LOS ANGELES — The ladies of “Pitch Perfect 2” hit all the right notes opening weekend, amassing a $70.3 million debut, according to estimates.

The Elizabeth Banks-directed sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit and video-on-demand phenomenon cost Universal Pictures only $29 million to produce and was expected to open in the $50 million range. The first film, for comparison, grossed only $65 million domestically across its entire run.

“It’s aca-awesome,” said Universal Pictures’ President of Domestic Distribution Nick Carpou, using one of the catchphrases of the film about a cappella singing. “We knew that the film would be a success, but there’s something that happens when movies grow in their success beyond a range that’s easily predictable. When that happens, the sky’s the limit.”

Audiences were 75 percent female and 62 percent under the age of 25. Carpou attributed some of the success to savvy positioning and the widespread appeal of the music and the cast. Estimated sales for U.S. and Canadian theaters:

1.“Pitch Perfect 2,” $70.3 million

2.“Mad Max: Fury Road,” $44.4 million

3.“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” $38.8 million

4.“Hot Pursuit,” $5.8 million.

5.“Furious 7,” $3.6 million

6.“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2,” $3.6 million

7.“The Age of Adaline,” $3.2 million

8.“Home,” $2.7 million

9.“Ex Machina,” $2.1 million

10.“Far from the Madding Crowd,” $1.3 million