When The Hunger Games was released, there were plenty of people comparing it to Battle Royale, which was originally release in 2000. Looking to capitalize on the success of The Hunger Games, it is being reported that the CW is interested in developing a Battle Royale TV series.

This was first reported by the LA Times, who claims that the CW is currently talking to the property's Hollywood representatives about purchasing the rights. The one hurdle that may hold up a deal is that it requires the approval of Koushun Takami, who wrote the novel the film is based on.

Sadly, it seems unlikely that the series will be developed for fans of the original film, but for a young audience that sees it as a TV version of The Hunger Games. With the series being on the CW, it would be impossible to include the same level of violence and death that was seen in Battle Royale. There are no additional details at this time, but we'll be sure to update this story if the CW moves forward with this project.

For those that have not seen Battle Royale or would like to see it again, Anchor Bay recently released the film for the first time in the US and it is available on Blu-ray:

On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the Battle Royale: The Complete Collection to Blu-ray™ and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into this truly international phenomenon - the three disc Blu-ray™ plus bonus DVD set has an SRP of $49.99 and an SRP $44.98 for the four disc DVD.  Battle Royale will also be released separately on Blu-ray™ for an SRP of $29.99 and DVD for an SRP of $24.98. Battle Royale will be available digitally via select outlets including iTunes® and Xbox LIVE®.

42 students, Three days, One survivor – No Escape.  Welcome to the world of Battle Royale!

Battle Royale

In the near future, the economy has collapsed, unemployment has soared and juvenile crime has exploded. Fearful of their nation’s youth, the Japanese government passes The BR Law:  Each year, a 9th grade class is sent to a remote island where they will be locked into exploding neck collars, given a random weapon, and forced to hunt and kill each other until there is only one survivor left. Chiaki Kuriyama (Kill Bill) and screen legend Takeshi Kitano (Boiling Point, Brother) star in the movie that has been argued, acclaimed and banned around the world. More than a decade later, it remains one of the most savage, shocking and emotionally powerful films of all time. Now experience the complete Director’s Cut of Kinji Fukasaku’s uncompromising masterpiece – nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards® – available uncensored and unrated for the first time ever in America.

Battle Royale: The Complete Collection

In 2000, director Kinji Fukasaku unleashed Battle Royale, his violently poetic epic about an innocent group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. It was nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards®, launched a global phenomenon, and banned from screens by frightened civic groups and distributors across America. Three years later, the equally disturbing sequel – featuring a new class, new rules, and a brutal terrorist plot by the first film’s young survivors – triggered its own tragic firestorm around the world. Now for the first time ever, you can see it all: Experience the entire Battle Royale saga on 4 discs that forever blasts open one of the most potent, shocking and savagely influential sagas in motion picture history.

Battle Royale: The Complete Collection’s four disc set in collectible high-end packaging will include:

  • Battle Royale Director’s Cut with both Japanese and English language tracks and English subtitles
  • Battle Royale Theatrical Cut with both Japanese and English language tracks and English subtitles
  • Battle Royale II with Japanese language and English subtitles
  • Battle Royale Bonus Content with Japanese language and English subtitles

SPECIAL FEATURES:

  • The Making Of BATTLE ROYALE
  • BATTLE ROYALE Press Conference
  • Instructional Video: Birthday Version
  • Audition & Rehearsal Footage
  • Special Effects Comparison Featurette
  • Tokyo International Film Festival 2000
  • Battle Royale Documentary
  • Basketball Scene Rehearsals
  • Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
  • Filming On-Set
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Special Edition TV Spot
  • TV Spot: Tarantino Version

The Battle Royale release will include:

  • Director’s Cut with Japanese and English language and English subtitles

With impeccable direction by three-time ‘Director of the year’ Kinji Fukasaku, and featuring high-quality acting performances from every angle, Battle Royale: The Complete Collection is as cunning as it is ruthless, offering a unique and brutal depiction of what people are capable of when imminent death is everywhere you look.

Source: LA Times