Here’s a link to some REALLY nice pictures of New Zealand from Artek Why link to them? Here’s some words from the DVD’s creator, John Banks: “I’ve send this to TORN for a number of reasons. Primary of these is that this project might be of interest to those who know & love LOTR. Nature is really the central character of these short explorations. Much of the disc was filmed in England as well as some other far flung locations. Green woods, waterfalls and forest trails are the main locations as are castles, temples and other ancient structures. Like countless others, LOTR inspired my youth with visions of tramping through the woods in search of secrets and wonderment.

Luckily, this inspiration has never faded and still motivates much travel and artwork. Although this work is not a literal vision of any of the events in LOTR, it is heavily influenced by the sentiment of Tolkien’s green, visual writing.”

“The section entitled “Journey Cycle” is probably the most journeylike, it was modeled after the monomyth cycle of Joseph Campbell.”

The press release says, “2002 Artek Images has released Illuminated Manuscripts, a new DVD featuring a series of digital animations exploring the visionary nature of journeys. Layering an original soundtrack over photographic scenes of temples, waterfalls, forests and doorways, this DVD introduces a new experience of art that draws from video, music, nature, and special effects. Illuminated Manuscripts features organically styled computer animation by John S. Banks and world/electronic music by composer Fritz Heede. This disc contains 17 beautiful works that explore visions of lost worlds and journeys of discovery. With original sources drawn from ancient sites, deep green nature and lost languages, Illuminated Manuscripts will appeal to anyone interested in Animation, Nature, Meditation and Fantasy.” It’s available here from Amazon

A well-placed Ringer spy was able to tell us that a certain jewellery chain store in NZ and Australia will be selling replicas of the One Ring soon. [More]

A few days back we heard that Argos was selling it in the UK. Thanks to all of you who sent in the link where you can buy it online. [More]

HarperCollins Publishers in the UK will be releasing a third edition of the book, THE ROAD GOES EVER ON by JRR Tolkien and Donald Swann, in October 2002. This new hardback edition includes all the poems from the second edition (including “Bilbo’s Last Song”) together with, for the first time, the poem “Lúthien Tinúviel” from THE SILMARILLION, which has been similarly set to music. The book is accompanied by a free CD recording of all the songs as performed by Donald Swann and singer William Elvin. “Lúthien Tinúviel” is sung by Clive McCrombie. The book is priced at £19.99.

Orlando, run for your life…turn tail and head back to obscurity…run for your life my friend…don’t turn around to look back, that’s when they get you…just run as fast as your little legs can carry you! [More]

An interesting trailer for the new Cate Blanchett (Galadriel) film ‘Heaven’ was released today, take a look at it here. (Quicktime 5 Needed) [More]