Pakistan, April 28 -- 'Michael,' the big-budget Michael Jackson spectacle, shrugged off bad reviews and a troubled production to launch with $97 million in US and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, shattering a record debut for music biopics. A highly authorised portrayal of the King of Pop, co-produced by the Jackson estate, Lionsgate's "Michael" far surpassed previous biopic top performers like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody."

International sales were also strong. "Michael" collected $120.4 million overseas, to give it a $217.4 million global opening - a new high for a music biopic. Universal picked up distribution in most international markets.

A few weeks back, estimates for "Michael" were closer...