Pixar and DreamWorks may have the market cornered on CGI-animated movies, but some classy competition is on the horizon. This year moviegoers will have a lot of animated flicks to choose from, and Sony Pictures Animation hopes that "Open Season" becomes one of 2006's family favorites. After visiting their Culver City, Calif., production offices, it's clear that directors Roger Allers ("The Lion King"), Jill Culton and Anthony Stacchi have something special in the works.

Inspired by Steve Moore's syndicated cartoon "In the Bleachers," "Open Season" follows the adventures of Elliott (a scrawny deer, voiced by Ashton Kutcher) and Boog (a domesticated bear, voiced by Martin Lawrence). The two misfits team up with other wild animals to take back the forest from a crazy, bloodthirsty hunter voiced by Gary Sinise. Their pals include McSquizzy (a tough squirrel, voiced by Billy Connolly), two psycho ducks, some construction-worker beavers, a porcupine that wants to be everyone's buddy and some skunks that serve as the forest's "Mean Girls." According to Moore, "Open Season" harkens back to the Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny cartoons of the 1940s but has a modern edge.

Yet, don't assume "Season" is just kids' stuff. Like recent predecessors, "Season" features plenty of pop-culture references for adults. James Williams, layout supervisor, said audiences should look for nods to "Braveheart," "Gladiator" and "Spartacus" during the film's climactic battle scene. There's also a reference to "The Matrix Reloaded," but the film is "a little less obvious [in its references] than "Shrek,'" Williams says.

Creating a distinctive look for "Season" was just as important as fashioning a compelling story. Art Director Andy Harkins notes that the film's look was inspired by the work of Eyvind Earle, set designer for "Sleeping Beauty." The Hitlist got an early look at scenes from "Season," and each has a beautiful monochromatic design.

What makes animated movies special these days though are the characters. It's clear that "Season" animators have a deep affection for Elliott and Boog (who even krump dances in one scene). But, like Puss in Boots from "Shrek 2" or the penguins from "Madagascar," it's always a supporting character that steals the show. For "Season," that character is an incredibly intelligent dachshund named Mister Weenie. He'll make you believe a dog can drive a Winnebago.

"Open Season" is scheduled to open nationwide Sept. 29.