Despite its limited release, in one way or another, The Interview still achieved considerable success.

Online viewing of the much talked-about movie earned over US$15 million four days after it was released on Christmas Day.

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That made the film Sony's highest-grossing online release!

The Interview got over two million online purchase or rentals as of December 27.

The movie is available for US$15 sale and US$6 rental on various online platforms, including Microsoft's Xbox, YouTube Movies and other online shopping centers.

The movie also sold-out in theatres on Christmas Day, despite Sony's decision to release the film online on December 24.

The film earned over US$1 million in ticket sales on its opening day.

So far, the film has already grossed over US$3 million in ticket sales.

"It was essential for our studio to distribute this movie, especially given the assault on our business and on our staff," Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton explained in a video why the company decided to release the movie.

The studio had planned for an extensive release of the film to over 2,000 theaters nationwide, although it has to initially cancel the movie due to terror threat. Sony eventually decided to scale back the release to 331 art house theaters, with seating capacity ranging from 170 to 400 people.

"Considering the incredibly challenging circumstances, we are extremely grateful to the people all over the country who came out to experience The Interview on the first day of its unconventional release,"  a statement from Rory Bruer, Sony's president of distribution, said.

The studio, however, does not expect to recoup the hefty investment in spent on the film, which is believed to reach US$44 million. Sony already spent at least US$35 million more on marketing before the studio decided to initially cancel its release.

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