'Oz' tops weekend box office with USD 80 million debut

James Franco starrer 3D fantasy 'Oz the Great and Powerful' debuted in first place by earning USD 80.3 million at the weekend box office.
The film, whose sequel is already on its way, scored the top North American debut of 2013 besides becoming the third-best March opening of all time after 'The Hunger Games' and 'Alice in Wonderland'.
The story, a prequel of Judy Garland starrer 1939 classic 'Wizard of Oz', depitcs how a Kansas circus worker becomes the wizard and lands in the mysterious land of Oz. The three witches are played by Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams.

'Spider-Man' director Sami Raimi directed the film for Disney. The film reportedly cost USD 200 million.
In its second weekend, 'Jack The Giant Slayer' came second with USD 10 million.
The only other new release this weekend, the FilmDistrict revenge drama 'Dead Man Down' starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace, opened in fourth place with USd 5.3 million.
Comedy film 'Identity Theif was on the third spot while 'Snitch' rounded off the top five.