LOS ANGELES - PLAYING in only Britain and Japan ahead of its worldwide bow on Wednesday, 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' nonetheless premiered at No 1 on the international circuit during the weekend, rolling up a total of almost US$20 million (S$30 million).

Director Michael Bay's sci-fi action sequel opened at No 1 in both countries, with US$14.1 million from the UK and US$5.8 million from Japan.

The explosive saga of shape-shifting robots, starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, outperformed the 2007 original's opening weekends by 71 per cent in the UK and 13 per cent in Japan, according to Paramount.

Placing second was 'Terminator Salvation,' the top pick for the previous two weekends. The fourth title in the action series, starring Christian Bale, grossed US$18.4 million from 74 territories to raise its international total to US$200 million.

'The Hangover' was No 3 with US$11.7 million. Top markets included the UK (US$3.8 million) and Australia (US$2.6 million). Its overseas total stands at US$30.4 million.

'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian' followed with US$10.4 million from 68 markets and hoisted its international total to US$192.5 million.

In fifth place was the No 1 domestic title, the Sandra Bullock romantic comedy 'The Proposal,' which opened in 10 foreign markets and rang up a solid US$10 million overseas tally. No 1 bows were recorded in Australia (US$3.3 million), Russia (US$2.8 million), Belgium and the Netherlands. -- REUTERS