Though still without a single movie still or a poster it can call its own, Warner Bros. is moving the release date up nearly two months for the Flags of Our Fathers companion, Letters From Iwo Jima.
Letters from Iwo Jima Makes 2006
In order to double the odds for awards considerations, Warner Bros, Eastwood and Spielberg have decided to push the release date on Letters From Iwo Jima forward from February 9th, 2007, to December 20th, 2006. Warners will be sure to have the film available for critics groups and guilds during its limited run.
The limited release will include Los Angeles, New York, and possibly San Francisco.
Though one would assume that this had to be Warner Bros idea, it was actually Clint Eastwood's who got the ball rolling on this one. The director met with Warner Bros after he discussed the push with Spielberg.
Both Eastwood and Warner Bros are no stranger to last-minute releases. Back in October 2004, the duo announced that Million Dollar Baby would be pushed from 2005 up to December 2004. The film ended up winning four Oscars, including best picture.
Though a move like this definitely has precedent, this will be the first time two companion pieces were released in the same year.
This gives Warner Bros only a month to finally begin marketing this film; should be interesting.
Letters from Iwo Jima opens to theatres
on December 20th, 2006.