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March 13 '04

Scott Speedman to Star in Beowulf

-- Posted by Radagast on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 10:16 PM GMT

Inside Film reports that Darclight Films, the recently launched horror label of Arclight, has announced the pre-production of Beowulf, which will star Scott Speedman (Underworld).

The film is the epic tale based on the famous Old English poem, "Beowulf," which inspired Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings. The medieval adventure, part fable, part horror-story is loosely based on the 9th century Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf, telling the blood-soaked tale of a Norse hero's battle with a great and murderous troll...... more

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Oscar winner's daughter seeing stars

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 9:20 PM GMT

Academy award winner Philippa Boyens has stars in her eyes - and a star in the sky for her daughter.

Boyens, who won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay with her Lord of the Rings colleagues Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh for her screenwriting on Return of the King, last year bought a star for daughter Phoebe's birthday present.

The star bears her daughter's nickname, "Phoebe-bear", and was bought from the International Star Registry in September for her 15th birthday.....more

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Behind the scenes of the Rings trilogy

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 9:18 PM GMT

This weekend, be among the first to discover the technology behind the movie's rousing success at the Oscars, as the Singapore Science Centre presents an extensive behind-the-scenes look at the Trilogy and primers on how special effects are created on screen.
The exhibition is 3D and interactive - which is a great way for children, or even adults, to spend a whole day. Here's what to expect:
-Cultures and races of Middle-earth: Rohan and Elven cultures examined. Includes Aragorn's travel costume and weapons, plus the Shards of Narsil and the Evenstar necklace.
-A Magical World: Detailed examination of Galadriel, Gandalf and Saruman.
-Treebeard: This section considers the process - from preparatory drawings to construction - of three-dimensional maquettes. The use of puppetry, robotics and digital effects is also explored, excellently demonstrated by a detailed maquette and an enormous Treebeard bust.....
more

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Reflexive decisions often lack reflection in thought

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 7:38 PM GMT

When the first movie was released, I didn't even consider going to see it. My mind had been made up. I looked at one review that noted that it had a running time of three hours and I figured it was too much. Who needs to sit in a theater for three hours when you could be enjoying time with your family or doing productive work? I heard that the movie was about elves and dwarfs and other mythical creatures. That sealed it for me. I couldn't ever see myself as one of the "Lord of the Rings" fanatics. .....more

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Meeting that gave world two masterpieces of imagination

-- Posted by kenzie on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 3:58 PM GMT

THEY were two of the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the 20th century, selling more than 160 million copies worldwide and touching innumerable people with their epic tales of heroism, hope and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

But imagine a world in which The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia didn’t exist; where children had never encountered the Snow Queen of Narnia or read the adventures of Gandalf, Frodo and Sam; where Peter Jackson was just another jobbing director looking for his big break and the film industry was significantly poorer.......
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Colourful tribute to Tolkien at landmark

-- Posted by kenzie on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 3:54 PM GMT

A city landmark which inspired JRR Tolkien to write his masterpieces is to be bathed in coloured spotlights as a tribute to the author whose boyhood was spent in Birmingham.

Families living around the 1758 Perrott's Folly in Edgbaston have helped to raise £26,000 to fund a lighting project to illuminate the sevenstorey tower.

Together with the nearby waterworks tower, the Grade II listed Perrott's Folly is believed to have been the inspiration for the Two Towers in the second instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.......more

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Amazon Takes Pre-orders for The Return of the King

-- Posted by Fatty on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:11 PM GMT

Amazon are taking pre-orders for The Return of the King DVD. Details can be found here.

The New Line Shop are also takign orders, but they are charging about $5 more than Amazon.

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Narnia: Kidman rumors are false

-- Posted by kenzie on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:00 PM GMT

The film company behind the upcoming production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has denied rumours that Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman is poised to play a leading role.

The arrival of Kidman in Christchurch last week, and a helicopter tour she took over the Canterbury high country, had fuelled rumours that the the glamorous star would play a leading role in the film. However, Walden Media today issued a statement denying the rumours.......more

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"The Lord of the Rings" comes to China

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 8:54 AM GMT

A tour train decorated with the poster of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" passes on the Chunxi Road of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Mar. 12, 2004. The 11-Oscar award winner "The Return of the King" was shown in China Friday. See the images here

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Publisher cashes in on 'Rings'

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 4:46 AM GMT

Yilin Press is reprinting 10,000 sets of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" in hopes of cashing in as the third film episode premieres in China on Monday.

Zhu Zude, vice president of Yilin Press, said bookstores around the country are stocking up as the cinematic interpretation is bound to lure millions of readers....more

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‘Lord Of The Rings' Not Out To Glorify Violence

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:31 AM GMT

 As a “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) fan, I challenge letter writer Dorothy Leib to find in J.R.R. Tolkein's classic or in Peter Jackson's LOTR movies where war is glorified (“Hollywood opposes war, honors violence,” March 4). . . more

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Kiwis turn world a shade of green

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:24 AM GMT

THE Swag of Oscars awarded to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King could have something of a bizarre world effect.

And it's all about the colour green.
  .  .
more

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THE PASSION OF THE ASLAN IN MIDDLE EARTH

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:21 AM GMT

Hollywood has long been the anodyne for the vapid realities of daily life by providing an escape, if only for a few hours, into an unreal world. It is ironic then that fantasy films have been the scourge of the studio intelligentsia until very recently when their pecuniary proclivities were piqued by the success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. . . more

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Emile a small pic with big talents

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 1:16 AM GMT

 It is useful to be reminded that, first and foremost, Ian McKellen is a veteran actor and not just a fantasy superhero or a comic-book supervillain. That is not to say that his performances as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy or as Magneto in the X-Men series are not finely wrought. Sir Ian actually brings an astonishing level of depth and complexity to them.  . . . more

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Box Office: Updates and News!

-- Posted by Radagast on Saturday, March 13 2004 at 12:14 AM GMT

Return of the King grossed $235.642 this thursday. Its remarkable to see that ROTK is still grossing more than $200.000 each day.

On the International Box Office, things are still looking good for ROTK. In Japan it is still Number One despite the opening of "Once opon a time in Mexico.." In fact ROTK went up +24,9% since last weekend, meaning the Japan weekend gross for ROTK was an impressive $16,626,352.

Overall the International gross is now a total of $683,649,123 and the USA and Canada total gross is $369,126,293.

The topic everyone is talking about at the moment is the Chinese opening, 14 March. Many experts say, that the final installement of the trilogy will be a big success in China. Especially because the people of china is beginning to embrace the world of cinema, more than they have in the past. Experts are estimating a total lifetime gross in China, to be more than 10 million Dollars.

See how big the ROTK gross is, in your country... Here

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March 12 '04

The Lord of the Rings: An Award Winning Epic!

-- Posted by Illuvatar on Friday, March 12 2004 at 11:57 PM GMT

To commemorate Peter Jackson's triumphant cinematic achievement, our Movie Section Editors; Dawn Noelle, Eledhwen, and Lady Arien, along with the help of Kalimac (one our intrepid news reporters) have compiled a complete listing a list of awards and honours these films, and the men and women who dedicated so much of their lives to them, have garnered over the past three years.

This is a small tribute to all of the wonderful folks that have brought J.R.R. Tolkien's Masterpiece: The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen, much to the delight of Tolkien Fans around the world! Not only are the nominations and awards listed, but there are links to all of the acceptance speeches from this year's Academy Awards! :o) 

If the awards and nominations listed on this page are any indication, then The Lord of the Rings Trilogy  is certain to go down as one of the greatest achievements in Cinematic history.

I'd like to thank all of our dedicated staff for their efforts in putting this together, and would like to invite you to check it out here: Awards Page. Comments and feedback are welcomed...and you can comment directly on the page itself. ;o)

Enjoy!

