http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-deadmanschestfinalboxoffice,0,1685030.story

'Pirates' Box Office Record Swells

'Dead Man's Chest' made $3.6 million more than initially estimated

Zap2It.com

July 11 2006

The three-day box office record set by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is now up to $135.6 million.

Initial studio estimates released on Sunday (July 9) had the Johnny Depp sequel at $132 million, still blowing away the previous three-day record of $114.8 set by "Spider-Man" (as well as the $116 million fictional take for James Cameron's "Aquaman"). Apparently Disney managed to underestimate the figures and the final tally was boosted by $3.6 million.

"Dead Man's Chest" became the first film to gross $100 million in its first 48 hours. Its first-day gross of $55.5 million blasted the $50 million first day for "Star Wars III -- Revenge of the Sith." The only minor cause for concern is that "Pirates" fell short of the Saturday record. "Shrek 2" did $44.8 million on its first Saturday, while "Pirates" could only muster $44.4 million. So sad.

While the "Dead Man's Chest" numbers soared in the final figures, very few of the other results changed notably. "Superman Returns" remained in second with a $21.82 million weekend, down by 58 percent, though its cumulative total through 12 days is at $141.6 million. Expect "Dead Man's Chest" to pass the Man of Steel sometime mid-week.

In its second weekend, "The Devil Wears Prada" was third, dropping only 45 percent to $15 million for an impressive $63.1 million through 10 days.

Also worth noting are "Click," which made $11.92 million to become star Adam Sandler's latest $100 million hit, while Pixar's "Cars" moved past the $200 million mark with its $10.7 million weekend.