Avatar: The Movie

[Vartigy]

All I can say is WOW!!!:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyep op:
Fantastic.
Best $500mil spent.

Who else has seen it? Anyone notice some similarities to Frank Herbert's Dune?

[mswhin63]

Well I am gonna watch it now. I usually wait for the crowds to go down a little.

[multiweb]

Going to see it in 3D on Tuesday with a couple of mates. Counting down the seconds now :lol: It looks awesome. I think I must have downloaded anything about Avatar on the net. :)

[Kevnool]

The Lad went the night b4 and said it was the best $13 he has spent for 3 hours entertainment.......
Cheers Kev.

[mswhin63]

Can anyone tell me if this movie could be suitable for my 12 yo?

[renormalised]

I think it has a PG rating...if so it shouldn't be too bad.

In the end, whether it's suitable or not is entirely up to you. It's your call.

[mswhin63]

Thanks Carl, I try to go on ratings, it will be suitable with PG just sometime they let a movie slip one way or the other. My wife and/or I usually go with him. I have a 14yo as well and just a borderline age that allows the whole family to go together. Especially when my eldest is starting to read Stephen King.

[renormalised]

Go grab your local rag and find out what it's rated at...I might be mistaken.

That way, you'll know for sure.

[Vartigy]

some swearing, essence of a love scene, high violence.
i dont think its a childrens movie. the themes the stoery is built on is definately targetted towards adults.

but each to their own.
kids will love the graphics and cgi etc.

[Vartigy]

oh, and i believe its rated M. Not PG

[Davros]

Fantastic movie, violence and scary alien animals might freak out a 12 year old but it really is brilliant in its message and effects. Will be going out to see it again multiple times. :eyepop:

[renormalised]

There you go then, M. Thanks for the correction.

[Inmykombi]

Myself and my Wife both loved it.

Its the best Sci-Fi movie I have seen for a while.
The 3D effects were nothing short of totally amazing.:eyepop:
Well worth the money to see it in 3D.

There is a good message in there as well.

I'll definately see it again.

Thumbs up from me...........:thumbsup:

[stephenb]

Sounds like positive reviews. Will check it out next week.:thumbsup:

[mozzie]

seen the shorts and after your reviews im going to go and have a look
mozzie

[gmbfilter]

Skybax riders in Diontopia, perhaps

Great fun.
First 3D movie I seen http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../vbiis/images/smilies/eyepopping.gif

[Inmykombi]

You gotta see it in 3D Mozzie...It'll be worth it believe me.

[slippo74]

Saw last night at IMAX in 3D.... great movie!

[Liz]

Cant wait to see it, but school hols now, and the theatre will be filled with noisy teenagers :eyepop:

[Rhino1980]

Saw it last night in 3D. Wifey hates sci-fi but totally FELL IN LOVE with this movie. James Cameron is the best

[Tandum]

I also saw the 3D version last night with the misses. I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it. Visually stunning. I'm trying to get tomorrow arvo off to see it again with the boy child on a bigger screen.

[Liz]

Couldnt wait any longer ..... bloody fantastic .... ah, ladies bring your tissues though.

[supernova1965]

Pam and I are going to see it next week can't wait going by the views here

[Octane]

Going with work colleagues tomorrow night, to see it in a brand spankin' new cinema down here, in 3D! :D

Regards,
Humayun

[AlexN]

I saw it yesterday in 3D. Was perhaps the single most amazing piece of visual art I have ever seen... An absolutely amazing movie to watch, but unlike so many heavily animated movies these days, the incredible visuals were actually accompanied by a gripping story line, with a few little sub stories inset to give the movie an incredibly entrenching feel to it..

I plan to see it again, and will be buying the DVD the day its released..

[Terry B]

I took my family to see it in 3D today. My youngest son is 9 and he really liked it. I am very cautious about what I let him see. There are lots of explosions, 1 love scene but no sex and vey little blood. OK for a wized up child.
The movie is certainly emmersive in 3D and is fantastic visually.
The story is typically American with the goodies winning and the answer to the conflict is to go to war.
All in all a very well spent afternoon.

[multiweb]

Going to see it tomorrow night. Can't wait anymore now :)

[aerobrake]

Just saw it in 3D, without doubt the most visually amazing movie I have seen. I'm going to see it again next week. You all gotta see this movie!!!!!!!!

I would love to see a "how they did it" documentary on this movie. Very interested in the hardware used to do all the rendering. The computers used must have some serious processing power.

[Satchmo]

I saw it yestreday in 3D. The trailers on your PC certainly don't do it justice: it is just far more beautiful and detailed than you can imagine. The 3D is used well to show awesome depth ( particularly height ) in the scenery .

I had read many reviews which often commented on the lack of character development and the somewhat unoriginal story line. I went for basically for the 'eye candy', but neverthless was rapidly sucked in to the world of Pandora hook line and sinker. The unfolding of the complex web of relationship between the planet and creatures was beautifully shown.The 3D imagery has the ability to immerse you in a way that is hard to resist. The rich colours defy description..at times I simply couldn't believe my eyes.

