Laika Extends Coraline's Fifteenth Anniversary Re-Release

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Tue, 08/20/2024 - 09:39 -- Nick Dager

Laika’s acclaimed 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline has returned to theatres around the world for its fifteenth anniversary in newly remastered 3D for a special limited engagement that started August 15.  In partnership with Fathom in the US and Trafalgar Releasing, internationally that run has been extended and the film is being offered in, newly remastered 3D as well as 2D formats. 

Laika’s acclaimed 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline has returned to theatres around the world for its fifteenth anniversary in newly remastered 3D for a special limited engagement that started August 15.  In partnership with Fathom in the US and Trafalgar Releasing, internationally that run has been extended and the film is being offered in, newly remastered 3D as well as 2D formats. The fifteenth anniversary Coraline showings also include an early glimpse of Laika’s upcoming film, Wildwood, making it the must-see film event of the summer. 

The re-issue of Coraline scored more than $20 million in worldwide box office, according to Comscore, since opening on with $12,526,116 in ticket sales in U.S. and $7,646,357 internationally for a worldwide total of $20,172.473.  Coraline was the #4 movie at the domestic box office.  It scored similarly impressive results around the world: 

#2 in Guatemala, El Salvador

#3 in Mexico, Chile, Peru

#4 in U.S. Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Honduras

#5 in UK/Ireland, Argentina, Colombia, and Panama

In Mexico, Coraline has officially garnered the highest number of tickets sold for a film re-release in Mexico’s cinema history, with more than 700,000 tickets sold during the opening weekend and an expected 1 million admissions total throughout the week.  This more than triples the number of tickets sold for the previous largest re-release (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 20th Anniversary in 2021). Coraline opened #1 at the box office on opening day in Mexico and finished #3 for the weekend despite stiff competition from new entry Alien: Romulus and returning megahits Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends with Us. 

Additional international markets have been added by Trafalgar Releasing:

Philippines (8/28-9/3 and 9/25-9/30)

Dominican Republic (starting 8/22)

Ecuador (starting 8/22)

Chile and Peru (starting 8/22)

France (11/9 – 11/10)

Key territories holding the film over:

Mexico

UK & Ireland

Australia

New Zealand

“Movie audiences worldwide have once again embraced Coraline, celebrating its 15th anniversary with overwhelming enthusiasm,” said David Burke, Laika’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer.  “The film's triumphant return to the big screen, newly remastered in stunning 3D, has ignited a cultural phenomenon, drawing in multiple generations of moviegoers and reaffirming Coraline's place as a timeless cinematic masterpiece. We have said all along that this anniversary edition is a heartfelt love letter to Laika fans, and we are deeply moved by the overwhelming response to its worldwide re-release. Coraline’s enduring appeal speaks volumes about the profound loyalty, love, and admiration that fans hold for Laika and our pioneering work in stop-motion animation.”

Burke added, “As part of eventizing the Coraline return, we treated cinemagoers to an early glimpse of our upcoming feature, Wildwood, alongside exclusive behind-the-scenes content showcasing our inspiring filmmaking process. We also hosted fan-focused events and collaborations with brands like Mondo, Converse, and Portland’s Stumptown Coffee Roasters, as well as launched our new exhibition, LAIKA Frame x Frame at the British Film Institute. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at Fathom and Trafalgar Releasing for their exceptional efforts in bringing Coraline back to audiences around the globe.”

“Once again, we’re reminded of the power of this film and how beloved it is to Coraline fans everywhere and now, it’s the highest grossing classic title in Fathom’s history,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom.  “Based on the amazing numbers, we’re pleased to partner with Laika on adding more dates to Coraline’s run in both 2D and 3D.”

"Coraline's continued global success is a testament to the universal appeal of its story and animation style. The record-breaking results are proof that the film stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences 15 years later with themes of courage and self-discovery," said Kymberli Frueh, senior vice president of programming and content acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing. “It has been a pleasure working alongside Laika to bring this film to so many passionate fans around the world.”

Coraline is a wondrous and thrilling, fun and suspenseful animated adventure.  Coraline was written and directed by stop-motion auteur Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Wendell & Wild) and stars Dakota Fanning, Ian McShane, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, John Hodgman, and British comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.  The film was nominated for the Oscar® and Golden Globe; won the Cristal Award at Annecy and was named one of the best films of the year by AFI.  It won three Annie Awards for Best Music, Character Design and Production Design. 

Eleven-year-old Coraline Jones (Fanning) is feisty, curious, and intrepid beyond her years. She and her parents (Hatcher, Hodgman) have just relocated from Michigan to Oregon. Missing her friends and finding her parents to be distracted by their work, Coraline tries to find some excitement in her new environment but seriously doubts that her new home can provide anything truly intriguing to her.  But when she walks through a secret door in her living room and ventures down an eerie passageway, she discovers an alternate version of her life and existence. On the surface, this parallel reality is similar to her real life – only much better. The adults, including the solicitous Other Mother (Hatcher), seem much more welcoming to her. Even the mysterious Cat (David) now regards her as the center of attention. She begins to think that this Other World might be where she belongs. But when her wondrously off-kilter, fantastical visit turns dangerous and Other Mother schemes to keep her there, Coraline musters all of her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.

Laika www.laika.com

Fathom Events FathomEvents.com

Trafalgar Releasing www.trafalgar-releasing.com