Walt Disney’s computer animated film “Bolt,” about the adventures of a superdog TV action star who accidentally gets shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, made $27 million, which was less than expected.

“Everyone thought it would be in the lows 30s,” said Chuck Viane, president of domestic distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “What you have is a tsunami in the marketplace called ‘Twilight.’ ”

Nonetheless, Viane said, the film, which has garnered good reviews, is poised for a strong showing over the Thanksgiving weekend, when family movies do well.

“Bolt’s” performance is being closely watched as it is the first Disney animated movie being entirely overseen by Pixar’s creative guru, John Lasseter, and tech chief Ed Catmull since Disney acquired Pixar nearly 2 1/2 years ago.

Source: Los Angeles Times