Disney-Pixar will premiere its first 3D short film Tokyo Mater beginning December 12th, ahead of Disney's Bolt, which opened in theaters November 21, 2008.

The short movie was directed by Academy Award®-winner John Lasseter, who also directed Cars, which inspired the "Cars Toons" series. This short is the fourth such film in the series, which stars Mater the tow truck (voiced by Larry The Cable Guy), Lightning McQueen's rusty but trusty friend. In “Tokyo Mater,” a routine tow lands Mater in Tokyo, where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas. With the help of his friend, “Dragon” Lightning McQueen, and some special modifications, Mater attempts to drift to victory and become "Tow-ke-O Mater, King of all Drifters."

"I’m delighted to be back in the director’s chair for the 'Cars Toons' series," said Lasseter, who serves as chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios and most recently executive produced Bolt. "Mater is one of my favorite characters from 'Cars' and is the definition of true friendship. The world has grown to love Mater as much as we do, and we are excited to take him on new adventures with his best friend, Lighting McQueen."

According to the press release from Disney, 2-D computer versions of Tokyo Mater will also be available for theaters showing Bolt in 2-D.

Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures