Next week the original painting for the cover to the 1982 edition of The Lord of the Rings goes on sale for the first time. The artist, Roger Garland, who contributed more than 40 paintings for the book between 1982 and 1985, has never before been convinced of the financial merits of selling these particular paintings, and admits he has no idea how to price them. To this end he is only selling one painting to “test the market” as he puts it, although there will be some rough sketches on sale as well. “To be honest, I’ve always struggled to find a market for my work,” he says. [More]
Month: October 2003
National Geographic Explores the Fascinating Parallels between Real-Life History and the Characters, Places and Events Brought to Life in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’. [More]
National Geographic Explores the Fascinating Parallels between Real-Life History and the Characters, Places and Events Brought to Life in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 30, 2003–
Companion DVD to Blockbuster Film Trilogy Available at Retail Dec. 16; DVD Available for Pre-Order Nov. 18; $5 Movie Coupon Packaged with DVD for Limited Promotion
In anticipation of the December 17 release of the third installment of New Line Cinema’s “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, National Geographic is releasing its latest “Beyond the Movie” DVD, “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in retail stores Tuesday, December 16–one day prior to the release of the feature film. Retailers can pre-order the DVD through Warner Home Video Tuesday, November 18. Consumers can order the film in DVD or VHS directly by calling 1-800-627-5162. The DVD, available for the suggested retail price of $24.98, will be packaged with movie coupons good for up to $5 off admission to see “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in theaters for a limited time.
Narrated by acclaimed actor John Rhys-Davies (who portrays Gimli in the film trilogy), “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” features commentary from leading historians, field experts and the cast members themselves, who explore the real-life counterparts to the epic events and characters brought to life in the highly anticipated third installment of “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy.
Intercut with footage from the three “The Lord of the Rings” films, the DVD offers compelling insight into the timeless human themes that resonate throughout “The Lord of the Rings” and real-life history – from what motivates reluctant heroes to accomplish great deeds for their country to the roles that counselors have played in determining the course of their nation’s future.
From the incorrigible William Wallace, who fought for the freedom of his country, to the brave Theodore Roosevelt, who rose from self-imposed exile to become one of the foremost leaders of his country, “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” illuminates the parallel personality traits and personal experiences that motivate Aragorn and the other heroes of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Similarly, the DVD analyzes Aragorn’s reluctance to assume the role of king to Queen Elizabeth I’s similar struggle between her personal interests and her duty.
Among other compelling analyses, the DVD traces parallels from the fictional world of “The Lord of the Rings” to historic people and events such as Benjamin Franklin as wise counsel to the United States and Rasputin’s ill-fated influence over the dynastic Romanov family. Supplemented by the cast’s own insight into their characters, “Beyond the Movie — The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” offers an intuitive, riveting perspective on the rich and diverse characters that populate Middle Earth.
Additional DVD features include:
— Photo Gallery
— “Lord of the Rings” Quiz
— Exclusive bonus footage not included in the broadcast version of the show
“Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” will premiere on the National Geographic Channel Friday, Dec. 19, at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.
Fans of the film trilogy can explore the world of Middle Earth even further with “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” which was released in December 2001. Also available in VHS and DVD, the video examines Tolkien’s extraordinary world by delving into the fascinating parallels between real-life myths, events and languages and the fictional world of Middle Earth.
“Beyond the Movie” is an innovative television documentary series from National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F) created to complement and help audiences explore the most compelling real-life questions inspired by today’s feature films.
Designed as a multi-media initiative to provide rich resources for movie-going audiences, “Beyond the Movie” draws upon the vast resources of the National Geographic Society, including the heralded photo archives, print publications, www.nationalgeographic.com, maps, posters, home video, DVD and classroom materials, to offer greater insight into history, science and natural events for those who love movies and want to know more about the real stories that inspire them.
National Geographic Home Video titles are distributed by Warner Home Video (WHV), a Time Warner Company, operating in 57 countries including the United States and Canada. WHV is one of the world’s leading suppliers of pre-recorded videocassettes and videodiscs and is a market leader in family entertainment.
Sala Baker (Sauron) is set to make an apperance at The Chiller Theatre Convention this weekend in New Jersey. [chillertheatre.com]
Singer Annie Lennox is to perform the theme song for the final instalment of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Her song Into The West will feature in The Return Of The King, as well as Howard Shore’s score. “It has been a fascinating experience to be a very small part of this vast jigsaw puzzle entitled The Lord of the Rings,” former Eurythmics star said. The soundtrack is out on 25 November, followed by the film on 17 December. [More]
Dragonspace: Magical and Mythological Treasures on Granville Island. Dr. Graeme Anthony, sculptor and designer for Royal Selangor’s Lord Of The Rings collection, will be at Dragonspace on Friday, October 31, 2003 between 12:00pm and 4:00pm. Collectors and fans will be able to purchase the exclusive limited edition King Elessar goblet authenticated by the artist, only at one of these ten special events held in Canada. Partake in the magic and pre-order your piece in advance for the October 31 signing. Limited quantities are available. [dragon-space.com]