Nearly 70 years ago, monster movies changed forever with the introduction of Godzilla. The Japanese prehistoric monster awoke from its slumber in 1954 to terrorize villagers from Odo Island, announcing its presence with loud, lumbering footsteps and a bone-chilling roar. Since the original "Godzilla," kaiju movies have become a subgenre all their own, populated by epic monsters like Mothra and Ghidorah, with regular installments that range from corny to incredible.
In recent years, Hollywood has gotten in on the Godzilla game with Legendary Pictures' own spin on the world of giant monsters. But as exciting as it is to watch Kyle Chandler, Brian Tyree Henry, and Millie Bobby Brown face off against Godzilla, Japanese studio Toho (home to the vast majority of Godzilla flicks ever made) has something even more thrilling up its sleeve: a movie that looks poised to recapture the post-war terror of the beloved original. "Godzilla Minus One" is still a few months away,...
In recent years, Hollywood has gotten in on the Godzilla game with Legendary Pictures' own spin on the world of giant monsters. But as exciting as it is to watch Kyle Chandler, Brian Tyree Henry, and Millie Bobby Brown face off against Godzilla, Japanese studio Toho (home to the vast majority of Godzilla flicks ever made) has something even more thrilling up its sleeve: a movie that looks poised to recapture the post-war terror of the beloved original. "Godzilla Minus One" is still a few months away,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Few American filmmakers of the last 40 years await a major rediscovery like Hal Hartley, whose traces in modern movies are either too-minor or entirely unknown. Thus it’s cause for celebration that the Criterion Channel are soon launching a major retrospective: 13 features (which constitutes all but My America) and 17 shorts, a sui generis style and persistent vision running across 30 years. Expect your Halloween party to be aswim in Henry Fool costumes.
Speaking of: there’s a one-month headstart on seasonal programming with the 13-film “High School Horror”––most notable perhaps being a streaming premiere for the uncut version of Suspiria, plus the rare opportunity to see a Robert Rodriguez movie on the Criterion Channel––and a retrospective of Hong Kong vampire movies. A retrospective of ’70s car movies offer chills and thrills of a different sort
Six films by Allan Dwan and 12 “gaslight noirs” round out the main September series; The Eight Mountains,...
Speaking of: there’s a one-month headstart on seasonal programming with the 13-film “High School Horror”––most notable perhaps being a streaming premiere for the uncut version of Suspiria, plus the rare opportunity to see a Robert Rodriguez movie on the Criterion Channel––and a retrospective of Hong Kong vampire movies. A retrospective of ’70s car movies offer chills and thrills of a different sort
Six films by Allan Dwan and 12 “gaslight noirs” round out the main September series; The Eight Mountains,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Is there anything scarier than being a teenager? Bd has learned that the Criterion Channel will be launching their 13-film High School Horror collection on September 1!
The streaming service previews, “Relive your high school nightmares with these tales of terror unleashed in classrooms, gyms, locker-lined halls, and cafeterias, where psychotic slashers and supernatural monsters pursue jocks, nerds, and prom queens alike.
“The everyday fears of adolescence—social anxiety! changing bodies!—have inspired some of horror cinema’s most giddily bloodthirsty visions, from VHS-era exploitation shockers like Massacre at Central High and Slumber Party Massacre to ’90s teen-movie touchstones like I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Faculty and cult favorites like Donnie Darko and Battle Royale.”
Of particular note, Dario Argento’s Suspiria will be included in the collection, marking the worldwide streaming premiere of the restored uncut version from Synapse Films!
The full “High School Horror” lineup includes…...
The streaming service previews, “Relive your high school nightmares with these tales of terror unleashed in classrooms, gyms, locker-lined halls, and cafeterias, where psychotic slashers and supernatural monsters pursue jocks, nerds, and prom queens alike.
“The everyday fears of adolescence—social anxiety! changing bodies!—have inspired some of horror cinema’s most giddily bloodthirsty visions, from VHS-era exploitation shockers like Massacre at Central High and Slumber Party Massacre to ’90s teen-movie touchstones like I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Faculty and cult favorites like Donnie Darko and Battle Royale.”
Of particular note, Dario Argento’s Suspiria will be included in the collection, marking the worldwide streaming premiere of the restored uncut version from Synapse Films!
The full “High School Horror” lineup includes…...
- 8/11/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Sonny Chiba, the Japanese actor and martial artist known internationally for appearing in the Kill Bill films and The Fast and the Furious, died of Covid complications, his agent confirmed to Deadline. He was 82.
“He was a great friend and an awesome client. Such a humble, caring and friendly man. I will surely miss him,” said the actor’s agent Timothy Beal.
Chiba was a prolific actor in Japanese film and TV, racking up more than 125 credits for the famed Toei studios, and was also a noted stunt choreographer. In his later career, he attracted attention internationally by playing the sushi chef and retired samurai Hattori Hanzo in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2. Tarantino was a noted fan of Chiba; in his screenplay for True Romance, Christian Slater’s character is a fan of the actor.
After being talent spotted by the famed Toei film studio in the 1960s,...
