Michael Jackson documentary wins domestic & foreign markets
Michael Jackson’s final encore “This Is It” grossed an estimated $101 million in its debut at the worldwide box office, including a domestic take of $21.3 million over the Halloween weekend.
The Sony release easily won both the domestic and foreign race.
Sony announced it is extending the domestic run through Thanksgiving weekend, or three weeks. Overseas, the studio will decide whether to extend the run on a territory by territory basis.
Film grossed far more at the international B.O.–an estimated $68.5 million–reflecting Jackson’s reach. Pic, opening Tuesday night, grossed an estimated $32.5 in its 5 ½ day domestic bow from 3,481 runs. Worldwide print count was 15,000.
Placing No. 2 domestically was Paramount’s sleeper blockbuster “Paranormal Activity,” which dipped only 22% to an estimated $16.5 million from 2,404 locations for a cume of $84.8 million in only its third sesh in wide release.
At the domestic B.O., Halloween is a notoriously bad day for moviegoing, and this year was no different. The domestic B.O. has been running ahead of last year at record numbers, but ticket sales for the holiday weekend were essentially flat with last year.
Lionsgate’s “Saw VI,” hurt by “Paranormal,” slipped to No. 5 in its soph sesh, declining 61% to an estimated $5.6 million from 3,036 runs for a cume of $22.8 million.
Fox Searchlight’s “Amelia,” which placed No. 8 in its second sesh after failing to make the top 10 chart in its debut the previous weekend. Film dipped 24% in its second frame to an estimated $3 million from 1,070 runs for a cume of $8.3 million.
[Credit: Variety / Hollywood.com]