According to studio estimates, the seventh and final installment of horror movie “Saw” has topped the weekend box office with $24.2 million.
Although the second, third, fourth and fifth installments of this series about psycho killer Jigsaw and his torture game legacy saw huge financial success with their opening weekends grossing $30 million, the opening of the sixth installment that was released last year was a letdown ($10 million less than the latest one).
David Spitz, Head of Distribution for Lionsgate Entertainment told, “Last year, a lot of people said, ‘Ok, that’s it. Put a fork in it, it’s done.’”
“The following week, we were all disappointed and thought what can we do to reinvigorate the franchise? So we shot the movie in 3D and said this is the final chapter,” he informed.
Saw 3D beat last weekend’s top movie, “Paranormal Activity 2″, another horror flick that had opened with $40.7 million. Action comedy “Red” featuring starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren finished third with $10.8 million. Paramount’s “Jackass 3D”, another franchise in 3D slipped from second to fourth spot.
The increase in Saw 3D’s revenue can also be attributed to the fact that 3D screenings are priced at a premium rate as compared to their 2D counterparts.
