See how audiences overseas view 'Avatar' & 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief' (PHOTO/VIDEO)

With entertainment one of the largest exports the U.S. has to offer, Americans rarely get a chance to see exactly how certain mediums translate overseas.  More often than not, the marketing of films, for example, proves an interesting challenge.  Comedies that work in the U.S. may fail overseas, just as films dealing with the American ethnic experience are often a hard sell.  But that is never the case with the massive tentpole, or event, films that a huge part of the Hollywood machine.

Think James Cameron's "Avatar" and Chris Columbus' "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief."

20th Century Fox, which is a powerful industry leader when it comes to the international release of its films, changed the perception of overseas film marketing and revenues with "Titanic" in 1997. To this date, its record setting international gross of $1.2 billion remains untouched. Even more, it built upon the overall mystique of the film itself as a cultural event.

In 2009, Fox's "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" earned over $600 million overseas, stealing away Disney's record for having the highest grossing animated film in history. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" scored the biggest international debut of all time. And, the recent debut "2012" also earned headlines for delivering massive international results, nearly tripling the U.S. opening weekend figure.

Many times, the images presented to filmgoers outside of North America, from the title of the film to the entire release campaign, is tailored specifically for a certain territory. Here's a chance to see how international marketing works to the advantage of a film. 

With "Avatar," the French one-sheet offers more than just the iconic face of the Na'vi.  It blends the human world (incorporating Australia's own Sam Worthington) with the alien landscape in a striking fashion. As for "Percy Jackson," it may have lost "The Olympians" from its title. However, the just launched trailer offers plenty more narrative and visual excitement than the slight teaser now in U.S. cinemas. Besides, that button shot of Uma Thurman as Medusa is a toga full of crazy fun.

What are your thoughts on the "Avatar" and "Percy Jackson" materials?  Sound off below!

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