Toei now promises CGI additions to 3D "Battle Royale"

by Chris MaGee

It was only a couple weeks ago that the news of a 3D retro-fit of Kinji Fukasaku's final film "Battle Royale" had Japanese film fans online wishing there were explosive devices attached to the necks of the Toei studio execs who had green lit this decision. At least we could assure ourselves that Toei wouldn't be fiddling with the actual content of the film... right? Well, that's what we thought, but now Variety (via Wildgrounds) is telling us a different story. Apparently Toei doesn't have the budget for this "Battle Royale" 3D re-haul that the Hollywood studios enjoy so they will be utilizing a "less-sophisticated method" to make the ultra-violent battle between the high schoolers jump out at the audience. These "less-sophisticated methods" include the addition of various CGI elements to the original film. can you all say, "Crappy-looking CGI Jabba the Hutt from 'Star Wars: A New Hope'?" It just keeps getting worse and worse... (sigh)