Ringer Spy Kelvarhin writes: Thought you might be interested in this interview with Orlando Bloom that was published in today’s Sunday Times here in West Oz. [More]

They’re also running a contest to go to the world premiere of “Return of the King,” all you have to do is fill in the coupon in the paper and send it in. There’s also a second prize of a double pass (max of 200) to a special screening in Perth on the 17th of Dec.

From the official site comes word of a great publicity event in New York: “To celebrate the November 18th DVD and VHS release of the Special Extended Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, NYC commuters are invited to ride the “Middle-earth Shuttle” (otherwise known as the Times Square-Grand Central Shuttle). The Shuttle train’s cars-replete with Middle-earth creatures, vines, moss and stones-will carry commuters between both stops from 11:30AM- 1:30PM. Brave travelers will have the opportunity to explore the Middle-earth- themed subway station, accompany Gollum back and forth, stand tall with 12-foot- high living Ents, and much more!”

From the Washington Post: Liv Tyler is paying no mind to the Hollywood suits who want her to shed poundage, according to the Internet Movie Database. The 26-year-old says she has been told by movie bosses that she risks losing top film roles unless she reduces the size of her God-given bod. [More]

Besides the noble goal of having fun, our party in Wellington for the Premiere also aims to raise money for The Organ Donor Awareness Campaign, a charity supported by Peter Jackson. Check out the list of goodies we have to offer! Unique NZ treasures, LOTR collectibles, books and posters signed by PJ and the crew, and much much more. Thanks to the generosity of many people and businesses in NZ and overseas. [More] Ticket sales to the party close THIS FRIDAY and there will be NO DOOR SALES. [Book here]

Via our Finnish friends at Kontu: The release date of The Return of the King soundtrack has changed from the date announced earlier (11/24/2003). At the moment, the soundtrack will be officially released December 1. In reality, this means the CD will be in stores around Helsinki on December 2 and elsewhere in Finland the day after. Source: Warner Music Finland, Tuula Hangasluoma.

frodo’s girl writes: Thought I’d send along a few more shots of NZ posts fabulous advertising campaign. That Gandalf stamp is massive and very impressive, I looked around the area to see if there was anything along the lines of the arrow by the Legolas stamp, but found nothing. The one down near Te papa looks like a letter being mailed to Mordor with the ring enclosed. Just for fun I’ve included a shot from starbucks – they have a mighty good artist with a penchant for fantasy spoofs. [More]