Jorge Gutierrez's 14-year journey is coming to fruition as he's teamed up with Guillermo del Toro, 20th Century Fox and Reel FX to create the impeccably and visually stunning animated film "The Book of Life," which is set to hit theaters Oct. 17.

Gutierrez will be at a Comic-Con panel this week for 'The Book of Life," along with producer Guillermo del Toro and voice actors Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman and Christina Applegate.

Not only is animator/illustrator and first-time director Gutierrez's vision coming true, but the film is also very personal for the skilled Mexican animator who's known for his work on Nickelodeon's "El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera," co-created with his wife and graphic designer, Sandra Equihua, who is also helping to bring the film's characters to life. (The couple also founded the production company Mexopolis.)

In "The Book of Life," Gutierrez incorporates aspects of his roots with a tribute to his Mexican culture through the colorful and folkloric Day of the Dead (el Día de Los Muertos) and a touching yet funny love story, as well as some of his favorite tunes.

With the help of Oscar-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla who provides the score, Gutierrez puts a ranchera spin on Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Rod Stewart and BizMarkie songs, meshing together traditional, mainstream and a multitude of genres. Plus, it is sure to make audiences walk away singing these unique, Latin-inspired and catchy tunes, which I can attest to after getting a sneak peak of the impressive footage in the film.

On July 10, Gutierrez's contagious energy and excitement for the upcoming film that has been getting Oscar buzz -- there's speculation it could nab a Best Animated Feature nomination next year -- was evident. He lit up the theater at New York's Bryant Park Hotel during a footage presentation of "The Book of Life," which Latin Post attended.

"All my favorite albums, all my favorite books and films, they are all personal stories that take place in a very specific culture but that are universal," Gutierrez told The Hollywood Reporter in an earlier interview. "So I wanted to make something that happened in my family but make it for the world."

"The Book of Life" is the brainchild of Gutierrez, complemented by the many talents of his idol, Mexican filmmaker/producer and Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro ("Pan's Labyrinth," "Pacific Rim," "Kung Fu Panda 2") and co-writer and Disney veteran Doug Langdale. Gutierrez is also gearing up to attend Comic-Con this week as well. Judging by Gutierrez's delivery of the footage in New York, it's clear that this film is very near and dear to his heart.

Last week, during "The Book of Life" footage screening in Los Angeles at Fox Studios, "Del Toro said he was moved by Gutierrez's emotional, visual and narrative connection to Mexico," according to The Associated Press. "It was a huge nostalgia," Del Toro said, "a very painful and beautiful nostalgia that made me say I'm going to protect this project and celebrate this guy."

attended presentation of #thebookoflife. #guillermodeltoro and #jorgegutierrez introduced cool animation! pic.twitter.com/GBY7F8i3jM - What'sUpHollywood (@WhatsUpHWood) July 15, 2014

"'The Book of Life' will take viewers through the vibrant fantasy-adventure of the legend of Manolo (played by Diego Luna), a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love and defend his village." Manolo and Joaquin, the "town hotshot," (played by Channing Tatum) both vie for the attention of Maria (Zoe Saldana).

Besides Luna, Tatum and Saldana, the animation comes to life with a stellar cast also including Christina Applegate (narrator), Ice Cube, Placido Domingo, Kate del Castillo, Hector Elizondo, Cheech Marin, Ron Perlman, Danny Trejo, Ana de la Reguera, Eugenio Derbez, Gabriel Iglesias and Ricardo "El Mandril" Sanchez.

The film features Day of the Dead-inspired skeletons, skulls, dolls and mariachi outfits in beautifully crafted animation. Manolo must travel through three fantasy worlds: The Land of the Living, the Remembered and the Forgotten, to return to his true love.

While all of the scenes make for an impressive backdrop, it also conjures a lot of feeling and emotion. More specifically, the Land of the Remembered really stands out with its vibrant colors and otherworldly vibe that will make you want to jump into the screen and take a break from your own world.

Actor/director Luna ("Cesar Chavez") goes to an especially tender place as he utilizes his sweet voice to win over Maria (Saldana). "Meet Manolo. The Hero. He's a strummer, not a fighter," Gutierrez says of the character. Not to mention there's an adorable sidekick, a little pig named Chuy who sometimes steals the scene.

del Toro called the the musical and animated approach taken in the film unique. "It's enchanting and gorgeous in a way that is not the cookie-cutter way," he said.

"I'm not supporting a movie that is going to look like every other movie, that's going to sound like every other movie," del Toro said. "Every time we did something unique, I felt very proud of him. He's like my love child without the love."

Check out the official trailer for Gutierrez and del Toro's "The Book of Life," which hits theaters Oct. 17.