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King's reign

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Friday, March 12 2004 at 11:19 PM GMT

If you go down to the flicks today and buy a ticket for The Return of the King you could be part of history. This afternoon an Australian will plonk down $13 and push Return's total box office past the earnings of Crocodile Dundee, making it the second-highest grossing movie in our history. . .  more

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One Ring to win them all

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Friday, March 12 2004 at 11:17 PM GMT

After success at the Oscars, The Lord of the Rings films are dominating the booming DVD market. The second instalment, The Two Towers, swept the Australian DVD awards in Sydney last night, winning best DVD, best use of special features and best audio commentary, on the votes of technical specialists and fans . . . more

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The King returns to China

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Friday, March 12 2004 at 11:15 PM GMT

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The King is returning to China, promising great box office returns.

    To welcome the Return of the King, Beijing cinemas sold tickets for the third of JRR Tolkien's trilogy, adapted for the screen by New Zealand director Peter Jackson, from 6 p.m. Thursday until 3 a.m. Friday. A ticket costs 150 yuan. . . more

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'Lord of the Rings' exhibition turns Science Centre into Middle Earth

-- Posted by kenzie on Friday, March 12 2004 at 10:56 PM GMT

Singapore's Science Centre is being transformed into Middle Earth, with original costumes, models and weapons from the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy on display.

From Ents, the life-like tree spirits, to Orcs, the evil army of Sauron complete with their weapons, the Lord of the Rings exhibition brings to life some of the original props from the trilogy and showcases some of the secrets used to make movies such a hit.......
more

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Second Annual Spacey Awards

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 9:56 PM GMT

Celebrate the best in genre entertainment. Vote now for your favourites of 2003.
Rotk is nominated for Best Fantasy Movie, Best Movie FX, Best Movie Action Sequence: The Battle of Pelennor Fields, and Special Achievements Award: Peter Jackson.

Viewers Choice: Rotk is up for Favorite Hero: Sam

Vote here!!

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London Comic-Con Report

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 9:38 PM GMT

LONDON FILM AND COMIC CON SUNDAY 7th MARCH by Yelsel...here

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Orlando Bloom voted Fittest Man by British teen magazine

-- Posted by kenzie on Friday, March 12 2004 at 8:03 PM GMT

Movie hunk Orlando Bloom has been crowned the world's sexiest man by British teenagers. The English actor has rocketed to stardom over the past year thanks to performances as the elf Legolas in Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and upcoming epic Troy.

And now his pin-up status has been confirmed by readers of teen magazine Bliss, who deem Bloom the "fittest man" alive. Meanwhile, British glamour model Jordan has been hailed the "fittest girl" and Crashed the Wedding hitmakers Busted have bagged the "favourite band" honour.......source

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FAN PARTICIPATION WELCOME!

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 7:51 PM GMT

Warofthering.net welcomes your input!  Got any news to share? 
Links to a good site?  Inside info or an experience you'd like to share? 

Let us know--just click
here

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Orlando doom

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 7:38 PM GMT

Ooh, listen carefully. Is that the sound of the world's smallest violin playing for Orlando Bloom? If so, somebody shoot him quick.

Earning millions for his movies, being paid to lark about in New Zealand dressed as an elf on horseback, bagging foxy actress Kate Bosworth - call us callous but our sympathy for the wiry woman-pleaser is a little thin on the ground....more

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Orlando: 'I was a porker'

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 7:35 PM GMT

He's quoted as saying: "I was a porker. I'd eat lots of biscuits and chocolate bars. The team sports we had at school never worked for me."

Bloom says he was also given a rough time because of his dyslexia. He said: "I was also teased because I couldn't spell. I'm still mildly dyslexic."...more

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Elijah Appearance

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 7:34 PM GMT

Elijah Wood will be the guest on NY Graham Norton tonight at 10.40pm GMT on Channel 4 (UK). (thanks adele =)

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Official Site Update

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 7:29 PM GMT

The New Line Shop is selling an EXCLUSIVE Return of the King 5-Foot Wide Cast Poster...here

Experience the making of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy with this exclusive video featuring Peter Jackson and the cast from The Return of the King.....here

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, filmmaker Peter Jackson's stunning conclusion to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, arrives on DVD and VHS on May 25, 2004. Pre-Order here ( Official Site $24.97) New Line Shop ($22.95)

