'Breaking Dawn' passes $700M milestone

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Hollywood's vampire romance "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" has grossed an estimated $701.3 million in global box office receipts, Lionsgate said.

Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the film hit theaters Nov. 18 and is set for DVD and Blu-ray release Feb. 11.

"New Moon," the previous installment, earned $709.8 million during its theatrical run, while "Eclipse" raked in $698.5 million and "Twilight" earned $390.4 million. The movies are based on Stephenie Meyer's blockbuster novels.

"The milestone is important on several fronts and illustrates the vitality of the franchise on a global scale even after four films," Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger said in a statement Monday.

"Stephenie Meyer's story and characters were brought to the screen this time via the talented hands of Bill Condon along with the cast and crew that has been with the film franchise since its inception. We are very proud of the success the franchise has experienced and anticipate the saga's conclusion this November."