Paramount to release Cirque du Soleil 3D film

HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Paramount Pictures says it has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the 3D feature film "Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away."

The movie was written and directed by Andrew Adamson, whose film credits include "Shrek" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Executive produced by Academy Award-winning "Avatar" and "Titanic" filmmaker James Cameron, the movie features artistic and acrobatic performances from Cirque du Soleil productions.

"The coupling of filmmaker James Cameron's groundbreaking 3D visual accomplishments and Andrew Adamson's beautiful direction, combined with a timeless original story written especially for this movie, will make for a truly amazing movie-going experience for audiences of all ages," Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures, said in a statement.

"This 3D event brings the spectator beyond what they could see at a show; it takes them on the stage," said Jacques Methe, executive producer and general manager of images and events for Cirque du Soleil. "This unique point of view allows the audience to discover the artistic details of our productions and reveal the human spirit that our artists bring to the audience in their performances. Jim and Andrew have masterfully captured what a Cirque du Soleil 3D experience could offer and Paramount will present it to the world."

The studio said it plans to release the film in theaters this year.