The renditions of Pandora and its creatures were the drawcard for me..I'm not into all the military mechanica , but the final battle scene was pretty stunning. One of the strongest threads is the love story between Jake and Neytiri. Its as powerful as that in Cameron's last epic Titanic. I expect word of mouth of this aspect will draw many more people in to see the film who wouldn't otherwise be in to Sci-Fi fantasy.

Amazingly I didn't even notice the lengthy 2hr 30min, it just seemed to fly by. The 2/3 full cinema broke in to a brief but spontaneous applause at the end until everyone realised what they were doing..people just don't applaud films these days do they :lol:

I'm going to gather a few friends and see this again but at the Imax3d some time soon. In this case I think the adage `less is more' just won't apply .

[Liz]

Well said Mark!! Agree with all you have said, though wish I had seen it in 3D.

[bloodhound31]

Oh WOW oh WOW....I am going to see THAT AGAIN! I dragged my wife in with me tonight and she literally bounced out and all the way home. She is still sighing and shaking her head in amazement and so am I. FANTASTIC. So worth the total immersion in 3D.

Baz.

[multiweb]

Just saw it tonight. Amazing. Speechless. :eyepop:

[bloodhound31]

What an absolutely spectacular, stunning, visually amazing and incredible movie.

Story was not terribly mind bending, but it really didn't matter. The colours were amazing, and it would almost be a sin NOT to see this in 3D. We were totally immersed in the environs of Pandora. Creature effects were awesome and each animal was seamless in it's motion and texture. Too much story would have spoiled this.

It deserves to be a stand-alone and I reckon they should never attempt to make an Avatar 2.

This is so next-level, it is going to set the bar for quite a while.

Now all we need is a team-up of James Cameron, Ridley Scott and Stephen Spielberg to make a movie together....

I recommend this to anyone. 9.75 out of 10.

Baz.

[Octane]

Just got back from seeing this in Woden, Baz. I went with a bunch of work mates and associated friends. Hoyts' have done up theater 4 with new seats and big screen and awesome sound. Saw it in 3D.

There's too many emotions slurring around in my body at the moment to write a coherent post. I'm not very good with words as it is.

I just felt so really, really calm throughout the entire movie. Others have said it best: immersion is the word that best describes this piece of magic.

I believe it was Luce Irigaray who said that wonder is what happens when some part of the brain has never been etched upon before, sees the light. Judging by tonight's experience, my brain has been dormant for quite some time, I feel.

Being a landscape photographer, all I could ever wish for is the scenery that is portrayed in this movie to actually exist. My God.

I sat there wishing I had my camera, lenses, grads and tripod the entire movie.

Parting words: take you, your partner, your children, and go and see it in 3D. It's an experience that will leave you longing for more.

Regards,
Humayun

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Cinema? 3D? What are these things of which you speak?

[AlexN]

Baz - Number 2 is already in the works, I would have to agree with H, You really do wish you had your camera. Then you stop and realize... Hang on, Im in a cinema... I can't take photo's here...

[Louwai]

I've just been told that I will be visiting a theatre tonight.


We'll see...........

[Rhino1980]

Well put H. Call me a girl but I left with a lump in my throat and a total feeling of general disgust for many of the things humanity has wreaked upon this planet. I also left with a strange feeling of hope...

[Inmykombi]

My Wifies and I just saw it again with out 2 teenage Sons.

It was worth seeing a second time as I picked up on some liitle things I missed in the first sitting.

If ya havent seen it, get out there and do it ASAP. in 3D.

[h0ughy]

I saw the movie this morning and i took my daughter. all i can say is WOW. i agree with Mark with a few things he pointed out, and they applauded in the session i saw. story - 6 the special effects 11/10

[Davros]

Saw it for the second time today and loved it all over again. I really love the facial expressions (hissing etc.) and the sounds while flying.

[bloodhound31]

Yep, we booked a whole row and a half for family and saw it again tonight. This time the crowd clapped at the end.

I didn't notice the first time that they only had three fingers and a thumb.

[Astrorish]

I really want to see it but my nearest IMAX is fully booked at the weekends (when I can go) till mid jan, now not sure If I should go and see it in ordinary 3d first and then go IMAX or just wait for the really big screen.

[cookie8]

Watched "Avatar" yesterday. What do I think? It really blown me away!!I
think it is revolutionary, powerful , breathtaking and highly entertaining.
I watched the 3D version & I was completely absorbed into another world like never before.My best cinema experience ever. .
$20 well spend for a $500 million movie. Going to the cinema will never be the same again. James Cameron's solution to movie piracy is very promising.

[Liz]

Imax ... wow, how good would that be !!!!!!

I REALLY have to see it again, as I didnt see it in 3D, though I still loved it anyway.
Great to hear that everyone, and their families, are really enjoying it. :)

[Tandum]

IMax are not the largest screens around, they are square not wide screen.

[Astrorish]

Really? I always thought they were the biggest. This one is 26mx20m, it's advertised as the biggest in the UK.

