Ladies and gentlemen, we have an uber-hit:
Still more countries are reporting grosses, and [Marvel's The Avengers] opened #1 in every foreign market. It doesn’t come out in the U.S. until May 4th but already it’s scooping up 60+% of all pre-sold movie tickets online and more than all the previous Marvel films combined. Overseas, Disney is reporting $178.4M box office in the film’s first 5 days of release in 39 territories.
The movie opens here this weekend. Just how big do you think it’s going to be…?
April 30th, 2012 at 8:35 am
Big. Probably the biggest hit of the summer, unless Dark Knight Rising somehow manages to reinvent the wheel one more time. Probably not as big a hit as Dark Knight, though. But close. (I am much more into Batman than Marvel, but Avengers offers the novelty of “all the heroes in one place” and DKRising doesn’t seem likely to break any new ground, even if it’s better than Avengers.)
I just wonder why this opened overseas first. I remember a time when everything opened in the US first, and people would have to wait months to see even the hits in Europe. Things change so much.
April 30th, 2012 at 11:55 am
Don’t get sucked in by the hype. This film is mediocre. The wit of the original Iron Man is mostly gone, replaced with campy, overwrought attempts at humor. There is virtually no plot. Storytelling is neglected in favor of special effects and explosions. Seems to be making a lot of money though…
April 30th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why did this movie open internationally first, anyhow? Usually, they only do that if the movie isn’t very good, or is this a new means to help hype a movie for US audiences. I know international sales have become more important over the past decade but the percentage that a studio receives compared to a domestic release is quite miniscule. I don’t get it.
Personally, I don’t care whether this makes more or less money than any of the upcoming releases. I don’t own stock or have a vested interest in the financial stability of certain studios, and I think the superhero genre needs to take a rest. Also, the lack of female and racially diverse superheroes at the box office is very disappointing.
April 30th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
^to avoid decreasing profit by Piracy leaking
April 30th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Aren’t the majority of pirates based in foreign markets though? Whenever I’m in Asia I find DVD releases on the same day as new theatrical releases. I don’t see how releasing internationally first helps deter piracy. I saw Taken and a couple of other movies that were released in foreign markets first show up on the net before the US theatrical release.
Releasing films in foreign markets first ensures piracy since US piracy laws don’t extend to those markets. Not that I’m complaining since Hollywood lied about the amount of money they’ve been losing due to piracy. They’re profits have steadily increased over the past decade. It seems like piracy helps them, or is a non-factor. Well, I guess I’ll be seeing The Avengers for free then!
So, yo-ho fiddle-de-dee, being a Pirate is all right with me!
April 30th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Whoops! I meant ‘Their profits’.
April 30th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@ Dave S – I loved the movie. Thought it juggled the number of characters exceptionally well, given the enormous demands created by the numerous back-stories set up by the previous films. Horses for courses, of course.
May 1st, 2012 at 12:21 am
People!watched it 5 times already and I’ve enjoyed each viewing more than the last.its not complex as TDK or I’m sure TDKR will be but its the most fun I’ve had at the cinema.it’s a movie anyone and everyone can enjoy,family almost.the whole cinema laughed and cheered along and clapped at the end of it all.everytime.and I was the only comic guy I imagine there.
This won’t win an oscar or change things up but what it will do is entertain you thoroughly.it’s great fun.I dare anyone not to enjoy it.as the Joker said “why so serious?” Just kick back take as many of ur pals with u and experience a great flick well put together.Mr.Whedon has out done his self.the cast were all amazing.Scarlet and Ruffalo were great.you will be impressed.
Plenty of plot.plenty of laughs and plenty of action.
May 1st, 2012 at 12:28 am
@Aussiesmurf.I agree with you totally.the balancing up and utilization of all the various characters and storylines in previous flicks was well done.would’ve been a problem for most others I am sure.oh and btw I am Zambian.check it up.that’s where I have seen it.wanna go again.and again and again.lol
May 1st, 2012 at 7:50 am
The reason some U.S. movies open earlier in Europe, acc. to my theory, is that the producers expect Europeans to like it more, meaning that they can have it open in the U.S. to the tune of positive European reviews. The Avengers is a really packed movie with a lot of substance, and as such it reminds me more of Spider-Man 3 and Iron Man 2 than of any of the other Marvel movies. Personally, I love that. I thought Spidey 3 was the best of that series yet, and also liked IM2 much better than the first.
May 1st, 2012 at 2:16 pm
I prefer movies with substance. I’ll still watch The Avengers though but only once.
May 2nd, 2012 at 8:19 am
The movie is AWESOME, is exactly what I was waiting for since that final post-credits scene in Iron Man. My brother and I loved it.
Peace