“He was a great friend and an awesome client. Such a humble, caring and friendly man. I will surely miss him,” said the actor’s agent Timothy Beal.
Chiba was a prolific actor in Japanese film and TV, racking up more than 125 credits for the famed Toei studios, and was also a noted stunt choreographer. In his later career, he attracted attention internationally by playing the sushi chef and retired samurai Hattori Hanzo in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2. Tarantino was a noted fan of Chiba; in his screenplay for True Romance, Christian Slater’s character is a fan of the actor.
After being talent spotted by the famed Toei film studio in the 1960s,...
- 8/19/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Wow. Arrow Video has revealed their April releases for 2021 and it's safe to say that this is going to be a huge month for cult film fans. Perhaps the biggest release of the month is the UK-only 4K Uhd premiere of Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale in an incredible looking limited edition set that looks to seriously outpace all previous editions. Also making the 4K jump is Donnie Darko, another long out of print film from Arrow that had been selling for big bucks on the secondary market, this one...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 1/29/2021
- Screen Anarchy
It’s too bad I already recommended The Running Man this month (for post-Ender’s Game viewing), because even more than the first Hunger Games movie it really fits well with the new second installment, Catching Fire. But that’s okay, you can still add that to this week’s bunch of movies to see. I just won’t include it below. The same goes for Battle Royale, the most obvious movie to highlight for being similar to this franchise, though that one does make more sense as something to recommend after the first movie. Should Battle Royale II: Requiem take its place now that we’re talking about The Hunger Games 2? I haven’t seen it and hear it’s really terrible and it doesn’t seem to coincide plot-wise, so no. Instead I’ve got 12 other movies better worth your time as you wait for the first part of Mockingjay to hit theaters...
- 11/23/2013
- by Christopher Campbell
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
The Hunger Games was the third highest grossing film of 2012 beating out gigantic (and expected) hits like the final Twilight film, the first Hobbit, the latest Bond and the Spider-Man reboot. Hurray for originality! The film, based on the novels by Suzanne Collins, followed a teenager in a dystopian future where people are saddled with ridiculous names and a government that controls people through fear, force and dietary restrictions. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself in a televised competition to the death meant to distract the masses from their real miseries, and she surprises everyone involved by winning. The new film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, picks up the story with Katniss and her friend/co-victor Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) dethroned and forced to fight again by a president (Donald Sutherland) concerned that the duo are waking the sleeping populace towards rebellion. Also, I was mostly kidding about it ripping off Battle Royale II. Check...
- 4/15/2013
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Secret Cinema guests watch the Goat Island sunset
Sbs’s pay TV channel World Movies last night staged a Secret Cinema event which saw 300 guests taken to a screening on Goat Island in Sydney Harbour of cult Japanese movie Battle Royale.
Despite the ticket holders not knowing in advance where they were going or what film they would be seeing, places sold out in less than ten minutes.
When they arrived on the island, guests were handed weapons, went through martial arts training and watched burlesque and contortionist performances. The film featured a group of Japanese schoolchildren forced to fight each other to the death on a deserted island.
Participants also posed for their own death scene, with voting on the best as part as a competition on the World Movies Facebook page.
Chris Keely, Gm of World Movies said: “From the location to the film choice and the activities...
Sbs’s pay TV channel World Movies last night staged a Secret Cinema event which saw 300 guests taken to a screening on Goat Island in Sydney Harbour of cult Japanese movie Battle Royale.
Despite the ticket holders not knowing in advance where they were going or what film they would be seeing, places sold out in less than ten minutes.
When they arrived on the island, guests were handed weapons, went through martial arts training and watched burlesque and contortionist performances. The film featured a group of Japanese schoolchildren forced to fight each other to the death on a deserted island.
Participants also posed for their own death scene, with voting on the best as part as a competition on the World Movies Facebook page.
Chris Keely, Gm of World Movies said: “From the location to the film choice and the activities...
- 10/22/2012
- by mumbrella
- Encore Magazine
The CW is looking for a Hunger Games project beyond The Selection. The youth-focused network is exploring rights to the 2000 Japanese feature film Battle Royale, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The controversial movie, which like Hunger Games, is set in a dystopian future in which high school students are forced to fight one another to the death and are based on Koushun Takumi's novel of the same name. Story: 'Battle Royale,' 'Chinatown Hit Blu-ray for the First Time Anchor Bay released the Blu-ray -- and for its sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem -- just days before the
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- 7/27/2012
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When The Hunger Games was released, there were plenty of people comparing it to Battle Royale, which was originally release in 2000. Looking to capitalize on the success of The Hunger Games, it is being reported that the CW is interested in developing a Battle Royale TV series.
This was first reported by the La Times, who claims that the CW is currently talking to the property’s Hollywood representatives about purchasing the rights. The one hurdle that may hold up a deal is that it requires the approval of Koushun Takami, who wrote the novel the film is based on.
Sadly, it seems unlikely that the series will be developed for fans of the original film, but for a young audience that sees it as a TV version of The Hunger Games. With the series being on the CW, it would be impossible to include the same level of violence...
This was first reported by the La Times, who claims that the CW is currently talking to the property’s Hollywood representatives about purchasing the rights. The one hurdle that may hold up a deal is that it requires the approval of Koushun Takami, who wrote the novel the film is based on.
