Imax Corp. has struck a deal that will bring DreamWorks and PDIs newest 3D animated feature SHREK to the giant screen. Opening December 2001, six months after its initial theatrical release, the ogre odyssey will arrive in Imaxs 150 digital 3D theatres. Imax will foot the US$10 million bill to transfer the two-dimensional cartoon to eye-popping 3D. SHREK follows the misadventures of an annoyed ogre and his new frustratingly friendly fairy-tale neighbors. Providing voices for the first DreamWorks 3D animated flick since ANTZ are Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow and Linda Hunt. However fans might be miffed by the decision to change the ending of the film to better utilize Imaxs 3D effects. The move to bring SHREK to Imax screens can greatly be attributed to the success of FANTASIA/2000s four-month run, which grossed $49.6 million in the U.S. alone. However, Imax co-CEO Richard Gelfond said, "We have been talking to DreamWorks for years about the possibility of taking 2D projects and turning them into 3D." DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg added, "Animation is a constantly evolving art form and releasing SHREK in 3D form for Imax theatres will hopefully mark the next step in how audiences experience these films." The Imax release of SHREK will coincide with the home video release of the original theatrical version.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
