Universal International crosses $1B mark

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Universal Pictures International says that, as of Wednesday, its movies have grossed more than $1 billion in box-office revenue for the year-to-date.

The milestone was announced Thursday by Universal Pictures' Chairman Marc Shmuger and Co-Chairman David Linde.

"Reaching the $1 billion benchmark in August is the fastest the studio has achieved this success and puts it on track to its most successful year in history," the company said in a press release.

Among the movies the studio released this year are the blockbusters "Wanted," "Mamma Mia!" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."

"Universal is a studio with a commitment to making global films for global audiences, and the consistency of success in this year's slate demonstrates how well that is working around the world," David Kosse, president of Universal Pictures International, said in a statement. "I'm extremely gratified and proud that (Universal) is realizing this historic success with films as different as 'Mamma Mia!' and 'The Mummy.' It's proving that our specialty is our adaptability."

The company also plans to release the films "Death Race," "Role Models," "Changeling" and "Burn After Reading" before the end of the year.