DMG Entertainment, a Los Angeles and Beijing-based entertainment firm, has secured a theatrical release for Resident Evil: Afterlife in China, marking the first time that the franchise has been released in the country.

The film was released on around 3,500 screens on Nov 16. Around 2,000 of the screens are 3D-enabled, making it one of the biggest ever 3D releases in China.

“Resident Evil: Afterlife is the biggest movie yet in the series, and is set to be one of the biggest 3D releases in China. With such a winning combination, we look forward to delivering another box-office sensation in the market,” said Dan Mintz, CEO of DMG Entertainment.

Although Resident Evil: Afterlife has already been seen on unauthorised DVDs and web-sites in China, the 3D experience is largely believed to be a major attraction to Chinese movie-goers. Also actor Wentworth Miller has a huge fan base in China due to TV series Prison Break.

According to local film reviewers who previewed the film, the gory and violent scenes in the film were not deleted in the version shown in China.

Starting from 2009, DMG Entertainment has invested in Chinese-language hits including China Film Group’s historical drama The Founding of the Republic, and romantic comedy Go La La Go.

DMG Entertainment also previously distributed Twilight and Knowing in China. The company’s upcoming releases include Lionsgate’s Killers, which screened at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, and Summit’s RED, starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren, which is scheduled for release in January 2011.

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