The 2009 box office finished at a record $1.09 billion, which is a 15% increase on last year’s results. This impressive result was bolstered by an exceptional slate of films and the growingpopularity of 3D content. Leading the way were two films from successful franchises,HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, and TRANSFORMERS: REVENGEOF THE FALLEN, with a combined box office of nearly $81 million. Another standout wasAVATAR which was the third highest grossing film in 2009 despite only being released twoweeks before the end of the year and has since become the all-time highest grossing film inAustralia.