UPI - 'Spider-Man 3' releases in China before U.S.

As international day-and-date releases have become more popular, the openings for U.S. films released in China, instead of trailing U.S. opening dates by months, have moved steadily closer to simultaneous release.

Hollywood studios are choosing to open anticipated blockbuster films in China on or near their worldwide premiere dates to thwart piracy efforts, Yuan said. Despite government crackdowns, pirated DVDs of first-run movies are widely available on China's streets for less than $1 a copy.