This Is It makes stellar box office debut
This Is It makes stellar US box office debut
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Monday, 02, Nov 2009 09:41
By Lewis Bazley.
The concert film detailing Michael Jackson's rehearsals for his ill-fated comeback shows has topped the US box office after its first weekend on release.
This Is It's global earnings reached $101 million (£61.6 million) after its opening weekend and claimed the top spot in the US.
The movie is made up of rehearsal footage for Jackson's concert series of the same name at London's O2 due to start on July 13th 2009 but cancelled because of his death on June 25th.
After receiving simultaneous premieres in 19 cities and a global opening of October 28th, the film's US run is to be extended by three weeks, Columbia Pictures confirmed.
"The numbers are incredible, and we got some of the highest exit polls we've ever seen," Sony worldwide president of distribution Rory Bruer told Variety.
"It goes far beyond being a concert movie. [Director] Kenny Ortega created a film that is compelling and exciting and an incredible tribute to the King of Pop."
With This Is It debuting at number one, last week's chart-topped Paranormal Activity fell to second.
The low-budget horror, made for around $11,000 (£6,706), has now earned $84.8 million (£51.7 million) after six weeks on release in the US.
This Is It was the only new release in the US top ten, with action film Law Abiding Citizen and romantic comedy Couples Retreat both retaining spots in the top five.
The top ten films at the US box office are: (last week's position)
1 This Is It (-)
2 Paranormal Activity (1)
3 Law Abiding Citizen (4)
4 Couples Retreat (5)
5 Saw VI (2)
6 Where the Wild Things Are (3)
7 The Stepfather (8)
8 Astro Boy (6)
9 Amelia (11)
10 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (7)