Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

Netflix has a pretty tight-lipped business model. It notoriously doesn't release its ratings. And its policy of confidentiality extends to information about its new brand of theatrical releases, too. The streaming service is using curiosity bait to draw in theatrical viewers for an ultra-limited Imax release of its martial arts adventure "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" (PG-13 for martial arts violence and brief partial nudity). This sequel to the Oscar-winning classic is being released Friday simultaneously on Netflix and in select theaters. Its one-week big screen run is coming to only 12 theaters nationwide, including the Minnesota Zoo's Imax, where it is being shown in 3-D. Will it equal the poetic power of director Ang Lee's masterful melodrama? The romantic Master Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) is absent, though Michelle Yeoh's Yu Shu Lien returns, this time as the mentor of a lovely would-be combat expert. This chapter is told in English and directed by master fight choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping ("Kill Bill," "The Matrix," "Kung Fu Hustle"). How does it play? Ever-secret Netflix hopes you will buy a ticket to find out — it didn't screen its latest film production for review. (Imax Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo, 12000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley.)

COLIN COVERT