"Avatar" has finally been beaten.
Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” made 3-D film history Sunday, breaking blockbuster "Avatar’s” $77 million record for an opening weekend.
With an estimated $116.3 million in ticket sales from Friday to Sunday, it had the best opening weekend ever for a 3-D film, also breaking several other box office records, according to BoxOfficeGuru.com.
Burton’s version of the classic Lewis Carroll tale is evidence of increasing interest in IMAX and 3-D formats, experts say.
The film, which stars Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska, played in 220 more 3-D theaters than “Avatar.” It also pushed James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster out of the number-one spot in the international box office, where the best picture-nominee had sat for 11 weeks. And with 70 percent of the Disney film’s business coming from 3-D ticket sales, it’s clear that audiences don’t mind spending a few dollars more for a better viewing experience and newer technology.
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“Alice in Wonderland” is the most recent movie in a stream of upcoming 3-D and IMAX films: DreamWorks Animation will be releasing "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3-D in March, and Disney will be releasing “Toy Story 3” in 3-D in June.
Burton's fantasy adventure film, which also features Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter, has received mixed reviews so far. It is showing on over 7,000 screens across the country and grossed $210.3 million worldwide this weekend.
