Re-edited ‘Bieber’ in 3-D follows fan suggestions

A “fan cut” of the documentary “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” is being released today for a one-week run in 3-D theaters across the United States and Canada.

Director Jon M. Chu has re-edited the Bieber concert film based on fan suggestions. The studio says the new 115-minute cut includes 40 minutes of previously unseen footage.

Chu followed Bieber for 10 days on a recent concert tour. He said he had an “embarrassment of riches” in leftover footage and sought out suggestions from Bieber fans on Twitter and Facebook.

“Never Say Never” has earned $52.9 million at the domestic box office since being released Feb. 11. The new edit allows Paramount to further capitalize on the fanatical fan base of the 16-year-old pop star.

Film revenue rises

Movie ticket revenue from theaters around the world rose 8 percent to $31.8 billion in 2010, fueled by international growth.

The statistics released by the Motion Picture Association of America on Wednesday showed the growing importance of markets outside North America. They now make up just over two-thirds of all theatrical revenue.

Asian ticket revenue grew the most in dollar terms, rising 21 percent to $8.7 billion, while in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, revenue grew 5 percent to $10.4 billion. Latin American revenue grew 25 percent to $2.1 billion.

Theatrical revenue in the U.S. and Canada was flat at $10.6 billion. The popularity of more-expensive 3-D movies made up for declining attendance overall.