Universal Pictures and its international distribution operation UIP have scored the biggest opening of the year in Germany with American Pie 2. The comedy sequel took an estimated $8m in its first three days this weekend on 900 screens.

The movie opened 4% ahead of Pearl Harbor, 17% ahead of Hannibal, 23% ahead of The Mummy Returns, 31% ahead of Jurassic Park III and 58% ahead of Planet Of The Apes, according to Universal. It accounted for 60% of the German market over the weekend; in neighbouring Austria, its market share was even higher - 67%. In Austria, its estimated three-day gross is $0.75m to $0.8m. That figure is 5% higher than Pearl Harbor and 22% ahead of The Mummy Returns.

Ironically, Universal/UIP did not have rights in Germany to American Pie. Sold internationally by Summit Entertainment, American Pie was released in early 2000 by Neue Constantin and grossed a staggering $33m. Germany was the film's biggest territory and represented one third of its final $100m international total.

American Pie 2 had only opened previously in Israel a fortnight ago; in North America its total gross to date is $142m.