Since I'm Russian living in Australia, I had to see when it's released in both countries and thought I might want to share it with others
Australia - starts everywhere (but in Townsville and Rockhampton in Northern Queensland where a homophobic cinema owner refuses to screen it saying that he does not know any gay cowboys - but it's another story) on the 26th of January. Though the first night was last Satruday (14/01), in Fox Studios in Sydney and Heath and Michelle were there. I was lucky to see another preview this Monday
Russia - hit the big screen on 20.04.06; you may be surprised to know that it is actually going to be at any major cinema in Moscow and St.Petersburg (not too sure about the rest of the country), no restrictions and lots of media hype already! Considering how homophobic Russia still is, it's just amazing!
Anyway, I'm sure it'll be a huge success in both countries. Brokeback Mountain is just wwhat we need in our turbulent times, it reminds us how important love is
Sergey