Coraline heading back to theaters in remastered 3D

In case you haven’t recovered from seeing the button eyes in Coraline in 2009, we have some terrible news: the classic Laika movie, based on Neil Gaiman’s book, is heading back to theaters for a limited engagement in remastered 3D.

“LAIKA set the 3D standard with the 2009 release of Coraline,” says LAIKA CMOO David Burke via a press release provided to The Parent Watch. “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 are 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.”

Written and directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Coraline focuses on an 11-year-old girl aptly named Coraline (Dakota Fanning) who moves to a new house with her parents only to discover a doorway to another world. Once there she meets another version of her mother (Teri Hatcher) who seems to have the time and energy to pay attention to her, unlike her real parents. And not only that, this magical world is full of delights and treats.

Naturally, it’s actually terrifying, and as things start to unravel, Coraline must figure out how to break free of her Other Mother’s clutches – and free the denizens of this nightmare world.

Also starring Ian McShane, Keith David, John Hodgman, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, the film was nominated for the Golden Globe and Oscar, as well as winning the Cristal Award at the prestigious Annecy festival. It was also named one of the best films of 2009 by AFI, and won three Annie Awards.

The limited engagement 3D version will premiere in theaters on August 15, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the film’s release, and will be projected in a 2D format as well. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 6 am PT / 9 am ET.