'Hunger Games' to open in IMAX in China

Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Hemsworth attend the European premiere of "The Hunger Games" at O2 Arena in London on March 14, 2012. UPI/Paul Treadway
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SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 24 (UPI) -- Lionsgate says its blockbuster film "The Hunger Games" is to open next month in 67 IMAX theaters in China.

The movie will be released in both dubbed and subtitled prints by China Film Group Corp. in conjunction with Huaxia Film Distribution Co. Ltd., with assistance from Lionsgate's promotional partner in the region, Talent International.

The big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book has already grossed nearly $400 million at the North American box office.

"'The Hunger Games' launch in China underscores the franchise's continued emergence as a truly global phenomenon, and we're delighted to extend our successful partnership with IMAX around the globe to offer moviegoers in China a unique, world-class experience," Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman said in a joint statement Thursday.

"We're thrilled that we can introduce the film to the Chinese movie-going public in the premium IMAX format that celebrates its status as a special and memorable event."

"'The Hunger Games' has received critical and public acclaim and is one of the most successful franchises in recent history," said Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We're excited that Chinese audiences will have the opportunity to experience this film in IMAX, which is the most immersive environment in cinema."