The 3D conversion of the movie “Battle Royale” (directed by the late Kinji Fukasaku) was shopped at the recent American Film Market (November 3-10). It drew attention from more than 50 distributors in 13 countries, and among them was Anchor Bay Entertainment, which has picked up the U.S. distribution rights and is planning a 2011 release.
The violent but controversial film was a hit in Japan when it was originally released in 2000. Although it found popularity among fans around the world, it was never picked up for release in the U.S., partly due to events such as the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Now, ten years later, the film has finally secured U.S. distribution with the 3D conversion overseen by Fukasaku’s son Kenta. Kenta also directed the poorly-received sequel “Battle Royale II: Requiem” in 2003, and that film (in 2D) will reportedly get U.S. distribution through Anchor Bay Entertainment as well.
The 3D version of “Battle Royale” opens in Japan on November 20.
