Wellington will roll out its really, really long red carpet and throw a world-class party for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” on November 28. The date of the event has been guessed about for months but today it was confirmed in New Zealand.

The Embassy Theatre has long been the expected spot of the premiere and today’s story confirms it, giving the beautiful site another world-class event to go along with its 2003 hosting of “The Return of the King.” (You can check out TORn’s scrapbook of that event right here.)

Middle-earth royalty, many from the film, would be likely to attend and walk down Wellington’s Courtenay Place which serves as a weekend hot-spot in Wellington that typically stays open until the sun rises.

“I know I speak for a company of hobbits, dwarves, elves and orcs when I say that this city holds a special place in all our hearts,” director Peter Jackson said of the event at www.stuff.co.nz.

“We cannot think of a more perfect way to send ‘The Hobbit’ off into the world than to celebrate with a huge party here in Wellington, where the journey began.”

TheOneRing.net, long friends with Red Carpet Tours, is supporting their longer tour of Middle-earth, one we definitely recommend, but also hope to put together a shorter trip focused on the premiere. You can read Red Carpet’s full itinerary and sign up while details for a micro-trip will be announced ASAP. In addition, both groups will host a joint party in Wellington at a hotel in central Wellington

The two films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” is currently filming and is expected to finish principal photography later this month with pickups for the first film scheduled for later. TheOneRing.net spent a five-week stint embedded on set for the films with content coming later, as agreed before the embed began. We also fully expect to cover the premiere, and everything else ‘Hobbit’ related, as possible.

The folks at Weta dropped big news on Ringers today with the announcement of their next The Lord of the Rings environment. In their own words they’ve decided to climb the Mount Everest of environments…that’s right fans… we’re going to get a chance to own Barad-Dur, made by those that conceptualized and created it for the trilogy. Over the next few months Weta will be giving us updates on the creation of this massive undertaking, and of course we will pass those updates onto you as they become available. Stay Tuned! Until then check out the latest Weta Newsletter!

That’s right, it’s time to order your Dark Rider of Mordor Premium Format Figure! Sideshow Collectibles latest entry into their The Lord of the Rings premium format line stands a massive 31″ tall and weighs 23lbs! This servant of Sauron is sure to leave a lasting impression in your collection. The exclusive (only available from Sideshow directly) for for this item is a switch out left hand holding a Ringwraith sword to allow for multiple display options. As expected, since this piece is so large, it comes with a price tag of $799.99 – but it can be split up via Sideshow’s unique and awesome flex-pay program before it ships in December of this year. You can split it up over 5 payments which gives you plenty of time to budget. No edition size has been announced for the Ringwraith but the exclusives usually sell out quickly, so order today! [Pre-Order]

In today’s Sideshow Collectible newsletter Ringers get a chance to view a preview of an upcoming Premium Format for The Lord of the Rings. The character or I should say characters making the jump into the 1:4 Premium Format line will be the Ringwraith on his very scary steed. Fans will be getting a chance to preview this item on May 29th and then pre-order what should be an amazing collectible on Thursday, May 31st. Once the preview goes up with more information we will let you know! [Click Here]

Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past week. If you’ve fallen behind on what’s happening on the Message Boards, here’s a great way to catch the highlights. Or if you’re new to TORn and want to enjoy some great conversations, just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions. Watch this space as every weekend we will spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards. Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join in the fun!

Continue reading “TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – May 21, 2012”

Welcome to this monthsThe Frodo Franchise “Getting to know…” questions that need answering.  It’s based on the old Getting to know you threads that I used to post on the message boards here on TORn, so those familiar with them will know that the questions can be a little crazy and the answers even crazier.

This month we’re asking questions of author of “The Frodo Franchise” and TORn Staffer, Kristin Thompson.

Continue reading “Getting to know Kristin Thompson”