Disney to Cancel 3-D Re-Release of THE LITTLE MERMAID

According to the LA Times, Walt Disney studios has canceled their plan to release THE LITTLE MERMAID in 3-D this September. This decision arrives after poor box office performances for the 3-D re-releases of several other Disney films.

THE LITTLE MERMAID was to be the last 3-D re-release Disney announced plans for after the success of THE LION KING's re-release. THE LION KING's 3-D run grossed close to $100 million in North America.

THE LION KING, however, proved to be a stand-out success as Disney's three following 3-D re-releases didn't bring in even half as much at the box office this past year. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST brought in $47.6 million, FINDING NEMO made $40.7 million, and MONSTERS, INC. only took in $30.5 million.

Converting films into 3-D are relatively inexpensive, but such low box office grosses aren't worth the effort and cost that would go into re-releasing THE LITTLE MERMAID.

In November, John Lasseter of Disney's animation team had said the conversion of THE LITTLE MERMAID into 3-D was already underway.

Disney also anounced on Monday that the fifth installment of the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN movie series will release nationwide on July 10, 2015. It has yet to be announced which cast members will appear in the film or who will helm the film's direction.

MALEFICENT, a spin-off of SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Angelina Jolie, will be released on July 2, 2014 (pushed back from its original release date of March 14) and THE MUPPETS 2 will be released on March 21, 2014.

1952, a 3-D film directed by Brad Bird, will arrive in theaters on December 19, 2014.

Related Links

Photo Flash: Disney Theatrical Group's Thomas Schumacher and MARY POPPINS' Rachel Wallace at UNCSA Graduation May 23, 2013

Scoop: THE TODAY SHOW on NBC - Week of May 27, 2013 by TV Scoop - May 23, 2013

Kelly Osbourne to Host PHINEAS AND FERB Musical Countdown on Disney Channel, 6/28 May 23, 2013

Sherie Rene Scott to Bring PIECE OF MEAT to 54 Below, 6/17-29 May 23, 2013

Photo Flash: First Look at Buck Creek Players' CITY OF ANGELS May 23, 2013