Nov 14, 2003/ FW/ --- Considered by millions throughout the world to be the greatest adventure ever told, The Lord of the Rings trilogy has ignited the imaginations of millions of readers throughout the world. For the past two years, New Line Cinema brought this classic legend to the motion picture screen and introduced movie audiences to the extraordinary world of Middle-earth.

Based on New Line Cinema's upcoming film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, The Return of the King, Barbie® doll and Ken® doll portray the romance and drama of Arwen and Aragorn. The characters from the mystical world of Middle-earth are brought to life with exquisite detail in a commemorative Collector Edition gift set to coincide with the third release titled The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on December 17.

"Barbie Collectibles is dedicated to bringing the most beautiful and detailed renditions to life for The Lord of the Rings and Barbie® fans alike," said Deanna Kangas, Director at Mattel. "The film provides vividly rich images to work with, and we are excited to be part of the project."

Barbie® doll captures the essence of Arwen, considered to be the most beautiful of all living beings in Middle-earth, dressed in a gown with silvery details on the bodice and sleeves. The doll's beautiful long flowing hair is adorned with a beaded butterfly-patterned hair ornament.

Off on another adventurous journey to defend the Fellowship, Ken® doll wears an elaborate warrior costume featuring a cloak, body armor, crown and sword.

Carrying a suggested retail price of $59.95, The Lord of the Rings gift set will be available this November on Barbiecollectibles.com. Other dolls in the Barbie Collectibles Pop Culture line include Barbie® as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde II, I Love Lucy® Doll, Diana Ross and Barbie® as Sandy from Grease™. Visit Barbiecollectibles.com for more information.

New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King film will be released in theaters nationwide on December 17, 2003. For more information about The Lord of the Rings movies, please go to www.lordoftherings.net.