Sadly, it seems unlikely that the series will be developed for fans of the original film, but for a young audience that sees it as a TV version of The Hunger Games. With the series being on the CW, it would be impossible to include the same level of violence...
- 7/27/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
DVD Playhouse—April 2012
By Allen Gardner
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Warner Bros.) An eleven year-old boy (newcomer Thomas Horn, in an incredible debut) discovers a mysterious key amongst the possessions of his late father (Tom Hanks) who perished in 9/11. Determined to find the lock it matches, the boy embarks on a Picaresque odyssey across New York City. Director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth have fashioned a film both grand and intimate, beautifully-adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, thought by most who read it to be unfilmable. Fine support from Jeffrey Wright, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Viola Davis and the great Max von Sydow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection (Anchor Bay) Adapted from Koushun Takami’s polarizing novel (compared by champions and detractors alike as a 21st century version of A Clockwork Orange) and set in a futuristic Japan,...
By Allen Gardner
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Warner Bros.) An eleven year-old boy (newcomer Thomas Horn, in an incredible debut) discovers a mysterious key amongst the possessions of his late father (Tom Hanks) who perished in 9/11. Determined to find the lock it matches, the boy embarks on a Picaresque odyssey across New York City. Director Stephen Daldry and screenwriter Eric Roth have fashioned a film both grand and intimate, beautifully-adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel, thought by most who read it to be unfilmable. Fine support from Jeffrey Wright, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Viola Davis and the great Max von Sydow. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection (Anchor Bay) Adapted from Koushun Takami’s polarizing novel (compared by champions and detractors alike as a 21st century version of A Clockwork Orange) and set in a futuristic Japan,...
- 4/13/2012
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Chicago – A quick search of the web will reveal hundreds of articles and blog posts and message board rants about how the smash hit “The Hunger Games,” both the Suzanne Collins book and Gary Ross movie, wouldn’t exist without Kinji Fukasaku’s amazing 2000 film “Battle Royale” (itself based on a 1999 Japanese book). See for yourself what all the fuss is about with an amazing four-disc collection from Anchor Bay, “Battle Royale: The Complete Collection,” which brings the landmark film to the United States for the first time.
Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
It’s amazing how a Hollywood version can lessen the controversy surrounding an international one. Although the theory that “Battle Royale” never earned a Blu-ray or DVD release in the States due purely to its violent nature and intense subject matter has been a bit overblown. The fact is that much-more-violent films get U.S. releases all the time but the Hollywood machine,...
Blu-ray Rating: 5.0/5.0
It’s amazing how a Hollywood version can lessen the controversy surrounding an international one. Although the theory that “Battle Royale” never earned a Blu-ray or DVD release in the States due purely to its violent nature and intense subject matter has been a bit overblown. The fact is that much-more-violent films get U.S. releases all the time but the Hollywood machine,...
- 3/27/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
This Weekend sees the release of The Hunger Games, the first in a trilogy adapted from Suzanne Collins' bestselling novels.
The story is set in a dystopian future where children must fight for their lives in a televised arena contest.
There have been comparisons made with Battle Royale, a 1999 Japanese novel by Koushun Takami, in which schoolchildren awaken on a remote island and find themselves in an event called the Program that forces them to fight the other members of their class to the death.
The book was turned into a film the following year and was followed in 2003 by a sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem.
Suzanne Collins insisted she was unaware of Battle Royale until after she had sent in her Hunger Games manuscript and says she has avoided the book and the movies ever since.
Gary Ross, director of The Hunger Games movie, says he has...
The story is set in a dystopian future where children must fight for their lives in a televised arena contest.
There have been comparisons made with Battle Royale, a 1999 Japanese novel by Koushun Takami, in which schoolchildren awaken on a remote island and find themselves in an event called the Program that forces them to fight the other members of their class to the death.
The book was turned into a film the following year and was followed in 2003 by a sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem.
Suzanne Collins insisted she was unaware of Battle Royale until after she had sent in her Hunger Games manuscript and says she has avoided the book and the movies ever since.
Gary Ross, director of The Hunger Games movie, says he has...
- 3/22/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Suzanne Collins, author of "The Hunger Games", has been accused of lifting her idea for a teen battle to the death in a dystopian future from the 2000 Japanese movie "Battle Royale."
In the film, based on a popular series of manga comics, teens are sent to an island, fitted with explosive collars, given a variety of weapons and ordered to fight until only one remains alive. Sounds familiar, right?
Collins has denied the influence, but Anchor Bay Entertainment isn't missing an opportunity to hook the cult classic to "The Hunger Games'" star. On Wednesday (March 20), the company released the first official U.S. edition in the U.S. In fact, they've bulked the film up into a 4-dvd release that includes theatrical and director's cuts of the movie, the sequel "Battle Royale II" and a bunch of other obscure stuff.
Both "The Hunger Games" (which opens this weekend) and...
In the film, based on a popular series of manga comics, teens are sent to an island, fitted with explosive collars, given a variety of weapons and ordered to fight until only one remains alive. Sounds familiar, right?
