The Dark Knight arrives in Japan

  • 12 years ago
One week after 'The Dark Knight' massacre in the United States, a select number of Japanese fans got a first look at the film one day ahead of its nationwide opening.

What was previously planned to be a red carpet premiere, was significantly toned down following the Colorado shootings which killed 12 and wounded 58 more.

Considered one of the most-anticipated films of the year, Warner Bros. canceled plans for star-studded premieres in Paris, Mexico City and Tokyo.

One 17-year-old fan said it was blow to hear the news about the mass shooting.

SOUNDBITE: Takuto Asada, fan, saying (Japanese):

"I am really sorry to hear that news. For me it is really unbelievable the influence that movies could have, I couldn't believe it could happen from this Batman movie."

Another fan said he was impressed by the film's star Christian Bale visiting survivors in the hospital.

SOUNDBITE: Ryo Miyasaka, fan, saying (Japanese):

"Christian Bale, he is really an amazing person for going to the hospital and personally visiting those affected."

"The Dark Knight Rises" took in $160.8 million at U.S. and Canadian box offices during its opening weekend - which was lower than industry expectations.

Alicia Powell, Reuters.