Horror franchise's latest release offers more than just grisly scenes

The contemporary horror franchise, that began in 2000, released its latest installment, Final Destination: Bloodlines, on Friday, marking the first time for its general release across Chinese mainland theaters in 25 years. It was the weekend box-office champion among foreign titles.

Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the new film follows college student Stefanie, who is plagued by violent, recurring nightmares. She returns home to find the one person who might break the cycle and save her family from the demise that inevitably awaits them.

This film is the first in the franchise specially formatted for IMAX, with 51 minutes of key scenes presented in IMAX's exclusive 1.9:1 aspect ratio, which reveals 26 percent more image than standard versions, offering audiences a uniquely immersive and thrilling experience.

On Douban, a popular review aggregator, one of the most-liked comments stated that the mortician William Bluddworth, played by actor Tony Todd, delivers his final lines about cherishing life, which brings unexpected warmth to the horror tale and subtly uplifts its overall theme.