The Hobbit - The Hobbit Scores Boxing Day Record Down Under

Peter Jackson's fantasy film raked in $6.1 million (Gbp3.8 million) to become the biggest-grossing Boxing Day release ever in Australia.

The film has now passed $500 million (Gbp312.5 million) at the global box office.

The day after Christmas was also big for adopted Aussie Russell Crowe - the New Zealand native's new film, Les Miserables, also opened on 26 December (12) and bagged him his biggest debut Down Under with takings of $1.8 million (Gbp1.1 million). The film is also the best opening day performance for a musical in Australia.