Another week and another 3D movie topping the box-office.
Screen Gems’ R-rated “Resident Evil: Afterlife” showed once again that 3D brings new life to franchises as the fourth installment in the horror/sci-fi release based on a video game easily took the top spot this weekend with $26.6 million domestically and $45.5 million overseas.
Two big factors for the big success of the Sony release: IMAX and quality 3D.
Director Paul W. S. Anderson shot the movie about a global virus that leaves only a few scattered survivors seeking a rumored safe haven called Arcadia amid a planet of undead man-eating humans in 3D and used it to great advantage, allowing viewers to see and feel the extra depth and perspective almost continuously so they didn’t wonder why they paid the extra $3 for the experience.
Meanwhile, 141 IMAX screens contributed $2.6 million — about 10% of the overall gross — despite representing less than 5% of the overall 3200-plus 2D and 3D screens domestically.
Overseas, IMAX accounted for more than $1 million on 19 screens.
IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond pointed out “Resident Evil” is the 20th consecutive number one film for IMAX theatres. “We’re proud of our track record of creating the best possible slate for IMAX fans,” he said.
IMAX Filmed Entertainment chairman and president Greg Foster said the movie we be opened in 20-plus additional digital locations internationally in the coming days. “We believe there is a real passion for ‘Resident Evil’ in IMAX among fan boys worldwide,” he said.
“Resident Evil” will give way to Warner’s “Legend of the Guardians” in two weeks on Sept. 24.
— By Scott Hettrick