'Transformers' breaks weekend box office tie

LOS ANGELES, July 6 (Reuters) - Action movie "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" edged past "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" to claim the crown for a second weekend at the North American box office, according to updated figures released on Monday.

When estimates were issued the day before, their respective studios reported that the films each sold $42.5 million worth of tickets during the three-day U.S. Independence Day holiday weekend.

But final data showed that Paramount Pictures' "Transformers" sequel earned $42.3 million, while 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age" sequel debuted at No. 2 with $41.7 million.

After 12 days of release "Transformers" has become the biggest film of the year in both North America ($293.4 million) and worldwide ($593.8 million).

"The film's outstanding run continued this weekend, drawing audiences of all ages and showing signs of great playability over the next several weeks," said Rob Moore, vice chairman of the Viacom Inc (VIAb.N) unit.

"Ice Age" has earned $66.7 million since opening on Wednesday. The 3D cartoon was the top film internationally last weekend with estimated sales of $148 million from 101 markets. Fox is a unit of News Corp (VIAb.N). (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)