Toy Story 3 highest-grossing opener for Disney/Pixar

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A highly-anticipated sequel of the Toy Story franchise, "Toy Story 3" has become highest-grossing release for the Disney/Pixar that is on track to take in 109 million U.S. dollars over the weekend, the North America box office authority projected on Sunday.

The fifth movie in a row to open at 4,028 locations in the summer from the Pixar Animation Studios, "Toy Story 3" has sold 42 million dollars in movie tickets in the United States and Canada on Friday alone, eclipsing another top grosser from the studios -- 2004's "The Incredibles", and stormed into the No. 1 position of the North America box office, according to projected statistics.

Actress Joan Cusack (2nd L), who plays the voice of the character Jessie (L), actor Tim Allen (3rd L), who plays the voice of the character Buzz Lightyear (4th L), and Tom Hanks (R), who plays the voice of character Woody (2nd R), pose together at the world premiere of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California June 13, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters]

The animated flick stands out as Pixar's second movie presented in 3D in addition to "Up." Although 10 and a half years have eclipsed since the screening of "Toy Story 2," the latest animation's marketing has largely played to the brand's strengths as audiences have cultivated a liking to the characters the film relates. Analysts predicted that the latest installment would garner as much as 400 million to 500 million dollars in ticket receipts in Canada and the United States as a whole.

Kungfu action "The Karate Kid" starring Chinese martial arts master Jackie Chan and Will Smith's 11-year-old son Jaden, slips into second place with 29 million dollars. The Sony/Columbia release is expected to gross 106.3 million dollars in two weeks. Another remake of the 1980s that opened over the last weekend, the 20th Century Fox's "The A-Team" which casts Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper, is third with 13.8 million dollars and a two-week take of 49.8 million dollars. Universal's adult comedy "Get Him To the Greek" ranks in the fourth place with 6.1 million dollars this weekend, and 47.9 dollars for three weeks.

Actor Tim Allen poses with the character Buzz Lightyear, whose voice he plays in the film, as he arrives at the world premiere of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story 3" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California June 13, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters]

The fourth and final installment of the Shrek franchise, "Shrek Forever After" is projected to garner 5.5 million dollars this weekend for a five-week total of 223 million dollars.