HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The initial DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NASDAQ: DWA) 3D animated release "Monsters vs. Aliens" topped preliminary estimates to gross $59.3 million over the weekend at 4,104 locations, of which 1,550 were in 3D, including IMAX. In so doing, the film broke several box office records:

    --  Biggest weekend debut of 2009
    --  Best Opening for a 3D Film
    --  Biggest Spring Opening for a non-sequel Animated Film

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The DreamWorks Animation film, which was distributed by Paramount Pictures, grossed approximately $32.6 million on the 2,080 3D screens (including IMAX), which represents only 28 percent of the film's runs and accounts for 56 percent of the total weekend gross.

"This gross tops even my best estimate for the weekend," says Jim Tharp, Paramount Pictures' president of distribution. "It is a spectacular performance for this film and an impressive wide-release gross for 3D. It bodes well not only for DreamWorks Animation's future films in 3D but for the entire 3D industry."

Friday night grosses were a promising $16,765,000. $24,303,000 was added on Saturday, the top box office day of the weekend, and an additional $18,243,000 on Sunday.

"Monsters vs. Aliens" continues its run at the box office during the spring break and the Easter/Passover holiday period of the next couple of weeks.

DreamWorks Animation SKG Presents "Monsters vs. Aliens," a Paramount Pictures release --and DreamWorks Animation's first InTru 3D Movie, wholly conceived, developed and authored in 3D--featuring the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Paul Rudd and Stephen Colbert. The film is directed by ROB LETTERMAN ("Shark Tale") and CONRAD VERNON ("Shrek 2"). The story is by Rob Letterman & Conrad Vernon. The screenplay is by MAYA FORBES & WALLY WOLODARSKY and ROB LETTERMAN and JONATHAN AIBEL & GLENN BERGER. It is produced by LISA STEWART ("Almost Famous") and co-produced by JILL HOPPER DESMARCHELIER and LATIFA OUAOU. "Monsters vs. Aliens" has been rated "PG" for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language by the MPAA.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The Company anticipates releasing its feature films into both conventional and IMAX(R) theatres worldwide. The Company has theatrically released a total of eighteen animated feature films, including Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale, Madagascar, Over the Hedge, Shrek the Third, Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Monsters vs. Aliens. All of the Company's feature films are now being produced in stereoscopic 3D technology.