Jurassic World movie breaks box office records across the world
IT’S on track to be the biggest box office smash of all time after breaking opening weekend records. What is it about Jurassic World that we love so much?
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MORE than half a billion dollars in ticket sales in its first few days and number one in 66 countries — it’s a result few expected for Jurassic World.
But the new action blockbuster has turned cinemagoers dinosaur mad, becoming the biggest debut release in history with a global box office taking of $A660 million.
That extraordinary result was replicated in Australia, where strong demand from local audiences saw it pull a whopping $16 million at the weekend, becoming the biggest release of 2015.
Film critic Matt Toomey said that momentum isn’t likely to wane anytime soon.
“Everyone is talking about it so there’s this strong desire to go and see it for yourself,” Toomey said.
“There’s a sense of nostalgia for older audiences who might’ve seen the first movie 22 years ago, plus all the action and excitement that young moviegoers enjoy.”
Despite the first movie in the series being released six years before he was born, Stanley Halfacre was one of many new generation fans in line to see the film.
“I’m really excited,” the 14-year-old said.
“I hope there is a lot of scary pop ups. I have been very, very excited ever since I saw the trailer, I have wanted to see it.”
American tourist Clarice Dangelo, 16, had also watched the original films as a youngster.
Dangelo and her friend Amy Szilas, also 16, said they couldn’t decide what was more exciting — the giant dinos or the film’s star, Chris Pratt.
“Both!” Ms Szilas said about the scaly villains and the lusty hero.
Film industry analysts in the US initially tipped Jurassic World would take $100 million in its first weekend. Its success, which far exceeded those expectations, came as a shock — including to local operators.
IMAX Theatre Sydney chief executive Mark Bretherton said he expected the film to be popular but never imagined back-to-back sold out sessions.
“It’s not unusual for a big film to sell out a few screenings when it opens but this has been a whole different story,” Bretherton said.
“It has gone through the roof, which is a pleasant surprise. We’re delighted.”
When he began selling tickets online four weeks ago, he said there was an immediate rush. In its opening weekend, his Sydney theatre didn’t have a single spare seat.
“We’re still very busy. The buzz is just great — it’s clear people are enjoying themselves. They come to see dinosaurs romping around, chewing on people and that’s exactly what they get.”
Toomey said cinema audience numbers had stagnated in Australia in recent years, so a success like Jurassic World would be a boon for operators.
“Something like 70 per cent of all ticket sales last weekend were for this movie, which is huge. When a movie like this comes along, Australian cinema operators celebrate. It’s a big result.”
And there is already talk of further sequels in the Jurassic franchise, he said.
“With this sort of money, there will definitely be more to come. They’d be crazy not to.”
FACT BOX
— The first film in the franchise, Jurassic Park, was released in cinemas in 1993.
— Jurassic World is the fourth instalment in the series, following The Lost World in 1997 and Jurassic Park 3 in 2001.
— This is the first major film project for director Colin Trevorrow. It is the second major film role for star Chris Pratt.
— On Tuesday Pratt told Entertainment Weekly he would sign on for future sequels.
— In its first weekend, it became the second highest-grossing debut film in US box office history, the third in Australian history and the biggest debut film ever globally.
— At the weekend, it grossed more than $100 million in China alone.
TOP 10 DEBUT WEEKEND FILMS GLOBALLY
1. JURASSIC WORLD: $A659.2 million
2. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2: $A622.4 million
3. FURIOUS 7: $A512.1 million
4. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE: $A507.6 million
5. MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS: $A505.6 million
6. THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON: $A505.6 million
7. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON: $A492.7 million
8. SPIDER-MAN 3: $A491.6 million
9. IRON MAN 3: $A480.0 million
10. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES: $A443.1 million
Source: Box Office Mojo
TOP 10 DEBUT WEEKEND FILMS AUSTRALIA
1. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2: $A18.3 million
2. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON: $A16.1 million
3. JURASSIC WORLD: $A16.0 million
4. THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON: $A15.7 million
5. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1: $A15.2 million
6. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES: $A15.1 million
7. FURIOUS 7: $A14.6 million
8. THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG: $14.4 million
9. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE: $14.3 million
10. THE TWO TOWERS: $14.1 million
Source: Motion Pictures Distributors Association of Australia
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