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The Passion vs ROTK vs Spider-man vs Phantom Menace

-- Posted by Radagast on Friday, March 12 2004 at 5:50 PM GMT

These 4 movies are all huge successes on the box office. The Passion is doing great. ROTK has reached more than 1 billion dollars. Spider-man holds numerous records. Phantom Menace has grossed more than 900 Million worldwide. But if you compare them... Which of them grossed the most? What movie was first to 200 million? Check it out ... Here

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Viggo Proud Of New Tooth

-- Posted by kenzie on Friday, March 12 2004 at 12:06 PM GMT

Movie star VIGGO MORTENSEN is very proud of his new tooth - because it's a permanent reminder of his time spent making LORD OF THE RINGS.

The actor - who plays ARAGORN in the blockbusting trilogy - had one of his front teeth knocked out when filming a sword-fighting scene in THE TWO TOWERS, but insisted on carrying on without it. Taking no chances, producers on the set feared the tooth trouble would worsen and ordered him to visit a dentist.

He recalls, "I asked them to superglue the tooth so we could keep going but they didn't think that was a good idea.......more

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Elijah Wood Moves Back in With His Mum

-- Posted by kenzie on Friday, March 12 2004 at 12:04 PM GMT

LORD OF THE RINGS star is giving up his apartment to move back into his mother's Los Angeles home, because he hasn't had a chance to spend any time in his new pad.

With promotional duties for LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING taking up much of his time last year (03) - including the string of awards ceremonies this year (04) - Wood, 23, admits he's had very little opportunity to live in his Big Apple home, which is costing him a fortune to rent.......more

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Wood Startled by Jackson's Low Maintenance

-- Posted by kenzie on Friday, March 12 2004 at 12:00 PM GMT

ELIJAH WOOD was left puzzled by LORD OF THE RINGS director PETER JACKSON while shooting the fantasy trilogy - he couldn't believe the movie-maker's lack of interest in his appearance.

Wood worked with Jackson for almost two years in New Zealand on the acclaimed films, and was stunned to see how little care the film-maker took in his hair - which he "never" combed......more

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'Rings' role good as gold for Brit actor

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Friday, March 12 2004 at 3:35 AM GMT

 QUESTION: What can you tell me about Dominic Monaghan? I had seen him in a British mystery series on Channel 8 a few times and then there he was, Merry in The Lord of the Rings. To me he really looks like a hobbit!

ANSWER: Gee, I bet he's never heard that before. . .
more

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Boston museum highlights Lord of the Rings

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Friday, March 12 2004 at 2:24 AM GMT

You don't have to travel to New Zealand to get the inside scoop on the movie that swept the Oscars. Just head to Boston this summer, where the Museum of Science is hosting an exhibit featuring costumes, props and hundreds of pieces of memorabilia from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.....more

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March 11 '04

Sting, Annie Lennox Pairing For Tour

-- Posted by kenzie on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:57 PM GMT

As expected, Sting has rolled out plans for a summer tour of North American amphitheaters. Annie Lennox will co-headline on all dates; a support act yet to be named will also be on board beginning June 27 in Camden, N.J., pausing July 29-Sept. 1, and wrapping Oct. 12 in Calgary, Alberta.

Beforehand, Sting will complete a run of North American dates through late March, followed by a previously announced April 21 benefit for the Rainforest Foundation at New York's Carnegie Hall. A European swing begins April 28 in Helsinki and wrapping June 20 in Munich......source

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Neighbours raise flag for Jackson

-- Posted by kenzie on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:55 PM GMT

Pupils at Miramar North School can't hear or see what goes on next door at Peter Jackson's creative headquarters, but the youngsters have a secret of their own.

The children have spent the past week feverishly designing and painting flags to celebrate the runaway success of The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King at this years Oscars.

The flags - based on the Oscar figure but reflecting all 11 winning categories - will be hung in central Miramar by 2pm today.....more

 

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Brendan Gleeson Discusses "Troy"

-- Posted by kenzie on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:48 PM GMT

While Brendan Gleeson was touring the United States promoting the Anthony Minghella movie, "Cold Mountian", I had the opportunity to speak with him one-on-one about that film and his next big project, "Troy," starring Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, and Eric Bana.

