'Monsters vs. Aliens' scores on 3-D

LAS VEGAS -- The cheesy 3-D gimmick of old Hollywood has become solid gold today.

The DreamWorks Animation comedy "Monsters vs. Aliens," the latest flick in a growing crop of movies using new digital 3-D technology, pulled in well over half of its $59.3 million opening weekend grosses from 3-D screens.

By the time the movie finishes its theatrical run, the 3-D version will account for 70 percent or more of its total domestic revenues, DreamWorks Animation boss Jeffrey Katzenberg said Monday. That's because the 3-D presentation is expected to have a longer shelf life than the 2-D version, so the percentage of the gross from 3-D screenings will continue to climb.

That far exceeds the expectations of DreamWorks, which initially had figured 3-D receipts might account for half of the overall take for the sci-fi adventure.

Audiences have proved willing to shell out the few dollars extra it costs to see a movie in 3-D format instead of the traditional, flat 2-D version. That bodes will for the rush of 3-D offerings on the horizon, including Pixar Animation's "Up," James Cameron's sci-fi epic "Avatar," and a slate of DreamWorks Animation releases led by 2010's "Shrek Goes Fourth."