'Paranormal Activity 2' Spikes to Horror High
October 25,2010 Monday
Paranormal Activity 2 delivered the highest-grossing opening weekend ever for a supernatural horror movie, while the other new supernaturally-themed entry, Hereafter, had a quieter launch. Overall business was up nearly 12 percent from the same weekend last year, when the first Paranormal Activity led. Haunting approximately 4,500 screens at 3,216 locations, Paranormal Activity 2 drew an estimated $41.5 million, topping The Grudge's $39.1 million for supernatural supremacy in first weekend gross. The horror sequel displayed better staying power than the oft-compared Blair Witch movies: it's already retained 38 percent of its predecessor's $107.9 million gross, while Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2's total retention of The Blair Witch Project was a mere 19 percent. The first Paranormal Activity opened nearly 13 months ago but had a slow roll-out into nationwide release. It peaked at 2,712 locations and its biggest single day was $8.6 million, leading up to a $107.9 million final tally.