Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf To Premiere in 3-D

heaters nationwide on November 16, 2007, Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures will offer audiences an immersive motion picture experience unlike anything they've seen before as the film is presented in REAL D and other large-format 3-D theaters day-and-date with its 35mm release, it was announced today by Jim Tharp, president of Paramount Pictures distribution. When the film is released, REAL D will be in over 1,000 theaters worldwide, mostly in North America, and it is also expected that "Beowulf" will be the largest day-and-date large-format 3-D release of all time.

Robert Zemeckis directs "Beowulf," a digitally enhanced live-action film from a screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Rogert Avary inspired by the 9th century English epic poem. The film stars Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman, and Angelina Jolie.

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Starkey, the producer of the film, said, "Bob Zemeckis instinctively presents his films in a very dynamic way that suits itself perfectly for the 3-D experience, and 'Beowulf' is no exception - the film is an ideal match for the REAL D system and other large-format 3-D presentations. When we presented 'The Polar Express' in 3-D, we looked for a way to differentiate the cinema experience, and with 'Beowulf,' REAL D is allowing us to expand on that idea."

REAL D's 3-D format enables a single digital projector to beam images that seem to move toward or away from viewers when wearing special, comfortable, lightweight glasses. Unlike traditional anaglyph (red and blue) 3-D, REAL D Digital 3-D leverages digital cinema projection technology to eliminate eye fatigue, ensuring moviegoers enjoy the most comfortable 3-D viewing experience possible.

Michael Lewis, chairman of REAL D, added, "We try to present involving and realistic stories to the audience. That's what this new generation of 3D allows us - to make the audiences feel like they're part of the movie. Our format creates an even more lifelike experience; this is the premier way to see cinema."