The success of Chicken Little in the 3D theatres has solidified Disney plans for a stereoscopic version of Meet the Robinsons as well . . . Chicken Little is pulling nearly three times as much revenue in the 3D theatres than it is in conventional 2D screens . . . Chicken hit boosts Disney 3D plan . . .

Chicken hit boosts Disney 3D plan. Scrubs actor Zach Braff is the voice of Chicken Little Disney is to release a 3D version of its next computer animated film Meet the Robinsons, following the success of Chicken Little. The 3D version of Chicken Little took an average $26,000 (£15,175) per cinema in its debut weekend, compared with $10,961 (£6,400) for the 2D version. The movie was released in 3D version in 79 outlets. But Disney hopes to release the 3D Meet the Robinsons in 1,000 screens as more cinemas switch to digital projection. Innovative The whole industry is in the early stage of switching to digital from old celluloid filmstrip. But the process is costly at about $80,000 (£46,673) to $100,000 (£58,330) per system. “The box office performance level of the 3D theatres proves that the public is not only embracing the story but the newest in innovative technology as well,” said Disney movie distribution chief Chuck Viane. Chicken Little is Disney’s first all-computer animated movie made without the help of its partner Pixar. Disney and Pixar are currently in talks to renew their deal which is due to come to an end in 2006.

That’s certainly good to hear. The expererimental 85 theatres currently installed with the digital 3D system has shown that the monkey can dance. It will be interesting to see if the 1000 screen goal for Meet the Robinsons will be met so quickly or if theatre owners are going to wait and see. Thousands of theatres are converting to digital already but the 3D system is a different animal with higher costs (albeit costs are dropping).