Fantastic Fest 2007 Fave DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME to Play Theaters Across the U.S.!

Fantastic Fest 2008 may have just ended, but let's take a moment out to remember one of the highlights of Fantastic Fest 2007, Shusuke Kaneko's triumphant DEATH NOTE saga.

Based on a popular manga (and anime), the two DEATH NOTE films represented one of the best examples of genre filmmaking to come out of Japan this decade, taking a smart, compelling (and very suspenseful) narrative and spreading it out between two very good films that represent Kaneko's best work since the GAMERA films of the late 90s. Both of these films were acquired in the U.S. by Fantasic Fest 2008 sponsor Viz Pictures (they also distributed such Fantastic Fest classics as FUNKY FOREST - THE FIRST CONTACT and MAIKO HAAAAN!!!), who have teamed up with Fathom Events to bring the two DEATH NOTE films to theaters for special two night only screenings in theaters all across the the U.S. next Tuesday and Wednesday. The first DEATH NOTE ran theatrically last spring and is now available on DVD, giving everyone a perfect chance to catch up to the story before DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME screens. The two make for an intruiging series, and we're glad to see them get a big U.S. launch. Check them out!

Here's the official press release:

Death Note II: The Last Name
10/15/2008 - 10/16/2008

By popular demand, NCM Fathom and Viz Pictures bring Live Action DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME to select movie theatres nationwide for two nights only - Wednesday, October 15th and Thursday, October 16th at 7:30 PM (local)! DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME (English dubbed) is the sequel to, and an immediate continuation of, DEATH NOTE, brought to U.S. movie theatres earlier this year by VIZ Pictures and Fathom. This exclusive event will feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, an in-depth interview with Director Shusuke Kaneko and a unique look at the talent behind the characters.

Please note: This event is not officially rated but should be treated as equivalent to an "R" rating.

Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME begins as Light Yagami joins the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as "Kira.” While L still strongly suspects that Light is "Kira,” Light Yagami continues to seek out the real name of L so he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable are the 'Eyes of Death', given to the second Kira, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Adding further confusion for the authorities, a new rash of murders attributed to the Death Note occurs all over the world and is attributed to "the Second Kira.” Light Yagami learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note book?

Don’t miss your chance to see DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME larger-than-life on the big screen!

Click here for the complete list of theaters and click here to order tickets.