The Foreign Horse Race

Animation in international markets? Steady as she goes.

"Megamind", which ranked No. 1 domestically, grossed $4 million overseas from 1,108 situations in 11 markets, for a very early foreign cume of $27 million.

"Despicable Me" came in No. 3 overall thanks to an estimated $9.5 million weekend at some 3,800 venues in 40 markets. Universal's 3D family-oriented animation comedy has grossed $270.6 million since opening offshore 19 weeks ago. ...

And then there were the other animated bon bons that are halfway off the radar screen:

Warner's "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" ...$4.6 million weekend at some 5,000 screens in 47 markets; ... "Arthur 3: The War of Two Worlds", $24 million in France only ...

The way animation continues to perform around the world, I think we'll see more product ramping up over the next few years.