The most recent Harry Potter film opened in Europe, the Middle East and across the globe on Wednesday to massive success, earning some $43.6 million in 26 countries on its first day. The film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ opens in the United States and is potentially set to break all records at the box office. Studio executives said Thursday the franchise finale had the biggest opening day ever in several countries, including Australia with $7.5 million, Italy with $4.6 million and Sweden with $2.1 million. In France, the studio said “Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ had the biggest Wednesday opening ever at $7.1 million. In the countries where the film opened Wednesday, total revenues were 82 percent higher than they were on the first day for “Deathly Hallows: Part 1″ last November, according to Warner Bros. The finale got a boost from the franchise's first 3-D installment. Admissions for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D showings, accounted for 65 percent of revenues, the studio said. “Deathly Hallows” continues opening worldwide Thursday and Friday. Critics across the board are raving about the film, which they say is the best of the 8 in the franchise. BM
