According to recent data from Nielsen’s Video Game Tracking survey, movie-themed games are driving substantial purchase interest among gamers. X-Men Origins: Wolverine tops the list in terms of total positive purchase interest (definitely or probably interested in buying) for the week of its release. It is joined at the top by several other franchises with large box office releases including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Terminator Salvation. Looking back a few months, Godfather II scored well relative to others to take second place despite the fact that the movie was released in 1974. Looking ahead, Batman: Arkham Asylum is tied for fifth place but is two months away from release at the end of August. Purchase interest will likely increase to perhaps eclipse all others on this list by the end of the summer. The much anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game based on the classic film was released last week and ranked fourth in purchase interest but outpaced all other titles in share of online buzz.

Nearly a quarter of all movie-related video game buzz over the last 60 days is attributed to Ghostbusters, which was released on June 16. Titles related to summer blockbuster hits also generate moderate buzz, with Terminator: Salvation and X-Men Origins: Wolverine getting roughly equal attention in discussion online. Godfather II’s low share of conversation is likely because of the timeframe of this analysis, which goes back to late April which is after the game was released. Several movie-related games geared to a younger audience, including Hannah Montana: The Movie, Night at the Museum 2 and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur, generated less buzz than their counterparts.

Despite ticket prices of up to $25, audiences flocked to 3-D premium offerings in 2008. Several blockbusters, like “The Dark Knight,” also benefited from the premium pricing associated with Imax viewing. 3-D offerings also fared well in complimentary areas; preliminary numbers indicate the “Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds” 3-D video-on-demand concert on STARZ On Demand has already garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

According to a recent study by Nielsen, gross sales increased by more than 65% for films exhibited in 3-D (versus traditional film only) — due to premium pricing and higher attendance.

But not all theaters are created equal.  According to Nielsen, the breakeven point for individual theaters depends on several factors, including the total number of screens and 3-D installation costs.

Another major factor is the total number of 3-D movies released by the industry.  According to a separate study by Nielsen, that magic number is twelve — as in, if twelve 3-D movie titles are released in 2009, all theaters — both large and small — will see profits.

With as many as 11 major movie releases expected to hit the screens in 2009, including Dreamworks’ “Monsters vs. Aliens,” there’s a good chance theaters will be seeing “green” in 3-D.

Read the full study: “Nice To Have Or A Must Have: A look At 3-D films.”

View a related webinar: “Pursuing 3-D, In A 2-D World.”

Read Nielsen’s recent 3-D payout analysis: “The Financiers Weigh In: A Go/No Go Payoff Analysis of 3-D Installation.”