International Audiences do a Double Take

March 30, 2004

With no new wider releases the top five international box office finished in the same order as last weekend. The Passion of the Christ again topped the week thanks to number one openings in many markets and even a few records. The biggest slice of its estimated $16 million take came from the U.K. where it finished first, sort of. Including previews its $3.6 was strong enough for first place; if you don't include previews then it drops to third place behind the debut of Dawn of the Dead and the second weekend of Starsky and Hutch. The film again had strong results in small markets breaking records in Argentina and Venezuela. Total international run now sits at $58.7 million in 36 markets, good, but certainly not comparable to its domestic total.

The final major market opening for Brother Bear resulted $2.6 million and an animation record in local currency. Combined with strong legs its weekend total was up by a tiny margin to $10.2 million. $150 million internationally and $250 million worldwide are not out of the question at this point.

Starsky and Hutch opening in Germany was not as successful as last week's U.K. opening,; but that’s not surprising since the 70s cop show wasn't as popular there. Over the film took in $5.9 million and I think its safe to say it will earn the majority of its international box office in English speaking markets.

Just like last weekend, Along Came Polly was in a virtual tie with Starsky and Hutch taking in $5.9 million. Next weekend its fortunes should improve as it opens in several markets including South Korea and in the growing Russian market.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King continues to stick around in the top five earning another $5 million. Internationally it is now sitting at $718.0 million and $1.092 billion worldwide.


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Source: Variety

Filed under: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Passion of the Christ, Starsky & Hutch, Brother Bear, Dawn of the Dead, Along Came Polly