Crossing the Blues

'Paranormal Activity 2' Scares Others at Box Office, Breaks Another Record


Paramount is never wrong for investing in "Paranormal Activity 2". Made with not more than $3 million budget, the movie has raked in an estimated $41.5 million over its first weekend. This number subsequently makes the film the new record holder of the largest three-day opening for a horror film as it surpasses the $40.6 million tally made by 2009 "Friday the 13th".

This "Paranormal Activity" sequel has given good news to Paramount since its opening day, grossing $6.3 million from midnight shows on Friday, October 22. The number broke R-rated midnight record which was previously held by 2009 "Watchmen" with $4.6 million.

According to Paramount, 61 percent of the audience was less than 25 years old. On their effective promotional method, Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore says, "Instead of approaching (the marketing) as you would on a big tentpole or sequel, the campaign was done by giving the online fans ... clues and pieces of information about the movie before they saw it on any advertising materials," referring to the movie clips mysteriously sent to several blogs and media outlets.

Last week's champion "Jackass 3D" drops about 57.1% in ticket sales, sitting on number two with an additional $21.6 million cume. "Red" also drops one place from second to third, adding an approximately $15 million to its domestic revenue.

On number four there is "Hereafter (2010)" which makes a high jump from number 28 after it expanded from six theaters into 2,181 locations this weekend. This results in an additional $12 million tally. "The Social Network" rounds up the top five with an approximately $7.3 million gross.