Collins has denied the influence, but Anchor Bay Entertainment isn't missing an opportunity to hook the cult classic to "The Hunger Games'" star. On Wednesday (March 20), the company released the first official U.S. edition in the U.S. In fact, they've bulked the film up into a 4-dvd release that includes theatrical and director's cuts of the movie, the sequel "Battle Royale II" and a bunch of other obscure stuff.
Both "The Hunger Games" (which opens this weekend) and...
- 3/22/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo I only received a DVD copy for review and the only feature available on it is the David Fincher commentary, which I already covered at length. However, even I am considering picking up the Blu-ray for this one.
Carnage I seem to have liked this movie more than most people (read my review here), but I'm not sure it's worth buying. I became immediately obsessed with it when it first arrived as a screener late last year and watched it three times, but I may have already gotten my fill.
Battle Royale (Blu-ray) I only reviewed the single-disc Blu-ray version of Battle Royale, which you can read here, and have heard the sequel is terrible so I'm not sure how worth it buying the box set is. However, the box set does come with the theatrical and extended cut of Battle Royale (the single...
Carnage I seem to have liked this movie more than most people (read my review here), but I'm not sure it's worth buying. I became immediately obsessed with it when it first arrived as a screener late last year and watched it three times, but I may have already gotten my fill.
Battle Royale (Blu-ray) I only reviewed the single-disc Blu-ray version of Battle Royale, which you can read here, and have heard the sequel is terrible so I'm not sure how worth it buying the box set is. However, the box set does come with the theatrical and extended cut of Battle Royale (the single...
- 3/20/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
This week: Rooney Mara deservedly earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of gothic computer hacker Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's English-language remake of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," which co-stars a very un-Bondlike Daniel Craig.
Also new is Kermit's comeback in "The Muppets," Jonah Hill in the comedy "The Sitter," Gary Oldman in the spy thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and the Blu-ray debut of the violent Japanese phenomenon "Battle Royale."
'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)
Box Office: $102 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Fresh
Storyline: Disgraced investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is hired by a wealthy industrialist (Christopher Plummer) to solve the disappearance of a family member decades ago. Blomkvist enlists the help of unconventional researcher Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) to help him find a killer of women in David Fincher's riveting remake of the Swedish film based on the popular Stieg Larsson novel.
Also new is Kermit's comeback in "The Muppets," Jonah Hill in the comedy "The Sitter," Gary Oldman in the spy thriller "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and the Blu-ray debut of the violent Japanese phenomenon "Battle Royale."
'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' (2011)
Box Office: $102 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% Fresh
Storyline: Disgraced investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is hired by a wealthy industrialist (Christopher Plummer) to solve the disappearance of a family member decades ago. Blomkvist enlists the help of unconventional researcher Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) to help him find a killer of women in David Fincher's riveting remake of the Swedish film based on the popular Stieg Larsson novel.
- 3/19/2012
- by Robert DeSalvo
- NextMovie
Never mind The Hunger Games. If you want to see the young adult vs. young adult theme done right, look no further than the classic film Battle Royale. Even better? We have your chance to score a copy on us!
That's right, kids! We're giving away several copies of the flick on Blu-ray, and one grand prize winner will even receive the limited edition Blu-ray box set! To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-Mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors,...
That's right, kids! We're giving away several copies of the flick on Blu-ray, and one grand prize winner will even receive the limited edition Blu-ray box set! To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-Mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors,...
- 3/14/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Aw yeah, mama! I can feel that arterial blood spray from here. Wanna bathe in it. Love it up! Oh yeah, sweet baby. Bring on the red stuff. You know how we like it. Warm and inviting, sugar. Sorry about that head flying through the air.
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, sacred cinematic classics. And now fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and...
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, sacred cinematic classics. And now fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and...
- 3/12/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Believe it or not, I'd never seen Battle Royale (Batoru rowaiaru), a 2000 Japanese feature based on the 1999 novel by Koshun Takami, directed by Kinji Fukasaku, set in the near future in which the Japanese economy is nearing collapse and the country's youth are out of control, boycotting school and when they do go they abuse their teachers. Disheartened and seeing no other alternatives, the government takes drastic measures and initiates the Battle Royale Act, wherein a random class of schoolchildren is selected and their field trip takes a dramatically different turn than expected. Gassed during the drive, when their bus finally stops they find themselves on a deserted island preparing for battle, against one another. In the case of Battle Royale, this film follows 42 children of one particular ninth grade class as they are pitted against one another in a battle to the death in which there can be only one survivor.
- 3/7/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Not content with just dropping Battle Royale onto home video in a truly stellar edition, the fine folks at Anchor Bay have announced that they will be taking the much heralded flick across the U.S.A. theatrically! Rock and roll, baby!
