MUMBAI: Releasing more than two weeks before its July 13 in US and Canada, Blue Sky Studio‘s Ice Age: Continental Drift, which was released by 20th Century Fox in 9,505 screens including some 4,200 3D screens in 34 markets, took the number one spot with a weekend intake of $78 million.
At no 2, The Amazing Spider-Man raked up worldwide box office of $2.5 billion till date from 6,068 sites in just 13 markets drawing $50.2 million over the weekend.
Continental Drift is the fourth title in the increasingly remunerative computer animation franchise that has grossed $1.918 billion worldwide in the last 10 years. "It took the top spot in each of its opening markets, said a Fox statement.
Continental Drift‘s opening strength in Latin and South America was impressive. It set debut records in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Central America and in Chile. The Mexico premiere drew $13.8 million from 2,516 situations. Brazil kicked in $6.9 million at 1,010 spots. In France, the animation sequel notched the biggest opening of the year, generating $11.8 million at 1,072 venues Australia which contributed $6.4 million at 580 locations.
The original 2002‘s Ice Age, grossed a total of $381.8 million globally with most of that ($207 million) coming from overseas playoff. The worldwide take for 2006‘s Ice Age 2: The Meltdown increased to $649.5 million with $457 million derived from the foreign circuit. Continental Drift opens this week in 14 markets including Germany and Holland.
The Amazing Spider-Man concentrated on Asian openings with South Korea ($13.4 million at 1,213 sites), Japan ($11.4 million drawn from 1,092 spots) and India ($6 million at 1,236 venues) throwing off the biggest numbers.
It may be remembered that Sony had decided to skip many European markets until the Euro Cup soccer tournament ended. However, a No. 1 Germany bow produced $4.2 million at 755 locations.
Third on the weekend was DreamWorks Animation‘s Madagascar 3: Europe‘s Most Wanted, that drew $16.2 million in its fourth round overseas playing at 7,011 locations in 44 territories.
