New DEATH NOTE sequel hits U.S. theaters!

As much as we'd like to, we can't play every new international genre hit at Fantastic Fest, and one of the ones missing from last year's lineup was L, CHANGE THE WORLD, the latest film in the DEATH NOTE series. Although we were unable to screen it last year, we're pleased to report that the new film will be playing theaters nationwide via our friends at Viz Pictures (proud sponsors of Fantastic Fest 2008) and Fathom Events. Screening in theaters on April 29 and 30 only, Viz is also offering the film in two different versions, subtitled on the 29th and dubbed on the 30th, which is pretty damn cool of them. They're also doing giveaways and showing behind-the-scenes footage at each screening, which is even cooler.

Picking up after the events of DEATH NOTE II, the new film gives us the details of the last 23 days in the life of mastermind detective L (Kenichi Matsuyama), as he goes up against a bio terrorist organization trying to wipe out humanity with a deadly virus. Directed by RINGU director Hideo Nakata, L, CHANGE THE WORLD features the returning Kenichi Matsuyama as L, and is inspired by the immensely popular DEATH NOTE features, which are based on the best-selling supernatural action manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, but this spin-off follows a new original storyline.

Tickets for this special event are available at presenting theater box offices and online. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit www.FathomEvents.com (theaters are subject to change, and please note these shows are not playing at the Alamo Drafthouse). For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action events and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.deathnotefilms.com. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.