"The Dark Knight" Bypasses China

[J_UNTITLED]

From Variety...

"Warner Bros. has decided to take a pass on releasing "The Dark Knight" in China.

The studio, which has seen foreign grosses top $465 million for "Knight," made the disclosure in a statement Tuesday.

"Based on a number of pre-release conditions that are being attached to 'The Dark Knight' as well as cultural sensitivities to some elements of the film, we have opted to forego a theatrical release of the film in China," Warner said.

A studio spokesam declined to elaborate. "The Dark Knight" included scenes shot in Hong Kong, which could have created difficulties in convincing censors to approve the release.

The Chinese market has been growing impressively in years due to increased numbers of multiplexes and an expanding middle class. But sensitivities remain high about Hollywood's treatment of its culture."