Not too long ago, we shared a preview of what to look for in 2009 (see A Taste Of What The ’09 Movie Slate Has In Store). Although we are now a good little chunk into the big 2009, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late for more preview goodness, so when the opportunity presented itself we couldn’t help but do it again. Now the LA Times has their own collection of 2009 preview images, so naturally, we’ve found the newer and more exciting ones to share with you.

Because we used it in the first preview, I’ve included the brand new Where the Wild Things Are image as our main image, so be sure to check that one out as well!

Two new videos have surfaced for Coraline on YouTube. One is a short web spot and the other is a new HD trailer.

Coraline tells the tale of a little girl named Coraline, who discovers a type of portal to a parallel world. The world is very much like her own, but everything is much more happy and fun and her parents seem to be extra nice. Unfortunately, her great, new parents have black buttons for eyes, which seems to be a kind of prerequisite to living in that world — one which Coraline must adhere to in order to stay there. This starts the discovery of this seemingly great new world’s deep, dark secrets.

The web spot is just a very short new clip to take a peek at. It doesn’t show a whole lot, but it’s well-worth watching if you’re a fan of stop-motion. The new HD trailer is probably the best trailer released yet: it gives a good idea of the story and an even better look at the world that’s been created here.

Continue on to watch the videos!

Geeks of Doom was given the exclusive artwork for one of 26 alphabet cards for Henry Selick‘s stop-motion-animated Coraline, based on the book by Neil Gaiman.

Most appropriately, we were given the character art for the “G” card for the Coraline-themed alphabet card set, which will be used on trading cards, postings, and other print and online venues to market the Focus Features film, which comes to theaters on February 6, 2009.

Click on the image at right to see the large full-length version of the card’s artwork. Written on the card are the words “Be careful what you wish for.” along with what the “G” stands for.

All 26 cards — each to be revealed today, one card given exclusively to 26 sites around the Web — are completely unique, containing different images, characters, and elements from the film.

Be sure to visit the relaunch official site — coraline.com — to check out the new features, such as a map that takes you to several areas of the young Coraline’s surroundings. One you select an area, you’ll get to watch featurettes based on that location. For instance, in The Garden, there’s a time-lapsed video of the crew assembling this set by hand. It’s truly amazing to watch.

At the end of October, I was invited by Laika Entertainment to a sneak peek here in NYC of their upcoming 3D stop-motion animated feature Coraline. I got to see 30 minutes of the film, after which writer/director Henry Selick came out for an audience Q&A.

Soon after the screening, I got an email from the Coraline Team out in Portland, OR, telling me to be on the lookout for a package from them specially made for me with me in mind and that I will be one of 50 people slated to receive such an item — each being one of a kind.

This is a big deal for me, because I’m a great fan of the Coraline book, I love stop-motion, and c’mon, it’s Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas. There’s a reason I can’t stop writing about this project! Anyhow, so I couldn’t imagine what they’d be sending, but the other day it arrived — a handcrafted aged box with an oval plate that read “Handmade in Oregon – 14/50.” Inside the box was a weathered letter with a wax seal with a black button just like the ones used in the film. The letter explained why I was getting such a unique gift and a bit about how it was made. From what I can tell, from the few other people online I saw who’ve gotten their own box, most of the message is a standard form letter, but there’s one paragraph that specifically addresses the recipient. My paragraph has some nice things to say about Geeks of Doom (we’re artistic, hilarious, unconventional…), but probably the coolest thing it said was …

THAT’S WHY WE ADMIRE GEEKSOFDOOM – (GREATEST NAME EVER).

The theatrical trailer for the 3D stop-motion animated Coraline is now online.

Watch it here below! Also, the final theatrical poster is at right (click for large view).

Coraline was written and directed by Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, based on the book by Neil Gaiman and is the first movie to ever be filmed in 3D.

The young Coraline bored in her new home, goes searching around and finds a secret door that leads to an alternate version of her own life. At first, Coraline loves this other world, as it seems so much better than her own. On the other side, is an Other Mother and Other Father, who want her to stay there forever, and while at first she’s tempted, she soon realizes that there’s something wrong with this other place, but is it soon enough to escape back to her real home and family?