Veteran ‘The Lord of the Rings’ actors, Sean Astin (Sam) and Billy Boyd (Pippin), will star in the upcoming film ‘The Witches of Oz.’ The film, to be released in 2011, also stars comedic legend Christopher Lloyd.
The Witches of Oz follows the exploits of the grown Dorothy Gale, now a successful children’s book author, as she moves from Kansas to present day New York City. Dorothy quickly learns that her popular books are based on repressed childhood memories, and that the wonders of Oz are very, very real. When the Wicked Witch of the West shows up in Times Square, Dorothy must find the inner courage to stop her.
The official website for the film has posted a behind the scenes and teaser combo video to whet your whistle. [Check it out]
Just in time for Tolkien’s upcoming birthday on January 3rd, we’ve found the perfect unexpected gift for Tolkien lovers – a complete boxed set of his spellbinding fantasy tales on CD. These full-cast dramatizations of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tales from the Perilous Realm feature specially-composed music and outstanding casts. Also included in this special edition is a hand-drawn Middle Earth map and Brian Sibley’s excellent profile J. R. R. Tolkien: An Audio Portrait. Now you can purchase this 21-disc set directly from AudioGO and save HALF OFF the retail price with code ONERING50. Simply click here, add one or more copies to your shopping cart and enter the code at checkout to get this exclusive collection for just $49.98!
File this under weird science news of the day. As many of you know, the larger than life Eagles in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, tend to be a bit more noble-hearted than the birds mentioned in this real-life story. As we learned in 2003, hobbit sized humanoid fossils were found in the Liang Bua cave on the Indonesian island of Flores. News reaches us recently that these poor Hobbit-like humans may have been hunted by extremely large, stork-like birds. Birds that stood nearly 6 feet tall!! Let’s just say, this reporter is happy those birds are not around today. To read the full story, check out LiveScience.com. [Read More]
Gregg and Southern Lakes pilot Rob prepare for take-off
Gregg Nations, a co-producer and script co-ordinater from the popular TV series “LOST”, took a ‘Middle Earth’ tour with Red Carpet Tours last month. The weather was great and there were many highlights, but the one that left Gregg speechless was the breathtaking views from a spectacular helicopter flight over the Dead Marshes, Norwest Lakes and mountains!
The flight is a “must do” for all who take a Red Carpet Tour ! 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting time to be in New Zealand. Wellington will be buzzing with teams of people involved at the Miramar studios, while camera crews will be in action at various locations. You never know who you might bump into ! [Red Carpet Tours]
If you haven’t already completed your Holiday shopping, take a look at TheOneRing.net’s 2010 Tolkien Gift Guide! The staff here at TheOneRing.net have chosen over 30 items that would be perfect for that Tolkien fan on your list. From books to collectibles, elf ears to handmade scarves, expensive to stocking stuffers, we’ve got something for everyone. We hope the guide is helpful as you shop this season. [2010 Tolkien Gift Guide]
