While the overall domestic box office dropped by an estimated 6% this year, IMAX had a record breaking year for total ticket sales (although exact figures were not released). Much of this success was due to DMR releasing of blockbuster Hollywood films like Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

As reported earlier, Batman Begins: The IMAX Experience broke the record for highest grossing 2D DMR release with a total of $15.9 million. In comparison, while Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The IMAX Experience started out faster, it had to settle for $14 million.

Now it has been announced that over the weekend Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire broke the record with $16 million. That gives the latest film in the franchise the record for biggest single day ($1.06 million), biggest weekend ($2.93 million), widest releases (66 screens), and highest per screen average ($44,000).

This year looks to be even more impressive as both Poseidon and Superman Returns will be coming out on IMAX, while The Any Bully and Happy Feet will be getting the 3-D treatment.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2006-01-11