Meta to Help Bring ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ to 3D Screens — and Its $1,299 VR Glasses

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Meta is helping bring Lionsgate‘s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” to 3D screens — and its upcoming VR glasses.

The studio and tech company have partnered to convert the film to 3D ahead of its Nov. 20 release, marking Meta’s first time working with a studio on such a conversion. The process was done in collaboration with DNEG, which has helped convert films including “Dune: Part One,” “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and “Venom” from 2D to 3D.

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The 3D version will also be available on Meta’s new $1,299 VR glasses when they release in the spring. Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s chief revenue officer, called the collaboration a “compelling example of how technology can transform existing formats to create fresh, new experiences” in a statement.

“As we continue to explore new ways for audiences to experience ‘The Hunger Games,’ we’re thrilled to partner with Meta on this first-of-its-kind collaboration,” Packer said. “[Director] Francis Lawrence has created an incredible 3D experience for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ and we’re excited for audiences to experience it in theaters and then on Meta VR Glasses.”

Lawrence said the 3D adaptation gave the team another way to let audiences experience the journey of Joseph Zada’s Haymitch Abernathy, a younger version of the character originated by Woody Harrelson, whom audiences follow through the 50th edition of the Hunger Games.

“From the beginning, we wanted ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ to feel visceral and immersive, pulling audiences deep into Haymitch’s experience,” said Lawrence. “I’m excited for people to see the film on the big screen and ultimately experience it in an entirely new way on Meta’s VR glasses.”

Meta unveiled the VR glasses at its Meta Connect event in September, promising immersive versions of “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Star Wars: A New Hope” plus 3D versions of “The Avengers,” “Black Panther” and select Lionsgate titles. Sarah Malkin, Meta’s head of entertainment at its Reality Labs, said the new “Hunger Games” represented “the kind of cinematic experience that will be phenomenal in theaters, and also showcases what this technology makes possible at home.”

“We’re delighted to work with Lionsgate and Francis Lawrence to bring the film in 3D to audiences around the world,” she added in a statement.