The Dark Knight Rises Movie May Eclipse "The Avengers" Opening Weekend

"The Dark Knight Rises" may score the highest opening of all time for a 2D movie.

 Tracking figures based on estimate research by studios into the viewing plans of cinema-goers suggest it will eclipse the record-breaking $158.4m opening of the 2008 sequel. The Dark Knight went on to be 2008's highest grossing film, a feat that "The Dark Knight Rises" might be on course to repeat.

 According to the research, the film is tracking a bit behind 2012's most profitable film so far, "The Avengers", which recently became the third highest grossing film of all time and broke the record for the highest opening of all time with $207 million in its first weekend.

A couple of factors that may lead Nolan to fall short of the "The Avengers" on opening weekend are the fact the Nolan decided to shoot on 2D rather than 3D. Therefore due to higher ticket prices on 3D movies the film may not score as a high an opening. A second reason may be due to its running time. The film's running time is reported to be 164 minutes which is 21 minutes longer than "The Avengers" and 12 more than "The Dark Knight". As a result it will lead multiplexes to squeeze in fewer screenings of the new film.

However "The Dark Knight Rises" does have an advantage as it will be shown in IMAX which charges a premium. Nolan shot more than an hour of the film on IMAX cameras. Finally, the other advantage is that it is the last installment of Nolan's popular trilogy and therefore it is one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Tracking for "Dark Knight Rises" surged over the weekend after the "The Amazing Spiderman" opened and according to those who have seen Monday's tracking numbers, the film's tracking has increased. The only audience members Warners Bros has not tapped into as heavily are Females who are slightly less interested in seeing "Dark Knight Rise" than they were with "The Avengers".

 "The Dark Knight Rises" opens in one week on July 20 and as result Warner Bros still has plenty of time to continue boosting anticipation and interest.

"The Dark Knight Rises" stars Christian Bale as Batman/Bruce Wayne, with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman in supporting roles. Joining the cast are anne Hathaway as Catwoman, Tom Hardy as Bane, Marion Cottillard as Miranda Tate and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Gotham cop John Blake. The film takes place eight years after those of "The Dark Knight", with Batman emerging from retirement to face a new threat on Gotham.

READ FULL REVIEW FOR THE DARK KNIGHT RISES HERE.