Seventeen more 3D movies in 2010, and counting

From a handful of 3D films last year to more than one per month in 2010, the huge success of the format is creating blockbusters. Now every movie studio is releasing a 3D feature, from fantasy adventures to horror films, with half of the films animated.

Here is the rundown (with US release dates) - if there are enough 3D theaters:

Shrek Forever After
May 21
The fourth and final adventure of the giant animated green ogre in the land of Far, Far Away, starring the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas.

Toy Story 3
June 18
Woody, Buzz and their toy-box pals are dumped at daycare when Andy heads to college and they encounter new friends and foes. Features an all-star voice cast of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Michael Keaton, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton, and Joan Cusack.

Despicable Me
July 9
A wicked villain's plans to steal the moon are thwarted by a trio of orphan girls who befriend him. Stars the voices of Steve Carell, Russell Brand, and Julie Andrews.

Cats & Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore
July 30
A fur-flying action comedy following a truce between canines and felines attempting to stop the sinister plans of a spy cat. Voices by Alec Baldwin and Bette Midler, also starring Chris O'Donnell and Roger Moore.

Step Up 3D
August 6
The third installment of the dance franchise set in New York with street dancers Rick Malambri and Sharni Vinson in a showdown against the world's best breakdancers.

Piranha 3D
August 27
A horror film about a sheriff who attempts to save the town from masses of prehistoric piranhas unleashed in Arizona's Lake Havasu. Stars Elisabeth Shue, Ving Rhimes, and Christopher Lloyd.

Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole
September 24
Based on the children's book series about a group of wise owls forced to fight an army of brainwashed owl soldiers. Features the voices of Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Hugo Weaving, and Geoffrey Rush. Directed by Zach Snyder ( 300, Watchmen).

Alpha and Omega
October 1
Animated family adventure about two mismatched young wolves thrown together by circumstance, featuring the voices of Dennis Hopper, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover, and Hayden Panettiere.

Saw VII
October 22
Just in time for Halloween, Tobin Bell returns as Jigsaw in three-dimensional horror.

MegaMind
November 5
A villain loses his drive to be evil after accidentally killing his nemesis, until he creates a nefarious superhero. The animated satire about superheroes stars the voices of Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Will Ferrell, and Tina Fey.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
November 19
Harry, Ron, and Hermione must finish Dumbledore's work in defeating the Dark Lord as Voldemort takes control of the Hogwarts. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, with Ralph Fiennes joining the returning cast of Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, and Helena Bonham Carter.

TRON Legacy
December 17
The sequel to the 1982 cult classic about video games turned into high-tech gladiatorial battles finds Flynn's son attempting to release his father trapped in this cyber world. Stars Jeff Bridges, Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen.

Yogi Bear
December 17
The cartoon misadventures of Yogi and his sidekick Boo-Boo in Jellystone Park. Stars the voices of Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake.

More to come this year include Jackass 3D on October 15, Tangles on November 24, Moomins and the Comet Chase, and Sanctum.

RC