Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title role in "Sherlock," opposite Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. (Photo : Facebook/Sherlock)
Hit BBC detective show "Sherlock" had its latest episode hit Chinese big screens on Monday, Jan. 4, shortly after its airing on televisions in the United Kingdom and the United States on New Year's Day, reported CRIEnglish.
Entitled "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride," the episode is the Christmas special of the hit series.
The episode was granted a Chinese release due in part to a series of cultural exchanges between China and the United Kingdom.
In fact, there have been reports of a special Easter Egg designed especially for the show's Chinese audience. However, viewers have found that it is too subtle for most people to get.
Easter Eggs are inside jokes or hidden messages usually placed in different forms of media to reward devoted fans. These include Stan Lee's cameos in Marvel films and the Hidden Mickeys in different Disney media.
"Sherlock" stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who is popular in China as Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit films. The special grossed $4.6 million in Chinese cinemas on its first day, with nearly 25 percent of the Chinese market share.
The Chinese release of the 115-minute Christmas special is the most complete version among all other global releases. The version includes 25 minutes of bonus scenes.
In the United Kingdom, the special was simulcast in 100 cinemas nationwide, along with its broadcast on BBC One.
"The Abominable Bride" was also given a limited release in theaters in Denmark, Australia, Finland and South Korea.
The special had a particularly strong release in China and South Korea.
"BBC Worldwide are thrilled that fans across the world have been enjoying the Victorian-themed 'Sherlock' special," said Sally de St. Croix of BBC Worldwide. "Following on from a strong performance on BBC One, the show has now seen multi-million dollar success at the Korean and Chinese box offices--an outstanding achievement for a British TV show."
