Panda Packs Punch (but not in 3D?)

The US box-office has generally not been as impressive as many expected as the season turns from spring to summer. There have been a few successes, but year-on-year, the studios have noticed a sluggish trend. However the past Memorial Day Weekend has restored a little faith. The Hangover 2 took the top palce, but another sequel did pretty well.  Kung-Fu Panda 2, once again blending fun CGI action with characters voiced by the likes of Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu and Angelina Jolie had a tally of $60m over the four-day holiday with a global accumulation of over $120m. In many of the international regions released it gre steadily day after day, the No.1 opening in several territories... and in China, the Saturday opening  set a record for a foreign title. .

However the 3D screenings of Kung Fu Panda 2 only accounted for 45% of the domestic office where other 3D CGI outings, such as last year's Shrek Forever After generated 60% on significantly fewer screens.  Some industry pundits are pointing to the public becoming less enamoured with the 3D format except when it genuinely adds to the experience. However such an assessment may have to be looked at in full once the blockbuster season is over and all the receipts are in...