With 2014 about to come to a close, we thought we’d look back at the big stories of the year. So read on and check out our 14 most popular posts of 2014!

By the way, it doesn’t end here — don’t forget you can join us in Hollywood in February at the The One Last Party. Even if you can’t make it, there are still plenty of cool and interesting perks available if you’d like to back us!

Or you can always join our community in our chatroom or on the messageboards.

 

No. 14: Analysing the role of The Necromancer

BotFA Trailer Sauron

In one of the many wonderful editorials by our volunteer staff, Ringer Captain Salt looks into the significance of an expanded film character played by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Somewhat amazingly, we first posted this in late 2013. It’s popularity is testimony to the enduring and ongoing interest in the subject!

The Dol Guldur storyline was only a minor portion of the first Hobbit film. Yet it set in motion things which will expand into a major story thread in The Desolation of Smaug after Gandalf leaves the company early on to deal with “some pressing business away south”.

Just how will the Necromancer story play out in the second film? It appears this depends on how many of the other story lines are tied into that which most serves as a direct prequel to The Lord of the Rings.

Look back at our full report

 

No. 13: The final Hobbit film is being renamed?

THE HOBBIT - FAKE TABA TITLE

In the end, Into the Fire wasn’t the title WB settled on, but its registration was the first hint of some large changes afooot with the final Middle-earth film.

A little bird came knocking today, and whispered some intriguing — and slightly baffling — news into our ears. Ringer Spy The Knocking Thrush, who is a reliable source, dropped us a line to let us know that New Line have registered a new title: The Hobbit: Into the Fire. But for what?

Look back at our full report

 

No. 12: A TIE! The Desolation of Smaug Theatrical and Extended Edition release

DoSEEDVD

The quest to own the precious! Folks were keen to hear the DVD and Bl-ray info and global release dates for both Theatrical and Extended Editions!

Read about it here at TORn before this information is available anywhere else!

Thanks to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, we can now bring you all the official information about when you will be able to take home The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Look back at our full report

 

No. 11: Recording begins on The Battle of the Five Armies soundtrack

BOFA Standard OST Cover Art

There was much waiting, including a strange period when everyone seemed absolutely convinced that Enya was getting called in to perform the closing song.

However, we finally got some firm movement on the soundtrack for The Battle of the Five armies at the beginning of Septemper plus a neat cover art exclusive.

Our good friends at WaterTower Music have informed us that the score for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has commenced recording in New Zealand. As with the previous Middle-earth films, the music for the final film has been composed by Howard Shore.

Look back at our full report