Barliman's Chat

A couple of weekends ago, we dived into the big battle of The Two Towers as we discussed Helm’s Deep (Book III, Chapter VII) in Hall of Fire.

For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a log. And a reminder: tomorrow (Saturday June 15 at 6pm EDT) we’ll be moving onto the next chapter as we examine the events of The Road to Isengard. Continue reading “Hall of Fire chat log: Helm’s Deep”

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desolation of smaug poster Some breaking news via Stuff.co.nz. A huge cloud of smoke engulfed a Hobbit film set on the Miramar Peninsula when a generator caught fire.

Ed Scragg, who saw the fire from a Roseneath home on the other side of Evans Bay, said clouds of smoke engulfed a lighting tower on the set which has been built on land close to the old Mt Crawford Prison.

The lights went out and then came back on again, said Mr Scragg who said a number of fire trucks were seen racing to the scene. Continue reading “Generator catches fire at Hobbit set”

Barliman's Chat Throughout the War of the Ring there were several turning points, but among the most crucial to the downfall of Sauron was the battle of Helm’s Deep and the defeat of Saruman’s forces.

This Saturday, (July 15 at 6pm EDT (New York time)) the Hall of Fire crew invite you to join us as we discuss the downfall of Saruman, the wizard who would become the Lord of the Ring.

‘Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!’ he said. ‘We are the doorwardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name; and my companion, who, alas! is overcome with weariness’ – here he gave the other a dig with his foot – ‘is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such honourable guests.’ Continue reading “Hall of Fire topic this weekend: The Road to Isengard”

A few reports are coming in from fans that the IMAX screenings of ‘Man of Steel’ do NOT include a trailer for ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’ These reports are unconfirmed. If you would like to guarantee you will get to the see the trailer on the big screen this weekend, we highly suggest calling your local theater and speaking with an employee. Feel free to post your findings in our comments below! Happy Trail…ering!  (oh that was lame) 

DVD1
The Hobbit theatrical Blu-ray
We’ve known for a while that there would be an Extended Edition of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Warner Bros.’ press release back in March, at the time of the release of the Theatrical Edition DVD and Blu-ray, said that the Extended Edition would be ‘available just in time for the holidays’. Now we’ve learned that this extended cut has been given a rating by The Motion Picture Association of America. Their bulletin (seen here) gives the movie the same rating as it had in theatrical release, PG-13. But here’s the interesting part – in theatres, the PG-13 rating was for ‘intense fantasy action violence and frightening images.’ Here’s what the rating says for the extended version:

‘Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, frightening images and fleeting nudity.’

‘… and fleeting nudity.’ Now that is something to ponder. A glimpse of the dwarves wrecking Bilbo’s bathroom? A scene where Bilbo leaves his house in such haste, he forgets more than his pocket handkerchief?! Being serious for a moment, what could this be? My best guess is some dwarvish high jinks; what do you think?

Thanks to ringer spies kirkempk and An anonymous Ringer for bringing this to our attention!

TORn Staffer Demosthenes adds:

I think there is one possibility from The Hobbit that could fit the situation of fleeting nudity — when the Company bathe and wash their clothes in the Anduin after the Eagles drop them at the Carrock.

After that they stopped pleading. Then they took off their clothes and bathed in the river, which was shallow and clear and stony at the ford. When they had dried in the sun, which was now strong and warm, they were refreshed, if still sore and a little hungry. Soon they crossed the ford (carrying the hobbit), and then began to march through the long green grass and down the lines of the wide-armed oaks and the tall elms.

Queer Lodgings — The Hobbit.