Shim Hyung-rae, director and producer of Korean fantasy actioner D-War, has announced a deal with Sony Pictures for US video, DVD and TV rights to the film.

The film has grossed over $51.5m since opening on Aug 1 in South Korea.

A former slapstick comedian, now head of his own production company Young-gu Art, Shim made the CGI-laden film mainly in English with American actors.

The story is based on Korean folklore about snakes in search of a magic marble that can transform them into dragons, and has modern-day Los Angeles bashed about in the process.

Shim also announced Freestyle Releasing has agreed to open the film in 60 US cities on more than 1,500 screens. The film is set for a Sept 14 release in that territory.

At home, the film has been the subject of public controversy. Rallying nationalistic pride over the popular former comedian's efforts to create CGI that rivals Hollywood's, fanatic supporters have been attacking critics and journalists who were less than favorable to the film, reputed to have high-quality effects over a weak storyline.

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