Lynnette P writes: As part of my research for my current Lord of the Rings book project, I’ve set up a questionnaire here. To gather comments about Tolkien’s book, Peter Jackson’s films, and Lord of the Rings fandom. The survey is completed anonymously and takes about 5-10 minutes. I’m looking for a wide variety of responses, from long-time Tolkien readers to new fans of the films. I appreciate all responses to the survey, and thank everyone in advance for helping me conduct my research. Could you post the link and a brief message about my research on TORN? If anyone has questions about the survey or the forthcoming book, please contact me at porterly@erau.edu. [Survey]

Take an early look on our ‘DVD Tuesday’ feature…every Monday! There are a whole slew of amazing DVDs out tomorrow, take a look at some TV goodies like; ‘Animaniacs, Vol. 1-3’ & ‘Daniel Boone: Season 4’. Some new collection DVDs include ‘The Die Hard collection’ & ‘Lucille Ball Film Collection’ The big releases of of the week include; ‘Bridge to Terabithia’, ‘Miss Potter’ & ‘Reno 911: Miami’. The Blu ray gurus get only ‘Bridge to Terabithia’. Check out the whole list here! [More]

Weta Limited, under the brand Weta Originals has revealed its show exclusive piece for 2007, that will be available this years San Diego Comic Con. The piece is a miniature version of the Weta Originals ManMelter from the Rayguns range, titled, the ‘Mini ManMelter’. The Mini ManMelter is a quarter sized replica of its larger brother, the ManMelter. The Mini ManMelter weighs approximately 120 grams (not including packaging), is slightly larger than a matchbox and is priced at $30US. [More]

Lee at the Festroia Film Festival Antonio writes: My father and I saw Christopher Lee at the Festroia Film Festival in Portugal, we took some pictures that we want to share. [More]

The Lord of the Rings Online game will celebrate the first annual Summer Solstice Festival live for three weeks. The first of many planned seasonal festivities, the festival will offer players a number of unique quests, vendors and activities.

Turbine (US) and Codemasters (Europe) provide the update as part of the quest to attract and retain monthly subscribers who want to play in and explore an online version of Middle-earth populated with other players participating live.

The Summer Solstice Festival is called different things by different races. Whether it’s the Lithe Festival (Hobbits), Summerdays (Men), Summerfest (Dwarves) or the Festival of Enedhin (Elves), they all share the common themes of summer including planting, dancing, drinking, games and fireworks. Players can celebrate throughout
Middle-earth from June 20th to July 10th by interacting with special vendors and participating in quests designed just for the festival.

According to a press release from Turbine activites include:

  • Dancing – There will be dancing quests with new race-specific dance emotes as a reward.
  • Fireworks – Players who collect fireworks from each of the four vendors in the Summer Solstice Festival will receive a unique firework.
  • Scavenger Hunts – Players can participate in one of three scavenger hunts that will grant them unique special recipes, seeds and pipeweed.
  • Hobnanigans – Join in madcap chicken-chasing games! There is an arena near the Bree Festival Grounds with two team captains as quest bestowers. Once twelve players are ready, the “Game Hen” will appear in the center of the arena and players will use a stick to persuade the chicken around the arena. Each team will have to get the chicken into a goal at the far end of the field three times within a certain time limit.The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players can experience Middle-earth online. The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers across North America and Europe. For more information about visit www.lotro.com.
  • It’s the most expensive West End musical ever and has been three years in the making, but now The Lord of the Rings is about to open. Paul Arendt enters a world of elves, ents and leather-clad orcs. Matthew Warchus is looking a little frazzled. It’s not surprising: after three years of development, a lengthy dry run in Toronto and an unprecedented six weeks of London previews, The Lord of the Rings musical is ready to face the critics. As director and co-writer, Warchus has given four years of his life to the project. “I don’t have to worry about this becoming habit forming,” he says during a break in rehearsals. “I certainly don’t intend to do something on this scale ever again.” [More]