Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises" was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, the film recorded a record-breaking midnight box office gross between $28 million and $30 million -- an especially impressive number considering the 2D/IMAX film doesn't have the advantage of increased 3D ticket prices.

Unfortunately, the debut was marred by the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, where 12 people were killed and dozens more injured when a masked man opened fire on the audience during a midnight screening.

According to THR, insiders at Warner Bros. have confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and hasn't seemed to affect the film's rollout across 4,400 theaters in the United States. "The Dark Knight Rises" has already garnered a strong matinee gross following its midnight release, and while some areas such as New York City are promising increased police security, there are no reported theater closings as a result of the tragedy.

"The company is devastated, but everything is moving forward," said one Warners executive.