Just as I predicted, The Dark Knight Rises (even in the midst of a tragedy) blew The Avengers away with the midnight box office performance.

The Dark Knight Rises: 30.6 million

The Avengers: 18.7 million

The Avengers still holds the highest opening weekend record with 207.4 million, which is still ahead of The Dark Knight Rises that according to Box Office Report "earned a gargantuan $160.9 million in its opening weekend — the third-best debut of all time, and the best ever for a 2-D movie."

I had made a bet with someone on these two films box office opening debuts.  I contacted him this morning to discuss, but have not heard back yet...oh well!