MUMBAI: Avatar has grossed $ 8.2 million globally from IMAX theatres worldwide in the tenth weekend.

The biggest global hit in IMAX history, the film added $4.3 million from 173 North American screens and $3.9 million from 84 international screens.

The Polar Express held the previous world record of $71m.

Said IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond, "This incredible milestone not only reflects the mass appeal of watching Avatar in IMAX, but also reflects the significant expansion of our global audience base."

"Avatar was a perfect fit for IMAX and the type of event title IMAX fans and exhibitors embrace. We look forward to growing our audience even more as we continue to expand the IMAX network and offer moviegoers more of Hollywood's biggest films," Gelfond added.

In the Asia-Pacific market, the IMAX network roped in approximately $43 million from 38 screens, with 20 IMAX screens in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Australia each generating more than $1million. IMAX delivered $32m from 35 screens in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, many of which surpassed the $1 million mark.

Moscow's Nescafe IMAX Theatre has reported approximately $3 million from its single IMAX screen and the BFI IMAX in London more than $2.3 million from its single screen.

Commented IMAX Filmed Entertainment chairman and president Greg Foster, "We reached this milestone thanks to the strong word of mouth about the experience of watching Avatar in IMAX, and the hard work of all of those at Lightstorm, Twentieth Century Fox, IMAX and our global exhibition partners."