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TORONTO — Expanding into new businesses such as gaming and enhanced specialty food has helped theatre chain Cineplex Inc. lure people away from on-demand entertainment in their living rooms, but Star Wars proved to be the real force behind its blockbuster annual and fourth-quarter results.

Net income more than doubled during the three-month period ended Dec. 31 to $76.8 million or $1.22 per share, up from $32.1 million (51 cents) a year earlier, and overall revenue soared 23 per cent to $407.4 million, the Toronto-based company said Tuesday.

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Box office revenue was $196.3 million in the period, up 14 per cent.

The fourth quarter and full year 2015 results were the best in Cineplex’s history, Cineplex Entertainment chief executive Ellis Jacob told analysts on a conference call.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens generated 22 per cent of box office revenue during the quarter, even though the movie had played for (just) 14 days,” Jacob said, also citing Spectre and The Martian as strong draws. “Simply put, the quarter was a tremendous success, and proves once again that consumers love experiencing a movie in the theatre on a big screen with a great sound.”