What about your role in "Troy" intrigued you?
That was another one I wasn’t quite sure about. I actually met Wolfgang [Petersen] on the way home from Romania off of “Cold Mountain.” I met him in London on the way home to Ireland and I said, “Look, I’m not sure.....
more

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Rings Expo Opening In Singapore

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:45 PM GMT

Te Papa's most successful-ever exhibition is once again set to make an impact overseas.

"Lord of the Rings - The Exhibition" opens in Singapore today. The national museum's CEO Seddon Bennington says Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will be doing the honours at the opening.....
more

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Similarities are sometimes frightening

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:44 PM GMT

I'm sure someone will write in and call me a war-monger, saying that "The Return of the King" was much too violent and gory for the young audience it was meant for, but I beg to differ.

This trilogy was not meant to be another child attractant on par with the Harry Potter and Spy Kids flicks. It was meant for everyone. It was meant for all of us who poured over the pages of Tolkien many years ago and decided he had a wonderful mastery of the art of writing....more

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Elijah Wood Learning To Kick Soccer Fans' Butts

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:43 PM GMT

Move over, Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Van Damme, because the list of movie stars who have busted their butts to learn how to kick ass in a movie has just gotten a new name.

"I've been in fight training," Elijah Wood revealed at this week's premiere....
more

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Narnia: Some Filming To Take Place in the Czech Republic

-- Posted by kenzie on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 11:12 PM GMT

NineMSN released a report that some of the filming for LWW will take place in the Czech Republic. It is expected that the Czech Republic will be used for filming scenes of the White Witch's castle.

In the report Walden Media denied the rumor that Kidman is part of the cast. "It's a project that we're all very excited about, but unfortunately this is just not true." said company spokeswoman Alison Lehrer.....
source

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Box Office News and Updates

-- Posted by Radagast on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 10:23 PM GMT

Last week New Line decided to re-open Return of the King on more than 1900 screens in USA. It paid of and the grossing went up. But this week Return of the King is back to normal, or as you can put it.. back to 1300 screens.

Other news: The Wednesday estimates has arrived and they show that Return of the King made a total $210.000. These figures pushed the overall USA and Canada gross up to an estimated $368,875,000.

The international gross is $679,422,744.

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Region 2 DVD News

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 9:46 PM GMT

Total DVD has news on the ROTK DVD and trilogy box set--have a look here

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Peter Jackson: 'Lord of the Movies'

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 9:44 PM GMT

 New Zealander Peter Jackson has gone from making movies as a hobby to making movies about hobbits -- films that have helped him forge a filmmaking empire in New Zealand and build a reputation in Hollywood for pulling off the impossible.

As he has now landed the most precious prize yet -- an Oscar for directing "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," the last film in the "Rings" trilogy, not to mention a sweep of 11 wins on 11 nominations -- Jackson spoke about his upcoming film "King Kong," among other topics. . .  more

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Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 9:42 PM GMT

 First published in 1969, this entertaining introduction to The Lord of the Rings has been revised and updated to coincide with the trilogy's renewed popularity thanks to Peter Jackson's Oscar-inundated movies.  .  . more

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Remaking Peter Jackson

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 9:37 PM GMT

At the 76th Academy Awards ceremony last month, most guests looked perfect, and boring.

Then there was Peter Jackson. . . more

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First Chips Writing Contest

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 8:44 PM GMT

A question was posed to students in their English classes, who wrote their answers and submitted them to Chips for judgment by our staff of trained professionals.

Question: What was your favorite movie from the past year, and why?

Winner: (Musaddiq Awan) Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is the best movie of this past year. The film adaptation of Tolkien's masterpiece conclusion to The Lord of the Rings provides a moving image of friendship, war, the battle of good versus evil, and love.....more

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Wellington celebration planned to mark Rings' Oscar success

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 7:25 PM GMT

A 45-minute celebration is to be held in Civic Square from 12.45pm.

