Tsui Hark’s crime thriller Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon to make IMAX debut

IMAX, in partnership with China Film Co-Production and Huayi Brothers Media, have announced that Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon, filmmaker Tsui Hark’s follow-up to his 2010 action thriller Detective Dee: Mystery of the Phantom Flame, will be digitally re-mastered into the IMAX format and released into IMAX theatres in China starting on September 28th.

In Tsui Hark’s prequel to his 2010 period thriller, which was nominated for a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, Mark Chao plays a young Detective Dee – the title role originally made famous by Andy Lau – alongside actress Angelababy.

“The IMAX Experience brings more visual detail and amazing sound clarity to the story,” said director Tsui Hark. “This will allow audiences to experience the greatness of the flourishing Tang Dynasty, prosperous city of Luoyang, the millions of navy vessels, and the ingenious giant monster in the most immersive way possible.”

In last years of Emperor Tang Gaozong’s reign, the Emperor and the Empress Wu Zetian (Carina Lau) decide to attack a hostile country despite oppositions from Tang officials. However, the fleet of Tang Dynasty encounters a terrible accident in the sea on their way to fight with the enemy. Rumors say the sea dragon caused the accident. When Young Detective Dee (Chao) arrives in Luo Yang (the capital of Tang Dynasty), he is involved in the kidnapping of Yin Rui Ji (Angelababy). Dee eventually saves Yin Rui Ji from the kidnappers and gets trusted by Yu Chi Zhen Jin (Feng Shao Feng), an officer in the penal system. Dee unites with Yu Chi and Sha Tuo Zhong (Lin Geng Xin) to inspect the mysterious “Sea Dragon” case. And Yuan Zhen (Bum Kim), lover of Yin Rui Ji becomes a key to solve the case. At the same time, a few strange things and conspiracies related to the sea dragon happen in Luo Yang. The capital is in danger and disturbance.

The IMAX release of Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon will be digitally re-mastered into IMAX image and sound quality with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.