When it comes to boffo openings, forget "Pirates of the Caribbean" -- think "Grand Theft Auto IV."
And think $400 million for the first week, a record for vidgames and possibly the biggest debut ever for an entertainment product.
Sources close to publisher Take-Two Interactive, whose Rockstar Games label is developing and releasing the title, said that the latest installment of the hit franchise will reach that figure and sell some 6 million units after it launches worldwide on April 29.
Though they rarely release the data, videogame publishers are able to accurately predict early game sales based on what retailers order.
Microsoft currently holds the record for the biggest videogame launch with "Halo 3," which grossed $300 million in its first week and sold about 5 million units.
"GTA IV" has even bigger potential, however, since it is available for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. "Halo 3" was an Xbox 360 exclusive.
Several industry analysts also told Daily Variety that they fully expect "GTA IV" to come close to and possibly exceed $400 million in sales out of the gate. KOBE BRYANT JUMPS OVER MOVING CAR
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At least two more majors have joined Disney in allowing their new releases to be sold via Apple's iTunes Store.
Fox decided to go all the way on "Juno," offering it for purchase on Tuesday, the same day that the DVD and Blu-ray versions hit shelves. Paramount has begun testing download sales of new releases as well: It offered "Beowulf" for purchase shortly after the pic hit shelves Feb. 26, and "Jackass 2.5" was made available on the Web on Dec. 19, one week before the pic's DVD release.
A Fox rep said it's likely the studio will offer more new releases for sale in the future but indicated that decisions would be made on a title-by-title basis.
A Par spokesman said the studio has started experimenting with selling films on iTunes on a download-to-own basis during their new-release DVD window.
That more majors are even dipping their toes into the iTunes sales waters on new releases reps a notable breakthrough for Apple topper Steve Jobs, who has been trying to lure other studios to do so even since Disney entered the fray a year and a half ago. The Mouse House, which has a relationship with Apple since Jobs is its biggest individual shareholder and sits on its board, ran into static from Wal-Mart when it offered the made-for "High School Musical."
Other studios have hesitated to follow suit due to concerns about Apple's pricing and fears that Jobs could become too powerful. Par, for example, allowed certain older movies to be purchased on iTunes but barred new releases from the service until now.