[Tandum]

Cinemascope ratio is 16:9, IMax is 1.44:1 or (13:9). That makes for black lines top and bottom to show a normal movie. But at 26meters wide, it won't be a pig :) The IMax here is 25meters wide but the widest screen is at Victoria point and is 26.5 meter cinescope screen. It is not a 3d cinema. We are going to see Sherlock there on Monday :)

[mozzie]

all these reviews it sounds so go the kids are at the inlaws tonight taking elise to see it people have been talking about 3d is it worth it as they have it here in coffs i was going to watch it normally

[shanegtr]

I watched it last night - unfortantly just streamed on the net as I was (actually still am) at work. I'm going to have to see this in a cinema, but unfortantly it wont be 3D as my nearest on for that would be in Perth. Plus I recon it will be a good month or two before it even gets here

[Octane]

Rishi,

I'm not sure if it'll be as good in IMAX. Your head will be moving around too much trying to take the movie in.

Peter,

Yes, see it in 3D. It'll be a whole different experience.

Regards,
Humayun

[Satchmo]

I think it is all about filling your peripheral vision to experience true virtual immersion. The action is usually centered on the screen. I think our field of view is about 140 degrees to extents. Given the Imax theatre has steeply angled seating array it will be important to have eyeline near the center of the screen, which will rapidly go awry without the right seats. I'm going to do my research on this and find out the ideal seating point. Will report back.
I 'm going to see if I can find a wrap around style 3d glasses so the clunky frames aren't in the way !

It won't be long before we can have this sort of experince at home . All of these kind of movies will be available in the whats called page flipping format on Blu Ray 3D format ( now agreed on by the makers ) , and Nvidea has a new shutter glases system which will support 60 fps for each eye for about $200 USD. There is a new HD DLP home theatre projector the Optoma HD 66 ( US $699) that syncs at 120fps and is fully compatable with the Nvidea S3D system.

I expect In a couple of years I'll be able to experience Avatar in my living room with a 4 meter screen. Bring it on !

Mark

[lacad01]

Saw it at iMax couple of days ago and it was a great experience. Unfortunately I booked late and got 2nd row seats which was way too close. That coupled with the awesome sound meant a massive head ache at the end :)
That said, look forward to seeing it again but at a normal cinema or wait for the Bluray release

[Astrorish]

Ok I've decided to see it at a normal cinema in 3d tommorow and then if i really like it do imax in jan sometime.

Shane I looked up karratha on google maps and what the town lacks in cinemas is I'll bet more than made up for by spectacular dark skies!

[TrevorW]

Saw it today, loved it, will watch it again for sure

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[mozzie]

holy smokes what a movie what kind of computer can make movies like that:eyepop::eyepop:there getting my 30 bucks when its out on dvd

[Spanrz]

I have only one eye. Can I get half price at the 3D viewings? :whistle: :D

[Matt Wastell]

AWESOME!!!!!!
The 3D is great - my favourite 3D scene was when they were coming out of hypersleep after 4 years and 9 months - wow! Very rspectful to many classics!
The most difficult 3D effect was reading the sub title while trying to watch the action.
If you have not seen this movie you must go and see it in 3D.

[Baddad]

Hi Mark, :)



I agree with you. The storyline sucks, the 3D visuals, spectacular.:eyepop:
The special snippets of the aliens' communication with local life forms, quite fantastic.:thumbsup:

I went Sunday morning. (less people in theatre). I decided after reading this thread it has to be a must see for me. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thank you people for the heads up. :thumbsup:

For those who have not seen it yet. Make the effort it is definitely worth it.;)

Cheers Marty

[strongmanmike]

Saw it in 3D this afternoon....an amazing experience. James Cameron has moved CG to a new level :eyepop:.
There are a few little things I didn't like but to gripe about them would be unjust to the spectacle of the whole movie, overall it was the best movie experience I have had since seeing StarWars in 1977 aged 10...oh and King Kong (Twin Towers version) :P.

Mike

[Fox]

It's a tremendous achievement, I've seen it a second time now and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. For me, much of the scenery was like having the beautiful landscapes of Myst (Mac/PC game series) brought to the big screen. Fox

[Omaroo]

Just came back from my local Gold Pass cinema where Asterisk (Geoff) and I saw it in 3D.

Not sure that I have the necessary superlatives. Whilst the storyline is pretty basic, that doesn't detract from the overall experience one iota. Brilliant.

[bloodhound31]

I think too much story would actually ruin a movie such as this.

[HolyWars]

Went and seen it today and what a brilliant movie......now going to go for a second time to the 3D version. If the normal version looked that good, I can only imagine what the 3D version will look like:D

[Astrorish]

Just got back from seeing it - normal cinema, not particularly big screen but in 3d.

What can i say? it was fantastic, Pandora is just spectacular. It did remind me of Dances with Wolves but with aliens. I'm definately going to see it again in IMAX though.

