DREAMWORKS - DREAMWORKS ANIMATION TO RELEASE 8 FILMS OVER 3 1/2 YEARS

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION TO RELEASE 8 FILMS OVER 3 1/2 YEARS

On the eve of the opening of Disney/Pixar's Up , which many critics have predicted will establish a new benchmark for animated fare, Jeffrey Katzenberg -- who himself was once one of Disney's most lionized animation chiefs -- unveiled DreamWorks Animations' production plans for the next three and a half years. Among a slate of eight features will be Shrek Forever After , the third sequel in the studio's lucrative franchise, and Puss in Boots, described as a prequel to Shrek, featuring the voices of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. Other sequels include a 2011 sequel to Kung Fu Panda (subtitled The Kaboom of Doom ), and a third installment of the Madagascar franchise. Among the non-sequels is How to Train Your Dragon , due to be released early next year. Each of the films will be released in 3D. In an interview will Home Media Retail magazine, Katzenberg said that his studio has not been affected by the downturn in DVD sales the way others studios have been, noting that customers view them as longterm investments in children's entertainment, which are often replayed dozens of times. "The live-action DVD purchase is really challenging [in this economy]," Katzenberg said. "We're not. We're a toy purchase."

29/05/2009