China Film Group Corporation has confirmed that Twentieth Century Fox’s Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs will be imported into China as a 3D-only release before mid-July.

The film will be imported on a revenue-sharing basis, but as a 3D-only release it will not be included in the annual quota of 20 revenue-sharing films.

Last year SARFT granted special approval to China Film’s digital subsidiary, China Film Group Digital Film Development Co, to import 3D films outside of the quota in an attempt to encourage the development of 3D.

A marketing executive from China Film Digital said Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs would be released almost day-and-date with its global release on more than 200 3D screens across China.

Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs is the fifth Hollywood film to be given a 3D-only release in China. Warner Bros’ Journey To The Centre Of The Earth was the first 3D release in China, in September last year, when it grossed a surprising $9.96m (RMB68m).

It was followed by Disney animation Bolt in December 2008, which grossed around $4.39m (RMB30m); DreamWorks’ Monsters vs. Aliens in March 2009, which grossed around $4.69m (RMB32m), and Belgian animation Fly Me To The Moon which is currently in its third week of screening.

According to China Film Digital, the company plans to import five films for 3D-only release this year. The next 3D release is likely to be Pixar’s Up in August.

Topics