[Shep]

Loved it!!!! I somehow missed all the media hype about this movie so really had no idea what it was about or who was in it apart from Michelle Rodrigeuz, so on top of it being a great movie I was so stoked that an Aussie was playing the leading role and one of my favourite aussie actors at that!

The only downside of this movie is that it makes all the other recent releases look like crap lol

[Omaroo]

Interesting too is that Zoë Saldaña who plays Neytiri, also played Uhura in the last Star Trek film just gone.

[Tandum]

Looks like they are getting their 1/2 billion dollars back quicker than they thought.
It appears everyone on the planet is going to see it at the movies and 30% are paying the premium for 3D :)

[bojan]

Saw it last night in 3D.
It immediately reminded me of a SF story I have read a long time ago (couple of stories actually, but this one was definitely the prime inspiration) and after some investigation (and a little help from my friends) it turned out to be Paul Anderson's "Call me Joe".
It is a pity Paul Anderson was not credited anywhere...

Also, it is a new version of "Pocahontas" in some aspects :D (my daughter's comment)

For me, at the beginning the change of the size of 3D objects was annoying- every time the scenery changed I had to adjust the parameters of my visual software :P to accommodate to new 3D situation (distance basically)
Obviously, the camera work was a compromise between 2D and 3D - for 3D , I think the scenery should be less dynamic and more fluid, or at least the image scale should be more static, and there should be less cuts.

I highly recommend it.

[Shep]

It reminded me of Fern Gully!

[gmbfilter]

Yes I felt that to
Poul Anderson. Yes he may have..have to read again
Also the bits from Dinotopia series..psychic link to Skybax & rider and "It chooses you, you don't choose it" type of stuff.

Enjoyed the movie a lot

[multiweb]

Going to see it on IMAX-3D Monday night. :) Will be third time for me. Been googling the new Blu-ray fromat in 3D and it looks like it's a looong way away still. Maybe next X-mas. The normal version should be out in 6 months time. Apparently there are talks that the PS3 could support the next 3D format with a firmware update. Will see..

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:
OMG yep what an awsome movie :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
I wanna go to Pandora everything was so pretty and how they counteracted with the plants and the animals was awsome :thumbsup::thumbsup:
I soooo cant wait for this to come out on DVD i will be buying this one for sure
A must see :D:D

Im obsessed with their eyes they look awsome ;)
69459

[reddiablo]

Awesome movie!

I was lucky enough to watch it in 3D on a Vmax screen with seating in the middle F-R and the middle L-R.

The 3D effects were incredible with fantastic audio to suit. I cannot wait for it to come out on Bluray in HD 7.1 audio.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[starlooker]

Just came back from seeing this in 3D.

10/10. :thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Yes, just saw it in 3D - loved it!

Cheers Petra d.:thumbsup:

[rogerg]

Saw this last night, stunning movie. Absolutely great. :thumbsup: Not sure how much the 3D helped but it was good that the 3D wasn't overdone :thumbsup:

[Wavytone]

I agree with Miranda Devine (SMH reviewer).

I'm fairly disappointed that a mainstream movie is released portraying this leftwing loonie view of the military at a time when there are American and Australian soldiers are losing their lives in order to preserve the way of life their countrymen enjoy.

[starlooker]

Here's a link to the review: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/hit-by-the-leftie-sledgehammer-20100101-llpp.html

Miranda Devine is not normally a movie reviewer. I think she's a political commentator, and boy does she bring politics to this movie review.

There is an almost invisible spoiler warning in the article, so be warned, THERE ARE SPOILERS.

"He also lets his Na'vi run rampant around Pandora, raping fauna with their ponytails before subjugating them." What the...Miranda, it's only a movie. Chill out. :D

[tornado33]

Yes the one sad thing about Avatar is it is just so realistic, that is in 150 years if the human race is still around it will have used up all the resources on Earth, and if Faster than Light (FTL) travel is achieved, they would strip mine other worlds wether there was indigenous life there or not. Money always comes first! So, yes, the plot of Avatar is strikingly real

[multiweb]

Wow... that's a long stretch. Can't you guys just enjoy a good standard cowboys vs. indians story set in the future along with wonderful colours and scenery without reading too much into it? Time for a chill pill people. :lol: Relax and enjoy it for its entertainment value. :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Unfortunately (or fortunately) Miranda Devine and some people (Wavytone for example) on this forum know absolutely nothing about leftist propaganda and what it looks like... If there is one in Avatar, it is really very, very weak.
However, her remarks are political propaganda, quite unprovoked and very, very rightist..
Exactly, why not just enjoy the movie and its visuals, which it is all about?

[gman]

Saw it in 3D and thought it was fantastic.
Story line reminded me of Cowboys and Indians with the Indians winning and letting the Cowboys go away.

Now we wait for the sequel where they return with "the bomb" and nuc them all to get the ore they so much sought after.

