'Beauty' gets 3-D makeover

Disney film to be released in 2010

By MARC GRASER

The Mouse House is adding "Beauty and the Beast" to its already packed dance card of 3-D pics it will unspool over the next two years.

Disney is re-rendering "Beast" using its Disney Digital 3-D technology, and will release the film in 2010. A specific release date has yet been set.

Pic's original team of filmmakers, including producer Don Hahn and co-directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale will oversee the process, along with Sara Duran-Singer, senior VP of worldwide post production at Walt Disney Feature Animation.

The re-rendering is expected to take about nine months to complete.

"By going back to the original animation files, which have been carefully archived for 17 years, and using the separate background, effects and character animation elements, we're able to come up with a fun and unique 3-D experience for existing and new fans of the film," Hahn said.

Studio's release sked already includes 10 other films bowing in 2009 and 2010 -- more than any other studio. It's bowing the 3-D version of "Bolt" this weekend.

Next year's slate includes the "Jonas Brothers 3-D Concert Movie," Pixar's "Up," Jerry Bruckheimer's "G-Force," and Robert Zemeckis' "Disney's A Christmas Carol."

In 2010, the sked includes Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," "Toy Story 3," "Rapunzel," and "Step Up 3."

Disney is also re-rendering "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in the 3-D format to bow in 2009 and 2010.

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