Paramount’s Insurge Pictures has announced plans to release a new director’s cut fan version of “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.”
For one week only, beginning February 25, an extended version of the documentary containing 40 new minutes of footage will replace the 3-D version in theaters. With about half an hour cut from the original version, the new director’s fan cut will only extend running time by 10 minutes.
Okay, I have a confession. After taking my 16-year-old niece to see “Never Say Never” last night, I have a new-found respect for the Bieb. Not a Bieber basher, per se, I can’t say I was a fan. And although I’m still not a fan of his bubblegum hip hop, I can unabashedly say I have an appreciation for this gifted teen with an amazing talent. Kudos Bieb!
Tickets For The Director’s Fan Cut Go On-Sale Tuesday, February 22nd at 5pm PST
Read Paramount’s release for “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” Director’s Fan Cut below.
HOLLYWOOD, CA (February 21, 2011) – Paramount’s Insurge Pictures today announced plans to release “JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER” DIRECTOR’S FAN CUT for an exclusive one-week run beginning Friday, February 25th in 3D theaters across the U.S. and Canada. In an unprecedented move, Paramount will release a revamped version of the star’s movie three-weekends following its initial release. Tickets for the limited engagement go on-sale Tuesday, February 22nd at 5pm PST/8pm EST.
As he began the editing process several months ago, and upon realizing the significant amount of great footage he had obtained, director Jon M. Chu began to develop with the studio an idea for a second, and more fan centric, edition of the movie. While promoting the film’s initial release, he spent dozens of hours on Twitter and Facebook engaging with fans to learn more about what they were most anxious to see. Some scenes contained in the new cut include: more of Justin’s friends and hometown life, new songs and performances, and special footage shot at fan premiere’s across the country.
“I realized 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.”
“It is a testament to the professionalism and tenacity of Jon and the production team for turning around this new version of “JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER” DIRECTOR’S FAN CUT in only a few months, giving fans an even deeper look into Justin’s life,” said Adam Goodman, President Paramount Film Group.
“JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER” DIRECTOR’S FAN CUT is the inspiring true story and rare inside look at the rise of Justin from street performer in the small town of Stratford, Ontario to internet phenomenon to global super star culminating with a dream sold out show at the famed Madison Square Garden in 3D. It is directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Usher Raymond IV, Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz.
photo: WENN