Participating Venues
2/24: Madison, Wi – University of Wisconsin Madison (Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee) (free to campus) 2/24–2/25: Tulsa, Ok – Circle Cinema 3/11–3/11: Cambridge, Ma - Brattle Theater / Seattle, Wa - Northwest Film Forum (late Fridays in March) 3/2–3/3: Portland, Or – Hollywood Theater 3/2: Spokane, Wa – Magic Lantern 3/8-3/9: Winchester, Va – Alamo Drafthouse 3/9-3/10: Minneapolis, Mn – Landmark Lagoon 5 3/9–3/15: Tucson, Az – Loft Cinema 2 (10pm)/ 3/10: Providence, Ri - Arkham Film Fest (no fee) / Huntington, NY – Cinema Arts Center 3/16-3/17: Denver, Co – Denver Film Center 3/18: Houston, TX – Alamo Drafthouse 3/16-3/18 & 3/20: Austin, TX – Alamo Drafthouse 3/19: Philadelphia, Pa – The Philadelphia Film Society/The Trocadero 3/23-3/24: Seattle,...
Participating Venues
2/24: Madison, Wi – University of Wisconsin Madison (Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee) (free to campus) 2/24–2/25: Tulsa, Ok – Circle Cinema 3/11–3/11: Cambridge, Ma - Brattle Theater / Seattle, Wa - Northwest Film Forum (late Fridays in March) 3/2–3/3: Portland, Or – Hollywood Theater 3/2: Spokane, Wa – Magic Lantern 3/8-3/9: Winchester, Va – Alamo Drafthouse 3/9-3/10: Minneapolis, Mn – Landmark Lagoon 5 3/9–3/15: Tucson, Az – Loft Cinema 2 (10pm)/ 3/10: Providence, Ri - Arkham Film Fest (no fee) / Huntington, NY – Cinema Arts Center 3/16-3/17: Denver, Co – Denver Film Center 3/18: Houston, TX – Alamo Drafthouse 3/16-3/18 & 3/20: Austin, TX – Alamo Drafthouse 3/19: Philadelphia, Pa – The Philadelphia Film Society/The Trocadero 3/23-3/24: Seattle,...
- 2/16/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Anchor Bay Entertainment will be releasing Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray and DVD on March 20th. For those who are interested in seeing Battle Royale on the big screen, the film will receive a limited theatrical release in various cities across the country.
“Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and DVD...
“Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and DVD...
- 2/16/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray and DVD for the first time in North America, featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into this truly international phenomenon.
Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics.
But for those who wish to witness this quintessential cult masterpiece on the big screen, Anchor Bay Entertainment announces the following theatrical engagements for Battle Royale...
Read more...
Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics.
But for those who wish to witness this quintessential cult masterpiece on the big screen, Anchor Bay Entertainment announces the following theatrical engagements for Battle Royale...
Read more...
- 2/16/2012
- by ryanrotten@shocktillyoudrop.com (Ryan Turek)
- shocktillyoudrop.com
When it comes to the upcoming release of Battle Royale here in the States, we're still pinching ourselves to see if we'll wake up. We couldn't be happier that the flick is on its way in grand fashion, and we've got a new clip on tap to keep both us and you excited!
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale...
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale...
- 2/15/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Battle Royale, the controversial and body-stacked Japanese movie, is getting the Blu-ray treatment and is also being paired with its sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, for a multi-disc Battle Royale: The Complete Collection. The movies are based on the popular manga, which is set in a dystopian future where each year the government sends one high school class to an island where the students are forced to fight each other to the death. If you think this has shades of Hunger Games, you’re not alone. Anchor Bay has the two editions hitting stories March 20, three days
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- 1/17/2012
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We previously reported on the North American release of Battle Royale on DVD & Blu-Ray. Amazon.com has the Blu-Ray of the Complete Collection which includes Battle Royale and Battle Royale II on Blu-Ray along with 2 hours of special features. Simply click on the image below to pre-order the Blu-Ray which is set to release on March 20, 2012
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection’s four disc set Blu-ray set will include:
Battle Royale Director’s Cut
with Japanese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English subtitles. Battle Royale Theatrical Cut
with Japanese and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English subtitles. Battle Royale II
with Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and English subtitles. Battle Royale
Bonus disc (DVD).
The bonus DVD will feature:
The Making Of Battle Royale Battle Royale Press Conference Instructional Video: Birthday Version Audition & Rehearsal Footage Special Effects Comparison Featurette Tokyo International Film Festival 2000 Battle Royale Documentary Basketball Scene Rehearsals Behind-The-Scenes Featurette...
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection’s four disc set Blu-ray set will include:
Battle Royale Director’s Cut
with Japanese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English subtitles. Battle Royale Theatrical Cut
with Japanese and English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English subtitles. Battle Royale II
with Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and English subtitles. Battle Royale
Bonus disc (DVD).
The bonus DVD will feature:
The Making Of Battle Royale Battle Royale Press Conference Instructional Video: Birthday Version Audition & Rehearsal Footage Special Effects Comparison Featurette Tokyo International Film Festival 2000 Battle Royale Documentary Basketball Scene Rehearsals Behind-The-Scenes Featurette...
