Chapter 331: Lion Camel Ridge: 3D Re‑Release

Re‑releasing a blockbuster is actually a very good business.

Especially with a 3D version, it will inevitably attract a huge number of fans.

Back then, "Avatar" was a smash hit, sparking a 3D craze, and soon Haolaiwu companies launched old‑film re‑release programs.

The biggest beneficiary among them was the former box‑office king, "Titanic".

How popular was it?

In the Neidi market alone, the 2012 re‑release of "Titanic" grossed 977 million yuan.

It ranked just behind that year's box‑office champion "Lost in Thailand", and slightly above Brother Cheng Long's "The Twelve Zodiac Animals".

As for now, although many domestic filmmakers still don't know what results an old‑film re‑release will achieve, they expect it won't be poor.

They may not be able to produce a special‑effects blockbuster like "Havoc in Heaven", but they have vision; after all, they're professionals.

Like many strategists, advisors, or onlookers, they might not be able to act themselves, but they remain clear‑sighted from the sidelines.

Now there's a 3D viewing craze, as seen with "Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Imperial Empire" and "Painted Skin"; without a 3D version, their box‑office wouldn't be this high.

Therefore, the 3D re‑release of "Lion Camel Ridge" inevitably sparks a viewing frenzy.

The reason, of course, is that the film's quality is extremely high and its status among fans is lofty.

This is Jiang Heng's first myth‑themed special‑effects blockbuster, which shocked everyone when it first came out.

Especially the plot, where Tang Seng voluntarily attains nirvana and Sun Wukong slaughters everywhere, moved countless people.

Many directors think this is Jiang Heng's pinnacle work in mythic material, without equal.

After all, it's impossible for every film to "sacrifice" Tang Seng and give Sun Wukong limitless powers—that would be utter nonsense! So a 3D "Havoc in Heaven" wouldn't be bad either, but for many fans, "Lion Camel Ridge" is forever YYDS.

Many scenes in the film were truly breathtaking when first seen back then.

So later works by Jiang Heng seemed a bit lacking.

When the Outstanding Rising Film Company announced a 3D re‑release, fans were delighted and frantic, flooding the company's official Weibo with comments.

Because of the audience's great enthusiasm, it even trended on the hot search.

It scared the owners and directors of other film and TV companies.

There are only a few good slots domestically; it's one thing for Jiang Heng to dominate the hottest summer and New Year periods, but to try to grab the May Day slot with a re‑release—doesn't that bully everyone?

Can't stand the high and low? Must sue him, and then the subsequent series of events follows.

Jiang Heng doesn't mind; in his view, a re‑release relies on fans' nostalgic support, and the slot's popularity is irrelevant.

Choosing May Day was a subconscious act; since you're so excited, let's pick a better one—April 10, a Friday!

Yu Dong had no objection and suddenly suggested, "By the way, you mentioned, should we organize another re‑release ceremony?"

Jiang Heng was taken aback and didn't answer right away; after all, this would cost money, and Outstanding Rising Film Company would bear it.

The film was co‑produced that year by Outstanding Rising Film Company and Beijing Film Studio; profits were split by investment ratio, but the rights belong entirely to Outstanding Rising Film Company, so re‑releases have nothing to do with Beijing Film Studio.

It's like the old "A Chinese Odyssey" starring Zhou Xingxing, whose Neidi rights went to Western Film Studio; many say they owe Zhou Xingxing a ticket, but the subsequent re‑release box‑office went entirely to Western Film Studio, and Zhou Xingxing got not a cent.

When "Founding of a Nation" was made, Han Sanping regretted, saying that had he known 3D movies would be this popular, he would have fought for the rights back then, even if it meant a share of future royalties.

Now that 3D movies are so hot, "Lion Camel Ridge" can easily earn 600–700 million from a re‑release, and that's all money!

Jiang Heng chuckled, gave no answer at all; thinking about future royalty income is overthinking—it will be firmly held in his hand! Not to mention, even if he retired now, without relying on existing wealth, the current company's film rights and video revenues alone would let him live very carefree.

Of course, converting to 3D and re‑releasing was already in Jiang Heng's plan.

He envisions many more films to be converted and re‑released, so holding a ceremony is fine—just to let the industry take a good look.

Even a re‑release film still gets a grand presentation.

"Alright, then discuss it with Du Huan and make it happen! Don't be too cheap, but don't be overly extravagant either!"

Yu Dong smiled and said okay, but didn't rush to leave.

Jiang Heng glanced at him, "Anything else?"

"Hmm, I want to get involved in the film's production!"

Seeming afraid Jiang Heng didn't understand, Yu Dong added, "A friend handed me a script; it looks decent, and I want to invest in its production!"

Yu Dong actually didn't want to bring this up so early, because Broad Sodium Film Industry is also undergoing an IPO; given its size, the main board of the A‑share market isn't suitable—it must list on the ChiNext board.

It's currently queuing for listing, expected between the end of this year and early next, and Yu Dong will, by virtue of his shares, become a true billionaire.

But saying he only wants to do film distribution, Yu Dong feels it's beneath his talent.

He plans to float the idea first; if Jiang Heng explicitly opposes, he'll gradually cash out his Broad Sodium shares and use that money to start his own film company, becoming a genuine media mogul.

If Jiang Heng grants support, continuing as CEO of Broad Sodium Film Industry wouldn't be unacceptable.

Honestly, he hasn't decided which path to take.

After all, Jiang Heng treats him well, and life at Broad Sodium is comfortable; everything naturally depends on Jiang Heng's decision.

"How large an investment?"

"Uh, a few hundred million is enough; ten million is absolutely beyond what I can use!"

Jiang Heng chuckled, patted Yu Dong's shoulder, "Since you believe in it, just invest!"

Yu Dong felt a sudden flash of being brushed off; he had already figured out how to mortgage, cash out, and start a new company, yet Jiang Heng just said that so simply.

"Had I known you were this open‑minded, I could have joined film production two years ago!"

Of course, that's hindsight; these years he's been busy with Hong Kong film distribution.

If Hong Kong films hadn't been increasingly weak, his becoming a billionaire might not have crossed his mind.

"Alright, Director Jiang, I'll invest!"

Jiang Heng merely murmured "mm", said little; he knew Yu Dong was somewhat unwilling to stay beneath others, but his ability is truly strong—use it while you can!

After Yu Dong left, he went to find the veteran head of Outstanding Rising Film Company, Du Huan, and the two discussed the specific details of the "Lion Camel Ridge" 3D re‑release ceremony.

Organizing promotional events is Yu Dong's forte; Du Huan merely confirmed the specific marketing budget and ultimately disbursed the funds.

To save costs, they didn't choose venues like the Olympic arena or Jingcheng Sports Hall.

The event location is set at the Wusong Store under the China Film Red Cinema chain; because the temperature in Jingcheng has risen, we can set up an outdoor small stage outside the cinema.

The film's main creators and guests will come over for an interview, then go into the cinema to watch the 3D preview screening, and that will suffice.

(End of chapter)