[multiweb]

I saw it in I-MAX 3D last night at Darling Harbour. Massive screen + giant glasses (a la dame edna) . I think the 3D experience is best viewed on a 16:9 ratio in a conventional theater. THe I-MAX screen is too big and you're forever looking up down sideways to follow the action. Was still a thrill though. :thumbsup: That was the third time I saw the movie so I started "looking around" a bit more. Has anybody notices that the human based Avatars have 5 digits on each hands and feet but the Na'vis have weird feet with only 4 fingers in each hands? Like the simpsons? :lol:

[Satchmo]

Marc

A far as my research can tell , the 3D version is shown at 1.78:1 ratio including in the IMAX , so you would have some narrow black bars top and bottom ( IMAX screen is 1.43:1 native ratio) . Sounds like you are sitting too close to the screen at IMAX, for your own tastes. I am interested to try the IMAX as I've never seen a 3d film there.

Mark

[multiweb]

Sounds about right. Yeah I was quite close in the lower part. Row C in the middle. They projected the movie in a very small part of the screen and it was nearly a square area. You could notice the distorsion at the beginning then your brain does the work and you get used to it after 30min or so. Althoug it was big the 3D wasn't as clean as what I experienced in Hoyts Wetherill Park. That had the wow factor. Very clean. I-MAX was somehow blurry in places (edges) and although you had a feel for the 3D depth at times it was messy and hard to make up what was in front or back in busy scenes. It's worth having a look though but try to book a seat as far as you can from the screen.

[starlooker]

Marc, get a life! :P

Just Jokies! :thumbsup:

EDIT: When I see a movie, I always sit towards the back half of the theatre, so that my eye level is at least centre with the screen, or above centre. Can't stand having to tilt my head up, even a fraction.

[multiweb]

:rofl:Yeah... I know :sadeyes: Seriously, the technology to see it in 3D at home is so far away yet I figured I have to max out my cravings before it goes out for good. :lol:

[Satchmo]

That doesn't make sense: what is the point of using IMAX if they don't use the whole width of the screen and I don't believe they would alter the native aspect ratio? Why did you feel you need to be further away if they were only using a small part of the screen ?

Mark

[Octane]

That is precisely what I said earlier in the thread.

I've seen stuff at IMAX before, and, it doesn't matter where you sit, it's a royal pain trying to take it all in.

H

[multiweb]

I'd say 60% of the screen was used. So you're looking at a small rectangle 4:3 I'd say centered on a huge screen. From the row I was sitting in it with the glasses on it was limit. Very big surface to look at. As H said you can't take it in 100%. If it was using the full screen I doubt you'd be able to see everything unless you sit outside :lol: Don't take my word for it. Book a seat and go see it for yourself but get a spot as far as possible from the screen.

[tornado33]

I cant wait for it to come out on Blu Ray!

[starlooker]

You can't fool us Marc. We all know you've got the hots for Neytiri! :lol:

:thumbsup:

[Satchmo]

So they must not be selling seating on the sides. They couln't expect you to be seated further to the side than the edge of the screen.
Hmm, I'll have to do my homework before I spend the $ at IMAX , but I don't believe that they would crop the aspect to 4:3...you would be missing out of certain proportion of the picture .

[multiweb]

Yeah I got her on my Nokia N95 Avatar Scheme :P


When I said crop I meant resizing. The picture is compressed both in height and width to a ratio of 4:3 visually I'd say. It's still pretty big but it is not covering a big part of the full screen believe me. The full I-MAX seating was sold out for all sessions. Packed to the edges. My recommendation: forget IMAX and enjoy it in a standard 3D cinema. Much better visually.

[TrevorW]

Quickest $1b grossing movie ever just goes to say something everyone who's seen it raves about it, even had a 60+ widow who saw it on the weekend came into work this morning singing it's praises

What gives, ????

[Octane]

Trevor,

You'll have to go and see it to understand.

H

[Satchmo]

I'm sure you are just seeing an optical illusion due to sitting low down , but you may be right. I sometimes watch 16:9 stuff on my computer monitor stretched to 4:3 and it looks very odd indeed so I would be amazed if IMAX were deliberately distorting the aspect ratio for any reason :)

Its possible they are showing it at 4:3 but you would have a bit of left /right crop to achieve that without distortion of the film.

What my investigation is telling me is that the ReelD system used not by Imax ( using circular polarisation) gives a much cleaner image with no ghosting , and better depth perception. The 3D system used by IMAX is relatively old . I am considering to see it back at Greater Union for my second time and save $9 and big journey :)

Mark

[TrevorW]

H, I've seen it it was very good and will see it again but for a movie that is definitely sci-fi, it seems to be appealing to a wider audience for a lot of of different reasons. My what gives was probably a bit rhetorical

[beren]

Awesome cinema experience :D been hanging to see it from the first rumours of its development although I admit I was little nervous when the teaser trailers were released {Stars Wars Phantom menace :P}.
Thought the plot could of been more heavier/complex but the overall experience was superb {3D wow }, rivals or probably exceeds the LOTR trilogy for me.

