Collecting The Precious – Weta Workshop’s Strider Statue

May 4th, 2012 by elessar | No Comments »

Tonight, the artisans from Weta released the latest statue in their mini-statue line. The character chosen to join the line-up, accompanying Gollum and Gandalf the Grey, is none other than the future King of Gondor, Strider. This adaptation of the character, features Strider as we first see him in Bree. This is the first time we’ve seen Strider captured in this pose and looks to be a must own The Lord of the Rings collectible. This statue will cost $75 and will be shipping sometime in September/October.

Viggo Mortensen part 3 – the philosophy of Viggo. (Includes new video!)

March 17th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

Apologies for the delay in this post; it took longer than expected to wrestle my thoughts into (hopefully!) coherent form!  It’s not easy to craft a post – without writing an entire book (and this isn’t far off)! –  which captures the essence of all that Viggo Mortensen had to say when he attended the Coolidge Award here in Boston.  In this final part of the write-up, I wanted to try to capture Mortensen’s philosophy of life, as revealed through remarks he made during the various gatherings at the Coolidge Theatre.  In the three sessions at the Coolidge – press Q&A, questions after the Eastern Promises screening, and the evening discussion with WBUR’s Robin Young – Mortensen was asked many questions, and his thoughtful way of looking at the world, (and at the art he wishes to create in that world), was revealed in the answers he gave.

Mortensen is often referred to as a ‘Renaissance man’, because of his seeming ability to turn his hand to all manner of talents.  He has written poetry, exhibited photography and paintings, even composed music.  He told the audience at the Coolidge, ‘I might like to try directing at some point.’  He is an excellent horseman and was praised by the late swordmaster Bob Anderson (in the Two Towers DVD extras) as being ‘the best swordsman I’ve ever trained’.  On top of all that, he’s a rather good actor….  In spite of all this ability, Mortensen continues to be known as ‘No ego Viggo’; how is it that he stays so humble?  And what drives him to try his hand in so many different fields?

Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – part 2 (new video!)

March 13th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

On Monday 5th March The Coolidge Theatre in Boston honoured Viggo Mortensen with their Coolidge Award.  (More information about the award, and the prestigious list of former winners, can be found here.)

The first event of the day was a press Q&A, which TheOneRing.net attended.  There were about twenty reporters in the room, from publications ranging from student magazines to Boston newspapers, and the sound of cameras clicking was constant throughout the session.  Mortensen was charming, easy-going and friendly; he began the session by commenting on the stage set up – ‘Nice flowers!’ – and ended, as reported here last week, with a teasing joke to the organisers.

When the floor was opened to questions, there was the usual hesitation whilst everyone wonders who will be brave and go first.  A dragon is never afraid, so TORn’s own greendragon – ’tis I! – raised her hand.  Of course I wanted to ask Mortensen something to do with Middle-earth!  As you will recall, when the two Hobbit movies were first being discussed, there was talk of the second movie being a ‘bridge’ movie, telling the tale of events between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  In a 2006 interview with Ain’t it cool News, Peter Jackson said that he hoped to include ‘Aragorn protecting The Shire. [I'd]… love to work with Viggo again.’  I asked Mortensen about this, and if he would like to have gone back to Middle-earth; he responded with some surprise, (‘Did he say that?!’) and said, ‘It sounds like a lot of fun but I never heard from Peter!’  He added that he loves to go back to the ‘beautiful country’ New Zealand when he can, and that he also is looking forward to seeing how The Hobbit will be adapted for the big screen.

(More plus video after the break!)

All the scoop on Viggo Mortensen’s visit to Boston – Part 1 of 3

March 13th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

It’s been just over a week and I’ve finally been able to gather my thoughts enough to bring you a full write-up of all the fun and games which happened at the Coolidge Theatre in Boston, when Viggo Mortensen came to town!  We have three parts of TORn’s write-up to bring you, plus links to some wonderful footage from other sources.  If you’re a Viggo fan, you’re in for a treat!

To begin with, on Sunday 4th March The Coolidge hosted a screening of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  As fans know, it is always special when you get to see these films on the big screen, surrounded by fellow geeks; and there are few better cinemas for atmosphere than The Coolidge.  It is an independent movie house which is everything a cinema should be – wonderful, knowledgeable staff, beautiful decor, comfy seats and wide-ranging programming.  Whenever they can, the folks at The Coolidge show movies on 35mm film – they still have actual projectionists working away to bring you what you see on the big screen!  (This meant that, whilst we saw the extended editions of Fellowship of the Ring and Two Towers, Return of the King was the theatrical edition.  The 35mm prints of the extended editions for the first two movies were made for ‘Trilogy Tuesday’ in 2003, when Return of the King was released; so there are no 35mm prints of the RotK EE in existence.)

Following the release of the blu-rays last December, we have started to get used to seeing these movies in crystal clear, vibrant hi-def.  For me, however, the original prints have a richness and softness which is lacking in the sharpness of high-definition.  35mm offers a depth of vision, an almost golden or sepia warmth, which seems appropriate for Middle-earth.  The Coolidge’s main theatre also has wonderful sound, so my seat vibrated as the balrog roared and I felt the need to cover my ears at the Witch King’s piercing shriek – perfect!  The sold-out house of fans – almost 450 of us! – all seemed to enjoy revisiting these old friends as much as I did.

Viggo Mortensen charms the crowd… (more video!)

March 7th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

Wow.  What a guy.  You know, I’ve always admired Viggo Mortensen as an actor, and I do think he makes a wonderful Aragorn, but in terms of crushes I was always more of a Faramir sort of gal.  Until now…  Mortensen is charming, funny, humble, laid back, erudite, fascinating – oh, and did I mention, very handsome?  During the various events at the Coolidge Theatre, Mortensen showed himself to be worthy of every bit of praise you’ve ever read about him.  The internet is buzzing with excitement following his appearances in Boston; and here at TORn we’ll be bringing you a three-part report on all the fun.  (This is a man who has A LOT to say!)  Meanwhile, here’s a video of the moment when he actually received the award (the best I could get in a crowded room of excited folks!)

Viggo Mortensen teaches us all his song!! (video)

March 5th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

The excitement never stops – at any rate, not when Aragorn is in town!  Today Viggo Mortensen was back at the Coolidge Theatre in Boston, and at a Q&A session following a screening of Eastern Promises, he decided that rather than just sing Aragorn’s coronation song, he would teach it to the packed theatre.  So here’s your chance to sing along:

There is much more to tell and report – Mortensen is a fascinating speaker – and there’s another event this evening!  Read all about it here at TORn – as soon as I can get it written up!

Viggo Mortensen – One sing to rule them all! (video)

March 5th, 2012 by greendragon | Discuss | | No Comments »

It’s all happening here in Boston! Yesterday the Coolidge Theatre hosted a trilogy screening, in honour of Viggo Mortensen – to whom they are today giving the Coolidge Award. It’s always fabulous to see the Lord of the Rings films on the big screen, and to enjoy them with an army of fellow fans. The 442 seat theatre was sold out – and everyone who secured a ticket was in for a treat indeed!

Jesse Hassinger and Mark Anastasio, the Program Manager and Program Coordinator at the Coolidge, welcomed us all before we settled in to watch Fellowship of the Ring. Between that and Two Towers, TORn staffer greendragon (that’s me!) had a chance to say hi to the crowd and to remind them all (as if we could forget!) that The Hobbit is coming! Then, just as we were settling again for Return of the King, Denise Kasell, the Coolidge’s Director, told us all that they had a ‘little surprise’ for us – and in walked the king himself, Viggo Mortensen! (More text after the video)

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More about Events, Film Screenings, Headlines, Lord of the Rings, LotR Cast News, LotR Movies, Movie Fellowship of the Ring, Movie Return of the King, Movie The Two Towers, Viggo Mortensen

Boston Trilogy Screening

February 28th, 2012 by greendragon | No Comments »

Thanks to all who entered to win tickets to the Lord of the Rings trilogy screening taking place at Boston’s Coolidge Corner Theatre on Sunday 4th March.  The winners have been notified by email; so if you haven’t heard from us, sorry you weren’t one of the lucky ones!  At time of writing, there were still some tickets remaining for sale – so head over to the Coolidge’s website to snap them up!

Don’t forget the other movie showings leading up to Viggo Mortensen’s presence at the Coolidge on Monday 5th March; three of his movies are being shown this week, details of which can be found here.   Then the man himself will be there to accept the Coolidge Award on Monday 5th; the evening event is sold out, but you can still get tickets to the noon showing of Eastern Promises, which will be followed by a Q&A with Mortensen.

TORn looks forward to seeing you there!  Staffer greendragon will be at the Trilogy screening – so if you see someone wearing a shirt with TheOneRing.net’s logo on it in gold, feel free to come up and say hi!

Trilogy screening, Viggo Mortensen and a Giveaway in Boston!

February 20th, 2012 by greendragon | Discuss | | 7 Comments »

Exciting things are happening for Lord of the Rings fans in Boston!  The Coolidge Corner Theatre‘s annual ‘Coolidge Award’ is being given to Viggo Mortensen.  This means that Aragorn himself will be in town on Monday 5th March to accept his award!  The Coolidge Corner Theatre will be showing several of Mortensen’s movies in the run up to March 5th, as well as hosting an all day LotR trilogy marathon screening on Sunday 4th March.  On Monday 5th there will be a lunchtime movie screening with a Q&A with Mortensen, followed later by an ‘Evening with Viggo Mortensen’ event.

TORn will of course be present and will bring you a report of all these exciting happenings.  One of the more elusive cast members, any chance to see Aragorn in the flesh, and to hear Viggo Mortensen answer the questions of his fans, is a treat indeed.  Full details can be found at Coolidge Corner’s website.  The movies and dates are as follows:

Tues 28 Feb, 7pm – A History of Violence
Wed 29 Feb, 7pm – A Walk on the Moon
Thurs 1 Mar, 7pm – The Road
Sun 4 Mar, starting at 11am – LotR trilogy screening
Mon 5 Mar, starting at 12noon – a day of events with Viggo Mortensen

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More about Contests, Events, Fans, Film Screenings, Lord of the Rings, LotR Cast News, LotR Movies, Meet Ups, Viggo Mortensen

And now we have….LEGOlas!

January 19th, 2012 by newsfrombree | Discuss | | 15 Comments »

The LEGO teases continue this week with a fan favorite! Today we reveal LEGO’s namesake (okay, maybe not), in the form of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Legolas Poster. Last week we saw the Aragorn teaser poster, so if we continue the theme, we should probably see the final hunter, Gimli, next week! Whether Gimli shows up next week or not, we continue to anxiously await the upcoming The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit LEGO sets! LEGO announced recently they will be producing items for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the upcoming The Hobbit films. Collectibles are set to be released this coming Summer. Jump on over to LEGO’s official site for The Lord of the Rings and keep watching TheOneRing.net for more updates! [Official Site] [Larger Version] [Read the Announcement] [LEGOlas PDF]

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More about LEGO, Lord of the Rings, LotR Cast News, LotR Movies, Merchandise, Movie Return of the King, Other Merchandise, Toys, Viggo Mortensen

Actor Viggo Mortensen

January 15th, 2012 by xoanon | 11 Comments »

From onpoint.wbur.org: We talk with Viggo Mortensen – Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings – about his new role as Sigmund Freud. Actor Viggo Mortensen makes a singular impression on screen. As sword-wielding Strider –Aragorn – in Lord of the Rings. As bewitching lover in A Walk on the Moon. As Russian gangster in Eastern Promises. As horseman in Hidalgo. As Sigmund Freud in the new A Dangerous Method.

He’s tough but tender. Dangerous, and something indefinable. Maybe it’s the Danish daddy. The school years in Argentina. The sidelines in poetry and painting. The outsider sensibility. The politics of Kucinich and Cindy Sheehan. More..

Behold! The LOTR Aragorn LEGO Poster!

January 10th, 2012 by Calisuri | Discuss | | 19 Comments »

Those of us who are anxiously awaiting the upcoming The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit LEGO sets get an additional tease today! Hot off the presses, here is LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Aragorn Poster. I think it is safe to say that Viggo never looked so good as a LEGO! If you were not aware, LEGO has announced recently they will be producing items for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the upcoming The Hobbit films. Collectibles are set to be released this coming Summer. Jump on over to LEGO’s official site for The Lord of the Rings and keep watching TheOneRing.net for more updates! [Official Site] [Download the Poster PDF] [Read the Announcement]

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More about LEGO, Lord of the Rings, LotR Cast News, LotR Movies, Merchandise, Movie Return of the King, Other Merchandise, Toys, Viggo Mortensen