Nation & World

<< Previous   of   Next >> Sony Pictures  (click to enlarge) The movie poster for the “Michael Jackson’s This is It” film.   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Do you have a news tip? newstips@heraldnet.com | 425.339.3400   Published: Monday, November 2, 2009 ‘This is It’ success means longer run Associated Press LOS ANGELES — “Michael Jackson’s This is It” pulled in $101 million worldwide in its first five days, and distributor Sony is extending it beyond the planned two-week run. The film was No. 1 nationwide with a $21.3 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. The previous weekend’s No. 1 movie, Paramount’s low-budget horror sensation “Paranormal Activity,” slipped to No. 2 with $16.5 million, lifting its total to $84.8 million. “This is It” captures Jackson in behind-the-scenes performances in the weeks before his death in June, as he rehearsed his biggest hits for London concerts. “This is It” originally was scheduled for a theatrical run of only two weeks. The studio will leave it in U.S. theaters through Thanksgiving weekend. The studio paid $60 million for film rights to Jackson’s rehearsal footage, an investment the movie recouped in days. “They bet $60 million on this and got $101 million in just five days,” said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. “It was a gamble and a bet that paid off.” READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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