October 13, 2004 (Chicago International Film Festival)
November 10, 2004 (USA)
The Polar Express is a 2004 American computer-animated Christmas musical fantasy adventure film that was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment, Shangri-La Entertainment, Golden Mean, and ImageMovers, and was directed by Robert Zemekis. The film would star Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, and Eddie Deezen as part of the voice cast. It's visual effects and performance capture were done at Sony Pictures Imageworks, while sound services were provided by Skywalker Sound designer, Randy Thom. Accompanying him were Tim Nielsen and Will Files, who recorded a majority of the train-related sounds, and likely a couple of other necessary sounds that were needed for this film.
The film was made with a production budget somewhere between $165 – 170 million. It would then be released by Warner Bros. Pictures on October 13, 2004 at the Chicago International Film Festival in Chicago, Illinois, and then on November 10, 2004, in both conventional, and IMAX 3D theaters on November 10, 2004. It grossed $286 million worldwide during its initial run ($314 million with subsequent re-releases), and was later listed in the 2006 Guinness World Records as the first all-digital capture film.
The film would also mark the last acting role for American actor Michael Jeter before his death, and the film was thus dedicated to his memory at the end of its credits.
Storyline[]
Tom Hanks, and director Robert Zemeckis ("Forrest Gump"; "Cast Away") reunite for "Polar Express," an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Also See[]
- The Polar Express (2004) (DVD Menus)
- The Polar Express (2004) (Trailers)
- The Polar Express (2004) (TV Spots)
- The Polar Express (2004) (Video Game)