Warner Brother Canada has announced a contest where a lucky Canadian can win two tickets to an advanced screening of “The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey.” The contest started on September 21 and will run through 11:59 EST on October 7. The winner and one guest will attend an advanced screening prior to the December 14, 2012 release date (no exact date given yet), either in Vancouver or Toronto, whichever city is closest to where they live. All you have to do is fill out the online entry form and try to go about your daily tasks until October 7 with both fingers crossed! The contest is only open to legal residents of Canada. Good luck!

On Saturday September 22, 2012 over 150 Southern California Ringers were treated to a party of special magnificence. Hobbits, elves and wizards gathered in Griffith Park and ate plentiful food, drank refreshing beverages, read the first chapter of The Hobbit, sang songs, played games, won prizes, received mathoms and had the most fantastic time celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event. Of course, reasons to celebrate also included the 75th anniversary of the publication of “The Hobbit” (September 21) and Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday (September 22).

LA Weekly did a story of special magnificence about the event, including background on TheOneRing.net and speculation from some well-known picnic goers about the upcoming Hobbit movies. For example, our own Cliff Broadway, a.k.a. “Quickbeam” offers this on why three movies: “A few million dollars [investment from Warner Brothers] equals another billion dollar box office,” Broadway says, explaining that with the set already built and the actors already in New Zealand, it made financial sense to expand. “But Peter, when you ask him in an interview, Peter will say, ‘I’ve got so much more story to tell.'” Continue reading for more pictures of the event, and follow the “Read more” link for the entire LA Weekly story. Read more…

Continue reading “Baggins Birthday Bash a hit, says LA Weekly”

From Hollywood Reporter. com: Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is to be the 65th Royal Film Performance on Dec. 12 in the British capital. The movie will screen to the Queen or members of the Royal Family in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, the charity set up to look after U.K. industry employees and their families who are suffering from hardship.

CTBF president Anne Bennett said: “We are thrilled to be able to host the U.K. premiere of this highly-anticipated first installment of “The Hobbit” trilogy. We are thankful to Peter Jackson and Warner Bros., New Line and MGM for providing this opportunity, and are grateful for the unswerving support the Royal Family gives to our charity and the Royal Film Performance.” Read more…

September 22nd is Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ birthday!!  But this year the day has grown into World Hobbit Day as we also salute Tolkien Week AND the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit publication! So to celebrate this perfect storm of Tolkien highlights, TheOneRing.net’s Discussion Boards is hosting a party with activities covering several Boards this weekend. Continue reading “Come celebrate “World Hobbit Day” on TORN’s Discussion Boards!”

By now we’ve all probably seen the new Hobbit trailer scores of times on our computers. Many have even streamed it 20 or 30 times on their big screen TVs, including all four alternate endings (ahem). But, there’s nothing like seeing it first hand on the big screen as I can now attest. Having just returned from seeing Dredd 3-D (well worth the price of admission, IMHO), I’m elated to say that the Hobbit trailer *is* playing in front of it, it played in 3-D and it was AWESOME!!!! Of course, the amount of additional detail one can see on the big screen goes without saying, but the colors, dialogue and sound were also enhanced enough to make any geek squeal with glee (as the rest of the movie-goers can attest). The 3-D was also amazing – not overdone, but enough to feel like I was being transported to Middle-earth.

For the record, I live in the Denver area and went to an AMC theater. As we get reports about other movies it’s playing with, we’ll update this story. If you’re wondering how you’re ever going to make it to December 14th, I highly recommend trying to see the trailer in theaters. Then again, maybe that just makes it worse! (No.. really.. SEE IT)!

We’ve been doing this little party for 10 years, The Hobbit has been in print for 75 years, Peter Jackon is releasing the first of The Hobbit films this year, and Bilbo and Frodo are co- celebrating their shared birthday, what better reason do you need to party like a Hobbit? This is a potluck, so bring something of your own, and be prepared to share in the feasting brought by others. Check out our Event page on Facebook, click the See More link in the description and you will see a full list of what others have offered to bring, then post a note to the event page, or email me at Garfeimao@TheOneRing.net to RSVP with what you plan to bring. Also in all that info are directions from most points in LA, including a map of the GriffithPark area. We’ve had good luck the past 6 or 7 years getting the same spot, but if our morning scouts discover the posted location is already occupied, we will update the page on Saturday morning with a new location, so you WILL NOT get lost.

 Events on our rather casual schedule will include, eating, drinking, having fun, playing games, including our now famous Golfimbul tournament, and a live reading of The Hobbit.  There may even be a surprise or two during the day. This is an ‘all ages’ event, there will be fun for everyone, so bring the family down. The sun will be out and warm, so hat, sunglasses and a bit of sunscreen would be most beneficial for your comfort, as well as maybe a blanket to sit on. Any questions, just post a note on our Facebook page or email me. We will also be tweeting from the event, using #Hobbitday and #TORn, so even if you aren’t able to atttend, look for posts and updates throughout the day from TORn staff and attendees alike.