“INSIDIOUS 2” GROSSES P50.70-M IN 5 DAYS, BIGGEST OPENING EVER FOR HORROR GENRE

MANILA, Sept. 23, 2013 – Sony Pictures’ horror thriller “Insidious: Chapter 2” haunted the Philippine box-office to the tune of P50.70-million in five days of release (Sept 18-22), terrifying the competition for a No.1 bow as well as the industry’s record for biggest opening ever for a horror film.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

            This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. which distributed the film.

            The sequel to the 2011 surprise hit “Insidious” outperformed the recent horror blockbuster “The Conjuring” which opened last August with P33.5-million.  Ironically, both movies were directed by James Wan who’s being touted as the new, modern master of the genre.

            The successful launch of “Insidious: Chapter 2” in the Philippines mirrored its sensational run in the U.S. and North America where it opened at No. 1 last week to massive $41-M.  It’s ten-day total now stands at a robust $60.9-M which already exceeds the $54-M domestic gross of its predecessor. A third chapter is now in development.

Back in the Philippines, “Insidious: Chapter 2” rolled out in 116 screens nationwide and recorded its biggest grosses at Trinoma (P2.52-M), SM Mall of Asia (P2.51-M) and SM North EDSA (P2.46-M).

The Top Ten cinemas also include SM Megamall (P2.19-M), Glorietta 4 (P1.81-M), SM Manila (P1.51-M), Gateway (P1.36-M), SM Fairview (P1.21-M), SM Cebu (P1.12-M) and Greenbelt 3 (P1.05-M).

A haunted family struggles to uncover a terrifying secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world in “Insidious: Chapter 2,” the latest nerve-twisting horror thriller from director James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell (“Saw,” “Insidious”).

            Produced by “Paranormal Activity's” Jason Blum and Oren Peli, the sequel reteams the cast of the first film, including Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye and Ty Simpkins.

            Now playing across the Philippines, “Insidious: Chapter 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. For more movie updates and reviews, follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.