New version of Justin Bieber film to hit theatres

Canadian singer Justin Bieber poses for photographers as he arrives for the premiere of the film ‘‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’’, at the O2 Arena in London February 16, 2011


In an unprecedented move, Paramount’s Insurge Pictures will release an updated director’s fan cut of “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” in a one-week exclusive run, beginning February 25.

Director Jon M. Chu’s updated “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Director’s Fan Cut” will play only in 3D runs in the US and Canada, replacing the original version. There will be 40 minutes of new footage.

Chu has trimmed 30 minutes of footage from the original “Never Say Never” to accommodate the additional scenes. Updated version runs 115 minutes, instead of the original running time of 105 minutes.






Move is designed to whip up renewed interest among Bieber’s diehard fans, and spark repeat viewing in the film’s third weekend in release. “Never Say Never” is already a financial success, having grossed US$51.4 million (RM156.93 million) in its first 11 days in release.

The original “Never Say Never” will continue playing in 2D runs. The cost of a 35mm print makes sending the director’s cut to those theatres financially unworkable. Digital prints, however, are a fraction of the cost.

Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said the studio is “trying to take advantage of options from digital technology that didn’t exist before and give fans even more of what they loved from the first version.”

As he began the editing process, Chu realised he had a significant amount of footage that he couldn’t use in the initial theatrical release. He then spent dozens of hours on Twitter and Facebook engaging with fans to see what they would like to see.

Some of the new footage includes more of Bieber’s friends and hometown life, as well as new songs and special footage shot of the film’s premiere at theaters across the country.

“I realised I had an embarrassment of riches when I was I in the cutting room,” said Chu. “This cut allows me to retain some of the best scenes from the original movie, while incorporating previously unseen footage and new material I shot during our extensive promotional tour on behalf of the movie. Justin’s dedication to his fan base is unwavering and I was inspired as a filmmaker to attempt to provide them a unique experience that showed even more of his world.”

Paramount has submitted the “Director’s Cut” to the ratings board. Because the studio isn’t asking for a new rating, it doesn’t need to pull “Never Say Never” from theaters pending review by the Classification and Ratings Administration.