Fresh off the runaway success of the 3-D re-release of “The Lion King,” Disney has announced a fresh batch of classic films will make the transition to the third dimension.
The first will be “Beauty and the Beast,” which will arrive in 3-D on Jan. 13, 2012, followed by “Finding Inc.” slated for Jan. 18 and “The Little Mermaid” on June 21.
Disney hopes to replicate the unanticipated windfall profits of “The Lion King,” which has grossed nearly $428 million worldwide since its Sept. 16 release, topping the box office for two straight weeks.
Huge paydays for these four new re-releases will likely mirror “The Lion King’s” success, based on the success of their original theatrical runs. “Finding Nemo,” for example, stands as the 63rd highest grossing film of all time with adjustments for inflation.
The Mouse isn’t the only studio looking to cash in on cinematic advances. Oscar-winning blockbuster “Titanic” will see a 3-D re-release on April 6, 2012, and “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” hits theaters in 3-D on Feb. 10, 2012.
 
____
Contact The Daily Reveille’s entertainment staff at [email protected]