Asian moviegoers can expect to catch an exclusive version of John Woo's next big blockbuster The Battle of Red Cliff, which is set to release in two segments.

John Woo [File Photo]

Beijing Youth Daily reported Patrick Wachsberger, president and CEO of Summit Entertainment which holds the film's rights outside Asia and North America, revealed the possibility of two editions.

Producer Terence Chang explained the film is based on events during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China, which is well known among Asian audiences. He said there is "too much difficulty to condense all the stuff into two hours" and splitting the film will "allow more room for character development."

Each part will last two hours, making the Asian version a four-hour epic, while the release outside Asia will be two and a half hours.

The project was reported to have just secured more investment to a total of US$75 million, which would make this film the most expensive in Asia.

Veteran actors Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung are among the star-studded cast.

The film is scheduled to start shooting in March, with the first episode being screened next summer and the second in late 2008.

China Film Group to cooperate with John Woo on the project [File Photo]

(CRI.cn February 12, 2007)