Cinema Ends 2005 On Box Office High

December saw the largest number of cinema admissions in 2005, with new figures from the Cinema Advertising Association showing a flurry of festive film interest towards the end of the year.

The release of several blockbuster films and the start of the holiday season colluded to bring an average of 3.98 million cinemagoers to the box office each week in December, totalling 17.6 million for the month.

The total for December represents a 21% increase year on year, helped in part by the release of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe early on in the month, notching up the third highest opening weekend in the UK this year, raking in £8 million in its first three days.

The first feature length adaptation of the C.S. Lewis story topped December’s box office with a gross of £32 million, followed by King Kong, which collected an impressive £20 million over the month.

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire continued to enchant audiences throughout December, securing third place with takings of over £14 million for the month.

Taking advantage of a popular month for cinema, the top three advertisers were Microsoft, with an adspend of £1.6 million; Unilever, splashing out £1.5 million; and Orange, which continued its out-of-reel marketing, worth £1.2 million.

The largest categories in December were Telecomms with £3.7 million, followed by Computers with £2.3 million and Leisure Equipment at £2 million.

CAA: 020 7534 6363