3D-converted Disney-Pixar films returning to theatres

Blockbuster animated movies like Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid will get a new crack at theatrical releasein 3D, Disney and Pixar announced.

Buoyed by the recent box office success of a 3D-converted version of 1994's The Lion King, the mega studio is moving forward with plans to re-release a number of its recent classics in 3D for limited theatrical runs.

The 3D version of The Lion King has brought in nearly $100 million US at the box office worldwide since opening in mid-September.

The 3D re-issues continue in January 2012 with Beauty And The Beast, the 1991 love story that became the first animated feature to score an Oscar nomination for best picture.

Next up will be a September release of 2003's star-studded Finding Nemo, which featured the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Willem Dafoe,Brad Garrett, Allison Janney and Geoffrey Rush.

A 3D version of the 2001 smash Monsters, Inc. will return to theatres in January 2013.The studio will release the new 3D prequel film Monsters University the following June.

Finally, in September 2013, Disney will bring a 3D version of 1989's The Little Mermaid back to cinemas.

"Great stories and great characters are timeless, and at Disney we're fortunate to have a treasure trove of both," Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman said in a statement.

"We're thrilled to give audiences of all ages the chance to experience these beloved tales in an exciting new way with 3Dand in the case of younger generations, for the first time on the big screen."