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said that at this stage Jackson, who won Oscars for best director, best film and best adapted screenplay, and special effects head Richard Taylor, who won best makeup and costume design, were due to speak at the celebration. Other Oscar winners may also attend.......more

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'Lord Of The Rings' Spawns Chattanooga Orc

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 7:22 PM GMT

Stringer especially liked the movie's depiction of the orcs, the goblin creatures that populate J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel. His favorites are the orcs of the Mines of Moria, a smaller breed than the towering Uruk-hai and Mordor orcs that are seen in the movie's outdoor battle scenes.

Stringer liked the look of the Moria orcs so much he decided to make his own orc costume. The result, after working on and off on the project for three months, led to an award of his own - Best of Show at the 2004 Chattacon science fiction convention in January.....
more

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Sound revolution set to make millions

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 7:20 PM GMT

Revolutionary new film technology software created during The Lord of the Rings trilogy will be used for new movies Thunderbirds Are Go and Bridget Jones' Diary II.

It is the first major sales of the "Virtual Katy" software ­ technology that will revolutionise the way sound is edited for film ­ and its makers and financial backers say the invention will generate $10 million in revenue by 2009....
more

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Aragorn becomes Alatriste

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 7:19 PM GMT

The Lord of The Rings star says he’s excited about the project because “Alatriste is a beloved character in Spain. But it’ll be hard work. I’ll have to learn how to speak the Spanish of the period.”

Filming will begin in January next year in Seville and Toledo....
more

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Hobbits make tourism New Zealand's top earner

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 2:48 AM GMT

THE hobbits, orcs and wizards of Lord of the Rings are helping draw so many travellers to New Zealand that tourism is about to surpass the country’s dairy industry as the number one earner.

Dairy farming has been the nation’s main foreign exchange earner for 50 years, but the runaway success of the films by the local director Peter Jackson, with its New Zealand panoramas, is expected to help boost visitors by 8 per cent to 2.2 million for the year up to June.....
more

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Heath Ledger talks Ned Kelly

-- Posted by kenzie on Thursday, March 11 2004 at 12:02 AM GMT

In 'Ned Kelly,' Heath plays the son of an Irish pig thief who was exiled to the Australian penal colony in 1843. Blamed for an attempted murder that he did not commit, he and his brother (played by Orlando Bloom) go on the lam and become outlaws when Ned kills a police officer for harassing his brother. Forming the Kelly gang, the bushrangers roam across the Australian countryside robbing banks while being pursued by the army -- with the highest price the world has ever seen on their heads. Still, Ned finds a little time for romance with a country girl (played by Watts).

"Instead of handing himself in and proving himself innocent, he turns around and says, 'screw you,' to the system. 'I'm going to take on the entire country and the army,'" he explains of the folk hero, "which is absurd, but that's what he did.".....more

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March 10 '04

Cate is blazing a trail of her own

-- Posted by kenzie on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 11:55 PM GMT

She's only 34 and having been overlooked by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, like so many greats, has yet to win an Academy Award.

So it's surprising that thoughts of retirement are already crossing her mind when her future is so bright......more

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Box Office Update: Tuesday gross

-- Posted by Radagast on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 10:44 PM GMT

Return of the King made an estimated $235.000 today (Tuesday) It dropped 16,4% since last weeks Tuesday.

Number One on the USA grossing list is The Passion, but things are beginning to go slow. Today it made $4.827.581, a drop by more than -47% since last tuesday. When ROTK was in its second week it was still grossing a daily $10.000.000.

The Passion premiered in Poland yesterday. With an estimated $2.282.476 it was the biggest opening in Poland this year..

The Passion cost $30 Million to produce and it has already grossed more than $230.000.000 worldwide. So I am sure Mel Gibson is quite pleased at the moment, as we know, he paid for most of the movie himself.

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BlackStar in the UK Takes Pre-orders for ROTK

-- Posted by Fatty on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 8:21 PM GMT

Click to preorder at Blackstar Blackstar in the UK have started taking pre-orders for The Return of the King. Details can be found here.

