Disney High on 3D 'Robinsons'

"The 3D digital cinema engagements of the Walt Disney's "Meet the Robinsons" have delivered about 31% of the film's total gross, said Chuck Viane, president of Disney's Buena Vista Pictures Domestic Distribution. The film's cume as of Monday was an estimated $88.4 million.

The 3D screens represented 14% of the total screens from the film's March 30 opening. Still, Viane said they now are delivering more than three times the per-theater average of the 2D version. Viane noted the staying power of the format, saying that as of last week, "Robinsons" was still playing on more than 400 of the 581 Real D 3D-ready digital cinema screens on which the film opened domestically.

Viane said the 3D versions will continue to perform for additional weeks. "We still have 3D screens that will probably play up until the digital screens are needed for "Pirates 3,' " he said.

Looking ahead, Viane said, "Exhibitors have seen the success of 3D, they are committing more auditoriums for 3D. ... (and) 2008 will be good; 2009 will be a watershed year for 3D."

By Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter