Beating the domestic was to be expected. Ticket prices have doubled since 1995 - from about $4.30 to about $8.50. Then consider the cost above that of 3D, IMAX, etc - if you go purely on ticket sales TFA actually hasn't come close to Titanic or Avatar.
I fully expect the domestic record will constantly be broken by big releases going forward. The new Hollywood model seems to be very front-loaded releases that make most of their money in the first two weeks, that leave theatres far sooner due to the fact they're releasing more films than ever before and the slate needs to be cleared.
Anyway, this is really a discussion for another thread. Who else is looking forward to Mace Windu?