‘Apollo 13’ Leads Holiday Pack

Benefiting from an extra day, this Fourth of July weekend is being ballyhooed as the highest-grossing in Hollywood history.

Over the five-day period, the nation’s box offices took in an estimated $146 million, outstripping the $140 million earned over five days in 1992 when “Batman Returns,” “Alien 3” and “Sister Act” were playing.

“Apollo 13,” predictably, led the pack. According to estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations Co., the astronaut adventure grossed $38.5 million as the top five films all earned in double figures.

The others included “Pocahontas” ($23.4 million), “Batman Forever” ($21.8 million), “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” ($17 million) and “Judge Dredd” ($16.7 million).

Among this blend of action, Disney animation and comic relief (No. 8 “Casper,” $4.1 million), Clint Eastwood’s adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County” continues to make a buck.

Finishing at No. 7, the romantic “Bridges” took in $6.5 million.

Also hanging in there was “Congo.” The Michael Crichton-authored biotechnological thriller ended up at No. 6 with a $7.1 million take - despite not boasting a single A-level star.

Universal Studios executive Nikki Rocco credited the holiday surge to a simple strategy. “I believe there is something for everyone in the marketplace,” she told the Associated Press.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo