by Alex Billington
September 29, 2014
Source: NY Times
A faithful heart makes wishes come true. This might end up being a groundbreaking deal, but only time will tell. NY Times / Variety are reporting on a deal made between The Weinstein Company and Netflix wherein the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon due out next year will be released in both IMAX and on Netflix the same day. The sequel is titled Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Destiny and includes Michelle Yeoh returning as Shu Lien, along with newcomer Donnie Yen in a lead role as well as "Glee" star Harry Shum Jr. A few first look shots were included, confirming an August 2015 release date.
The original Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a breakout sensation for Sony Pictures Classics back in 2000. Directed by Ang Lee, the film went on to win four Academy Awards and was a huge hit with audiences in the US. It's actually one of my favorites, I love the film. This new sequel is being distributed by The Weinstein Company from China Film Group and includes legendary filmmaker/stuntman Yuen Woo-ping as director, without any of Ang Lee's involvement. Filming started early last year and it's being readied for release in late summer 2015, likely after it hits theaters in China first. Yea, I'm actually kind of excited for it.
Here's two first look photos showing Yeoh and Yen in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend:
Commenting on the "first deal of its kind" between IMAX and Netflix for day-and-date openings, Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos stated: "What I am hoping is that it will be a proof point that the sky doesn't fall. These are two different experiences, like going to a football game and watching a football game on TV." In regards to how this will work, it's fairly simple: The film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, will be available on August 28th "at no additional fee to Netflix subscribers and is the first of several films that Netflix is backing that will follow this new model for release. Only IMAX is involved; other theater chains will not screen the film." So mark August 28th on your calendar, even if it's to stay in.
The sequel, titled officially Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, is directed by legendary martial arts filmmaker/stuntman Yuen Woo-ping, who has directed films like Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, Drunken Master, Tiger Cage, Iron Monkey, and True Legend most recently. With a budget that's "a multiple of that for the 2000 film", this sequel is set 20 years after the events of the first movie, and follows four martial arts heroes trying to protect the Green Destiny sword. I miss Li Mu Bai already. Harvey Weinstein: "The moviegoing experience is evolving quickly and profoundly, and Netflix is unquestionably at the forefront of that movement." Catch The Green Legend in August next year; stay tuned for the trailer.
Source:
http://ift.tt/1xvCQnl