"Nezha 2," the latest Chinese animated blockbuster, has grossed over 11.3 billion yuan (about 1.56 billion U.S. dollars) at the box office, with fans flocking to premium theaters for repeat viewings.
"It truly breaks the stereotype that 'Chinese animation is only for domestic audiences.' With world-class production quality and a profound cultural depth, it showcases the unique charm of Chinese stories to audiences worldwide," said Hu Xianfeng, a movie fan from Chongqing.
Audiences have been lining up for IMAX, 4D, and Dolby Cinema screenings in pursuit of a truly immersive experience. At the China Film Museum in Beijing, home to the city's largest IMAX screen, tickets have been selling out fast.
"It was quite difficult to get these tickets. We specifically tried to grab IMAX tickets for this screening. This is our second time watching 'Ne Zha 2.' The sound here is better than in the previous theater, and the larger screen offers higher resolution," said a fan eager for the ultimate viewing experience.
The demand for premium screenings is reminiscent of the 2009 "Avatar" craze.
Zhou Xin, a projectionist at the China Film Museum with 20 years of experience, noted that the IMAX GT theater, which has 340 seats, is now running five shows a day instead of the usual three, as audiences seek the ultimate cinematic experience driven by advanced projection and audio technology.
"The IMAX GT 4K digital projector has an aspect ratio of 1.43:1, which is 40 percent larger than that of standard theaters, allowing audiences to see more of the picture. It is also equipped with a 12.1-channel surround sound system, providing a more immersive and detailed audio experience for the audience," said Zhou.
Beyond IMAX, 4D and Dolby Cinema screenings have also sold out, highlighting the film's widespread appeal.
"Ne Zha 2" and its predecessor, the 2019 blockbuster "Ne Zha," were both inspired by the classic 16th-century novel "The Investiture of the Gods."
"Ne Zha 2" draws fans back for repeat viewings
