Oh glorious day! There are few movies, in particularly foreign imports, that have attained the level of controversy and cult following as Battle Royale. Originally released back in 2000 and based on the acclaimed novel by Koushin Takami, the story takes place in an alternate totalitarian version of Japan, in which the worst classes from the worst schools are forced to fight and kill each other until only one remains. Originally set for a limited theatrical run not long after it's release, the ultra violent film never found it's way into American theaters due to the heavy scrutiny in the wake of the Columbine massacre.The film has still found more than it's share of followers through DVD and the occasional midnight screening at film festivals.
That all changed recently when Anchor Bay picked up the rights to Battle Royale and it's 2003 sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, and talk immediately began of a US run to take place. A brief run took place last December in Los Angeles to phenomenal success, and now Anchor Bay wants to take the show on the road.
In celebration of the March 20th release of Battle Royale: The Complete Collection on DVD/Blu-Ray, Anchor Bay has also announced the dates for a theatrical run of the film starting on February 24th in various cities around the country through May. For us here in the DC Metro area, we haven't been left out for once! Battle Royale will open at the Landmark E Street Cinema for two days only, March 30th and 31st. I suggest buying your tickets early! You can bet we will be there for what I consider to be a historic evening. Check out the complete list of participating venues below....
