Warner Bros. Pictures' THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE surpassed $20 million in total box office receipts in only six weeks to continue its record-setting pace for a commercial IMAX release.
The film played on 77 screens around the world over the three-day period from Dec. 17 through Dec. 19, grossing an estimated $2.65 million, up nearly 5% from the previous weekend and the sixth weekend in a row it has grossed more than $2 million. The 15 international screens playing the film contributed approximately $524,000 of the total gross. The movie has now grossed an estimated $22.3 million since opening on Nov. 10, with an impressive North American per theater average of more than $321,000.
"THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE has re-written the record books for an IMAX DMR release, and we're thrilled it continues to generate such fantastic results," said IMAX co-chairmen and co-ceos Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The way audiences have embraced this film speaks volumes about moviegoers' appetite for Hollywood blockbusters in IMAX's format, as well as their willingness to pay a premium for this immersive experience. With demand still at very high levels and additional international locations opening in the coming weeks, we believe the picture will continue to perform well through the end of the year and on into January. We also believe that it will be an evergreen that will continue to play and be enjoyed in future years."
Combined totals of IMAX and 35mm grosses exceeded $125 million in the film's sixth weekend in theaters.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corp. (www.imax.com) is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX's businesses include the creation and delivery of one of the best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX and IMAX 3D technology, and the development of the highest quality digital production and presentation. IMAX has developed revolutionary technology called IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) that makes it possible for virtually any 35mm film to be transformed into the superior image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
