LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fresh off the successful re-release of “The Lion King” in 3-D, Disney says it will churn out four more classics in three dimensions starting with “Beauty and the Beast” in January.
“The Lion King” topped the domestic box office for two weekends last month after being re-mastered in 3-D. So far it has made $80 million in North America.
The Walt Disney Co., based in Burbank, Calif., hopes to repeat the formula with “Beauty and the Beast” in January, “Finding Nemo” in September next year, “Monsters Inc.” in January 2013 and “The Little Mermaid” in September 2013.
The welcome reception for “The Lion King” in 3-D came as a pleasant surprise for a movie business that is down from last year as a weak economy is taking its toll on ticket sales.