- 1/16/2012
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
After over a decade of being forced to watch it via bootleg, import or BitTorrent, soon U.S. fans of Kinji Fukasaku's Japanese cult classic Battle Royale will finally be able to own the movie on Region 1 DVD and Blu-ray. Based on the book by Koushun Takami, this gory action flick drew a ton of controversy when it was initially released because of the fact that it pits a class of high school students against each other in a brutal fight to the death. Clearly it shares many similarities with The Hunger Games, which would seem to be the main motivating factor for Anchor Bay to finally give the movie a proper U.S. release this March. Battle Royale will be available in a single-disc edition and also a four-disc set that includes the Director's Cut, Theatrical Cut and the sequel, Battle Royale II, plus a bonus disc that...
- 1/13/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Battle Royale / Batoru Rowaiaru The Complete Collection Trailer. Kinji Fukasaku‘s Battle Royale / Batoru Rowaiaru (2000) The Complete Collection Blu-ray / DVD trailer stars Takeshi Kitano, Chiaki Kuriyama, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, and Tarô Yamamoto. Battle Royale‘s plot synopsis: Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, “In the near future, the economy has collapsed, unemployment has soared and juvenile crime has exploded. Fearful of their nation’s youth, the Japanese government passes The Br Law: Each year, a 9th grade class is sent to a remote island where they will be locked into exploding neck collars, given a random weapon, and forced to hunt and kill each other until there is only one survivor left.”
This movie is sensational. I have seen Battle Royale multiple times. I have not seen the Director’s Cut though. I have given this film to people as Christmas presents. If only we weren’t...
This movie is sensational. I have seen Battle Royale multiple times. I have not seen the Director’s Cut though. I have given this film to people as Christmas presents. If only we weren’t...
- 1/13/2012
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
I remember hearing about Battle Royale back in 2000 and it was available through many bootlegs but I always held out waiting on a proper release. Come 2005, I realized that North America might not be getting the proper release I have been waiting for so I imported a Korean version of the film on DVD. All the special features didn’t have subtitles and I could only enjoy the Tarantino endorsement. Now, 2 DVD sets and the Arrow Films Blu-Ray set later, Anchor Bay will be releasing the film and its sequel on Blu-Ray & DVD.
From the Press Release:
Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors,...
From the Press Release:
Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors,...
- 1/11/2012
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
Anchor Bay Entertainment has officially announced that they will be bringing Battle Royale stateside in high-definition with the release of Battle Royale: The Complete Collection:
Beverly Hills, CA – Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of...
Beverly Hills, CA – Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of...
- 1/10/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
by MoreHorror.com
Battle Royale is a film considered so violent and controversial that it is widely held that it was banned across North America.
Well, that wasn't the case. No distribution company in the states has been willing to pick up the Japanese horror flick until now that is thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment. Check out the full details below as well as the trailer.
From the Original Release:
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
Battle Royale is a film considered so violent and controversial that it is widely held that it was banned across North America.
Well, that wasn't the case. No distribution company in the states has been willing to pick up the Japanese horror flick until now that is thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment. Check out the full details below as well as the trailer.
From the Original Release:
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
- 1/10/2012
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: March 20, 2012
Price: DVD $44.98, Blu-ray $49.99
Studio: Anchor Bay
The kids are all right--until they begin killing each other in the controversial Battle Royale.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection includes the controversial 2000 Japanese action-thriller film Battle Royale and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem, a pair of cult favorites about groups of school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.
Their March 2012 Blu-ray and DVD release marks the first time the movies have been issued on disc in North America, though they’ve been available as both imports and unauthorized domestic editions.
Based on the 1999 novel by Koushun Takami, Battle Royale spins a pretty wild tale: In a near future decimated by a failing economy, unemployment and the rise of juvenile crime, the Japanese government passes a law that states that each year, a ninth grade class will be sent to...
Price: DVD $44.98, Blu-ray $49.99
Studio: Anchor Bay
The kids are all right--until they begin killing each other in the controversial Battle Royale.
Battle Royale: The Complete Collection includes the controversial 2000 Japanese action-thriller film Battle Royale and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem, a pair of cult favorites about groups of school children who are forced to fight each other to the death.
Their March 2012 Blu-ray and DVD release marks the first time the movies have been issued on disc in North America, though they’ve been available as both imports and unauthorized domestic editions.
Based on the 1999 novel by Koushun Takami, Battle Royale spins a pretty wild tale: In a near future decimated by a failing economy, unemployment and the rise of juvenile crime, the Japanese government passes a law that states that each year, a ninth grade class will be sent to...
- 1/10/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Essentially “The Hunger Games” before there was a “Hunger Games” book series, Kinji Fukasaku’s 2000 film “Battle Royale” is one of those titles you would have heard about and sought out already if you were even the least bit interested in Asian cinema the last 10 years or so. The premise is certainly crazy enough that it’s become a massive cult hit, and for those who have never seen it, the film is making its DVD and Blu-ray debut in the States for the first time on March 20th, 2012 courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. Besides the 2000 original, Anchor Bay will also be releasing a “Battle Royale: The Complete Collection” 3-disc/4-disc set that will also include 2003′s “Battle Royale II”, directed by Kenta Fukasaku, the son of Kinji Fukasaku. The sequel, er, is not nearly as must-see as the original, and let’s leave it at that. In the near future,...
- 1/9/2012
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
It's been hailed as one of the most controversial films of all time. It's guaranteed to make The Hunger Games along with everything else that has ever emulated it look like the kid's stuff that it actually is. And now, after years and years, Battle Royale is officially hitting U.S. shores on Blu-ray and DVD!
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly...
From the Press Release
A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray™ and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly...
- 1/9/2012
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Yes, you read that right, Anchor Bay just slipped us the following details...
Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD!
Read more...
Battle Royale. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming The Hunger Games motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD!
Read more...
- 1/9/2012
- by ryanrotten@shocktillyoudrop.com (Ryan Turek)
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Coming soon from director Kenta Fukasaku (Battle Royale II) and Tokyo Shock/Media Blasters, is Black Rat and they’ve released a trailer.
Six high schoolers receive a cell phone email from a classmate named Asuka telling them to come back to their class in the middle of the night. The only problem is Asuka recently committed suicide. They decide they better do as they’re told, but when the clock strikes midnight, a person wielding a bat and wearing a blood-stained costume mouse head appears and says “Asuka’s revenge”. The “six rats” all flee in different directions, but are tracked down one by one.
No official date set yet. We’ll keep you posted.
Source: Nippon Cinema...
Six high schoolers receive a cell phone email from a classmate named Asuka telling them to come back to their class in the middle of the night. The only problem is Asuka recently committed suicide. They decide they better do as they’re told, but when the clock strikes midnight, a person wielding a bat and wearing a blood-stained costume mouse head appears and says “Asuka’s revenge”. The “six rats” all flee in different directions, but are tracked down one by one.
No official date set yet. We’ll keep you posted.
Source: Nippon Cinema...
- 3/10/2011
- by Jon Peters
- Killer Films
Media Blasters has uploaded an English-subtitled trailer for Kenta Fukasaku’s Black Rat to their YouTube channel, so it’s safe to assume a North American release by their Asian horror-focused sub-label Tokyo Shock isn’t far off.
The film was released last year as part of “Avex Newstar Cinema Collection Vol. 2” along with Tetsuo Shinohara’s Ramune, Noritomo Nagashima’s Otona ni Natta Natsu, and Rin Tadashi’s Custard Pudding. Basically, Avex Management produces and distributes movies for the specific purpose of showcasing their young talent.
In “Black Rat”, six high schoolers receive a cell phone email from a classmate named Asuka telling them to come back to their class in the middle of the night. The only problem is Asuka recently committed suicide. They decide they better do as they’re told, but when the clock strikes midnight, a person wielding a bat and wearing a blood-stained costume...
The film was released last year as part of “Avex Newstar Cinema Collection Vol. 2” along with Tetsuo Shinohara’s Ramune, Noritomo Nagashima’s Otona ni Natta Natsu, and Rin Tadashi’s Custard Pudding. Basically, Avex Management produces and distributes movies for the specific purpose of showcasing their young talent.
In “Black Rat”, six high schoolers receive a cell phone email from a classmate named Asuka telling them to come back to their class in the middle of the night. The only problem is Asuka recently committed suicide. They decide they better do as they’re told, but when the clock strikes midnight, a person wielding a bat and wearing a blood-stained costume...
- 3/5/2011
- Nippon Cinema
After a decade long wait, late director Kinji Fukasaku’s iconic cult hit Battle Royale is finally coming to North America courtesy of the fine folks at Anchor Bay. According to Nippon Cinema, the distributor has acquired Us distribution rights to the popular franchise just in time for the ten year anniversary.
Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution because American distributors were too scared to release it too soon after the Columbine massacre. There has been plenty off bootlegs and poorly-subtitled Region 0 releases, but now fans will be able to pick up a nice, packaged and quality release that they deserve.
Fukasaku died very early on in the filming of the 2003 sequel Battle Royale II, leaving his son Kenta to take over. Sadly Battle Royale 2 did not live up to its predecessor.
No word has surfaced as to when the films will hit retail shelves, or...
Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution because American distributors were too scared to release it too soon after the Columbine massacre. There has been plenty off bootlegs and poorly-subtitled Region 0 releases, but now fans will be able to pick up a nice, packaged and quality release that they deserve.
Fukasaku died very early on in the filming of the 2003 sequel Battle Royale II, leaving his son Kenta to take over. Sadly Battle Royale 2 did not live up to its predecessor.
No word has surfaced as to when the films will hit retail shelves, or...
- 11/16/2010
- by Staff
- SoundOnSight
Surely this can’t be possible? Kenji Fukasaku’s classic dystopian nightmare, Battle Royale, has never seen the light of day in America. I remember seeing this at the pictures back in, it must have been, 2001? That’s almost a decade.
Anchor Bay have picked up distribution rights to finally give the Yanks a blast of cinematic awesomeness that introduced Chiaki Kuriyama to the world (Quentin Tarantino definitely saw it because he cast her in Kill Bill). She was absolutely kick-ass in both Qt’s flick and Fukusaku’s!
Yes, we all know Battle Royale II: Requiem was a bag of shite, but the original is an out-and-out masterpiece. And Takeshi Kitano’s in it too – and he rocks! Think of Battle Royale as Lord of the Flies meets The Running Man.
