Taking advantage of a void in the family marketplace, Disney has moved up the 3D re-release of Monsters, Inc. from January 18 to December 19, a Wednesday, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

The Pixar film now opens in the heart of the Christmas holidays, which can be the most lucrative -- and crowded -- stretch of the year at domestic box office.

There are no other animated films presently set to open in December. The month before sees two titles: Pixar and Disney's Wreck-It Ralph (November 2) and DreamWorks Animation's Rise of the Guardians (November 18).

Monsters, Inc. was a box office blockbuster in 2001, grossing $525.4 worldwide, including $255.9 million in North America.