The First Slam Dunk Movie Version Explodes with Praise, Defeats Strong Rivals, Crowned Japan's Box Office Champion for Five Consecutive Weeks
After 26 years of waiting, "The First Slam Dunk" leaps onto the big screen. For the benefit of its vast fanbase, distributor Taipei Double Happiness Film today (the 5th) officially announced that versions will include standard digital, IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and Dolby ATMOS. In response to fans who wish to watch the Chinese dubbed version, it sets a first-time record in Taiwanese animation history with Chinese dubbed versions available for both standard digital and IMAX, allowing fans to experience a higher standard through IMAX's giant screen and sound effects, and relive the wonderful memory of first encountering "Slam Dunk." Highly anticipated, the Chinese voice actor cast list is revealed: Ryota Miyagi - Yu Zheng-chang, Hisashi Mitsui - Chen Yen-chun, Kaede Rukawa - Chang Teng, Hanamichi Sakuragi - Yu Zheng-sheng, Takenori Akagi - Lin Ku-chen.
"The First Slam Dunk" has received continuous praise since its release. Despite many strong films being released, the movie still topped the charts in Japan for five consecutive weeks, grossing over 6.7 billion Japanese Yen in 32 days and attracting 4.61 million viewers. In Taiwan, the New Year's Eve premiere sold out instantly, crashing many cinema websites, proving extremely popular. The word-of-mouth also exploded, with continuous positive reviews. Both veteran fans and new fans were deeply moved after watching it. "Slam Dunk" not only showcases the spirit of basketball, but its story and memorable lines resonate with every generation. The depicted journey of youth and growth is both humorous and passionate. More importantly, it's about actively pursuing goals regardless of the cost, and even regrets can be beautiful. Watching the movie version on the big screen with high-spec audio equipment allows for a deeper immersion into the characters' emotional transformations and the thrilling sensory experience of the games. Fans who caught the first wave of screenings enthusiastically recommended it, saying: "The game felt real, incredibly immersive!", "I watched it on my knees, in tears!", "The 3DCG was a stroke of genius, Coach Anzai's face looks even more pinchable!", "It was worth waiting all these years; I'll keep rewatching it after its release!", "The tense parts made me hold my breath!", "It's more enjoyable on the big screen, looking forward to other versions!", "I want to watch the Chinese dubbed version!", "Excited for IMAX!".
Taiwan's exclusive limited edition "Slam Dunk Collector's Ticket Cards" were extremely popular among fans at the New Year's Eve sneak preview. As there are five designs – Hanamichi Sakuragi, Kaede Rukawa, Ryota Miyagi, Takenori Akagi, and Hisashi Mitsui – distributed randomly, many people immediately began exchanging the cards they received while waiting for the movie to start. Taipei Double Happiness Film also exclusively collaborated with Uni-President Group for exclusive limited edition ticket packages available on Books.com.tw ticketing website and 7-ELEVEN. Regarding the "Slam Dunk Collector's Ticket Cards," moviegoers have the chance to collect all five "Character Collector's Ticket Cards" at once through Books.com.tw. Other options include the "Shohoku Five-Member Ticket Card Set" and the "Limited Bookmark Card Set." Another way to purchase advance tickets is through 7-ELEVEN's exclusive sale, offering a total of 7 types of "Slam Dunk Movie Package Sets." Each set includes one collector's ticket card, one movie exchange voucher, and a choice of one out of seven merchandise items. The merchandise includes: stainless steel bamboo lid thermos (2 designs), stainless steel bamboo lid bento box, foldable lightweight sports backpack, multi-purpose storage basket, hooded towel, and magnetic shoe storage box.
"The First Slam Dunk" promotional displays were also featured in major cinemas across Taiwan and on public transportation, immediately sparking a wave of photo-taking and check-ins, allowing Taiwanese fans to feel the "Slam Dunk fever." For upcoming related events, Taiwanese fans are encouraged to follow Taipei Double Happiness Film's fan page. "The First Slam Dunk" will dominate the nation on January 13, 2023!