The-Twilight-Saga-Breaking-Dawn-Part-1-PosterLast year saw the immensely successful Twilight franchise come to an end, with the release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, concluding a five-film series that has taken over bn. at the box office around the world.

Whilst it’s theatrical run may now be over, it will no doubt live on for years to come – as Harry Potter has, and is likely to continue doing so – with various new editions in the home entertainment market.

Before the release of the final instalment this year, Yahoo Movies report that Summit will be releasing an extended edition of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 on 2nd March in the US, featuring additional footage, as well as optional audio commentary from director Bill Condon.

“As Twilight series devotees know, there was a lot of ground to cover in adapting Breaking Dawn to the screen,” said Condon. “Between the wedding, the honeymoon, the birth, and everything in between, naturally there were things that didn’t make it into our final cut. But I wanted to make sure that for all the Twihards out there, there was a chance to see some of these cut scenes – several of which are fan favorites from the book.”

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner of course take the lead here, with support coming fine a fine cast, headed up by Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Billy Burke, Sarah Clarke, the brilliant Michael Sheen, and many more amongst the ensemble.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 will have its Extended Edition released in the US on 2nd March, and whilst we’ve not got official word yet, we’ll probably be seeing it here in the UK either on the same day, or two days later on 4th March. For now, here’s the official press release announcing the Extended Edition.

 

NOW FEATURING EIGHT MINUTES OF NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE SELECTED BY THE DIRECTOR

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

 

Extended Edition

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013

And For The First Time Ever, Marvel Launches An All-New Second Screen App

That Provides Fans With Unprecedented Access To Exclusive Content

Santa Monica, CA (January 7, 2013) – Here is the chance to discover even more of the blockbuster film when The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Extended Edition, featuring eight minutes of never-before-seen footage, debuts only on Blu-ray Disc (plus Digital Copy and UV), DVD (plus Digital Copy and UV) and Digital Download on Saturday March 2nd from Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE company. Now with eight minutes of new and extended scenes added back into the film by Director Bill Condon, along with his optional audio commentary, fans can delve deeper into the epic series they adore. Experience the timeless romance and drama in a whole new way when The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Extended Edition, featuring the original theatrical version and the all-new extended edition with optional audio commentary from the director, arrives on Blu-ray Disc and DVD for the suggested retail price of $29.99 and $22.98, respectively.

“As Twilight series devotees know, there was a lot of ground to cover in adapting Breaking Dawn to the screen,” said Condon. “Between the wedding, the honeymoon, the birth, and everything in between, naturally there were things that didn’t make it into our final cut. But I wanted to make sure that for all the Twihards out there, there was a chance to see some of these cut scenes – several of which are fan favorites from the book.”

The Twilight Saga has held its spot as the top-selling home entertainment franchise since 2008 and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 took in $281.3 million in domestic box office sales after its release on November 18, 2011. The worldwide phenomenon continues to ignite a huge following of passionate and loyal fans that have driven the success of the Saga from the beginning.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Extended Edition now featuring additional footage, presents the marriage, honeymoon and the birth of a child that brings unforeseen and shocking developments for Bella and Edward and those they love, including new complications with werewolf Jacob Black.