Tim Burton’s 'Frankenweenie' To Be Released In IMAX 3D

IMAX and Walt Disney Studios have announced that Tim Burton's 2012 take on Frankenweenie will be remastered for IMAX 3D to coincide with the RealD and 3D release on October 5th.

Not to be directly confused with the 1984 original live action version starring Shelly Duvall and Daniel Stern, which happens to be one of my all-time favorite Tim Burton classics (and where the VHS cover image to the left comes from). I actually still have the videocassette copy in my collection despite its inclusion on recent releases of The Nightmare Before Christmas on Blu-ray and DVD.

Burton has re-visited his black & white short as a stop-motion animated feature with voices from Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Winona Ryder. It also marks the first time a stop-motion production will be seen in IMAX 3D.

The plot mirrors the original's retelling of the Frankenstein story with a focus on the special bond between a young boy and his beloved dog. Their relationship takes a twisted turn when the loyal canine is brought back to life following his tragic demise.

From Disney on the new version of Burton's tale: "After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous."

"IMAX Corporation and The Walt Disney Studios today announced that Tim Burton’s stop-motion, animated film, Frankenweenie will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX 3D format and released in IMAX digital theatres worldwide day-and-date on Oct. 5, 2012. The film marks the first black and white Hollywood feature and first stop-motion animated movie to be presented in IMAX."

“IMAX has a long-standing relationship with Tim Burton, whose unique artistic vision and brilliant storytelling has captured the imagination of audiences around the world,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We’re excited to add Frankenweenie as the second Tim Burton feature in our 2012 film slate, providing IMAX audiences a distinctive new way to experience animation.”

"The IMAX release of Frankenweenie will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie."

As you can see from the trailer below, Frankenweenie will not disappoint fans when it comes to Tim Burton's gothic signature style of animation and character design. In keeping with his penchant for working with a close stable of actors, he re-unites with his Beetlejuice stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara, in addition to Martin Short who appeared in the under appreciated Mars Attacks!

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