Donnie Darko coming back to Seattle!

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on April 20, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

How incredibly cool — Donnie Darko, which disappeared from most theaters practically before it was released, has become such a cult favorite that its studio is going to be re-releasing it to theaters, starting right here in Seattle!

“Donnie Darko,” which made a paltry \$517,375 when it was released in October 2001, will get a second chance.

Newmarket Films, which holds domestic distrib rights, is looking to cash in on the pic’s growing cult status by rereleasing a director’s cut this summer.

New cut, which includes 21 minutes of footage not in the original release, will premiere May 29 at the Seattle Film Festival.

Newmarket topper Bob Berney said the company then plans to release the pic on about 10 screens in the city as a test run for a wider national release.

“I want to see if we can play it in the malls and multiplexes,” Berney said, adding that the company planned TV and print ad buys commensurate with a big-budget release.

Newmarket says it will use the results of the Seattle release to determine the pattern for a national rollout.

Count me in on this one!

(via LJ Seattle)

iTunes: “Velvet Pants” by Propellerheads from the album Decksandrumsandrockandroll (1998, 5:47).