[multiweb]

After reading your posts about the different aspect ratios I googled the RealD and the circular polarisation allows room to move your head around while still keeping the 3D effect. On IMAX I was sort of looking up at the screen and trying to keep those big flat glasses square. When I said we all looked like dame edna I'm not kidding. It was life having a huge flat piece of cardboard stuck on your forehead with two holes in it. The RealD glasses in comparison were way better. More confortable. You're right go to Greater Union for your second time though. I tried IMAX but I wouldn't recommend it. Not for this particular movie anyway. My next time will be back at Hoyts too.

[supernova1965]

I am going to see it tomorrow can't wait

[troypiggo]

I'm going tonight to see it. Gold Class and 3D. In style, baby!

[Omaroo]

The only way. Watch while reclined in a comfy leather lounge chair sipping good coffee, a beer or wine and a cheese platter. Noice :)

[troypiggo]

Well. What a movie! That was incredible! The concept, the imagination, the special effects, the language, the beauty, the use of 3D. Stunning.

[seeker372011]

darn
just bought tickets to IMAX-have to do so well in advance, sessions seem to be sold out for days- and then read Marcs post

:(

no havent seen it before and since the last movie I saw may well have been LOTR I don't think I will see it again so have to make the most of it I suppose

[supernova1965]

Absolutely loved it no wonder its making so much at the box office

[Peter Ward]

Enjoyed it. Custer's last stand meets Mech-warrior, Fantasia and Soldier Blue.

[jjjnettie]

sigh, one day I'll get to see it
when's it coming out on dvd??

[bloodhound31]

DONT wait for DVD JJJ!! OK? see it ASAP!

BA

[jjjnettie]

LOL
I don't go to movies on my own.
I can wait.

[Octane]

Jeanette,

It will suck on DVD. The only way to appreciate this movie is in 3D and in a theatre. You may just have to relax your rules for this one.

H

[Liz]

nooooooo .... I love going to movies on my own, noone beside you saying annoying things!!!! Go and see it one morning!!!

I have seen Avatar once, in a normal theatre, and will see it again in a couple of weeks ... when crowds die down ..... also dont like people sitting next to me ..... invading my space :) :screwy:

[Jen]

:thumbsup: Yes Liz i know exactly what ya mean i only let a few people into my space :lol:
Go see it JJJ i would go with you if i lived close by :lol:

[multiweb]

You SO have to go and see it. Make an exception. I've seen it 3 times and loved it. I reluctantly have to go and see it once more because my daughter hasn't seen it in 3D and she can't go by herself. ;)



Nah... don't worry about my ranting mate. Go for it. I just enjoyed it more in RealD than IMAX 3D, t'is all, but that's me . Still good value though :thumbsup:

[supernova1965]

It wouldn't be the same on DVD you need the Real3D to get the most out of it I mean there are things flying around that you think you can reach out and pluck them out of the air in front of you.
:jawdrop:

[troypiggo]

I've been thinking about all these comments on "waiting for DVD" and "you must see it in 3D".

It was a beautiful movie visually, and I'd totally recommend seeing it on the big screen to fully appreciate it.

But as far as the 3D goes, while it does add another dimension to the visual, I think it would still be a visual treat even if not 3D. It wasn't like some movies created specifically for 3D, things are constantly popping towards and away from you to give that 3D effect, but the storyline is pretty crap etc because they've focused on the 3D and not the plot/story/movie quality.

I reckon Avatar carries itself as a great movie even without the 3D. That just adds a little more to it.

[bloodhound31]

I put my 3D glasses on at home...should I be seeing everything in 2D or 4D?

[troypiggo]

How many eyes did you have open? :lol:

[Omaroo]

Here you go Barry - 4D specs. As a dimension, time is now visible too.

[WarpSpider74]

I saw Avatar in 2D before I went back to see it in 3D (3D sessions had all sold out when I first went!!) It was just brilliant in 2D, to be sure. BUT, going back and seeing it in 3D was AMAZING. An actual experience, not just a movie. What I really liked about tthe 3D showing was that there was little to no blatant use of the 3D effect, ie nothing obviously put in there just for the 3D effect, the old style in-your-face sticking out of the screen stuff. The 3D presentation merely added depth to the scenes and I found it to be completely unobtrusive while making the scenery completely immersive. The story was a bit "meh" but really, who cares? James Cameron has really outdone himself, and I've always been a big fan of his (Aliens and The Abyss are my two favourite movies of all time :)) Anyone waiting for it to come out on DVD is really missing a true experience here, imho. I for one will be going back to see it in 3D again.



Haha nice bugeye specs Chris... though I think these ones'll do the trick for that extra-real 4D experience :D

[Satchmo]

Just look at how many posts a Hollywood movie has generated on an Astronomy forum :)

[Matt Wastell]

A tad strange - but one hell of a film.

There was space travel, alien worlds, Sigurney Weaver!!!!!!!!

[lacad01]

For those who can't get enough, I stumbled upon an Avatr Wiki site, I guess one of many fan sites which will sprout :)
Unfortunately this one has lots of annoying ads..

http://james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Avatar_Wiki

[casstony]

While it's refreshing to see everyone united, the harmony in this thread is somehow unsettling - where's the lone dissenter?

