In the age of CG animation, Laika is creating what few studios dare to create in today’s climate: stop-motion feature films. You may not recognize the name of the studio, but you’ve likely at least heard of some of the movies they’ve made, such CORALINE, PARANORMAN, and BOXTROLLS. Indeed to the average viewer, stop-motion films are a lot less polished and accessible than your standard CG fare, and that mindset shows in the box office returns of these films, which barely break $100 million, on a $60 million budget. For a comparison, a film like, say RIO 2, made over $500 million worldwide.

All the same there is no denying the beauty of these films, and there is something deeply personal about how tangible these stop-motion features feel. It seems like a dying art form, and yet without fail, we’ve been getting a consistent helping of these movies every couple years.

The next film is called KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS, and it has just received a new trailer. Check it out below!

More than their other films thus far, KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS gives off a timeless, fairy tale-esque atmosphere. I have to say, based on this first look, I’m almost ready to see this movie based on the look alone.

In addition to the trailer, Focus Features also released a few new posters.

Check those out below:

The synopsis for the film is as follows:

“An epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.”

What do you think of the trailer and posters? Let us know in the comments down below!

KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS hits theaters on August 19, 2016.

SOURCE: Focus Features