Anchor Bay plan to retrofit the movie into 3D and release it sometime in 2011. Quite why they...
Anchor Bay have picked up distribution rights to finally give the Yanks a blast of cinematic awesomeness that introduced Chiaki Kuriyama to the world (Quentin Tarantino definitely saw it because he cast her in Kill Bill). She was absolutely kick-ass in both Qt’s flick and Fukusaku’s!
Yes, we all know Battle Royale II: Requiem was a bag of shite, but the original is an out-and-out masterpiece. And Takeshi Kitano’s in it too – and he rocks! Think of Battle Royale as Lord of the Flies meets The Running Man.
Anchor Bay plan to retrofit the movie into 3D and release it sometime in 2011. Quite why they...
- 11/11/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
For all the hand-wringing amongst J-film fans over the recent 3D conversion of Kinji Fukasaku’s smash hit 2000 film Battle Royale for its 10th anniversary, there was always one silver lining from a business angle—it gave distributor Toei a perfectly valid excuse to showcase one of their most successful films ever for international buyers.
Unsurprisingly, the revamped film got plenty of bites at this year’s American Film Market, drawing the attention of over 50 distributors from 13 countries. Most notably, a Us distributor bought up the American rights to the film. Editor’s note (11/14): At Toei’s request, I’ve removed the name of the mentioned distributor from this article. It’s not officially announced yet and several Japanese news outlets got the name from a third party that may not be accurate.
This is a long time coming; Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution...
Unsurprisingly, the revamped film got plenty of bites at this year’s American Film Market, drawing the attention of over 50 distributors from 13 countries. Most notably, a Us distributor bought up the American rights to the film. Editor’s note (11/14): At Toei’s request, I’ve removed the name of the mentioned distributor from this article. It’s not officially announced yet and several Japanese news outlets got the name from a third party that may not be accurate.
This is a long time coming; Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution...
- 11/11/2010
- Nippon Cinema
For all the hand-wringing amongst J-film fans over the recent 3D conversion of Kinji Fukasaku’s smash hit 2000 film Battle Royale for its 10th anniversary, there was always one silver lining from a business angle—it gave distributor Toei a perfectly valid excuse to showcase one of their most successful films ever for international buyers.
Unsurprisingly, the revamped film got plenty of bites at this year’s American Film Market, drawing the attention of over 50 distributors from 13 countries. Most notably, Us distributor Anchor Bay Entertainment bought up the American rights to the film. This is a long time coming; Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution when it was first up for grabs nearly a decade ago. Although interest in Japanese films was surging upward at the time due to the cult success of the J-horror wave, there was simply no appetite for a movie about high...
Unsurprisingly, the revamped film got plenty of bites at this year’s American Film Market, drawing the attention of over 50 distributors from 13 countries. Most notably, Us distributor Anchor Bay Entertainment bought up the American rights to the film. This is a long time coming; Battle Royale was never picked up for North American distribution when it was first up for grabs nearly a decade ago. Although interest in Japanese films was surging upward at the time due to the cult success of the J-horror wave, there was simply no appetite for a movie about high...
- 11/11/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Wow, I can't believe it's been a decade since Kinji Fukasaku's seminal horror/survival flick 'Battle Royale' (Aka 'Batoru rowaiaru') was upon us. The Japanese made movie has influenced endless genre movies since and has gained a significant cult following over the years. It spawned a less successful sequel in 2003 ('Batoru rowaiaru II: Chinkonka') and as you may also be aware an English-speaking remake is currently in development. So here we are a decade later and the original is getting turned into 3D. A new trailer was revealed for 'Battle Royale 3D' last week giving you an idea of just how and where the 3D features will show up. Check out the trailer below. 'In a future where society is on the verge of collapse, the government takes drastic action against the problem of rebellious teenagers. Japan's economy has taken a dramatic turn for the worse,...
- 10/11/2010
- Horror Asylum
Yes, you read the headline right; Battle Royale, the 2000 Japanese film directed by Kinji Fukasaku, is being given the 3D conversion treatment for a re-release later this year.
Battle Royale is a stunning film, based on a book by Koushun Takami, in which Japan implements the Br Act creating a deadly game where high school students are trapped on an island and forced to kill each other. The film was fantastic and dealt with fascinating themes. The film never pulls any punches and the violence throughout is brutal and extreme.
Fukasaku lived through WWII in Japan, seeing atrocious death and devastation and this had a big influence on how he approached the film. The island can also be seen as a microcosm of modern Japan and this blending of Japan’s history and modern issues helped make the film such an interesting and layered experience.
As is probably obvious, I...
Battle Royale is a stunning film, based on a book by Koushun Takami, in which Japan implements the Br Act creating a deadly game where high school students are trapped on an island and forced to kill each other. The film was fantastic and dealt with fascinating themes. The film never pulls any punches and the violence throughout is brutal and extreme.
Fukasaku lived through WWII in Japan, seeing atrocious death and devastation and this had a big influence on how he approached the film. The island can also be seen as a microcosm of modern Japan and this blending of Japan’s history and modern issues helped make the film such an interesting and layered experience.
As is probably obvious, I...
- 5/17/2010
- by Craig Skinner
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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