Chinese classic animation upgraded to 3D by Technicolor

Technicolor has cooperated with the Shanghai Film Group and Shanghai Animation Film Studio to deliver the 3D version of The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven, one of the most anticipated films to be unveiled next year on 12th January in China. On 8th December, the media conference of 3D Monkey King were held in Shanghai. Billy WU, Technicolor Senior Vice President, President of Greater China, had spoken on the event with Jonathan Porath, Technicolor Senior Vice President, Entertainment Services Business Group of Greater China.

The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven, is perhaps an unforgettable animated film to many Chinese people. Premiering in 1965, the film was created at the height of the Chinese animation industry in the 1960s, and received numerous awards. The story is based on the earliest chapters of the classic story "Journey to the West" as the Monkey King rebels against the Jade Emperor of heaven.

A 1-min trailer of the animated blockbuster was released, following by a 3-min Technicolor corporate video. The media people were able to view the promotional trailer while wearing 3D glasses.

Billy WU said:” The film is a groundbreaking project and a significant combination of the Hollywood technology and Chinese animation. Chinese 3D industry just starts. We hope to bring Technicolor’s leading 3D technology to China through this project.”

The director of Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Jianping QIAN, said, "With the cooperation with Technicolor, we have polished the colors, applied 3D technologies and more sound effects. Nevertheless, we will never ruin the artistry of the original piece by adding anything superfluous, all we want to do is to show our respect and to recall people's memories to the classic with its new sensations."

Technicolor provided restoration, 2D to 3D conversion, DI and a serious of post production services to the film. Both US and China’s team had worked on the project for over 1 year.

While the 3D is just the beginning of the collaboration between the Shanghai Film Group and Technicolor. The newly founded joint venture, Technicolor-SFG Technology Co. Ltd, will provide China's film industry with the most advanced technologies and services.