DreamWorks Animation’s ‘Madagascar’ Heading Back to Theaters

The hit animated comedy, directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath and starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith and David Schwimmer, celebrates its 20^th anniversary with a nationwide U.S. cinema re-release on January 16.

Universal Pictures has announced that the 20^th anniversary nationwide theatrical re-release of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar will premiere January 16. Advance tickets are now available.

Directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath, the animated comedy centers on Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), the “King of New York,” who lives at the Central Park Zoo alongside the zebra Marty (Chris Rock), sassy hippo Gloria (Jada Pinkett-Smith), and hypochondriac giraffe Melman (David Schwimmer). Inspired by the mischievous antics of the zoo’s penguins, Marty leaves behind his enclosure and heads for Grand Central Station to hop a train to the wild. But that single rash decision has unimaginable consequences. Once Marty’s worried friends set off on his trail, a series of mishaps lands the quartet half a world away from the comfortable confines of the zoo.

Released on May 27, 2005, Madagascar enjoyed massive success with family audiences, becoming the year’s sixth highest-grossing feature with a $193.6 million North American haul. The hit film spawned two sequels that further explored the adventures of Alex, Marty, and the gang: 2008’s Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and 2012’s Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.

Earning industry acclaim, Madagascar received a Best Animated Feature nomination at the Annie Awards, among several other nods. It was also nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a Golden Reel Award from the Motion Picture Sound Editors Guild, and a People’s Choice Award. Producer Mireille Soria received a Producers Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures for her work on the film.

Source: Universal Pictures