Fandalf visits the heart of Tolkiendom in America - Houghton Mifflin's HQ, Boston
You may remember this story from summer of last year: ‘Fandalf’ the travelling Gandalf statue (well, two of him actually…) was making his way around America and around Europe, stopping with fans in many different places and posing with famous landmarks. With San Diego ComicCon 2012 being the final stop on Fandalf’s journey, he has just over a month to go; so we thought readers might like an update on his travels!
The statue (made by Sideshow/Weta) which is travelling around America made his way over to the East coast. He was recently in Atlanta, followed by a few stops in New England (Rhode Island, Boston and Concord). Right now he’s winging his way (courtesy of a friendly eagle!) over to Ohio. The European Fandalf has been to various places in Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. The wonderful pictures hosting fans have taken can be seen at flickr.com – search for images tagged ‘Gandalf World Tour’. Many thanks to all who have hosted Fandalf – it’s great to think of fans all over the world mooting with the Grey Wizard!
As we draw closer to the release of the first Hobbit movie, San Diego ComicCon promises to be full of excitement and Middle-earth goodness! Fandalf’s return from his travels and merry meetings with fans will be a wonderful part of these ‘Hobbit Eve’ celebrations.
Anime fans are already in-the-know, but now Ringer fans have gotten their first look at a funny, impressively detailed parody of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy! Animation voiceover star Vic Mignogna, familiar from shows like FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, DRAGON BALL Z, BLEACH and NARUTO, has been playfully embroiled in a video tribute challenge with fellow voice actor and friend Todd Haberkorn. The resulting comedy videos between them have become progressively more detailed and complex (and hysterical). This newly forged “Rings” parody looks amazing; and features a familiar personality from TheOneRing.net. Our very own Clifford Broadway (Quickbeam), host of the weekly webcast TORn TUESDAY, plays Gandalf the Grey! This playful mini-epic was presented at Anime Central just a few days ago in Chicago, and showcases some epic talent both in front of and behind the camera! Ringer friend Nicole Roberts (recent WETA contest winner) helped secure a bevy of prize-winning costumes for this parody ‘Fellowship.’ What was the genesis of this remarkable 23-minute parody? Mignogna states: “What started out as a simple tribute video rivalry among friends, has ultimately culminated in this epic production.” Filled with anime in-jokes and high end production value, this “Todd of the Rings” is the send-up to rule them all. View it exclusively on YouTube here.
DID WE SAY MASSIVE SPOILERS?! Yes, we did, so before reading further know that everything revealed to me will be revealed to you! Tuesday’s unspooling of 10 minutes of THE HOBBIT at CinemaCon took the place quite by surprise and should be considered a special moment in the history of cinema — where the first public audience witnessed a new future for movies, so brace yourself. I will interpret everything I saw and how it matches up with Tolkien’s universe … there are SO MANY cool and revealing things we can now expect in the first film alone! Let’s explore the veracity of Peter Jackson’s adaptation with hasty vigor. There is also the matter of the 48 frames-per-second format and the blogosphere’s mixed reaction to the look of the new technology, so read on …
SPOILERS! We just got off the phone with Cliff (Quickbeam) to discuss what he witness during today’s WB presentation at CinemaCon 2012 in Las Vegas. He is literally on the road right now, driving back to LA, but wanted to pass along a few quick-hit items to share with you all before he goes into extreme detail during our LIVE TORn Tuesday show. (Which btw will now be pushed to 5:30pm PT today because of the trip) Please note, If you are fearful of spoilers…stop reading now!
We’ve got a very special TORn Tuesday lined up for you today as our host Clifford Broadway (Quickbeam) will recount his experiences at CinemaCon Las Vegas! Yes, that’s right…Quickbeam journeyed to Las Vegas, NV and was granted access to the special screening of 10 minutes of 3D 48fps footage from ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.’ During tonight’s LIVE TORn Tuesday show, he will relay what he saw exclusively on TheOneRing.net. As always, you can participate and present your questions to Quickbeam starting at 5:00pm PDT — There’s a built-in Barliman’s chat room or come in via Skype in TheOneRing.net’s Stickam page. Check out our LIVE Event section right here every week! [LIVE Event Area] (See All Times)
Let’s hope that, for once, what happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas. Up to ten minutes of The Hobbit will be shown this Tuesday, both in 3D and 48 fps. From The Hollywood Reporter: The Hobbit will be one of many films that will be previewed at the theater owners confab, where for the first time in at least a decade, all of the major studios will present preview clips of their upcoming slate.
Millions of fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the prequel to Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which grossed an estimated $2.9 billion worldwide. Read More …