1980s Tom Cruise Classic 'Top Gun' Being Re-Released in 3D

Tom Cruise in 'Top Gun.' (Paramount)

A 3D version of the iconic 1980s movie "Top Gun," due for a re-release in theaters, was revealed Monday, The Hollywood Reporter said.

A preview of a flight sequence converted to 3D was shown Monday at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam.

Rob Hummel, CEO of Legend 3D, which converted the 1986 film to 3D, said the re-release would return to the big screen in early 2012.

"I think 'Top Gun' lends itself to 3D due to the aerial flight," Hummel said at the convention. "You can have fun with 3D by bringing things off the screen if they are not attached to the edge of the screen."

Legend 3D is funding the conversion and sharing the profits from the re-release with Paramount Pictures, the film's distributor, Hummel said. "We think there is great potential for catalog titles in 3D, but studios have had trouble justifying the expense," he explained.

The movie, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, starred Tom Cruise in the role of "Maverick" alongside love interest Kelly McGillis. It became instant classic with signature lines like "I feel the need, the need for speed" and "You can be my wingman any time."

It also helped popularize hit songs like Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone," Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" and The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost that Loving Feeling."

The film became the highest grossing film of 1986, raking in $176 million domestically and $353 million worldwide.