'Coraline' to return to theaters for 15th anniversary
Midweek update: Tickets for version with newly remastered 3D are on sale
An acclaimed stop-motion film based on a beloved book will return to theaters in a limited engagement.
The 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline, from the film studio LAIKA, returns to theaters worldwide in newly remastered 3D in celebration of the film’s 15th anniversary.
The film was based on the dark fantasy children’s novella “Coraline,” by author Neil Gaiman, known for the comic-book series “Sandman,” the novel “American Gods,” and many more.
This limited engagement starts August 15 through partnerships with Fathom in the US and Trafalgar Releasing internationally. The film will also be available in 2D format. For more information about the global release, visit coraline.com.
“LAIKA set the 3D standard with the 2009 release of Coraline,” said LAIKA CMOO David Burke in a news release. “This newly remastered version, in the works for three years, brings Neil Gaiman’s enchanting story to life in stunning, stereoscopic 3D detail, and is a love letter to LAIKA fans everywhere. Thanks to our partnerships with Fathom and Trafalgar Releasing, we’re thrilled to bring this cinematic jewel to a global audience this year. The release will include an early glimpse of LAIKA’s upcoming film, Wildwood, making it the must-see film event of the summer.”
The release goes on to remind us that Coraline was written and directed by stop-motion auteur Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Wendell & Wild) and stars Dakota Fanning, Ian McShane, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, John Hodgman, and British comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.
Here’s how LAIKA’s release describes the film:
Eleven-year-old Coraline Jones (Fanning) is feisty, curious, and intrepid beyond her years. She and her parents (Hatcher, Hodgman) have just relocated from Michigan to Oregon. Missing her friends and finding her parents to be distracted by their work, Coraline tries to find some excitement in her new environment but seriously doubts that her new home can provide anything truly intriguing to her. But when she walks through a secret door in her living room and ventures down an eerie passageway, she discovers an alternate version of her life and existence. On the surface, this parallel reality is similar to her real life – only much better. The adults, including the solicitous Other Mother (Hatcher), seem much more welcoming to her. Even the mysterious Cat (David) now regards her as the center of attention. She begins to think that this Other World might be where she belongs. But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous and Other Mother schemes to keep her there, Coraline musters all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.
Tickets, trailers and info can be found at:
https://www.fathomevents.com/events/coraline-15th-anniversary/
Find out more about Neil Gaiman’s books for younger readers at:
Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about comics, film, and other entertainment topics for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma.