'Transformers' IMAX gets strong start

LOS ANGELES, June 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: The IMAX Experience" earned $510,000 at 10 international IMAX theaters last weekend.

IMAX Corp., Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures said Monday the Michael Bay-directed "Transformers" sequel had a per-screen average of $51,000 June 19-21.

The international IMAX release included three new IMAX digital locations in Japan. The new 109 Cinemas IMAX Theatre in the city of Kawasaki ranked as the highest-grossing screen in the country for the film's premiere, generating more than $81,000 for the weekend.

The movie is to open in a record 169 U.S. IMAX theaters Wednesday, in conjunction with the film's nationwide release in conventional theaters. It will ultimately play on 230 IMAX screens worldwide, the film companies said.

"We're very happy with the initial results internationally, and we're particularly happy that the expanding IMAX network is enabling more people to celebrate the launch of the film with the premium IMAX experience," Andrew Cripps, president of Paramount Pictures International, said in a statement. "The film looks and sounds incredible in IMAX and we look forward to reaching more audiences during the weeks ahead."

IMAX Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Gelfond called the initial numbers "strong."

"The fact that a brand new IMAX theater opened at the No. 1 position in the entire country is encouraging, especially as we continue to focus on expansion in Japan," Gelfond said.