For all of you who are fans of the food fight in National Lampoon’s Animal House, this one’s for you. Sony Pictures Animation and IMAX Corporation announced that Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs opens today in IMAX(R) theatres simultaneously with the film’s wide release. The animated motion picture has been adapted from the bestselling children’s book written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.

The special IMAX(R) 3D release will be digitally re-mastered from Sony Pictures Animation’s Stereoscopic 3-D master into the state-of-the-art image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX Digital Re-Mastering technology.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs is expected to play well in 2-D, “but in IMAX 3D, audiences will practically be able to feel the food landing in their laps,” said Rory Bruer, president of worldwide theatrical distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment. Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment says, “This all-star cast of talent and animation artists combined with a wonderful story will transport moviegoers from their seats right into the fantasy world that is Swallow Falls.”

In 2009, Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. The film takes place in a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Bill Hader, star of Saturday Night Live and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, will lend his voice to Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone’s life. Anna Faris, who recently turned heads as the star of the comedy hit The House Bunny, takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weathergirl covering the phenomenon.

James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint’s technophobic father. Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint’s invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map, and Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop Earl Devereaux. The film also features the vocal talent of Neil Patrick Harris.