achievement Feature Documentary at the Newport Beach Film Festival and then getting snapped up for worldwide distribution by Sony (to be released in late November 2005)!

File this under Pleasant Surprise -- Brit fans are first to get copies of RINGERS! Europe Ringers who purchase Region 2 DVD’s can already Pre-order on the UK Amazon site.

www.play.com

www.moviesunlimited.com

North America & Canada DVD and PSP will be available for Pre-order Sept 12, 2005.

Visit the official RINGERS website at www.lordofthefans.net and sign up for the Newsletter to get all the latest scoop and announcements!

Click here for the official Sony website, soon to be updated

MANY SURPRISES AHEAD FOR RINGER FANS WHO LIKE BIG PARTIES! The possibility of celebrating the November release of RINGERS by having a big premiere screening event for Fans has been heard whispered around the hallways of Sony! If any news of this becomes a reality, be sure to check with TheOneRing.net for the latest developments. Ringer fans should be in for a real treat if the rumors prove to be true in any way!

Narrated by Dominic Monaghan (star of ABC’s Lost and the Academy Award winning Lord of the Rings trilogy), RINGERS garnered outrageous attention from audiences and press alike during its smash festival circuit run. Screenings continuously sold out in Newport Beach, Dallas, and Park City -- with many enthusiasts camping out in Utah’s freezing January weather just to be the first to get tickets.

Premiere magazine proclaimed what eager audiences and fans have waited to hear: "There's a new documentary to take you back to The Shire" -- while The Toronto Star called RINGERS "comprehensive, entertaining and informative pop cultural history." The Indie Film uber-website FilmThreat loudly praised: "It is a documentary that will always be a salient part of “Lord of the Rings” history.... See it, absorb it, love it!"

RINGERS charts the ongoing influence of “The Lord of the Rings” on pop culture, which continues at full speed more than 50 years after the books’ first publication. Filled with exceptional interviews with legendary rock musicians, filmmakers, professors, actors, authors, and true-blue Ringer fans, the film breathlessly weaves together five decades of Western popular culture. Infused with a dynamic rock score, irreverent cut-out animation (á la Terry Gilliam), and even a centerpiece audience Sing-a-long, RINGERS is a genre-busting documentary that shows how a single literary work continues to spark the minds and hearts of millions.

About the film:

RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS is a feature-length documentary that explores how "The Lord of the Rings" has influenced Western popular culture over the past 50 years. Moving beyond “cult classic” and over several different generations, the film unearths countless people gathered under the banner of ‘Ringer’ -- academics, musicians, movie stars, authors, filmmakers, and a plethora of pop junkies. Celebrity interviewees include Peter Jackson, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Clive Barker, and David Carradine.

RINGERS features a dynamic rock-driven score with musicians who were influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien. Several indie recording artists have provided new covers of songs from previous “Rings” adaptations. Produced in association with the popular fan-site TheOneRing.net, RINGERS stands as the most comprehensive film document of the ongoing impact of “The Lord of the Rings.”

From the hippie counter-culture to the electronic age; from the Bakshi animated film to Jackson’s epic trilogy; this documentary brings together extensive footage collected over 21 months -- across three continents.

What began as the private amusement of a tweedy Oxford professor has now become a new mythology for the 21st century. RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS shows how an adventure story published in 1954 has had dynamic ripple-effects through Western pop-culture. RINGERS carefully pulls away the veil between Tolkien’s book and the creations of art, music, and community that have been inspired by it.

RINGERS interviewees include: Writer/Director/Producer - Peter Jackson, Actor - Elijah Wood, Actor - Sir Ian McKellen, Actor - Viggo Mortensen, Actor - Sean Astin, Actor - Dominic Monaghan, Actor - Billy Boyd, Actor - Andy Serkis, Actor - Orlando Bloom, Screenwriter - Philippa Boyens, Author/Interviewer - Cliff Broadway, Author/Filmmaker - Clive Barker, Writer/Director/Producer - Cameron Crowe, Actor - David Carradine, Author - Terry Pratchett, Author - Peter S. Beagle, Author - Terry Brooks, Musician - Lemmy Kilmister, Musician - Geddy Lee, Tolkien Scholar - Dr. Jane Chance, Chairperson of the Tolkien Society - Christine Crawshaw, Author - Colin Duriez, Filmmaker/Critic - Chris Gore, Writer/Publisher - Forrest J. Ackerman, Actor - Bill Mumy, Author/Broadcaster - Brian Sibley, Illustrator/Author - Colleen Doran, Illustrator/Author - Jill Thompson, and hundreds of Tolkien fans!


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