Batman Begins takes off through Warner Bros Pictures International thisweekend on a massive day-and-datelaunch that sees the picture open onapproximately 8,000 screens in more than 70 markets.

The comic book adaptation opened in France and Mexico on Jun 15and in Australia and Germany a day later. The UK, Spain, Italy, Brazil, andRussia follow on Jun 17.

Japan opens on Jun 18 and has typically been a tricky provingground for the Batman franchiseand Western comic book adaptations in general.

Studio top brass will be looking for improved results followingthe recent world premiere there. South Korea is set to open on Jun 24.

Fox International has enjoyed a powerhouse early summer andexecutives expect strong holds forMr & Mrs Smith followingthe action thriller's mighty launch last weekend.

The picture has taken $40.5m through Fox International, Regencyand Summit Entertainment and has ahandful of further debuts this weekend including South Korea on Jun 17 on 175prints (through Fox International).

In other latest international running totals, Star Wars:Episode III stands at$346.2m and Kingdom Of Heaven stands at $158.3m through all distributors.

DreamWorks' animated title Madagascar was due to open through UIP in Australiaand the Netherlands on Jun 16, followed by Spain and Mexico on Jun 17. The international running totalcurrently stands at $13.1m.

Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) opens 50 FirstDates in Japan on Jun18. The romantic comedy has taken $74.7m from its international run.

The action sequel XXX 2 goes out in China on Jun 17 and stands at $41.8m from its international run to date.

Buena Vista International opens Pooh's Heffalump's Movie in Australia on Jun 16; the family title has grossed $33.8mto date.

The Pacifier stands at $73.1m and The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy has grossed $33.8m.