In 2009, the animated film Coraline, directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, captivated audiences with its dark, whimsical storytelling and groundbreaking stop-motion animation. Fifteen years later, its importance in the realm of cinema remains undiminished, so significant that it is returning to theaters around the world in newly remastered 3D format. The Philippine audience can exclusively catch it for a limited engagement at Robinsons Movieworld from September 18 to 30.
The Fantastic World of Coraline
Coraline tells the story of a young girl (with voice by Dakota Fanning) who discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life. Initially, this parallel reality seems much better than her real life, but it soon turns dangerous. Her counterfeit parents in this alternate world try to keep her forever, forcing Coraline to rely on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to save her family and return home.
Its intricate plot also delves into themes of self-discovery, the complexities of familial relationships, as well as the allure and danger of escapism. Coraline‘s unique blend of wonder, suspense, and adventure has made it a timeless classic.
From Novella to Stop-Motion Film
Coraline was brought to life by Laika, founded by Nike co-founder Phil Knight and helmed by his son Travis Knight. Will Vinton of Will Vinton Studios is also one of the co-founders. Coraline was their first-ever project amid a skeptical movie industry about stop-motion films, but their commitment to creating a cinematic masterpiece proved to be a successful investment.
Coraline was written for the screen and directed by Henry Selick, who’s known for other stop-motion works like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and James and the Giant Peach (1996). Neil Gaiman, who wrote the novella on which the movie was based, met with Selick and had already brought up the idea of making a film adaptation when he was just finishing the book. Japanese illustrator Tadahiro Uesugi was brought in to become the concept artist and, ultimately, drive the unique color palette and surreal quality of its visuals. The film’s composer, Bruno Coulais, added to the atmosphere with a haunting score that used gibberish lyrics, whispering sounds, and chimes to enhance the fantastical yet dangerous world Coraline navigates.
Aside from Fanning’s, Coraline features the voices of Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr., and Ian McShane.
The film grossed $16.85 million in its opening weekend in the U.S. in 2009, when it ranked third at the box office. It made an additional $15 million on its second weekend. During Coraline‘s rerelease on August 14, 2023, it grossed over $7 million in four days.
Coraline‘s influence is evident in its enduring popularity and accolades. It was cited as one of the Best 10 Movies by the American Film Institute Awards; won Best Music in an Animated Feature Production, Best Character Design in an Animated Feature Production, and Best Production Design in an Animated Feature Production in Annie Awards; Best Feature Film by the British Academy Children’s Awards; Best Animated Feature by the San Francisco Film Critics Circle Awards and more.
Coraline is celebrating its 15th anniversary from its original release back in 2009 by releasing a remastered version this year.
Celebrating 15 Years of Coraline
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Laika produced a remastered 3D of Coraline, which was released in the U.S. on August 15 through a partnership with film distributor Fathom Events and other parts of the world through Trafalgar Releasing. The movie made $12.5 million in four days, ranking fifth at the box office in the U.S. A week later, it grossed $29.2 million worldwide.
Screening in the Philippines is exclusively available at Robinsons Movieworld from September 18 to 30 at the following branches:
- Robinsons Movieworld Galleria Ortigas
- Robinsons Movieworld Galleria Cebu
- Robinsons Movieworld Galleria South
- Robinsons Movieworld North Tacloban
- Robinsons Movieworld Tuguegarao
- Robinsons Movieworld Pangasinan
- Robinsons Movieworld Naga
- Robinsons Movieworld Gen Trias
- Robinsons Movieworld Ormoc
- Robinsons Movieworld Antique
- Robinsons Movieworld Manila
- Robinsons Movieworld Magnolia
- Robinsons Movieworld Antipolo
- Robinsons Movieworld Las Pinas
- Robinsons Movieworld Malolos
- Robinsons Movieworld Iligan
- Robinsons Movieworld Valencia
- Robinsons Movieworld Santiago
- Robinsons Movieworld Ilocos
- Robinsons Movieworld Roxas
- NUSTAR Premier Cinemas
- Opus Premier Cinemas
Ticket prices for the Robinsons Movieworld branches and NUSTAR Premier Cinemas is at P300 for 2D and P400 for 3D, and for Opus Premier Cinemas, it is P400 for 2D and P500 for 3D.
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