Warner Brothers has kicked off their Awards Season website for many of their films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey among them. The page links to the Official Website and trailer, gives a brief synopsis of the story, and then lists all the names of the people who worked in eligible categories, from the Writers to the Sound Effects people, and a few of the actors. And just as a tease, there is a list of screenings, but those screenings are for Academy voters and members of the various Guilds (Screen Actors, Writers, Directors, etc) only. A full list of eligible names and categories below. Hopefully this means we will have a lot to celebrate at our own Oscar Party! [Website]

 

Continue reading “For Your Consideration. . . The Hobbit”

In his latest blog, Ian McKellen addresses a question he must be getting asked rather a lot of late: “Has Peter Jackson changed?”. His answer? “The basic answer is No: he’s still the same Kiwi, who loves nothing more than making films in his native country, surrounded by faithful colleagues whom he trusts and admires.”

There is one difference apparently.

“Oh, one surprising change I have noticed. Shoes are optional in New Zealand and most days Peter shot LOTR barefoot as a hobbit. But on The Hobbit filming he was always well shod, padding through the leaf mould and rubble of the sets in regular footwear.”

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If you missed them, here are 17 (count them!) fabulous character posters that provide yet another look at the principal characters. In addition to Bilbo, Gandalf and all the dwarves of the party, the posters include Galadriel and Gollum. Maybe that’s a hint of Galadriel’s importance in An Unexpected Journey. Or maybe it’s just indicative of Cate Blanchett’s star power. Continue reading “Seventeen Hobbit character posters you’ll absolutely love”

In his latest post in his website, Ian McKellen writes about his anticipation of the Wellington, New York and London premieres of The Hobbit. He also talks about the heavy media commitments that come with the film:

I’ve been busy talking to journalists (about 70 so far) and reminiscing about the shoot. Their opening question is usually identical: “So, what was it like going back to New Zealand, a decade after LOTR. Did it feel the same?”

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The last two items that United Cutlery has up for order right now are the staff which Gandalf will carry during The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Thorin Oakenshield’s Orcrist. Gandalf’s staff has been recreated using the exact prop Sir Ian McKellen used during filming. It measures an incredible 73″ tall and will come with an Elven style wall display showing his G-rune.

After escaping from three troll,s Thorin and company take shelter in what turns out to be the troll’s cave and hidden horde of loot which would include the sword Orcrist. This amazingly good looking sword has been recreated from the replica used by Richard Armitage during the filming of the movie. Orcrist measures 38 3/4” long and features a 25 7/8″ stainless steel blade which, of course, has the etched runes in the blade. Orcrist is due to ship in December of this year with a cost of $175 while Gandalf’s staff will also ship in December with a price tag of $140. Both items can be found at our friends at Budk.com!

“Bilbo Baggins. I’m looking for someone to share in an adventure.”

            -Gandalf to Bilbo before a possible unexpected journey

One of the many statues Weta Workshop had at Comic-Con 2012 for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was Gandalf the Grey. On October 1st, 2012, fans around the world got the chance to order this amazing statue, as Gandalf was one of three statues that were in-stock that day. Thankfully, Gandalf is an open edition statue, allowing those of us who badly want this item a chance to add him to our collections.

On March 15th, 2941 at the Prancing Pony in Bree, Thorin Oakenshield met with Gandalf the Grey where a discussion took place about reclaiming Erebor. Gandalf was able to convince Thorin to make the journey to reclaim Erebor and help secure the North from potential future problems. Once again Gandalf would help play a pivotal role in helping make sure Middle-earth would not face certain dangers.

Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Weta Workshop’s Gandalf the Grey Statue Review”