IMAX Corporation and Lionsgate today announced that the limited release of “The Hunger Games: The IMAX Experience” grossed $10.6 million in IMAX® theatres worldwide during its three-day opening weekend beginning March 23. Domestically, the film grossed $152.5 million, of which $10.2 million was generated in 268 IMAX theatres for a per-screen average of $38,000. The results mark an IMAX domestic box office opening weekend record for a digital-only release and for a non-sequel 2D release.
“The reaction to the ‘The Hunger Games’ has been remarkable and we’re thrilled that fans have sought out our format as an ideal way to experience this global phenomenon,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “Congratulations to Lionsgate, producer Nina Jacobson and director Gary Ross for this remarkable adaptation – what an amazing way to kick off our relationship.”
“We believe the IMAX release of ‘The Hunger Games’ helped broaden the audience beyond young females to include our core fanboy audience,” said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “With sellouts all weekend and IMAX fans coming out in record numbers, these results clearly show that IMAX is a powerful way to eventize a movie.”
“We are absolutely thrilled that so many fans saw ‘The Hunger Games’ in the IMAX format,” said Lionsgate’s EVP of Distribution and General Sales Manager David Spitz. “The total immersion that IMAX offers surely augmented the gripping story and provided fans with a special way to experience this movie.”
“The Hunger Games: The IMAX Experience” has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
