Eric sent in a good link to the Historical Arms and Armour site, with an essay ‘There is…
Continue ReadingEric sent in a good link to the Historical Arms and Armour site, with an essay ‘There is no best sword’ that comments on some of the mistakes we see on films trying to show historically authentic medieval fighting. This should interest all those of us who sneak off to get our fix of sword&sandals epics while we wait for LOTR to come out….[More]
I swear I’ve read this before, but here it is again on the Onion: Ralph Bakshi (who made the 1978 animated ‘Rings’) responding to the current ‘Rings’ project. It’s pretty funny, in an unfortunate way. [More]
Thanks to Derek
Just a few words about Trailer 2 of FOTR. It will be seen in France during ” la Fête du Cinéma “, ( at the start of July ) with a message from PJ himself in front of the trailer, according to the president’s event. Thanks to Gillossen of Elbakin.com for that tipoff!
Ringer spy Dave went to meet Ian Holm [Bilbo] after his performance of a play:
“Hi lads, finally got to meet Sir Ian Holm last night.
I hung around after the play (which is sold out solid) and the very kind doorguy let me upstairs to say hello(he even told me where to wait). I was in a bit of a quandry as to what to ask him to sign,the Hobbit or the Fellowship ( I have the box set edition
of Rings with JRRT’s own artwork) so I decided to bring both.
Out he came,and it was incredible! (so much so that it was a few seconds before I could say anything)in the flesh,and his own clothes,he actually looks more like I always imagined Bilbo to look,than any of the images of “his” Bilbo from the film. He’s quite short,and has that aged stoop you get (he is 70 this year!) and he’s got a lovely timbre to his voice. His hair is much longer too. I introduced myself ,and explained that I’m a huge fan of the books and I’m living to see these films, would he mind signing something for me?
I explained that I didnt know which book to bring so I brought both; he said it was no problem at all and brought me over to a table where he squiggled on the first page of both the Hobbit and the Fellowship. He was very enthusiastic and friendly.
I told him i keep an eye out everyday online for LOTR developments and that the online community reckon things are looking/sounding as if they are shaping up really well. He said it looks wonderful and has come across brilliantly,though he only saw a small part. He said this film will be a landmark in film-making (he referred to it as “this film” which i thought was great) and said Peter Jackson is doing a wonderful job. I told him I was more than likely seeing the play (The Homecoming by Harold Pinter)on Saturday. He said it’s no “Lord of the Rings,”but it is beautiful.
I thanked him for his time and let him head to the bar. I went home with a happy glow. He really is a very nice chap. I hope you enjoyed reading this….(I mean it’s BILBO!!) so I think you understand:)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JVC JOINS WITH NEW LINE CINEMA TO PROMOTE “THE LORD OF THE RINGS” TRILOGY
JVC to be the Exclusive Electronics Partner in Promoting the Highly Anticipated Epic Adventure Trilogy
Wayne, NJ (June 28, 2001) – JVC, one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of sophisticated audio, video and related software products, today announced that it is partnering with New Line Cinema to establish a comprehensive co-branded marketing program. The partnership will cross-promote JVC consumer video products with the theatrical and home video releases of “The Lord of the Rings” motion pictures, and casts JVC as the exclusive electronics sponsor of the highly anticipated epic adventure trilogy.
The three year deal, with an estimated value of over $40 million in advertising and promotions, kicks off in September and represents a major initiative from the JVC Consumer Video Division and New Line Cinema that will encompass print, radio, and TV outlets. The initial stages of the campaign will kick-off with the unveiling of a JVC Times Square billboard. JVC and New Line Cinema will also collaborate to create additional sweepstakes, bounce back, and bundling opportunities.
“JVC is pleased to join its high-quality line of consumer video products with New Line Cinema’s promotional efforts for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to bring consumers a fully integrated experience for the enjoyment of this groundbreaking epic,” said Jerry Barbera, vice president of JVC Consumer Video Division. “The creative imagery behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ makes it a perfect vehicle for JVC to deliver its message of innovative technology by maximizing the consumer’s visual experience with JVC video products.”
“The New Line-JVC relationship is rich with history and success,” said Rose Polidoro, executive vice president of national promotions of New Line Cinema. “Our Lord of the Rings partnership affords us the opportunity to build a strong marketing presence over a three year period and maximize this first-ever release pattern.”
J.R.R. Tolkien created “The Lord of the Rings,” which takes place in the mythical world that is “Middle-earth.” It’s a story of good versus evil that features extraordinary heroes and wondrous creatures. The trilogy will debut December 19th with the first movie in the series, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” JVC will provide promotional support for both theatrical release and the video edition scheduled to debut on shelves in 2002.
JVC will launch its promotional efforts with limited edition co-branded DVD player and VCR packaging featuring a custom compilation DVD or VHS version of “The Lord of the Rings” trailers, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, and an exclusive limited edition “The Lord of the Rings” sticker. The co-branded DVD player and VCR packages are scheduled to be in stores by September.
JVC will also sponsor a retail sweepstakes for tickets to the premiere of “The Lord of the Rings” in December.
The JVC Consumer Video Division develops and markets products such as Digital Video Camcorders, VHS-C Camcorders, Digital Still Cameras, Super VHS VCR’s, VHS VCR’s, and Digital Video Disk (DVD) players.
For more information on JVC, the JVC/”Lord of the Rings” promotion or JVC products, contact Donna Austi or Fernando Cruz (212) 320-3288/3262 of TSI Communications Worldwide at or Jessica Olsen of JVC at (973) 315-5000, ext. 5312, or visit JVC’s Web site at www.jvc.com.
“The Lord of the Rings” is directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Barrie M. Osborne. The films feature a strong international cast that included (in alphabetical order) Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood.
About New Line Cinema
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry’s leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com.
About JVC JVC, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer. The company distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment including DVD players and changers, camcorders, VCRs, color televisions, home and portable audio equipment, mobile entertainment and recording media.
The Hollywood Reporter has some very bad news for US LOTR fans today.
New Line is changing their contracts with theaters and some theater chains don’t like it. As a result, the US’s largest theater chain, Regal Cinemas, is protesting by not showing Fellowship of the Ring in their theaters this coming December. Other chains might also follow this boycott.
This is not good news for us folks. Cinescape.com has a longer article describing this decision in greater detail. [More]
