The Matrix Revolutions set an international record in its opening weekend, with a five-day box office gross of $204.1 million, beating Lord of the Rings:  The Two Towers, which did $200 million in a similar period last year.  The Matrix Revolutions opened simultaneously in a record 109 countries worldwide. 

 

Domestic receipts were down dramatically from those for Matrix Reloaded.  The Matrix Revolutions grossed an estimated $85.5 million in its five-day opening, down from Matrix Reloaded, which took in $134.2 million over its first four days last summer.  The weekend numbers were down even more, with The Matrix Revolutions grossing $50.16 million vs. $91.8 million for Matrix Reloaded.  Among possible explanations for the decline are reduced marketing support (see 'Marketers Pull Back from Revolution'), less than stellar reviews, and fan fatigue at two major releases in less than a year.