Duckbutt, the film is being made by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, he is an avid aviation buff, has a large collection of WW1 aircraft, the even produce range of WW 1 model kit, the rights to the film belong to Stephen Fry, another aviation buff.... Bar the changing of the mutts name to Digger so as not to offend I think they will do a damned good job of it....
As to the why remake a classic... Well the actual dams going in the film was a bit weak, but the rest just rang all the right bells.
But even though it added to the films atmosphere it was in black and white.... Kids today just do not do black and white and a full colour all singing and dancing big budget version will bring the story to life and bring forth a new generation interested in aviation, our past and respect for those that fought to protect this country......
The Lord of the Rings trilogy did some much to rekindle interest in everything J R Tolkien wise, perhaps the same will rub off from this film.