Domestic ticket prices reach all-time high

Domestic average ticket prices hit an all-time high in the second-quarter 2011 at $8.06, according to the National Assn. of Theater Owners. First-quarter ducats cost filmgoers $7.86 for an average of $7.97 through the end of this year's first six-month period. Compared to average ticket prices during fourth-quarter 2010 at $8.01 -- the previous industry high -- the 2011 second-quarter average rose less than 1%, thanks to an influx of adult-skewing pics (i.e. "The Hangover Part II," "Bridesmaids") and summer 3D tentpoles. This summer saw an all-time high of R-rated comedies (eight, in total) led by Warner Bros.' "Hangover II," which has grossed $252.6 million domestically, making it the highest-grossing R-rated laffer ever. Universal's "Bridesmaids," with a Stateside cume nearing $165 million, is the sesh's biggest success story, having grossed more than six times its $26 million domestic opening. Other R-rated comedies to do well have included Sony's "Bad Teacher," with $95.9 million, as well as Warner's "Horrible Bosses," which also is poised to cross the $100 million mark domestically. Sony/Screen Gems' "Friends With Benefits" opened last weekend to a solid $16.8 million. And while 3D has struggled to hit similar shares vs. last year, the number of wide 3D releases this summer (at ten) has doubled from the first weekend in May through Sony's "The Smurfs," which launches today. This year's highest-grossing U.S. release so far, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" with $331. 9 million, opened with 60% from 3D. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com