I have now seen three Hunger Games previews, the teaser, the wonderful full trailer from a few months ago, and now this 69-second second trailer. And I still know next-to-nothing about how the film plays out. I know the concept, I know large chunks of the first and second act, and I know some of the actors I can expect to see. Other than that, nadda. No mega-money shots from the climax, no thrill-spilling montage, no expository narration or on-screen text. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you market a would-be franchise. You explain the core story, you tease a character relationship or two, offer a few tantalizing bits and pieces, and you get out. This final teaser, combined with the news that the film will play in IMAX for the first week of release, is a sign that Lionsgate feels it has the goods and can deliver not just to the fans of the source material but to general audiences as well. The Hunger Games opens on March 32rd. As always, we'll see... Oh, and the IMAX press release is after the jump.
Scott Mendelson
THE HUNGER GAMES TO BE RELEASED IN IMAX
Limited One Week Engagement Starts March 23 With the Film’s Wide Release
Los Angeles, CA – Feb. 2, 2012 – IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) today announced that Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, the first installment of the trilogy based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released in IMAX® digital theatres in North America day-and-date on Friday, March 23, 2012. The film will have a limited one week engagement in IMAX theatres.
Written and directed by Gary Ross and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik, The Hunger Games: The IMAX Experience stars Academy-award® nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels have already developed a massive global following, with more than 23.5 million print copies in the United States alone.
“With this news, the release of The Hunger Games has truly become an epic event,” said Lionsgate’s Joe Drake. “The Hunger Games and IMAX are a match made in heaven - fans love this book because its world is so vividly imagined and seeing the film in IMAX will make them feel as if they have landed right in the middle of the action. It is the ideal way for fans to experience this film for the first time.”
“The Hunger Games is one of the most popular properties in recent memory and we're excited to offer this passionate fan base the opportunity to experience this exciting adventure in the most immersive way,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We’re proud to kick off our relationship with Lionsgate around this highly anticipated film that will make a strong addition to our 2012 film slate.”
The IMAX release of The Hunger Games will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR®(Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
About The Hunger Games
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Crossing my fingers that that was the last footage we'll see until the film arrives...because they're keeping the actual Games a surprise. Well done, Lionsgate.
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