Summer 2013 to Be Biggest Box Office Season on Record for 3D Films

This month is likely to go into the record books as the biggest May in history for 3D movie box office revenue, setting up Summer 2013 to be potentially the highest grossing box office season to date, it was announced today by the International 3D Society.

This month alone, four major 3D movies will be in theatres, including: 'Iron Man 3,' 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Star Trek: Into darkness,' and 'Epic.' Eighteen 3D major motion pictures are on Hollywood's schedule from now until the end of August, assuring movie fans of a new 3D movie almost every week.

'Iron Man 3' has launched the summer movie season with blockbuster attendance worldwide, closing in on the $1 billion dollar mark in just 2 weeks. 'The Great Gatsby' generated over $50 million dollars this weekend, exceeding every industry forecast. The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan also attracted more adult audiences with more than two-thirds of ticket buyers over the age of 25.

"Along with last year's 'Life of Pi,' 'Gatsby' is a part of a new genre of 3D movies. It's a visual drama for adults, and provides an emotional and intimate use of 3D to drive F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic story," said Jim Chabin, President of the International 3D Society. 'The Great Gatsby' in 3D will open this year's Cannes Film Festival Wednesday night, May 15th.

"With this weekend's 'Star Trek: Into Darkness' and the upcoming animated family feature 'Epic,' May is on track to be the biggest 3D premium ticket sales month in history," added Chabin.

Other major 3D movies slated for the summer include: Superman 'Man of Steel,' 'World War Z' starring Brad Pitt, 'Pacific Rim,' Pixar's 'Monsters U,' Dreamworks Animation's 'Turbo,' Marvel's 'Wolverine' starring Hugh Jackman, '300: Rise of an Empire,' and two 3D concert movies starring the teen band One Direction ('This is Us') and the heavy metal rock group, Metallica ('Through the Never'). "We've never had such a wide range of 3D movies during one summer. There are movies for every age group and fan base. From Superman to dramas like 'Gatsby,' to rock and roll... this summer has it all," said Chabin.

Based on past performances by many of these established franchise titles, and data from 3D Society member companies, the organization forecasts that 3D ticket sales will help Hollywood break its 2011 summer record of $4.4 billion dollars domestically. 3D movies continue to be very popular internationally, especially in China, where 'Iron Man 3' has already recorded more than $95 million dollars in ticket sales.

"Up to 80% of tickets sold at the box office in China are 3D tickets, and it's now the 2nd largest movie market [behind the U.S.] in the world. With as much as two-thirds of any movie's revenue coming from international ticket sales, 3D's popularity overseas contributes significantly to a movie's financial success," added Chabin. "3D and large screen presentations are the premium experience, and we are seeing again this month that the fans show up when there are great movies to see. Based on industry buzz and preview audience feedback, we have a hot summer schedule filled with spectacular 3D titles. We are off to a great start."

About the International 3D Society:

The International 3D Society was founded to advance the art and technologies of stereoscopic 3D content and its professional innovators. With over 60 companies and 800 professional members in 20 countries, the organization honors the year's best during its 3D Technology and 3D Creative Awards programs; hosts worldwide meetings, workshops and demonstrations; and manages many online resources to assist consumers and professionals worldwide. For more information please visit: www.International3DSociety.com.

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