Dark Counsel DioramaSideshow Collectibles has started taking pre-orders for the ‘Dark Counsel‘ diorama – featuring Brad Dourif as Grima Wormtongue and Bernard Hill as Theoden. They have also posted a 360° turnaround of the piece (see image). In other LOTR updates, Sideshow has posted their production photography for the Sam and Frodo 12-inch figures – if you haven’t picked up you figures yet, now is the time. The Samwise Gamgee and the Frodo Baggins Exclusive Editions (only available via Sideshow’s website and have an extra accessory) are on second chance and should sell out shortly. Also on second chance is the popular ‘Treachery of Saruman‘ diorama which is getting some great reviews. And last, if you are on the fence about any of these collectibles, check out the ‘Backstage Pass‘ features. They are neat little videos that explain the figure and showcase what makes Sideshow items worth owning. [Dark Counsel Diorama] [Frodo 12-inch Exclusive] [Samwise 12-inch Exclusive] [Hobbit Backstage Pass Video] [Treachery of Saruman Diorama] [Treachery of Saruman Backstage Pass Video]

Dark Council DioramaCollectors can look forward to a pretty realistic looking diorama coming soon from Sideshow Collectibles titled “‘Dark Council’ – Theoden and Grima Wormtongue.” From the looks of the piece, the sculptors have perfectly captured the likeness of Brad Dourif as Grima and Bernard Hill as the possessed Theoden. If Sideshow follows their regular schedule, we can expect this item to pre-order next week around 6pm PT. And if you are a Cate Blanchett fan, check out the Sideshow/Weta Polystone Statue of Galadriel, now listed at 35% OFF. [Dark Council Diorama] [The Lady Galadriel Statue]

drgrordborts2Fantastic Nonsense! Or as Dr Grordbort himself might say, “absolute balderdash.” And what fun! Dr Grordbort’s Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory is a recent product of Weta Workshops, launched in New Zealand last month, though available overseas before that. I got hold of a copy recently and found it zany, funny as heck, and a lovely object in its own right.
Continue reading “Tehanu Reviews Weta Workshop’s “Dr Grordbort’s Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory””

TreebeardEW.com has published a ‘top’ list in honor of Arbor Day (April 25th). The new list is titled ‘Life and Limb: 12 Mighty Pop-Culture Trees,’ and guess who show up first? None other than the Ents!

Sure, these giant walking-and-talking trees take too friggin’ long to make any sort of decision — it’s a good thing they don’t wear clothes, or millennia could pass before they left the grove — but once they do get off their stumps, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Just ask Saruman (Christopher Lee).

Check out the full list and plant a tree! [Full List]

Doug Adams likes his life, he says so on his professional and personal blog and its obvious when you speak to him. Chances are if you appreciate the “Lord of the Rings” films’ soundtracks, you would like his life too. He will soon be the published author – instead of the hard working unpublished author he has been for several years – of the landmark “The Music of the Lord of the Rings Films,” which is an in-depth study of the Howard Shore magnum opus that accompanies Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. Continue reading “‘The Music of the LOTR films’ book nears completion”

Step into our cave, says Weta From Lord of the Rings to lords of the ringing tills, the Weta team that conquered Hollywood is now branching out into a souvenir shop for film buffs. The new store, Weta Cave, opens next month and will provide fans and tourists with a chance to get up close to the film-makers. The shop will have goods ranging from $1000 ray guns to King Kong figurines, and will be based next to Peter Jackson’s Miramar empire. Weta Ltd general manager Tim Launder said the store, which will stock limited-edition collectibles, DVDs, books and clothing, had been built to help satisfy Wellington’s thriving movie tourism sector. Step into our cave, says Weta