MICKEY MOUSE - MICKEY GOES 3D

Veteran Disney creation MICKEY MOUSE is joining the 21st century at the age of 78 - by going 3D. The much-loved cartoon character will keep his trademark white gloves, red shorts and yellow shoes but appear in a computer generated format, similar to that used in SHREK and TOY STORY. The new programme, titled MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE, is aimed at children between the ages of two and five and will also feature Mickey's friends MINNIE MOUSE, DAFFY and DAISY DUCK and PLUTO. Managing director of Disney Channels UK, ROB GILBY, says, "Mickey has continued to develop as an animation icon since he was first created in 1928. "He has evolved over the years as film technology advanced, initially from black and white to colour. "The move to digitally-rendered 3D is the logical next step." A Disney spokesman adds, "This is the first television series starring Mickey and friends in 3D computer-generated animation. "Although the genre is contemporary, the series designs are referential to the classic drawings of the 1940s." Mickey Mouse first appeared in STEAMBOAT WILLIE in 1928 and has gone on to star in over 120 cartoons, including the 1940 feature-length animation FANTASIA.