[starlooker]

Avatar sucks.

Too long, creepy smurf mutants, 3D hardly used at all, weak plot, laughable acting, total waste of $20.

I HATE IT!!

[starlooker]

;) :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

:lol: Fair enough. In what way didn't they use 3D enough?

[starlooker]

I was only joking, in response to casstony's post #125. :D

I love Avatar, am thinking of seeing again. :thumbsup:

Will never see it FOUR times though, unlike some crazy people. :P :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

:lol: Yep, my name is Marc and I'm an alcohol...er avatarolic. :P

[Bassnut]

Saw it last night, amazing, very clever.

The story line was a whole lot of stolen ideas though, from Dancing with wolves, Alien, Matrix etc and especially the Dragon flying/lifetime bonding thing (in a very cut down, simple version) straight from Anne McCaffrys series of "Dragon" books written some 30yrs ago !.

The story line works quite well though, all tried and tested classic threads. And of course technically, its a tour deforce, and a taste of future filmcraft.

[casstony]

What a relief - all's right with the world again :).

[Miaplacidus]

And don't forget "The Searchers"...

Any other "stolen" scenes suggestions from the true movie buffs out there???

[bloodhound31]

Who'd have thought a movie would generate over 7 pages of discussion on an astronomy forum..?

[Miaplacidus]

And seven pages of pretty much unadulterated adulation at that. So far no one seems to have spotted the irony.

"I belong to a simple people. I cherish respect for nature and humanity and community, as well as stories well told, over an hegemony based on material wealth and spectacular technology and moral bankrupcy. So come on then! Let's get James Cameron and a billion bucks and the best CGI team we can muster and show those little turds at Cannes what Hollywood is made of!!!"

And Unobtainium? Come on! Why didn't they just call it "The MacGuffin"?

[Bassnut]

The "hanging" mountains, pure Dali.

[mithrandir]

We got there this morning. Gold Class 3D. SWMBO was worried the 3D would give her motion sickness, but once the opening ads and credits were done she was OK.

I enjoyed it. I can see why Marc is emptying his bank account going multiple times.

Milady had the same complaint she had with "The Return of The King" - the battle being excessively violent. She thought the violence in "Sherlock Holmes" was acceptable. Then her idea of the perfect move is anything based on Jane Austen.

[Octane]

Brian,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unobtainium

H

[Miaplacidus]

Thanks, Humayun. (Tell the truth. Did you write that wiki page?)

I now need to go and find out what is meant by "a sock puppet of currently blocked or banned users". Endless...

[starlooker]

Pandora explained in detail:

http://www.youtube.com/v/EE1IvFDrRUs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hd=1

[Octane]

http://web.me.com/pascalboogaert/Site/foto3.html

H

[seanliddelow]

I have just got a book from K-Mart in Perth thats a movie companion to Avatar the movie:

http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Confidential-Biological-History-Camerons/dp/0061896756

Its an awesome 205 page guide to Pandora and its fauna and flora. Its has got a guide to the Navi people and its culture. It also has a guide to the RDA and its weapons and gunships.

[mswhin63]

Saw it today with my eldest son, great movie, won't see it again until DVD, but may invest in one of those 3D TV's when they come out after a while.

[Satchmo]

I saw it again last night and enjoyed it just as much as the first time but in a different way. I could concentrate more on the visual beauty and all the detail.

[multiweb]

Did you try the IMAX version? Yeah I saw it again Saturday arvo (last time) in RealD and that is definitely the best standard out there. Got the wow factor again. :)

[Satchmo]

No I went again to Greater Union with a friend rather spur of the moment. Although I am not so enthusuastic about IMAX now , I guess that is going to be sufficient reason to see it for a third time ;)

[mswhin63]

I didn't realise there was a difference between IMAX and standard. I though IMAX was more to do with sound not so much vision.

[multiweb]

Not sure about IMAX sound but last time I saw it in RealD at Hoyts you can really feel the seats shaking when they bomb the home tree and the picture was so much bettter too.

[kustard]

Finally managed to go see it today. Standard-ish storyline but told in an EPIC way.

Good job to James Cameron, he's redeemed himself for Titanic (which I've never seen thankfully hehehe *No flaming, it's a joke people*).

[Peter Ward]

As Grahame Kennedy used to say "That was a joke... Joyce!"

Cowboys and Indians, as I said some posts ago....with a twist of green, and 3D silicon :)

[seeker372011]

saw it today-at IMAX and loved it

what good fun

[Louwai]

Just saw on the news.

Certain groups in the USA are now complaining that Avatar is racist.

It portrays the WHITE hero being sent in to save the natives. Supposedly indicating that the 'natives' must rely on white people to survive.


Are these people for real!!!!!
Some people really need to get a life..........

[Jen]

:eyepop: OMG what is wrong with some people

[OneOfOne]

Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth....

