USA: "Journey to the Center of the Earth," the latest rendition of the Jules Verne classic starring Brendan Fraser, premieres in Los Angeles

Record ID: 219451

  • Title: USA: "Journey to the Center of the Earth," the latest rendition of the Jules Verne classic starring Brendan Fraser, premieres in Los Angeles
  • Date: 2nd July 2008
  • Summary: ACTOR KEVIN SORBO POSING FOR PICTURES
  • Embargoed: 17th July 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVA2L2HLQ7TLOCHVGJWK513LAWN0
  • Story Text: The cast of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" gathered in Los Angeles Sunday (June 29) for the red carpet premiere of the film, an adaptation of the Jules Verne classic. Starring Brendan Fraser as a visionary scientist on a dangerous quest, this New Line Cinema and Walden Media joint venture is the latest film version of The 19th century tale, updated to match the expectations of the 21st century theatergoer -- the film is the first live action feature to be shot entirely in 3-D.
    Fraser, who starred in action blockbuster the mummy and its two sequels, believes audiences will respond well to the 3-D experience of the film.
    "This is an immersive experience," says Fraser.
    "It includes its audience in a theatrical performance for the big screen in a way that's never been done in history."
    Telling the story of a science professor (Fraser) intent on finding out what happened to his missing brother, "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is an action-packed adventure which brings a team of explorers to another realm beneath the earth's crust. Featuring run-ins with dinosaurs and various other-worldly creatures, "Journey" is the creation of science fiction novelist Jules Verne, whose books like "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Around the World in 80 Days" have fascinated fans for generations. Even though the novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" was published in 1864, the imaginative nature of Verne's work is the perfect starting point for a family-friendly action film, according to actress Anita Briem.
    "'Journey to the Center of the Earth', Jules Verne's novel is such an incredible adventure, that I think it's incredible to see this movie, there's a world that has been created where you have no limitations,"
    says Anita Briem.
    Adds Fraser, "The thing is, there are Jules Verne societies the world over. He's had an enduring impact on the way that we perceive the day after tomorrow. He was a writer who dreamed up the submarine before it was invented or built."
    The film will be available in both 3-D in 1000 screens across the country and in standard 2-D in 2000 screens. The top 300 markets in the United States are outfitted to show 3-D, but producers of "Journey"
    didn't want to rely solely on visuals to draw in audiences. They set out to tell an enticing story regardless of format, and are hopeful that their film will set a trend in Hollywood.
    "We're hoping, and it seems to be happening, that this starts a rollout of a variety of a different kinds of 3-D movies, not just kids movies, but there's a film noir movie coming out, Cameron's making his next movie, "Avatar" in 3-D, I have a feature film coming out this summer called "Fly Me to the Moon" that's also in 3-D, and there's a bunch of movies coming out now that are going to roll out in 3-D, it just gives people another dimension to going to the movie theater," says "Journey to the Center of the Earth" producer Charlotte Ruggins.
    "Journey to the Center of the Earth" will be released Friday, July 11th.
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