A 'Monster' May '09 for 3-D

"DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens" has been slated for domestic release May 15, 2009, a week earlier than previously announced. Helmed by Conrad Vernon and Rob Letterman, the film is in production and will be distributed domestically by Paramount Pictures.

"Monsters vs. Aliens" -- now confirmed as the official title with the release date -- will be the first DWA film produced in stereoscopic 3-D.

May 2009 is shaping up to be a crowded month for tentpoles -- and 3-D. James Cameron's 3-D stereoscopic film "Avatar" is slated for May 22, which was the planned release date for "Monsters." Also, Walt Disney Pictures' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" opens May 1.

"We think this is the best spot for us considering the competitive landscape and release schedule for other animated as well as 3-D product that year," said Anne Globe, head of worldwide marketing and consumer products for DWA. "Not to mention the fact that this date worked unbelievably well for us on "Shrek the Third" as well as other films."

With two anticipated 3-D stereoscopic films set to debut during the frame, the digital-cinema community also is watching this release window. Joshua Greer, president and co-founder of 3-D provider Real D, said his company is on track to have 4,000 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens installed in the U.S. by May 2009, though that number might increase.

"Monsters" is described as a reinvention of the classic 1950s monster movie into an irreverent modern-day action comedy. Lisa Stewart will produce the film.

By Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter