We all love to give and receive. The old saying goes that ‘It’s the thought that counts,’ and while nobody can argue with such a noble sentiment, perhaps some thoughts are better than others. For instance, if the gift that demonstrates that your ‘thought’ included consideration that your intended recipient is a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, it will probably be more appreciated than the one that prompts you to buy a big-box store gift certificate. So what is the perfect gift for the Tolkien reader this year? We have three suggestions. Continue reading “Christmas gift suggestions for Tolkien fans”

World War I aerial history is being brought to life with the display of rare aircraft and a dramatic short film at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. A 12 minute film by Oscar winning director Peter Jackson then captures the warbirds and pilots in action over the Western Front. Curator Peter Burness says the exhibition tells the story of military flight and aerial combat during the Great War. “Clearly there was a story to tell about aviation in the First War from its very simple forms – almost kite-like machines – at the beginning of the war to the technology they’d introduced by 1918,” he said. WWI aerial action brought to life

The Cruise to Middle-earth made its way to Hobbiton the other day, hampered by some rain and a terrible crash on the road, but we made it nonetheless. For the three Brandybuck sisters, this was like returning home for them. The location is still just as beautiful and Shire like as it was in the films, while also remaining a working sheep farm. We encountered a good many sheep and lambs, and the things they leave behind. But no one really cared, not once they saw the Party Tree and Bag End.

Continue reading “Cruise to Middle-earth off to a rainy start”

A transcript of the live chat with Guillermo del Toro even that occurred this weekend is now online at universalhidef.com. Unfortunately you need to register and login to view it, however it is free to register. Enjoy!

Participate in an exclusive premiere live chat with Hellboy II: The Golden Army director Guillermo del Toro, powered by BD-Live™ and only on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def, this Sunday, Nov. 23, starting at 6pm PST — log on to www.UniversalHiDef.com to register and find out more in this exclusive video. The fate of mankind hangs in the balance when a ruthless prince awakens an unstoppable army of creatures and wages war with the human world. It’s up to Hellboy (Ron Perlman) and his team of paranormal outcasts to face off with the forces of darkness in the ultimate battle of good versus evil.

A Samoan composer and conductor whose CV includes working as choirmaster for the first The Lord of the Rings movie has been recognised for his contribution to the performance and promotion of Pacific music. Igelese Ete received the $7000 Senior Pacific Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards in Manukau last night. Ete, who worked on The Fellowship of the Ring alongside Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore, was also conductor for the America’s Cup opening ceremony in 2002 and conductor/composer for the South Pacific Games in Samoa last year. ‘Rings’ choirmaster honoured