Initial digital camera tests shot by Allen Daviau.
Michael Jeter's last movie.
The locomotive in the movie is based on the Pere Marquette 1225, a restored steam locomotive located in Owosso MI. In fact, many of the sound effects of the train are recordings of the actual train. The train is often run between Owosso and nearby Chesaning, MI for rides during festivals.
The film used 3D motion capture techniques to digitally record the physical performances of the actors before "skinning" them with their animated forms. All the children's roles were acted by adults using over-sized props to get the movement right.
This was the first mainstream film to be simultaneously released as a 3D IMAX presentation.
The premiere was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, author Chris Van Allsburg's hometown.
In a news photo of Santas on strike, their placards say they're picketing Lone Pine Mall, the mall at the end of Polar Express director Robert Zemekis' Back to the Future.
Hero Boy says, "I've wanted to do that my whole life", after tugging on the trains whistle. This is the same thing Doc Brown says in Back to the Future III, also directed by Robert Zemeckis.
The train set seen at the end is a recreation of the new Lionel Polar Express train set combined with the older Lionel Berkshire and the older tubular track.
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