Fox’s "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" dominated overseas moviegoing during the weekend, taking the No. 1 spot with $148 million from 101 territories, according to studio estimates.
The opening-weekend gross set an overseas record for an animation film as well as a record for a 3-D title. The opening was also the sixth best for any film.
The top individual market was Russia, where the opening set a record for any film with $18.9 million. General opening records were set in 15 other territories, while animated opening high-marks were set in 11 other countries.
The franchise’s previous entry, "Ice Age: The Meltdown," opened with $67.5 million in 2006 overseas on its way to $457 million abroad. The original "Ice Age" grossed $206 million overseas in 2002.
Landing at No. 2 in at the overseas box office was DreamWorks/Paramount’s "Transformers," which grossed another $55.3 million in 62 territories. The sequel has grossed $298 million overseas and $591.5 million worldwide; the original’s foreign take was $389 million in 2007.
Also opening in five territories, including Mexico and the U.K., was "Public Enemies," which finished No. 4 overseas with $5.3 million.
As for other holdovers, Warner Bros.’ "The Hangover" grossed $8.7 million from in 30 markets to land in the No. 3 spot. The international gross is now $61.5 million.
Fifth was Sony’s "Terminator Salvation." which pulled in another $5 million from 63 territories. The overseas total now stands at $228.7.
Pixar/Disney’s "Up," showing in only 15 markets, grew its overseas total to $50.8 million. The animated fantasy will continue to show life as it unspools slowly throughout the rest of 2009.
