WB plans 'Dark Knight' re-release

Warner Bros is planning to re-release The Dark Knight on IMAX screens next January in time for the Oscar voting season.

A studio insider told The Hollywood Reporter: "It's just a matter of bringing it back as a reminder for people."

The superhero film may also reappear in traditional cinemas.

The Christopher Nolan-directed sequel, which sees Christian Bale's Batman face off against Heath Ledger's Joker, has been a critical and commercial hit, with its worldwide box office total currently standing at $950 million.

The studio is hoping that a re-release would help the movie, specifically Ledger's performance, gain traction with Academy voters and push the box office total past $1 billion.