Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie' to open London film festival

Clare Stewart, the director for the London Film Festival described the film as a "perfect choice of opener." Calling the film "funny, dark and whimsical," she said, "this gloriously crafted stop-motion 3D animation from Tim Burton playfully turns the Frankenstein story on its bolted-on head."

Tim Burton

The film tells the story of a young boy who tries to bring his beloved dog back to life, and features the voices of Winona Ryder and Martin Short. Originally designed 28 years ago, when Burton, 53, first filmed the story as a young employee, Walt Disney Studios weren't impressed with the gothic short they deemed too scary and unfit for their family orientated demographic.

The exhibition, which is called The Art of Frankenweenie, will run from 17-21 October. It will provide audiences with the chance to see sketches and artworks from the film, as well as the original puppets used for the stop-motion animation. The 56th London Film Festival runs from October 10-21.