The Polar Express (2004)
Though it received mixed reviews, this adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s book of the same name has taken its place in history as a groundbreaking endeavour thanks to its 2006 entry into The Guinness World Records. Written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, and starring Tom Hanks, the film is listed as being the first all-digital capture film, and is also the first animated feature from Castle Rock Entertainment.
Featuring human characters animated using live action performance capture, the story follows a sceptical young boy on Christmas Eve, as he boards a magical train bound for the home of Santa Claus. It became the first film presented in IMAX format which hadn’t been specifically made for IMAX, and was also the first to open in IMAX 3D simultaneously alongside its theatrical release.