The Chinese box-office, which has only let a small handful of Hollywood films in this year, is embracing the month’s two biggest titles and has also opted to add one of their predecessors for good measure.
First up, we know China will be getting “Avatar: The Way of Water” on Thursday, the film debuting there alongside the rest of the world and just as theaters are re-opening again following the easing of COVID restrictions.
Today though, comes word that the first “Avatar” will be getting a surprise re-release in at least 80 cinemas from Monday and will include an exclusive Easter egg for local audiences.
That reissue will be more akin to the CINITY cinema system one that hit back in September this year in various markets as opposed to the more regular March 2021 re-release in China.
China developed the CINITY cinema system format, which combines the best visual technologies available – 3D, 4K, high-frame rate, high brightness, high dynamic range, wide color gamut display capabilities and immersive sound.
The first “Avatar” made over $200 million in China in 2010, whilst the 2021 reissue pulled in another $58 million. Pre-sales for the sequel are very high, but cinemas are still coming back online after the most recent COVID restrictions and there’s concerns over returning to crowded spaces.
It’s not the only film getting a China release shortly. Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” has secured a December 23rd China release date – just two days after its North American debut.
The animated sequel just began its international box office rollout this weekend, grossing $8.9 million in twenty-four markets. Most of the world will be getting it over the coming weeks.
Source: Deadline
