Lord of the Rings Card Game to Feature Original Images From Weta

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgNorfolk, Virginia-based Decipher has announced that Weta Workshop [1] will create unique photographic images of characters not depicted in New Line's THE LORD OF THE RINGS [2] trilogy for use in the trading card game based on the epic tale. Characters include: Tom Bombadil, the enigmatic character who saved the Hobbits before they got to Bree in the first novel; Goldberry, Tom Bombadil's wife; Radagast, Gandalf's wizard peer; Glorfindel, the original elf who took Frodo to Rivendell; and Elrohir and Elladan, sons of Elrond; among others. The original images will begin to appear in trading card game sets beginning May 2004.

"We are extremely honored to have Weta involved in bringing these characters to life through our trading card game," said Warren Holland, Decipher's ceo. "Richard Taylor and his team in New Zealand have created some of the most outstanding special effects in the history of film. We are looking forward to the wonders that they will create for our game, further extending Middle-earth for TCG players, as well as J.R.R. Tolkien fans and collectors."

Richard Taylor, director of Weta Workshop, said, "Weta Workshop is very excited about the challenge of creating these wonderful new characters for Decipher's THE LORD OF THE RINGS trading card game. We wanted to create many of these characters for the films, but obviously the limitations of screen time prevented that from happening. These are characters the fans have been clamoring to see and now they can exclusively through Decipher's game. Staying loyal to the words of J.R.R. Tolkien has been enormously important to us in everything that we have created for the film trilogy -- and we intend to do the same with the images that we will create for Decipher."

Weta Workshop designed and produced more than 1,200 hand-made suits of armor, 2,000 weapons, miniatures and prosthetic feet and ears. In addition, Weta Workshop was responsible for the creation of 12 major creatures, including such computer-generated characters as Gollum and Treebeard. For more information, visit www.wetadigital.com [3].

Founded by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game and fan club industry. The company's Trading Card Game Studio produces STAR TREK, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, .HACK//ENEMY and BEYBLADE trading card games. Visit www.decipher.com [4] for additional information.

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is among the entertainment industry's leading independent producers and distributors of theatrical motion pictures. The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisition, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com [5].