The Weinstein Co.'s new label DRAGON DYNASTY already has 50+ titles in its catalogue ... trouble is, most people have already seen them.
The Weinstein Co. announced a new label, DRAGON DYNASTY in where they will release Asian films. The ever popular and champion of Asian cinema in North America, Quentin Tarantino will be on hand to advise the company (*hopefully to hold them back from editing the original to an inch of its essence and stop them from adding a hip hop soundtrack.)
Still, for most who are 'in the know' know most of the titles already in their 50+ collection (mostly action and martial arts films) have been released and have most likely already been viewed by its intended audience.
Case in point: Mirimax's US release of HERO and SHAOLIN SOCCER were released years after Asian film audiences already had legitimate DVDs in their possession. - Know why Asian films don't make much money in North America? It's because we've already seen it months before it hits mainstream theatres outside a film festival.
Can Asian films turn profits in North America? The answer: Yes. The key: Timing. Films like The Emperor and the Assasin, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and In the Mood for Love all benefitted because North American audiences were screening the film shortly after its wide-release in Asia just after buzz from Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival. Audiences were excited to be able to see such a critically-acclaimed foreign film on the big screen.
Of course most never see a silver screen anywhere in North America which relegates them all to VCD/DVD releases mostly found in C-K-J-Towns (that's China-Korea-Japan) in the metropolitan city closest to you. These titles cater to an even more niche audience; one that outwardly searches for new titles and keeps relative tabs on what's being released abroad.
The same rules still apply; release the DVDs worldwide simultaneously because there is nothing worse than knowing about a title and not being able to find it on your own turf.
For more DVD reviews and related articles, please visit the DVD review page.
