Not only did “Gravity” set an October opening weekend record with $55.8 million in North America ($84.2 mil. worldwide) — and the biggest opening ever for both George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, an equally staggering 80% of that gross came from premium-priced 3D and IMAX 3D theaters, according to Warner Bros. More than $11.8 mil. came from 323 IMAX locations in North America ($15.1 mil, globally), which also set an October record, according to IMAX, and represented a very strong 20% of the overall gross.
Playing at 3, 575 locations, reviews for “Gravity” from critics and moviegoers registered an eye-popping 98% and 90%, respectuvely, on Rotten Tomatoes. The 3D element received unusual raves from high-profile critics as well as a recommendation from this web site to see “Gravity” only in an IMAX 3D theater.
Meanwhile, another 3D movie, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” landed in second with another $21.5 million (only 37% drop) bringing the Sony release to $60.5 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. And many other 3D blockbusters movies remain on the charts, including “Despicable Me 2” with a total of $362 mil. to date; “Monsters University” with $266.5 mil.; Disney’s “Planes” with $88 mil.; and “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” at $66 mil.
— By Scott Hettrick