After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

You better be-leash it, movie synopsis writer.

Anyway, Frankenweenie will be in black-and-white, which is an interesting choice for a movie that will inevitably be aimed at color-loving families. However, Burton’s not going too unconventional, as the animated movie will be screened in Mandatory-Vision (3D). I’m still officially interested, especially with a solid voice cast that includes Winona Ryder, Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara. However, we’ve got a long way until the October 2012 release date, and Burton’s doing some stuff in the Dark Shadows with his Hot Topic BFF Johnny Depp this year.

Production on Tim Burton‘s stop-motion Frankenweenie 3D is ramping up and he’s bringing some of his besties onboard. Winona Ryder, Martin Landau, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short have joined as four voice actors who don’t command a Johnny Depp-sized salary.

It is surprising that Burton’s usual players, Depp and wifey Helena Bonham Carter are not attached to the project. Perhaps they’ll show up in smaller Easter Egg-ish roles. I’m sure Burton can get either to bark like a dog for the right amount of money. Or the right amount of absinthe. (Deadline)