Xoanon here, my source sends along the sad news regarding the LOTR cast appearing on the PBS show ‘Inside the Actors Studio’.
The Lord of the Rings Inside the Actor’s Studio taping is off and is not likely to happen soon. My source is a producer for Bravo TV. He stated to me that the studio tried to make it happen, however getting everyone’s schedule together was daunting. Just did not work out.
To further confirm, I just called the New School and they too confirmed that it is not happening. They sounded disappointed.
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Trinity the Purple writes: Last November, I was fortunate enough to attend a signing by Christopher Lee in London. If you’ve met the man, you’ll know he is a Gentleman in every sense of the word. Not just a first class actor but a first class human being too.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed his autobiography ‘Tall, dark and gruesome’ I asked if he was going to update it, it was published about ’95 and obviously it missed out on his renewed popularity with SW and LotR.
He replied that yes, he had just finished the updating and that it was with the publishers.
Move forward to this lunchtime. Was browsing my local bookshop and saw a poster about books being published next month. Was reading the list when I saw ‘Lord of Misrule – Christopher Lee’
‘Christopher Lee? The actor or the historian?’ thinks I. So I asked a very nice member of staff to check for me and she discovered that yes, it was the actor!
More details can be found here.
I cannot stress this enough – this is well worth your time and money to invest in. Christopher Lee is a fasinating gentleman, with a life that surpasses the most fantastic fiction. Christmas is coming, so after the TTT EE, put this on your Christmas list.
Just checked Amazon.com and I can’t find anything, so this might be British only so far.
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AOME — Ambush at Weathertop Collection — Exclusive Set
PlayAlongToys and Action Figure Express have combined forces to bring us an exclusive boxed set of the figures from the Ambush at Weathertop scene in Fellowship.
This set combines figures from two of the three-packs: Frodo, Sam and the Witch-king from Ambush at Weathertop, and the two black-robed Ringwraiths from the Ringwraith set. You get two extra Ringwraiths (duplicates of the two from the Ringwraith set) and an exclusive, available nowhere else, Strider figure. In total: 5 Ringwraiths, two hobbits, and one pissed-off looking ranger.
Packaging: 9 out 10
Attractive — more so than Toy Biz figures or any other LOTR items I’ve seen. PlayAlong has used a light-blue themed box featuring an image of the Uruk-Hai marching on Helm’s Deep. There is a large window displaying the figures nicely, with a printed map of Middle Earth on the insert behind the figures. The back of the package features a nice cross-sell, showing all of the figures currently available and some upcoming three-packs and deluxe figures. Simple, elegant, and well-done. Some poor fellow has mixed up the Mordor Orcs with the Moria Orcs — but we’ll forgive him.
The figures are held securely (overly so) in the blister with twist ties. Get your clippers ready — you’re going to need to snip two or three twist-ties for each figure, and another one for each base. Then you’ll need to battle the scotch tape holding the weapons in the blister. It took me nearly 10 minutes just to open it — nothing is coming loose until you break out the heavy weaponry — this is a well-packed set.
Sculpt: 10 out of 10
Aside from Eowyn, this set includes all of my favorite basic figures released to date.
Frodo — Fantastic figure, as close to Elijah Wood as can be captured in this size. Cape is billowing behind him as he scrambles for safety… 9 out of 10
Samwise — One of the best figures in the line. Cape, backpack, shoulder-slung pouches and canteen — everything is here. 10 out of 10
Witch-King — the best of the Ringwraiths because of the fantastic pose, and the leg armor on the forward leg. Robes look fantastic. 10 out of 10
Ringwraith #1 and #2 — Lumping them together, because they’re similar in pose and sculpt. Both good, with nice detail on the gauntlets and frayed robes. 9 out of 10.
Strider — the best reason to buy this set. My favorite basic figure version of Aragorn. He’s challenging the Nazgul with a screaming expression, hair blown back and angry. He’s wearing his bed roll, quiver, bow, pack, and scabbard. Every stitch of the clothing is sculpted to give him the dynamic pose as though he’s blocking a swing from a Nazgul blade while preparing to deliver a devastating blow with the torch. Awesome fig. 10 out ot 10.
Articulation: 7 out of 10
Were these figures in a larger scale, this score would be much lower. To be fair, I don’t see how PlayAlong could have included any more articulation than they have.
Frodo, Sam and Strider have movement at the neck, shoulders, and waist. 8 out of 10.
The Ringwraiths have articulation at the shoulders, but the robes block any real movement. 6 out of 10.
Accessories: 9 out of 10
You get six unique weapons with this set, and 9 total. The Witch-King and one of the Ringwraiths use the same sword, and they’ve included two of the same sword for the other duplicate Ringwraith.
The Witch-King sword is well done — with the notched blade and jagged handle. Frodo and Sam’s short swords are what you’d expect, but Strider is the real winner here. He comes with both sword and torch — dealing out two-handed destruction.
Bases: this is a mixed bag. The Ringwraith bases all work well — but they all stand up just fine with or without the bases. Frodo and Sam don’t fair quite as well — they can’t stand up without the bases, but even with them, Frodo is not always very cooperative (I suppose he’s entitled to be a bit tired after the big fight and being stabbed…). Strider is posed so that he must use the stand — and he will lean heavily on the outward foot — balancing him so he looks good takes a little bit of patience.
Paint: 10 out of 10
The paint work is where this line really excels. I am incredibly picky about paint, especially on faces. For the three figures with faces — they have lips, eyes, and hair where it should be, and Strider even has the dirty faced beard stubble — just enough and not too much. My favorite detail — the hairs on the hobbit feet. Nicely done, PlayAlong.
The Ringwraiths all have silver amor with a dark wash, covered by the robes. They aren’t simple black — they have pale blue highlights dry brushed over to bring out the detail in the folds and frayed edges. The Robes are also dirty around the edges — all looking very natural and not overdone.
Value: 8 out of 10
At $24.99 plus shipping, this set is going to cost you a little over $3 per figure when all is said and done. A fair price for what the set, but not the best value I’ve ever seen. But compare this to $20 for three Star Wars figures (Sage scene three-packs), and you’ll appreciate the price a bit more.
Overall: 9 out of 10
I’m extremely happy with this set. This is a great introduction to the line, and gives me three members of the Fellowship plus five of the Ringwraiths in one fell swoop. It’s a nice looking package, decent value, and a lot of fun to display.
Purchase this ShopAFX.com exclusive set today! [Purchase]
Addiction factor: 10 out of 10
Yes, after opening this, I need more… more AOME now!
You’ll need three more three-packs to complete your Weathertop collection:
- The Comic-Con exclusive three pack including the clear Frodo variant — Twilight Frodo, plus two more Ringwraiths — bringing your Black Rider total to seven.
- The Ringwraith three pack — including the Twilight Witch-King figure. Yup, now your Twilight Frodo has somebody to be afraid of. Plus two more Ringwraiths — now you have all nine.
- The upcoming Merry/Pippin/Boromir three pack. The two missing hobbits can help Sam defend Frodo.
And if you really like Ringwraiths, and you now have the five from this set, you might want to pick up two of each deluxe Black Rider on horseback — completing your Ringwraith force. See, many ways for you to get all nine.
That’s all for now, folks.
– PlasticEnt (plasticent@theonering.net)
Purchase this Exclusive set at ShopAFX.com. [Purchase]
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Fellow Tolkien-philes, if you have any addictions please read no further. Even if they are as innocent as coffee, books, or … the onering.net … or as vile as cigarettes, Rings of Power, or barenjager… I have found something far worse, far more troubling indeed. Something few amongst us has the power to resist, and I claim no responsibility for luring you down the slippery slopes into the realm of collecting…
Armies of Middle Earth is an apt title for the new Lord of the Rings figure line from PlayAlong Toys. There are enough figures in the first wave alone to build an army. There are so many cool figures planned for this line, it will cost you more than it takes to feed an army in order to buy them all. In the end, it will take an army to stand between you and buying yet another Uruk-Hai set to flesh out your Helm’s Deep playset.
It is my pleasure and privilege to bring you a series of reviews of these dynamic little fellows.
There are several different formats for the AOME figures. The basic figures are sold in sets of three, the figures on horseback are packaged individually, and there are boxed sets including a catapult or battering ram with Uruk-Hai. There are medium size playsets featuring The Bridge of Khazad-Dum (with the first plastic Balrog figure anywhere), and Saruman’s lair in Orthanc. There is a super deluxe playset of Helm’s Deep at the top of the line, and I’m told there are many more figures, accessories, playsets, and add-ons for your playsets to come.
Super action-figure collector extraordinaire that I am, I still had to admit that I’ve never quite seen an action figure like this before. These guys are small. Really small. Most stand less than 3″ tall, smaller than a Star Wars figure. It’s unfair to judge them the way you would any larger action figure, because the scale does not allow for the same level of articulation — especially when you pack in as much detail as PlayAlong has. Each figure is fully outfitted exactly as you saw them in the films — with sculpted belts, quivers, and all. Each includes a weapon accessory and a small base to keep them upright. The paint detail is fantastic for such small figures — take a look at the hairs on the hobbit feet, or Eowyn’s face, and tell me you’re not impressed.
The AOME line is totally innovative for its scale — traditionally dominated by static PVC slugs. Most figures are articulated at the shoulders, and some, like Frodo have, neck and waist articulation. The Ringwraiths for instance have no movement at all due to the heavy robes — but they make up for the lack with excellent poses and detail. The accessories are tiny — and Play Along must have spent a fair amount of time figuring the best way to get each to attach to the figure. Some are simply held in the hands, but some items like the bows and arrows have male plugs that fit into matching female holes hidden inside the grasping hands. Some figures will stand alone, others will not. The hobbits and Eowyn have male plugs on the bottom of their feet, so they must be attached to their base in order to stand. Some bases work better than others — my Rohirrim Soldier doesn’t want to stand at all, while Gandalf (from the Balrog set) won’t fall down (You… Shall Not Fall!).
I think we all owe Play Along a huge shout of appreciation for taking on this scale, allowing us to recreate our favorite scenes without buying tons of $8 per figure 6″ Toy Biz figs, and then finding the space to store it all. But I’ll be honest, there are some disappointments mixed in with the joys — some figures are decidedly better than other. No matter, the AOME figures offer exactly what they promise, for the right price at the right size. As a kid, this toy line would have easily beat out my Star Wars, Battle Beast, and M.U.S.C.L.E. men collections. As a full-grown adult, AOME is still a dream come true.
Review of ‘Ambush at Weathertop’ Exclusive pack from ShopAFX.com. [Click Here]
Purchase this Exclusive set at ShopAFX.com. [Purchase]
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“I’m almost done, just want to read a few more chapters,” says my significant other last night at Barnes and Noble.
I nod vaguely and continue my quest to understand MySQL databases within a 3 inch thick reference guide.
“Oh my Gosh! You’re website is in here!”
“What?” I dig my nose out of the reference manual and finally pay attention to what my significant other is reading: A Field Guide to the Urban Hipster by Josh Aiello.
“You’re kidding, right?” This is another joke on her part, I’m sure.
“No, look, TheOneRIng.net, right below AintitCool.com and above TheForce.net.”
Instantly intrigued by a mention of TORn in anything, I ask to take a look and read the following:
Book Excerpt:
THEONERING.NET (www.theonering.net) — Select a “dwarvish name” and apply your “pointy ears” before logging on to discuss the “feeblemindedness of Tooks” while waiting “Gandalf’s return.” Whether pondering literature in the “Tolkien room” or pitting “Billy the Pony” against “Aslan the Lion” in the “arena,” a lack of humor is essential, as questions pertaining to the “physical composition of Elrond’s sword” must be addressed with the seriousness of “Bilbo Baggins.”
LOLOL! I don’t know about you, but that is pretty darn funny. In fact, this whole book is a great read and worth picking up. The entire ‘Guide’ walks you through the stereotypes and generalizations that we all make in society and keeps you on the floor rolling with hysterics.
A word of warning to parents however. This book essentially PG-13.
I’ve scanned in a few of the pages for your viewing pleasure.
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LORD OF THE RINGS COMPILATION 2 $20.00 ($32.00 CAN)
This book contains all the best from White Dwarf magazine for The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game, containing new rules, scenarios, painting and modeling tips, and more. Inside you’ll find:
Three mini-games, the first featuring Gandalf vs the Balrog as they clashed on Zirak-Zigel and the second of the mighty clash between Gandalf and Sauruman inside the tower of Orthanc! We also have The Race to Bruinen Ford, as Arwen carries the wounded Frodo to safety while being chased by the Ringwraiths.
Guidelines for creating your own new scenarios
Rules for the new Rohan Royal Guard
Ready-to-use banners for your Riders of Rohan models
Scenery tips for creating your own Helm’s Deep!
Lots of Battle Reports and painting master-classes
Articles on converting up your own Ents plus rules for different types of Ents!
New rules for Ringwraiths riding Fellbeasts, along with a new scenario featuring these foul creatures
Lots of new scenarios for The Two Towers, The Fellowship of the Ring, and the new Shadow and Flame supplement – including the awesome Watcher in the Water!
All this plus Questions and Answers, Golden Daemon winners on display, reference charts, and more – An essential addition for all players!
Check it out here: [http://us.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/us/]
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