There's nothing like a good movie to get people excited, and it seems to be having the same effect on investors.
Jurassic World, the film that has relaunched Universal's 'Jurassic Park' franchise 22 years after the original was released, has exploded onto the big screen, smashing industry records.
According to figures from online movie publication and box office reporting service Box Office Mojo, the movie became the first film in history to gross more than US$500 million worldwide in its opening weekend, surpassing high benchmarks set by other popular movies such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, and The Avengers: The Age of Ultron, which was released earlier this year.
It also puts the movie in an incredible position to join the US$1 billion club, which currently boasts just 21 members including the franchise's original, which took in $1.027 billion at the global box office.
Despite general weakness in the market as a result of the Greek debt concerns, Village Roadshow Ltd (ASX: VRL) has managed to rise 3.6% on the news. Strong international demand and hype for the film will surely drive movie-goers in large masses to Village Roadshow's various cinemas.
Notably, Village Roadshow has also enjoyed strong results from other films during the year including Mad Max: Fury Road and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. The final Hunger Games instalment (Mockingjay Part 2) will be released later in the year, along with numerous other blockbusters that could draw huge crowds.
Village Roadshow's shares are currently changing hands for $6.29 and appear to be a reasonable prospect for long-term investors. Better yet, the stock offers a forecast 4.2% fully franked dividend, which equates to 6% when grossed up for franking credits.