 

 

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Onion A.V. Club Talks to Viggo

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 8:20 PM GMT

 Viggo Mortensen has a hand in so many art forms that there's almost no room on his résumé for acting. A poet, painter, musician, and photographer, Mortensen has founded his own publishing company, released experimental-music CDs, and exhibited his artwork around the world. . .  more

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Fruit of the Bloom

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 8:19 PM GMT

You might think that he’s already peaked, when, as the supercool Legolas, he mounts one of the elephantine mumakil in The Lord of the Rings:The Return of the King.

But then you might not be familiar with Orlando Bloom’s career, which is now in full blossom. . . more

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Elijah Wood Has Hard Time Saying Good-bye to 'Rings' Cast, Yet Again

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 8:16 PM GMT

 "We became so close making the three movies, we're like a family. I just don't know how I'll handle saying good-bye," an extremely weepy Elijah Wood told a gaggle of reporters at a recent Oscar party. "It's going to be rough." The ever-friendly Frodo issued similar comments numerous times after the premieres, promotional junkets and award ceremonies for the first two movies. . . more

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Mithril Miniatures Newsletter

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 6:59 PM GMT

We have a brand new range of 32mm Prince August Fantasy Moulds being released in a few weeks and we have a gift pack for Mithril customers,  go to our website to learn more about this.

If the link above is not active then just paste it into your browser address bar and press Enter. If you have any questions then please just reply to this mail and I will try to assist.

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GLASGOW BOYD BY FLAT-OUT PROMO

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 6:56 PM GMT

LORD Of The Rings star Billy Boyd put off hunting for a flat in Glasgow last night to help promote the city's new slogan.

Along with STV newsreader Sarah Heaney, who has been helping him find a new home, Billy was one of the celebrities who launched the Glasgow: Scotland With Style campaign at a party in the Clyde Auditorium......more

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2003: Top 5 Domestic Grosses

-- Posted by Radagast on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 6:52 PM GMT

2003 was a year, with some movies that really hit the jackpot. Finding Nemo became the most grossing animated movie ever. A title before held by The Lion King. 

Pirates of the Caribbean broke the "pirate-movie curse" that so many people have been talking about. And despite bad reviews it grossed millions and millions.

The Return of the King overran all the other movies grossing more than $1,000,000,000 worldwide.

Highest grossing movies on the USA Box Office in 2003:

1. Return of the King - $368,430,000

2. Finding Nemo - $339,714,978

3. Pirates of the Caribbean - $305,413,918

4. Matrix Reloaded - $281,576,461

5. Bruce Almighty - $242,829,261

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Viggo to star in Spanish drama

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 6:52 PM GMT

Viggo Mortensen is in talks to star in what would be the most expensive Spanish film ever made.

The Lord of the Rings star would play Captain Alatriste, a Spanish soldier-cum-mercenary, in Alatriste.....more

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We've got Gollum

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 6:50 PM GMT

LORD Of The Rings star Andy Serkis is returning to Manchester this month for a one-off appearance at Deansgate's Waterstone's.

On March 26, the actor - who provided the voice and movements for the digitally-created Gollum - is in town to sign copies of his book, Gollum: How We Made Movie Magic.....
more

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New Ned Kelly Production Still

-- Posted by kenzie on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 11:57 AM GMT

Comingsoon.net has gotten their hands on a new Ned Kelly production still. Ned Kelly opens on March 26, the studio will release director Gregor Jordan's Ned Kelly, starring Heath Ledger, Naomi Watts, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Rachel Griffiths, Laurence Kinlan, Joel Edgerton, Phil Barantini and Kerry Condon. Click here for still.

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Elijah's King Kong Cameo

-- Posted by kenzie on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 11:52 AM GMT

"The Lord of the Rings" star Elijah Wood tells Sci Fi Wire that he talked with the trilogy's co-writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens after last week's Oscars about returning to New Zealand to take a small part in director Peter Jackson's upcoming King Kong remake.

