DreamWorks Animation's 'Monsters vs. Aliens' Exceeds Initial Estimates to Gross $59.3 Million in First Weekend in 3D and 2D Theaters
3/30/2009
Animated Blockbuster Breaks Several Records, Including Biggest Opening of
2009, Best 3D Opening Ever and Biggest Spring Opening for a Non-Sequel
Animated Film
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The initial DreamWorks
Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) 3D animated release "Monsters vs. Aliens"
topped preliminary estimates to gross $59.3 million over the weekend at 4,104
locations, of which 1,550 were in 3D, including IMAX. In so doing, the film
broke several box office records:
-- Biggest weekend debut of 2009
-- Best Opening for a 3D Film
-- Biggest Spring Opening for a non-sequel Animated Film
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO)
The DreamWorks Animation film, which was distributed by Paramount
Pictures, grossed approximately $32.6 million on the 2,080 3D screens
(including IMAX), which represents only 28 percent of the film's runs and
accounts for 56 percent of the total weekend gross.
"This gross tops even my best estimate for the weekend," says Jim Tharp,
Paramount Pictures' president of distribution. "It is a spectacular
performance for this film and an impressive wide-release gross for 3D. It
bodes well not only for DreamWorks Animation's future films in 3D but for the
entire 3D industry."
Friday night grosses were a promising $16,765,000. $24,303,000 was added
on Saturday, the top box office day of the weekend, and an additional
$18,243,000 on Sunday.
"Monsters vs. Aliens" continues its run at the box office during the
spring break and the Easter/Passover holiday period of the next couple of
weeks.
DreamWorks Animation SKG Presents "Monsters vs. Aliens," a Paramount
Pictures release --and DreamWorks Animation's first InTru 3D Movie, wholly
conceived, developed and authored in 3D--featuring the voices of Reese
Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn
Wilson, Paul Rudd and Stephen Colbert. The film is directed by ROB LETTERMAN
("Shark Tale") and CONRAD VERNON ("Shrek 2"). The story is by Rob Letterman &
Conrad Vernon. The screenplay is by MAYA FORBES & WALLY WOLODARSKY and ROB
LETTERMAN and JONATHAN AIBEL & GLENN BERGER. It is produced by LISA STEWART
("Almost Famous") and co-produced by JILL HOPPER DESMARCHELIER and LATIFA
OUAOU. "Monsters vs. Aliens" has been rated "PG" for sci-fi action, some
crude humor and mild language by the MPAA.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of
filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading
content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital
entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures,
Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC
operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous
Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International,
Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television
Distribution.
ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing
computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative
talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking
technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated
films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company anticipates
releasing its feature films into both conventional and IMAX(R) theatres
worldwide. The Company has theatrically released a total of eighteen animated
feature films, including Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Over the
Hedge, Shrek the Third, Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
and Monsters vs. Aliens. All of the Company's feature films are now being
produced in stereoscopic 3D technology.
SOURCE Paramount Pictures Corporation
03/30/2009
CONTACT: Michael Agulnek, Vice President Publicity of Paramount Pictures
Corporation, +1-323-956-5704, Michael_Agulnek@Paramount.com
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
