Buried in the depths of Disney's massive San Diego Comic-Con press release today is the news that "Beauty and the Beast," a highlight of the studio's late-20th century renaissance, will be enhanced with 3D digital effects for a February 12, 2010 theatrical re-release. The timeless story continues to be revisited even today, with the upcoming "Beastly" offering a contemporized reimagining of the unlikely love story. Disney's "Beast" is notably the only animated work to ever receive a Best Picture Academy Award nomination.
The press release states that "Beauty and the Beast" will be featured as part of Disney's animation panel, which will feature special guests Hayao Miyazaki and John Lasseter. The duo will join animation vets Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements and John Musker in a presentation of upcoming Disney Animation releases, including the soon-to-be-3Dified "Toy Story"/"Toy Story 2," "Toy Story 3," "The Princess & the Frog" and Miyazaki's "Ponyo." The panel will be moderated by none other than Patton Oswalt.
This year's show will also house the first-ever panel featuring 3D footage, from "Disney's A Christmas Carol," "Alice in Wonderland" and the "Tron" sequel. It's probably too much to hope that we'll get a glimpse of of "Beast" or the 3D-treated "Toy Story" double-feature, but all told, Disney is gearing up for a smashingly successful SDCC appearance. "Tron" producers Sean Bailey and Steve Lisberger will be joined by Tim Burton and Robert Zemeckis (in their first appearance at SDCC). So basically, you don't want to miss this one either.
Which of these Disney movies are you most excited for? Which panel would you rather attend? Is any of this news enough to get you on a plane out to San Diego come July 23?
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