Rabid fans welcomed the return of Kate Beckinsale to the “Underworld” franchise, catapulting the 3D 4th installment “Underworld Awakening” to the No. 1 spot at the Philippine box-office for the Jan. 20 to 23 frame.
The sequel slew the competition with a nationwide gross of a stunning P49.72-million opening weekend, this according to Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures which distributed the film locally.
That phenomenal bow marks the biggest opening ever for the “Underworld” franchise, as well as the most successful debut so far this year for any title, local or foreign.
Rolling out in 155 screens across the country, “Awakening” posted its biggest receipts in SM Mall of Asia (P 3.03-M), Trinoma (P2.85-M), SM North EDSA (P2.35-M), SM Megamall (P2.24-M), SM Cebu (P1.90-M), Glorietta 4 (P1.61-M), Greenbelt 3 (P1.54-M), Newport (P1.52-M), Alabang Town Center (P1.276-M) and Power Plant Mall (P1.274-M).
Completing the Top 20 cinemas are Ayala Cebu (P1.18-M), Eastwood (P1.15-M), Gateway (P1.11-M), Robinsons Ermita (P 988,965), Gaisano (P 940,048), Market Market (P 838,236), SM Clark (P 739,563), SM San Lazaro (P 705,278), Greenhills (P 693,888) and Sta. Lucia East (P 636,938).
In the US, “Underworld Awakening” also opened in first place with $25.4 million, good for a $8,252 per theater average.
The millennia-old battle between Vampires and Lycans rages on in stunning 3D in “Underworld Awakening,” the most spectacular installment in the hugely popular franchise. Taking the celebrated saga’s signature action and mayhem to a new level, the film pits the legendary Vampire warrioress Selene (Beckinsale) against her most powerful adversary yet, just as she discovers a shocking secret that will change everything she has ever fought for.
Fifteen years have passed since Selene and her human-Lycan hybrid lover Michael vanquished the Vampire Elder Marcus in “Underworld Evolution.” In the intervening years, mankind has discovered the existence of both the Vampire and Lycan clans, and launched an all-out war to eradicate both species. Selene, captured during the genocide, awakens after more than a decade to find herself captive in a sealed laboratory at Antigen, a powerful biotech corporation dedicated to developing a vaccine against the viruses that have created the Vampires and Lycans.
Now showing across the Philippines in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH