Hector writes: I was one of the thousands that bombarded you with e-mails saying “What about Canada??!! So when I saw your posting about the Canadian Trilogy Tuesday List I was needless to say VERY interested. I just wanted to add that in today’s copy of the “Metro” newspaper (a small newspaper handed out free to commuters in the Toronto area) had a small blurb and said that tickets go on sale tommorrow, October 31!!! Here’s the article…

RINGS’ TRILOGY TICKETS ON SALE

The Lord of the Rings fans can swing into action at noon tommorrow (October 31st) when tickets go on sale for a one-day, single sitting marathon screening of the whole trilogy on Dec. 16.

A single-ticket Trilogy Tuesday package is being offered for $49.95 that will allow fans to see extended versions of the first two parts of the triolgy, followed by The Return of the King at midnight.

Details are at www.famousplayers.ca, www.cineplex.com, www.amctheatres.com and www.empiretheatres.com.

[Click here for a list and links to the cinemas!]

National Geographic Explores the Fascinating Parallels between Real-Life History and the Characters, Places and Events Brought to Life in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 30, 2003–

Companion DVD to Blockbuster Film Trilogy Available at Retail Dec. 16; DVD Available for Pre-Order Nov. 18; $5 Movie Coupon Packaged with DVD for Limited Promotion

In anticipation of the December 17 release of the third installment of New Line Cinema’s “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, National Geographic is releasing its latest “Beyond the Movie” DVD, “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in retail stores Tuesday, December 16–one day prior to the release of the feature film. Retailers can pre-order the DVD through Warner Home Video Tuesday, November 18. Consumers can order the film in DVD or VHS directly by calling 1-800-627-5162. The DVD, available for the suggested retail price of $24.98, will be packaged with movie coupons good for up to $5 off admission to see “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in theaters for a limited time.

Narrated by acclaimed actor John Rhys-Davies (who portrays Gimli in the film trilogy), “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” features commentary from leading historians, field experts and the cast members themselves, who explore the real-life counterparts to the epic events and characters brought to life in the highly anticipated third installment of “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy.

Intercut with footage from the three “The Lord of the Rings” films, the DVD offers compelling insight into the timeless human themes that resonate throughout “The Lord of the Rings” and real-life history – from what motivates reluctant heroes to accomplish great deeds for their country to the roles that counselors have played in determining the course of their nation’s future.

From the incorrigible William Wallace, who fought for the freedom of his country, to the brave Theodore Roosevelt, who rose from self-imposed exile to become one of the foremost leaders of his country, “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” illuminates the parallel personality traits and personal experiences that motivate Aragorn and the other heroes of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Similarly, the DVD analyzes Aragorn’s reluctance to assume the role of king to Queen Elizabeth I’s similar struggle between her personal interests and her duty.

Among other compelling analyses, the DVD traces parallels from the fictional world of “The Lord of the Rings” to historic people and events such as Benjamin Franklin as wise counsel to the United States and Rasputin’s ill-fated influence over the dynastic Romanov family. Supplemented by the cast’s own insight into their characters, “Beyond the Movie — The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” offers an intuitive, riveting perspective on the rich and diverse characters that populate Middle Earth.

Additional DVD features include:

— Photo Gallery
— “Lord of the Rings” Quiz
— Exclusive bonus footage not included in the broadcast version of the show

“Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” will premiere on the National Geographic Channel Friday, Dec. 19, at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.

Fans of the film trilogy can explore the world of Middle Earth even further with “Beyond the Movie – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” which was released in December 2001. Also available in VHS and DVD, the video examines Tolkien’s extraordinary world by delving into the fascinating parallels between real-life myths, events and languages and the fictional world of Middle Earth.

“Beyond the Movie” is an innovative television documentary series from National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F) created to complement and help audiences explore the most compelling real-life questions inspired by today’s feature films.

Designed as a multi-media initiative to provide rich resources for movie-going audiences, “Beyond the Movie” draws upon the vast resources of the National Geographic Society, including the heralded photo archives, print publications, www.nationalgeographic.com, maps, posters, home video, DVD and classroom materials, to offer greater insight into history, science and natural events for those who love movies and want to know more about the real stories that inspire them.

National Geographic Home Video titles are distributed by Warner Home Video (WHV), a Time Warner Company, operating in 57 countries including the United States and Canada. WHV is one of the world’s leading suppliers of pre-recorded videocassettes and videodiscs and is a market leader in family entertainment.

Monkey writes, “Just letting you know that I’ve just become the lucky owner of tickets to the midnight premiere of Return of the King on December 18, purchased from Reading Cinemas in Christchurch. They went on sale today. They also confirmed that the midnight screening will finish at about 3:30, indicating a close to a 3.5 hour running time!!

“The other big chain in Christchurch, Hoyts, advised me via email today that tickets for ROTK will go on sale in early December. Although they might bring that forward now that Reading are selling…

“I also see confirmation that the Extended Editions of FOTR and TTT will be screening at Hoyts in December, but only it seems at Hoyts Moorhouse Christchurch. [More] Reading Cinemas are yet to confirm whether they will screen the extended editions.”

SoyBoy writes: You don’t know me but I work in the industry and I just got the official press release for the LOTR Marathon across Canada. Tickets on sale October 31 for Famous Players theaters only.

Here are the cities and theaters:

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba

Alberta

British Columbia

Nova Scotia

Newfoundland

SG writes:

The Alice Tully Theater, where the Lincoln Center’s LOTR event is being held, only holds 1096 people. Since I know a patron who is quite a high-end subscriber to the Film Society I heard what happened.

She was told it was a “feeding frenzy” for tix to Saturday’s three film event with cast and PJ. I mean this woman supports the Society in a major financial manner and she was told she should get the tickets she requested but still, nothing is concrete. (Trust me, I am praying for a miracle).

This is quite different from Trilogy Tuesday. This is a special event hosted by the Lincoln Center Film Society, which is largely made up of paying members.

Today they sent out this notice:

All Lord of the Rings Events, January 10 & 11, are currently sold out but…

New blocks of tickets may become available in the future. If you tried to get tickets, but weren’t able to, we will notify you if and when new tickets become available.

Here’s how:

Email marketing@filmlinc.com with the following subject line:

LOTR WAITING LIST

We’ll send back a confirmation via email that we’ve put you on the LOTR email waitlist. You’ll get first notice if and when new tickets open up, letting you know to which events, and how to purchase them.

So they are trying to work with people.

Just trying to set the record straight and stop all this nasty bitterness.

Telcontar writes: What do Elves, Orcs, comic book heroes, Maori war dances, ballet and historical swordplay manuals have in common? They are all connected to TONY WOLF, Founder of the New Zealand Stage Combat Society!

The LOTR Chicago Fellowship invites you to attend a workshop by Tony Wolf, the Cultural Fighting Styles Designer for the “Lord of the Rings” films.

Join us as Tony discusses how he researched and developed his unique combat method, shares stories of his work in film and other media, and presents a demonstration assisted by the local stage combat group, Babes With Blades.

NOVEMBER 3, 2003 ~ 7:30 pm
CHASE PARK Field House
4701 N. Ashland Ave. 60640

Admission: $12.00

For more information on this event or on Chicago Fellowship, please visit our website, chicagofellowship.org or contact AZ Telcontar at telcontar@chicagofellowship.org.