Australians waited longer than most to see Denis Villeneuve’s 'Dune' on the big screen, with the film opening to a respectable $4.8 million last weekend.
'No Time To Die' has been in release in the Australian market for less than two weeks but has already achieved what only a handful of films have done since the pandemic begun - it's crossed the $20 million mark.
In a hopeful sign that the theatrical market is getting back on track, 'Eternals' posted the fourth largest opening of the pandemic-era last weekend, behind only 'Black Widow', 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and 'Fast & Furious 9'.
With all cinemas in the country now allowed to trade, the national box office was up 67 per cent last weekend, and for the first time in almost three months, two titles earned more than $1 million.
For the first time in quite a while, last weekend saw major new releases enter the Australian theatrical market, in the form of Ridley Scott's 'The Last Duel' and Aussie James Wan's horror 'Malignant'.
With the Sydney market emerging from lockdown, the national box office got a 72 per cent boost last weekend, despite the absence of major new releases.
With school holidays ending and only a smattering of new releases in the market, the national box office plunged last weekend to the lowest point since mid-August 2020.
The movies are back! All cinemas in NSW can now open at 75 per cent capacity for the fully vaccinated. IF speaks to Hoyts Group president and CEO Damian Keogh and Event Cinemas director of entertainment Luke Mackey to understand how they have prepared for reopening, and canvass their opinions on the current theatrical landscape.