Ian McKellen, who plays the wizard Gandalf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings films, told SCI FI Wire that Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien was “looking down or up” on writer/producer/director Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. [More]
Day: November 8, 2001
Led blindfolded, the Fellowship arrive at the Golden Wood, Lothlórien, where they are kindly greeted by Lord Celeborn and Galadriel. Bearing ill tidings of the demise of Gandalf the Grey, the eight walkers are welcomed by the Elves and spend several days in their lands. However, they must never forget the quest they still have in front of them, a message made very clear by the harrowing vision Frodo sees in the pale waters of a flowing basin. This weekend, the Hall of Fire discusses:
Book II Chapter VII – The Mirror of Galadriel
As the Fellowship remain in the untainted lands of Lothlórien, the news of Gandalf’s fall into the abyss causes great sorrow, and songs of lament about Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim, the Istari from the West. During this time, the Fellowship learn of the stature of the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien, and how deeply woven the One Ring has become in their lives since it’s forging all those years ago.
And one night under the evening star, Galadriel leads Sam and Frodo to the Mirror of Galadriel, a basin that shows things that were, and things that are, the things that yet may be. In it each sees in it a deep-rooted fear in their soul and each realises what rests on their shoulders, not just the destruction of the One Ring but the preservation of Middle-Earth from the ultimate evil.
A fantastic chapter without a doubt, and one that poses some serious questions to the remaining members of the Fellowship. But it also stirs some emotions in the reader itself, as we watch Frodo and Sam look into a reflection of their hopes, fears and wildest dreams. This weekend, we have three chats across the world to accomodate as many people as possible, and we hope you join us for what should be a fantastic discussion.
Upcoming Discussions:
Nov 10 & 11: FotR Chapter Discussion – Mirror of Galadriel
Nov 17 & 18: FotR Chapter Discussion – Farewell to Lórien
Place:
#thehalloffire on theonering.net server; come to theonering.net’s chat room Barliman’s and then type /join #thehalloffire .
Saturday Chat: 7:00 pm ET (19:00) [also 12:00 am Sunday (0:00) GMT and 10:00 am Sunday (10:00) AET]
Sunday Chat: 5:00 pm (17:00) AET [also 07:00 am (07:00) GMT and 2:00 am (02:00) ET]
Sunday Chat: 6:00 pm (18:00) GMT [also 1:00 pm (13:00) ET and 4:00 am (04:00) Monday morning AET]
ET = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast
GMT = Greenwich Mean Time, Great Britain & Ireland
AET = Australian Eastern Time, Australia’s East Coast
Questions? Topics? Send ‘em here.
Toymania.com managed to catch up with ToyBiz VP Joann McLaughlin, and in their interview talk about Strider shipping late, Galadriel & Frodo postponed for spoiler reasons, hammer-swinging Cave Troll and not-quite 40 foot Balrog. [More]
Calisuri slips inside the LA Barnes & Noble event with Sean Astin (Sam), and learns some interesting details from the (injury) man himself. [More]
Danny sent me this press release he received about the new FOTR CD Cardz being produced by Serious USA, which will feature highlights, screensavers, film trailers and sound effects. [More]
Join The Hobbits On Their Journey From Middle-Earth To Your Desktop First Series Of The Lord Of The Rings CD Rom Cardz In Stores Thanksgiving Day
– New York, New York, November 7 2001
As the first instalment of New Line Cinema’s highly anticipated epic, live-action trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, careens towards the big screen on December 19, Frodo, Gandalf, Strider, and Ringwraiths will also hit your monitor screen in a series of CD Rom Cardz. The premiere 4-card set of CD Cardz based on the first instalment, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” will offer fans an in-depth look at the greatest fantasy-adventure story ever told — inside an era where humans share the world with immortal elves, powerful wizards and industrious dwarves. Fully loaded with highlights, screensavers, film trailers and sound FX, the first set of the official The Fellowship of the Ring Cardz will feature the lead characters of “Middle Earth” including Elijah Wood as “Frodo Baggins,” Sir Ian McKellen as “Gandalf,” Viggo Mortensen as “Strider,” and the looming Ringwraiths. Produced by Serious USA, Inc., CD Cardz are the latest in portable and affordable hi-tech, entertainment products and marks the introduction of digital collectibles without the headaches of additional software and hardware installation.
The first set of The Lord of the Rings CD Cardz will be available November 22 and will retail for $19.95 in select stores nationwide and at serioususa.com. Serious USA will continue to produce CD Cardz series for the entire trilogy, including: The Two Towers (December 02) and The Return of the King (December 03).
“The Lord of the Rings is a breakthrough movie franchise on a staggering scale,” said Serious USA President, David-Joseph Brown. “The world of this classic story, brought to the screen by the creme of international moviemakers, translates brilliantly on to our new technology.”
“We’re excited to partner with Serious USA for The Lord of the Rings CD ROM Cardz,” commented Randi Goodman, Vice President, Domestic Licensing and Merchandising, New Line Cinema. “Without a doubt, Tolkien enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the cutting-edge artistry of the films. Now, with the CD ROM Cardz, fans of all ages can take some of this cinematography home with them.”
Serious USA, the producer of the CD Cardz, is the U.S. operating company of UK-based Serious Global Holdings Ltd (SGH) which sold close to 3 million CD Cardz in its first year of operation including: Euro 00 Soccer; Titan A.E. , Westlife; and Butt-Ugly Martians. Based in Manhattan, Serious USA is a cutting-edge multimedia company specializing in the production of CD Cardz for the consumer market. More information about Serious USA can be obtained at www.serioususa.com.