MUMBAI: In its third weekend, Lionsgate‘s The Hunger Games topped the domestic box office falling narrowly by 43 per cent to $33.5 million for a total gross of $302.8 million.
On the other hand, American Reunion followed by James Cameron‘s 3D makeover of Titanic earned $21.5 million and $35.5 million respectively. Warner Bros.‘ Wrath of the Titans stood at No. 1 film internationally earning $43 million from 60 markets.
Titanic, handicapped by its lengthy running time (195 minutes), did open higher than the recent 3D rerelease of George Lucas‘ Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith ($22.5 million) and Beauty and the Beast ($17.8 million).
Paramount president of domestic marketing and distribution Megan Colligan said Titanic 3D isn‘t a limited engagement, and expects the 3D rerelease to have exceptionally good word of mouth. "There‘s something very special about seeing it again on the big screen. It‘s an experience," she said.
Titanic 3D played in 2,674 theaters, including 79 IMAX locations, which turned in 8 percent of Saturday‘s total gross alone. More IMAX screens will be added next weekend. For the five days, IMAX turned in $2 million, and boasted nine of the pic‘s top 10 theaters.
The rerelease of Titanic -- timed to the 100th anniversary of the real-life sinking of the luxury liner -- received an A CinemaScore and drew plenty of younger moviegoers, particuarly females. Of those buying tickets, 51 percent were under the age of 25, while 60 per cent were female.In financial terms, both Titanic 3D and American Reunion already seem to be on strong ground.
Domestically, Titanic 3D, that cost $18 million to convert couldn‘t match last fall‘s 3D rerelease of The Lion King, which opened to a stellar $30.1 million on its way to grossing $94.2 million domestically.