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In a presentation today preceding Comic-Con International in San Diego, Warner Bros. Pictures and IMAX Corporation announced that Where the Wild Things Are, from director Spike Jonze, will be simultaneously released to both IMAX and conventional theaters on October 16, 2009.

Based on the classic book by Maurice Sendak, Wild Things follows the story of Max (Max Records), a disobedient little boy who is sent to bed without his supper, only to create his own world — a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

“We’re excited to provide audiences and fans of such a beloved adventure the chance to experience it in IMAX,” said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. “The imagery and sound in IMAX will help further immerse audiences directly into the land of Wild Things and we look forward to sharing it with them.”

“Where the Wild Things Are is an ideal addition to IMAX’s fall film slate,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “We see this film as playing to audiences of all ages, and as our network continues to expand, we’re pleased to reach more moviegoers than ever before with a classic story told in an unparalleled format.”

“This title plays well to IMAX’s goal of providing moviegoers with an out-of-this-world adventure they cannot experience anywhere else,” added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Warner Bros. Pictures, our good friends at Playtone who we’ve shared so much success with over the years, and now Spike Jonze on his highly imaginative movie adaptation of this classic story.”

The only sad part about this news is that there is no word on whether any of Wild Things was actually shot in IMAX — our guess is that it wasn’t. So instead of having scenes that were meant for the extra-big scree (a la The Dark Knight or Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), the film will simply be the regular version blown up on a 65′ tall screen. Not that we’re complaining, as Jonze is likely going to deliver a visual feast, but it could’ve been cool to see some intentionally gigantic Wild Things.

Where the Wild Things Are is in theaters October 16, 2009.