Middle-earth MadnessYou asked for it. We listened.

When TORn’s new book, Middle-earth Madness, came out last month for Kindle and Nook, some fans were delighted, like Elizabeth Trogden who gives the books five stars at Amazon saying, “Just as the movies led me to the books, TheOneRing.net informed me of the many fans and their activities. This book wonderfully complements all of them.”

But there were others lit up Facebook and message boards with a clear request: “We want a printed version!” As Ithilwen commented, “I hope for printed version as well, it just seems way more fitting to read about Middle-earth from a paper book. Or maybe I’m just a bit old fashioned.”

Well, here it is. Real pages packed with hobbity goodness for you to hold in your hand and set on the shelf with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movies the book is all about. It’s a little piece of TORn you can keep as a collector’s item and look back on as the years go by.

Get yours today to find out…

Middle-earth Madness– Which creature design in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey the filmmakers weren’t satisfied with and secretly changed for the extended edition DVD
– Which Hobbit movie includes an item with J.R.R. Tolkien’s name written on it
– Which item Bilbo takes from Beorn’s house and takes home
– How Peter Jackson could make an adaptation of The Silmarillion without obtaining the rights from the Tolkien Estate
– and lots more, including interviews with Richard Armitage (Thorin), Sylvester McCoy (Radagast), Richard Taylor (Weta Workshop), Mark Ordesky (LOTR Exec) and many more of your favorites.

Want to read a sample chapter and see what all the fuss is about? Here you go!

Update: thanks to DanielLB on our discussion boards for pointing out that the book is also available on some Amazon sites for countries other than the U.S. (amazon.uk, amazon.fr). So check out your country’s site in case you can save on some shipping.

 

 

 

 

Baggins-Bday-cakeThis is just a final reminder that TORn’s big Baggins Birthday Bash will be kicking off on Sunday at noon in Griffith Park. Luckily, the triple digit heat we’ve been having for the past week has finally broken, so it will only by in the low 80’s on Sunday, woohoo. Come celebrate with your fellow Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits and Wizards as we salute our favorite Halfling Heroes, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This is a Potluck, so bring some munchies and/or beverages of choice and get ready for one fine party to remember. We’ve set up an Event page on Facebook with all the details, such as maps, directions and a list of items being brought already. So check it out at Baggins Birthday Bash Please RSVP on either the Facebook Event page, listing what you are bringing, or send me an email at Garfeimao@TheOneRing.net. Oh, and remember, there will be a special contest for creating the most creative and/or delicious Middle-earth themed Cake or Cupcakes, so bring it ON!

the-hobbit-DOS-extended-edition-blu-rayLooks like we finally have a trailer for the Extended Edition of Desolation of Smaug, and yes, Thrain is in it. We no longer have to wonder what ever happened to that shadowy figure in Dol Guldur. This version Extends the original Theatrical Release by 25 minutes, plenty of time to see more details, get more action, and learn more about some of the characters. You will finally get to see all additional 25 minutes on November 4, but for now just this preview. The Trailer is on Yahoo Movies and after viewing, you can enter to win a prize, so double happiness to be had.

Without further ado, here is the Trailer.

The Hobbit: DOS EE trailer

We’ve seen lots of photos of the Dale set in that was erected at Maupuia bush on the Miramar peninsula not too far from stone street Studios. But I don’t think we’ve ever seen one from above. Until now.

Ringer Duncan sends us the below image that he discovered on applemaps (which, weirdly, redirects to googlemaps but yano whatevs).


Dale set aerial view

beornToday, via their Facebook page, our friends at Weta Workshop revealed a new collectible from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

The next Hobbit collectible will give collectors a chance to own Beorn’s House. Fans who are lucky enough to attend the Salt Lake Comic-Con can see this in person during the convention. All we know right now is that will be limited to only 750 pieces worldwide. Once we know more we will pass that information along.

12If you were at Comic-Con 2014 this year and stopped by artist Jerry Vanderstelt’s booth, then you got the chance to see him bring a 6 foot by 4 foot art print of Smaug to life. Now for those of you who could not make it to Comic-Con here’s your chance to see what it was like watching one of Middle-earth’s greatest characters came to life.

If you’re interested in buying this piece, it is available for sale on ebay, all you have to do is contact Jerry, or, if you want to snag any of his other amazing prints, you can do all of this through his Vanderstelt Studio Store. You can also stay up to date on all of Jerry’s work by checking out his Facebook Page.

Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Vanderstelt Studio’s Creation of Smaug”