(Photo Courtesy of Th Weinstein Company)The sequel to the martial arts epic has finally been announced 14 years after the original. But some aren't happy about how it's coming out.
Film studio The Weinstein Company and Netflix announced Monday that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend" would hit not only select IMAX theaters but would also arrive on the streaming service with a simultaneous release date of Aug. 28, 2015. The film takes place after the events of the original and, according to the press release, "echoes the themes of the original movie, but tells its own story — one oflost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption, set against breathtaking action in an epic martial arts battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of the Martial World."
Michelle Yeoh will reprise her role as Yu Shu Lien, while "Yip Man" star Donnie Yen has been cast as new character Silent Wolf. Filming has already begun in New Zealand.
Reaction from the announcement, as far as the theater business is concerned, hasn't been all that positive. According to Time and Variety, AMC, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas are refusing to show the film, possibly because of the smaller film-to-home window.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, AMC and parent company Wanda Sinema operate nearly all commercial.
"We license just the technology from IMAX," AMC said in a statement. "Only AMC and Wanda decide what programming plays in our respective theaters. No one has approached us to license this made-for-video sequel in the U.S. or China, so one must assume the screens IMAX committed are in science centers and aquariums.
Well, that's understandable, even if a bit harsh.They seem like they'd be up for it if offered.What about Regal?
"At Regal we will not participate in an experiment where you can see the same product on screens varying from three stories tall to (three inches) wide on a smart phone," a spokesman said. "We believe the choice for truly enjoying a magnificent movie is clear.”
Yikes. Cinemark?
"Cinemark does not play day-and-date movie releases on any of our screens, including the IMAX screens that we operate," according to the company.
Ouch.
As far as Regal and Cinemark are concerned,it's an understandable position to take. "Guardians of the Galaxy" was the sole standout in a lackluster summer performance for theaters that haven't been doing well in the long run. And to have the sequel of an Academy Award-winning film go straight from cameras to homes would have the ability to rob theaters of viewers.
The thing is, the movie's still coming out in theaters — or at least it wants to. Yes, going IMAX-only is kind of a screwed-up move to make, particularly when you can grab a regular ticket and a small popcorn for the same price. It limits the customers who would go see this in theaters considerably. However, you have to think about the diehards (like myself) that would go see this movie in IMAX. Three stories to see Donnie Yen do wire-fu? Sign me the heck up.
There are plenty of reasons why IMAX is still popular, and for a lot of people, a home system just can't catch the beauty of film like a theater can. Why would theaters limit this ability to customers right off the bat when they'realready struggling to bring them in? Why make it difficult for folks to find an IMAX theater just because of some beef with Netflix? This will only drive people to Netflix just to see this movie! Now folks will catch what sounds like will (hopefully) be a damn good film in the comfort of their home, and theaters are left with hands in pockets, kicking rocks in the corner to a sad Kenny G saxophone.
Think! Give people a reason to see this in theaters rather than at home instead of going on the offensive right out the gate.And if you can't beat them, join them. Don't screw over whatever customers you have left, and try to be a little more optimistic, theaters. It could help out in the long run.
Reach the reporter at Damion.Julien-Rohman@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @legendpenguin
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