It's been a double dose of good news for Battle Royale fans the past couple of weeks. First, producer Roy Lee revealed the unlikelihood of there ever being an American remake, thanks to it's similarity to The Hunger Games. And now comes word that the classic and controversial 2000 film will get it's first theatrical run here in the United States.
Cinefamily, a non-profit organization, will be hosting the run, which will take place from December 24 to January 2 at Los Angeles' Silent Movie Theatre. Nothing in DC? Come on, folks! We're the capital of the friggin' free world. Throw us some Battle Royale love!
When Battle Royale was released in Japan back in 2000, there were plans for it to appear here as well, but in the aftermath of the Columbine shootings, those plans were scuttled. The story, based on Koushun Takami's manga, follows a high school class of delinquents taken to a remote island and forced to kill each other off until only one remains. The manga is amazing, but the film remains one of my all-time favorites that I watch on a regular basis.
Back in May of 2010 we learned that Toei, the studio that owns the Battle Royale rights, was planning to convert the film into 3D and re-release it into theaters. That was completed and released in Japan last November. Anchor Bay secured the US rights to Battle Royale 3D, but has yet to set a concrete release date. If you're interested in buying tickets to one of the special screenings of Battle Royale, simply go here.
