'This Is It' Pulls In Record $2.2 Million

Michael Jackson

Even after his death, is breaking records. The musician's "This Is It" took in an estimated $2.2 million during late-night shows in North America, "which is unprecedented for a Tuesday in October," said Steve Elzer, senior vice president of media relations at Sony.

The studio purchased the rights to "This Is It" footage from concert promoter AEG for $60 million.

Although Wednesday's box office numbers won't be released until Thursday morning, today's "early matinee shows have been explosive," Elzer said, "with Wednesday matinees already surpassing the $2.2 million generated last night."

On Tuesday, "This Is It" represented 61 percent of sales for online ticket seller Fandango.com, according to Fandango representative Harry Medved.

Reviews of the film have been largely positive, and fans are mostly impressed -- the movie is currently "80 percent fresh" on Rottentomatoes.com.

Frequent CNN iReport movie reviewer Rajiim Gross caught an advanced screening in Springdale, Ohio, and called the film "an awesome experience." Source: CNN