'The Interview' makes US$1 million before online revenues roll in

Controversial film The Interview took in more than US$1 million in a limited Christmas Day release.

The solid showing could be quickly eclipsed by the money Sony Pictures makes with its groundbreaking online debut of the raunchy comedy.

That the farcical film - which angered North Korea and triggered a devastating cyberattack on the studio - is now a guinea pig for Hollywood's digital future constitutes another bizarre twist in the month-long Sony saga.

After large movie theatre chains refused to screen the comedy following threats of violence from hackers who opposed the film, Sony stitched together a limited release in 331 mostly independent theatres and a US$5.99 video-on-demand (VOD) rental option on YouTube, Google Play and other sites.

"I'd be surprised if this wasn't one of the biggest VOD events ever," said Jeff Bock, an analyst at Exhibitor Relations, who thinks Sony could have charged more.

Until Sony discloses the online revenues, it is hard to know if the studio will come anywhere near recouping the US$44 million it cost to make the film, plus the US$30 million to US$40 million some estimate was spent on marketing the film and its stars, Seth Rogen and James Franco.