‘Middle Earth inhabitants have bought more than 250,000 copies of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring since video and DVD versions of the movie went on sale around New Zealand on Monday. The film’s distributor is staggered by the success, especially the demand for the DVD version.’ [More]

Thanks to Jasen and Math for the link!

Robert writes: Just thought you guys might like to know that the Coles up here (in Kingston, Ont.) is selling bookmarks that have a replica of the One Ring attached. The price is around $3.00 CDN, and I imagine that these are available in all Coles stores. The ring is just under an inch in diameter, and has Mordor script on both the inside and outside.

jbum writes: A friend of mine (who happens to bear a strong-resemblence to Bilbo Baggins)
sent me the enclosed press release today. He is producing the play of ‘The Hobbit’ in Topanga. Performances start September 28th. Topanga is a beautiful rustic suburb of Los Angeles, and is a wonderful setting for the play. He is currently being coy about how the Smaug effects will be achieved onstage. [More]

Before all of the reports start flooding in, I want to take a moment and thank the great folks who put together an amazing weekend in LA for Tolkien fans. Through the efforts of fan club members and some TORn regulars, a great time was had by all. Whether it was the Friday night PubMoot or the BowlMoot/Howard Shore Concert tonight, when Tolkien fans get together they sure do know how to have fun! A hearty thanks from all of us here at TheOneRing.net. Cheers!

Moria OrcSideshow Toy, half of Sideshow/Weta Collectibles, has posted their Comic Con 2002 report. See pictures of Sideshow employee Heath Hammond being transformed into a Moria Orc, as well as other pictures of Richard Taylor, Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz and Witchking), and Sala Baker(Sauron). There are also pictures of the Cave Troll LOTR exhibitor display and the many fans that visited their booth. [More]

Lao of Gondor brings us part two of his culture study of Isengard for the Lord of the Rings Trading Card game! [More]