"I said, 'I'm coming down in September, when you guys are shooting,'" Wood said. "And they were like, 'Well, we got to get you in there somehow.' So hopefully." What kind of role is he interested in? "I just said I wanted to come down and visit and hopefully be allowed to be stomped on by a foot. So hopefully I'll have something like that.".....source

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Viggo Mortensen to Star in Alatriste

-- Posted by kenzie on Wednesday, March 10 2004 at 11:49 AM GMT

Hidalgo and "The Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen is in talks to topline the Spanish period adventure film Alatriste, in the eponymous role of Captain Alatriste, a Spanish soldier-cum-mercenary embroiled in the country's 16th century imperial wars.

Variety says the film has been written and will be directed by Agustin Diaz Yanes (No News From God). Mexican Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries) is in talks to play Alatriste's page Inigo. Spanish actress Elena Anaya (Van Helsing) looks likely to have a co-starring role as Angelica de Alquezar, Inigo's love-interest......more

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March 9 '04

Bogans: A Short Film

-- Posted by Kalimac on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 10:58 PM GMT

Back when New Zealanders first discovered that Peter Jackson was planning to film Lord of the Rings . . the entire country dreamed about being cast and becoming rich and famous. Bogans is a short film written by Peter Tait about three unemployed mates who make the journey across country to find Peter Jackson and convince him to cast them in his movie. The film features Ian Hughes (Irolas), Peter Tait (Shagrat and Corsair Captain), Paul Glover, Steven Ure (Gorbag), the voice of John Leigh (Hama), and a cameo by Peter Jackson.

Take a look, the site features 3 video clips, synopsis of the journey to create the film, and how all the actors eventually did get roles in Lord of the Rings!

Bogans

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Box Office Update: Monday

-- Posted by Radagast on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 10:58 PM GMT

Return of the King made an estimated $220,000 on the Monday-Daily gross. That is a good gross considering ROTK entered its twelfth week today.

It was once again a slow day for Hidalgo and Viggo Mortensen. On its fourth day it grossed only $1,297,818. Making the total gross an estimated $20,127,253.  The Production Budget for Hidalgo was $100,000,000, and its Marketing costs was an estimated $25,000,000. So as you can see, Viggo Mortensen is a long way from the blockbuster successes he had with Lord of the Rings.

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ dropped a big 50,6% compared to last weeks Monday. ROTK only dropped 25% after it hit, its second Monday.

Maybe The Passion is showing Grossing-fatigue? The same thing happened to Matrix Revolutions which had a stunning first week but dropped fatally soon after. But then again The Passion has already grossed, almost twice the amount of what Revolutions grossed in its lifetime gross. Plus The Passion is predicted to gross huge amounts from the overseas nations. I personally think that The Passion is easily going to reserve a seat on the "Top 10 Worldwide-Grossing of All Time"

But time will tell...


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DVD Answers: The Trilogy Box Set?

-- Posted by Dawn_Noelle on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 9:26 PM GMT

New Line Home Entertainment have kindly sent over artwork for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy boxset which will be arriving in shops from the 25th May alongside Return of the King. It will retail at around $89.98. I should point out that this isn't the all singing, all dancing boxset that is rumoured for a release next year and/or beyond. It is instead a simple repackaging of the existing two disc theatrical editions. No new extra material will be included. It may however, work out a little cheaper than buying the discs seperately, if of course, you don't already own them. The official package artwork....more (thanks to tom at dvdanswers.com)

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Online featurette from WETA

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 9:12 PM GMT

There's a nice little featurette about the making of LOTR and the role of WETA at the Alias web site.  Have a look here

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Meeting that gave world two masterpieces of imagination

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 9:04 PM GMT

THEY were two of the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the 20th century, selling more than 160 million copies worldwide and touching innumerable people with their epic tales of heroism, hope and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. . . more

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The Shire in Milwaukee? Brookfield panel reluctantly OKs subdivision

-- Posted by Nienna_Miriel on Tuesday, March 9 2004 at 9:02 PM GMT

Over the objections of neighbors, city Plan Commission members voted 5-0 Monday to recommend approval of a subdivision next to a landfill.

The commission recommended that the Common Council rezone the land to allow the project, which will feature streets named after characters and places in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings.". . . more

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