Disney to Give More of Its Classics a 3D Makeover

In the wake of The Lion King’s massive success as a 3D re-release (the film has been the highest-grossing box office film for the past two weeks), Disney has quickly wised up and realized the high monetary potential for its new strategy. Naturally, the company is dipping into its sizable back catalog of films and prepping a select few for the 3D treatment, beginning in 2012.

The first of the four films Disney has so far chosen for 3D re-release is Beauty and the Beast, due out in theaters Jan. 13, 2012. Beauty will be followed later in the year by Finding Nemo (Sept. 14), which in turn will precede the releases of Monsters Inc. (Jan. 18, 2013) and The Little Mermaid (Sept. 13, 2013).

According to the Associated Press, the theatrical performance of The Lion King since its Sept. 16 release has been staggering, so far grossing $80 million in the United States alone. If these numbers are any indication, Disney will be seeing a few more box-office toppers in the following years.

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