Harry Potter continues its magic romp over the pages of cinema's record books. The film is cracking Titanic's seemingly indomitable domestic records one by one, but Warner's are refusing to comment on the biggy - the highest all time grosser of all time.
As of last weekend Harry had taken USD220m Stateside and certain US media analysts are conservative in their belief that it should take near USD400m domestically, that's quite a way shy of the USD600m odd Titanic grossed.
As well as the critical slating the film has taken in the US press, there is an obvious concern that it could break Titanic's record - as an film that isn't, on the face of it, American.
Despite Warner's massive involvement, here's just one example of America's attitude toward the film. CNN's website, channel2000.com, posts this slightly dubious, 'yes/no/not sure poll. "Protesters against the "Harry Potter" movie suggest the subject matter of sorcery is evil. What do you think --- is it movie magic or mayhem?"
Warner are keeping their distance from all this of course, as well as highest grosser predictions proffered by the press. Screen International quoted Warner's pun-loving president of distribution, Dan Fellman, "We don't like to tread in those waters yet. That water is cold, and it's deep. We have to take it one day at a time."
One day at a time in US theatres equates to approximately USD15m per day.
Meanwhile, JK Rowling is fast on her way to becoming the first ever billionaire writer. With book sales reaching 124m as of last weekend, added to a grand rights deal with Heyday films and Warner, not to mention a respectable slice of merchandising revenues…well, you get the picture.
The superheroes of the toy manufacturing world, Lego, have pre-sold their version of Hogwarts castle to oblivion and back, many stores have already sold out as millions of kiddies await their "best Christmas ever!"
Here are a few records our 'arry has broken to date, just for our cousins across the pond.
Australia - Biggest opening weekend & first week. Brazil - Biggest opening weekend and biggest grosser ever. Germany - Biggest opening weekend and first week. UK - Biggest preview weekend, weekend, first week. US - Opening weekend, week, thanksgiving weekend.
This week... Cinemas Admit record Year >>> Euro adds to UK's film woes >>> Britfilm Investment Sinks 10% in 2001 >>> (Stewart) Till We Meet Again >>> Jean-Marie's Mess >>> Snow White & The 7 Sequels >>> Brian Cox in Good Spirit >>> And also... >>>
As of last weekend Harry had taken USD220m Stateside and certain US media analysts are conservative in their belief that it should take near USD400m domestically, that's quite a way shy of the USD600m odd Titanic grossed.