Well Go USA has selected Variance Films as its North American theatrical distributor for Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster, in addition to future high-profiled Asian acquisitions.
“With Well Go USA, we have finally found a partner that’s dedicated to releasing the best of Asian cinema while keeping the original vision of the film intact. With a cast of Hong Kong superstars — the most amazing martial arts I’ve seen on screen in years, and a wonderful story, Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is the perfect film to start our partnership with”, said Variance Films President, Dylan Marchetti.
Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is a stand-alone companion to the vastly successful Ip Man (of which no knowledge is required). Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster, starring Hong Kong’s biggest action stars, Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Hero, Legend of the Fist), Sammo Hung (pretty much every great martial arts film ever made), and director Wilson Yip (Ip Man, Dragon Tiger Gate), will release theatrically across the United States in February 2011.
“I have a true passion for Asian cinema; something that was undoubtedly passed down from my father, Chi Ho Hsi (祁和熙), who won several Golden Horse awards for cinematography. To have a part in bringing such a spectacular and beloved Asian film to the US is extremely gratifying”, said Well Go USA CEO, Annie Walker.
Escaping CGI, MTV-style editing, and blasting techno music for a return to skilled performers, ace choreography, and top-notch production values, the Ip Man films have ushered in a new era of Hong Kong filmmaking. Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster is currently burning up the Asian box office charts (out-grossing Iron Man 2, Sex and the City 2, and Robin Hood combined in Hong Kong ). Its theatrical release will remain in its original incarnation — uncut and un-dubbed, as the filmmakers originally intended. Its home entertainment release (DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD) is slated for Spring 2011.