TITANIC 3D to Hit Theaters on April 6, 2012

James Cameron’s Titanic is headed back to theaters April 6, 2012 in honor of the 100^thanniversary of the ocean liner’s historic maiden and final voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in April 1912.  But this time, when Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet set sail on the big screen, they’ll do it in 3D.

Written, directed and produced by Cameron, the film was first released in 1997 and collected 11 Oscars along the way, including Best Picture and Best Director.  As the movie that was both the domestic and worldwide box office champion for more than a decade (until another little Cameron film called Avatar came along), Titanic had one of the most remarkable runs in history.  Hopefully, Cameron’s post-conversion job will produce a far better product than other 3D efforts that Cameron has publicly slammed, such as Clash of the Titans and Piranha 3D.  Either way, I expect people to come out in droves to experience what is sure to be one of the most anticipated releases of next year.  Check out the full press release after the jump, which includes a statement from Cameron on the conversion.

Here’s the press release:

PARAMOUNT PICTURES, TWENTIETHCENTURY FOX AND LIGHTSTORM ENTERTAINMENT TO SET SAIL AGAIN WITH JAMES CAMERON’S OSCAR-WINNING “TITANIC” WITH A WORLDWIDE 3D RE-RELEASE ON APRIL 6, 2012

Movie’s Re-Release to Coincide With the Centennial of the Ship’s Sailing

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 19, 2011) – Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment jointly announced today that James Cameron’s “TITANIC” will be re-released worldwide on April 6, 2012.

The release, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail (April 10th), will present the film in 3D for the first time ever.

Written, directed and produced by Cameron, “TITANIC” is the second highest grossing movie of all time. It is one of only three films to have received a record 11 Academy AwardsÒ including Best Picture and Best Director; and launched the careers of stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Called “A spectacular demonstration of what modern technology can contribute to dramatic storytelling” by Variety upon its release in 1997, the long in the works 3D conversion is being overseen by Cameron and his Lightstorm producing partner Jon Landau who produced the hit movie.

Said Cameron, “There’s a whole generation that’s never seen ‘TITANIC’ as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen.  And this will be ‘TITANIC’ as you’ve never seen it before, digitally re-mastered at 4K and painstakingly converted to 3D.  With the emotional power intact and the images more powerful than ever, this will be an epic experience for fans and newcomers alike.”

“This new presentation of Paramount’s top-grossing film is particularly special because 2012 is the 100th anniversary of our studio. Paramount has had the pleasure of introducing audiences to some of the all-time classics of cinema during that century of moviemaking and we cannot think of a better way to mark the occasion than with this re-release of ‘TITANIC’,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Commented Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairmen and CEOs, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman: “Our 30-plus year relationship with Jim Cameron and Lightstorm has been enormously rewarding, from ‘Aliens’ to ‘Avatar’, and the global phenomenon of ‘TITANIC’ remains one of the greatest sources of pride in our history.  We are pleased to allow a new generation of audiences to experience the film in its brilliant digital restoration in 3D.”

The other films currently slated to open the same weekend are the American Pie sequel American Reunion, the action-thriller The Cold Light of Day, and the Tim Story comedy Think Like a Man.

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