The Dark Knight sets record

In 2005, “Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith” took in $16.9 million during its midnight debut in 2,915 venues. “The Dark Knight” sets new record with $18.5 million from 3,040 venues. This figure did not include any of its 3 a.m. or 6 a.m. showings.

“There is an unbelievable demand for this movie,” Paul Dergarabedian, president of tracking firm Media By Numbers LLC. said. “The Heath Ledger factor is a major part of this. Beyond that, the movie is so good, it’s worthy of all these accolades.”

The movie cost $185 million to make, excluding money spent on marketing, said Dan Fellman, Warner’s head of distribution.