The Hulk was directed by Ang Lee

While The Matrix Reloaded, X-Men 2 and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines experienced big openings they have failed to match the successes of last year's blockbusters.

Spider-Man and Stars Wars: Attack of the Clones helped the takings to a bumper summer in 2002.

Box office tracker Exhibitor Relations report revenues for this summer's season are $2.1bn (�1.2bn), down 3.3% on the same period in 2002.

Revenues for the year are $4.6bn (�2.8bn), a 4.5% drop on last year despite higher ticket prices.

The movie industry in 2002 hit an all-time high of $9.3bn (�5.6bn) for the whole year.

Releases this year have included a glut of comic-book adaptations such as The Hulk and Daredevil and a large number of sequels.

'Burned out'

"Maybe this is just my esoteric theory, but it could be that people just feel like doing something else than going to the theatre," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations.

"Maybe they did so much movie-going last year that they're burned out."

Spider-Man grossed $402m

Although The Matrix Reloaded scored a record $42.5m (�25.9m) opening day it lacked the staying power of Spider-Man and was knocked off the top of the US box office after just one week.

Disney animation Finding Nemo has now surpassed The Matrix Reloaded as the year's biggest film with takings of $279.9m (�170.9m) so far.

While The Hulk's takings fell 70% in its second week from its debut of $62.1m (�37.9m).

But future releases could boost revenues with Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life, Spy Kids 3-D and American Wedding, the third in the American Pie series, still to enter the frame.

"I do believe it's too much to ask that every year be a record year, but I wouldn't discount this year yet," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney.