THE LEFT LANE
Big 'Lord of the Rings' releases
Big 'Rings' releases
Middle-earth is getting bigger and bolder on home video. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" premieres on video Aug. 6, followed Nov. 12 by an extended edition that will add about 30 minutes to the three-hour film. The theatrical release was rated PG-13, but distributor New Line said the extended version's material would push it to an R rating.
The August DVD release of the multi-Oscar winner will come in a two-disc set with two hours of bonus material, including a 10-minute sneak preview of the second chapter in the film trilogy, "The Two Towers," due in theaters Dec. 18. The longer November video package will be a four-disc set with six hours of extra material, including behind-the-scenes looks at how director Peter Jackson re-created J.R.R. Tolkien's mythical land of hobbits, elves and wizards.
— Associated Press
Plus-size option
Plus-size women, generally defined as those wearing size 18 and up, often complain about the clothing options available to them. Now there's a new place to shop: Lands' End has introduced a 64-page catalog for women sizes 18-26. Styles range from career to casual and include many hard-to-find items such as swimwear, active wear, intimate apparel and sleepwear. Styles and colors, although on the conservative side, are generally up-to-date.
To request a catalog, call (800) 356-4444 or go to landsend.com.
— Paula Rath, Advertiser staff writer
Relaxation redo
Associated Press
The humble La-Z-Boy has gone haute couture.
A patriotic La-Z-Boy
Designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Todd Oldham and MoMo FaLana accepted an invitation by La-Z-Boy to give the staid recliner a fashion makeover to raise money for charity.
The results included one upholstered in lingerie fabric, another in a patriotic theme, and another in leopard-print leather. From each design, three sets of chairs were produced: one for an eBay auction, one for a February auction in New York that raised $30,000 and one the factory teams can keep. You can make your eBay bid through April 24. Proceeds will benefit the New York-based Bailey House, which houses homeless people suffering from HIV and AIDS.
— Associated Press
