May 26, 2012

Twice for Twilight

by Todd Ayres | Published November 4, 2009

It’s safe to use strong verbiage when discussing the Twilight phenomenon. The film exploded onto the scene last year and soon became the most grandiose teenage love story since Titanic. With a worldwide gross of $383 million, a sequel—or several—was inevitable.

However, before The Twilight Saga: New Moon is released on November 20, Summit Entertainment plans to use the first film to further whet already rabid appetites. On November 19, the studio will re-release the original Twilight for one night in 2,000 select theaters. Aside from the obvious revenue possibilities, this announcement stems from fan pressure on the studio to release the film once again in theaters, much like the Lord of the Rings trilogy did in 2003. The screening will be offered at reduced rates at some venues.

Twilight and its sequel chronicle the life of 17-year-old Bella (Kristen Stewart), caught up in a supernatural love with vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson). As the two grow closer, Edward’s love grows as well. But so does his appetite for her blood. New Moon introduces a second leading man in Jacob (Taylor Lautner), a werewolf who shares the same passion for the young woman.

The third installment of the hugely popular series, Eclipse, is already in production, set for a for summer 2010 release, while the (supposed) final chapter, Breaking Dawn is in pre-production for a 2011 release.