New James Bond film Spectre has taken the region by storm grossing 35 per cent more than its predecessor in its first week, it has emerged.
Just over a week after the movie debuted, cinemas in Bahrain continue to report huge demand, after sell-out shows in the first week. Bahrain Cinema Company (Cineco) has been showing the film on 18 screens across the country to cope with the rush for tickets.
“The first shows were a sell-out and throughout the first week it was predominantly a full house in all screens,” said Cineco general supervisor Mahmood Jagbeer. “With the incredible result Cineco experienced from Skyfall (Spectre’s predecessor), the decision was taken to show Spectre on 18 screens around Bahrain.
“Skyfall was a big success in 2012, so for Spectre we decided to put it on six screens in City Centre, six in Seef Mall, three in Saar, two in Al Jazeera and one in Awali.
“We expect the movie to run strong in its second week as the attendance is still good. “It seems like people are loving the movie.”
Spectre, which was made with a budget of $245-$250 million, is one of the most expensive films ever produced. However, that investment looks like paying off based on the response so far.
“James Bond is back on top as the newest Bond instalment debuted at number one,” said a Novo Cinema spokeswoman.
“In its first week the film grossed 35 per cent more than its predecessor, Skyfall, giving Spectre the regional lead.
“As anticipated the first week box office numbers see Spectre outperforming the last Bond film with an impressive and stable gross record.”
Meanwhile, Bond fans who still haven’t seen the film need not panic, with Cineco granting the movie licence to thrill for at least another nine weeks. Starring Daniel Craig, the story sees James Bond receive a cryptic message from his past that sends him on a trail to uncover sinister organisation Spectre.
By Stephanie Sutcliffe
