LOTR Vending Machines - Xoanon @ 20:16 PST
Laurelin writes: Imagine my surprise when I went to the movies today, and found a 'Lord of the Rings' vending machine in the lobby! Even though I have reached an age of decorum, so to speak, I abandoned all respectability kneeling on the floor in front of the shrine, dumping out all my change on the carpet looking for quarters. After my third trip to the popcorn stand for more change, I managed to retrieve all of the set except for one. It was embarrassment, more than restraint that prevented me from asking the same snack guy if he could break a ten . . .

The set is produced by Tomy for New Line and consists of twelve 'simulated brass' (a.k.a. plastic) busts, each approximately an inch and a half tall. The bottom forms a black base, with 'Lord of the Rings' in tiny gold script. Three of the set are in full color: Aragorn, Gandalf and Frodo. Nine others are in brass-tone: Boromir, Aragorn, Sam, Pippin, Merry, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf and Frodo. They are actually pretty nice considering they are from a $1.00 vending machine. Packaging is the standard two-piece plastic ball, along with the enclosure I have attached.

Coming soon to a vending machine near you . . . Do yourself a favor though, and bring a pocketful of quarters, work fast, and make sure no one you know is watching! [More]