Release and Reception
Ahead of general release, Dean Spanley was shown twice at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a red-carpet gala premiere, the first New Zealand production ever to do so. It also had two showings at the London Film Festival, one attended by the cast and closing with a standing ovation. Dean Spanley was also shown at the largest film festival in Asia, the Pusan International.
The United Kingdom general release was announced by Icon Distribution for 12 December, and a "U" classification issued by the British Board of Film Classification. In the Ireland it was certified "G" and goes on release on the same date. The film has been certified in Australia as "G" also, for release on 5 March 2009, and in New Zealand is released 26 February 2009; distribution in both Australia and New Zealand is by Paramount.
In early November, the film was offered to USA distributors at the annual American Film Market (5–12 November), with two showings announced, and in early February 2009, Miramax bought the USA rights. However, rather than opening in theatres in the U.S., it has gone straight to cable.
A region-2 DVD was released in 2009. A region-1 DVD was released in 2010.
The novella, out of print for some years, was re-issued from HarperCollins in 2008, with screenplay, set photos, publicity stills, cast interviews, and interviews and comments from the director, producers and crew members.
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