ASTROBOY FEATURE GETS OFF THE GROUND

Now in production, "Astro Boy" is set for release in 2009. It is a computer graphics adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's famous manga about a boy robot, first published in 1952.

The film is Imagi's third theatrical feature, following "TMNT" ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") and "Gatchaman," also now in production. "TMNT" debuted at No. 1 at the U.S. boxoffice when it opened in March, with $25.45 million in ticket sales.

But unlike Imagi's "TMNT" and "Gatchaman," both action-heavy films, "Astro Boy" has a largely emotional core, pushing the performance, acting and movement principles of the animated main character into the spotlight.