Even with a late commitment, IMAX pushed “Paranormal Activity 2” over the $40 million mark on its opening weekend.
It was the second outsized opening for a Paramount release in two weeks as the sequel grossed $41.7 mil., just $9 million less than the stunning $50 mil. opening the previous weekend for “Jackass 3D” and nearly double last year’s opening weekend of the original “Paranormal Activity” that went on to gross $200 million worldwide.
The IMAX 3D presentation of “Paranormal Activity” accounted for about 6% of the grosses even though it was only playing on 151 IMAX screens of the 3,111 overall domestically (about 4.9%). The movie was squeezed in for a two-week run before it must make way for DreamWorks’ “Megamind” in 3D starting Nov. 5.
“We’re pleased with our weekend results, particularly given our late participation in the release,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “Our digital theatre network has enabled us to capitalize on an exciting film between previously scheduled IMAX releases… ”
“Jackass 3D” managed its haul without the help of IMAX. And for the second week in a row 91% of its receipts came from 3D showings of the movie, according to Paramount.
3D may be back on top this weekend when the seventh installment in another horror franchise opens, “Saw 3D,” from Lionsgate.
“Jackass 3D,” which also saw 91% of its opening weekend numbers coming 3D where it was playing in 2,472 of 3,111 locations, was second this past weekend with $21.6 mil. on top of strong weekday plays that bring it to $87.4 mil. in 10 days.
— By Scott Hettrick