Doctor Who makes big box office impact

'The Day of the Doctor', a special feature-length 3D episode of the BBC's series 'Doctor Who', has broken box-office records over the weekend, after being simulcast in 3D screens across the UK.

[Michael Jackson was nearly Doctor Who]

The 76-minute long episode, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the long-running sci-fi show, took £1.8 million at the UK box office, a European record for 'alternative content'. Globally, 'The Day of the Doctor' grossed £6.25 million, with the special episode screening in 660 sites across the US.

Only 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and 'Gravity' took more money over the weekend in the UK, with 'Doctor Who' earning an impressive £4,088 per site from 440 cinemas. It's quite a feat when you consider the bulk would be earned from the single Saturday night screening, with repeats making up the rest of the footfall.

[Peter Jackson keen to direct Doctor Who]

Featuring current Doctor Matt Smith alongside former Doctor David Tennant and John Hurt as the mysterious War Doctor, the special episode was simultaneously broadcast to 94 countries and was shown in 1,500 cinemas worldwide, earning it a Guinness World record for the largest ever simulcast of a television drama.

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With this unusual strategy paying off for the Beeb, could other TV shows replicate a similar box-office victory? Live 3D 'X Factor' finals, or a special screening of the 'Downton Abbey' series finale perhaps?

Or will the Beeb wise up and offer all episodes of 'Doctor Who' a cinematic release? After all, 'The Day of the Doctor' could end up being one of the highest-grossing UK-made films of the year.

Only the Doctor and his TARDIS can see into the future, but do let us know what you think in the comments below.