Firstly, I would like to point out that my wife is not a SciFi fan and initially did not want to see the movie. She normally falls asleep several times through any movie (including the ones she wants to see, so I have to watch the whole thing to explain the things she missed :sadeyes:). Eventually, I convinced her to see it but she didn't want to see the 3D version as it would make her feel sick. After passing on some of the comments from IIS I convinced her to go yesterday. Well....she did not fall asleep once and thought it was fantastic and was really glad I convinced her to see it. I thought it was great too and would give it four and a half to five stars. The effects were incredible, the story simple and entertaining. As for the length of the film, it felt like I was in the cinema for about 1:50 not almost 2:30, so don't be put off by the length of the film.

As I was watching the film, I couldn't help thinking that the story is very much an analogy for the plight of the North American Indians (and to a lesser degree all other native populations struggles with the greed of more "advanced" civilizations), which I don't believe makes it racist. It is very much a comment on contempory society's values (ie greed) and lack of concern for others. I loved the look on the faces of the other "support crew" after the attack, they were obviously thinking "what have we done!"....too late now guys, should have thought of that before you did something you would regret. I for one would have shot the guy in the back...probably 5 minutes into the film, he was destined to be the bad guy!

Question though, was Pandora a planet? If so, why did it appear to have Jupiter in the background as well as several other moons? Or was it in another star system altogether, I ask this because Pandora orbits Saturn and not Jupiter. Or is this too "scientific" a question?

[Omaroo]

The opening sequence covers their egress from stasis after a very long time (can't remember the specifics), so you'd have to presume that it was another Pandora in another solar system - not ours.

[OneOfOne]

Yes, I remember the long statis bit too, but can't remember the period. I think it was something like 5 years? This would be too long to get to Jupiter, but if they were travelling at a reasonable fraction of light speed, they could be at a different star system (with some dilation thrown in). Interesting though that they chose a Jupiter analogue as a background (although significantly blue shifted). But it still doesn't answer how come all of the moons and a very large (obvious) planet in the background....making Pandora a moon.

[asterisk]

The film is set on Pandora, a moon in the Alpha Centauri star system.

[Octane]

Trevor, never question movie physics, it'll just drive you crazy.

Speaking of which, there are forums set up now for people who are suffering from depression due to the knowedge that a place like Pandora doesn't exist/isn't inhabitable by humans, in the now.

H

[multiweb]

Here's all the info (http://www.youtube.com/v/EE1IvFDrRUs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&hd=1)you've asked for. Was below it this very thread.

[Clarry]

My thoughts were that is was taking a shot at the destruction of the Central & South American rain forests.

[Vartigy]

OMG my thread is STILL going.
Tell ya what... i'm chuffed.

This movie was fantastic. The mrs WONT let me go again. Said it will spoil it. *pfft* dunno bout that.

As to all the 'rip-off' notions from other movies/books... I still reckon Frank Herbert had the original idea, not quite sure when he wrote Dune, but the book is definately older than me.

Still. Fantastic effort by ol' Jim. Would love to see what he, Peter Jackson, George lucas could come up with if they worked together on a remake on Dune. Would beat Avatar hands down I think.

Anyone got any idea how long this will be shown at 3D cinemas? Nearest one to me is 700kms away.

[Vartigy]

ROFL. Remind you of the KFC cricket ad fiasco?

[iceman]

Wow, finally saw it tonight (in 3D).

Brilliant! Spectacular. Loved every minute of it.

Already want to go and see it again!

Now to read the rest of this thread since I don't care about spoilers now ;)

[RB]

I saw it in 3D last night as well.
Amazing work.

If you go to see it, you must see it in 3D, breathtaking effects.

[iceman]

I'm already planning when I can go and see it again.. I'll take Jacob with me this time.

[that_guy]

Even the credits??;):P

[spearo]

Saw it in 3d. Especially appreciated that the 3D effects were minimal and not just for the sake of "in-your-face effects". They just added nicely to the sense of perspective.
Awesome movie! :thumbsup:
Even the girlfriend was amazed.
frank

[Vartigy]

Yeh had a quiet night without the mrs on friday too. Went to see it again. Just normal viewing. Too far to get to 3d viewing.
Was pretty good. Noticed a alot more this time around. Little details. Like someone mentioned here earlier about the gas giant that Pandora orbits around, looks alot like a blue filtered jupiter.

[acropolite]

HRH & I saw the (3D) movie tonight, I hadn't read this thread but after reading the first few pages, I noticed several references to "immersion", which is exactly the descriptive I used when leaving the theatre.

HRH commented that after 3 hours, walking out in to the real world felt alien, a sentiment that I shared. I think I will probably go and see it again.

[seanliddelow]

You mods need to see sci-fi movies earlier to set examples for other IIS users :rofl:

[RB]

LOL Sean, we're too busy editing our own avatars to have time to go to the movies early on.

:lol:

[seanliddelow]

I can tell you must have spent a lot of time cropping your pic and using the magic wand on adobe fireworks :D

[that_guy]

too many threads about avatar...

[lacad01]

Saw it again at Gold Class - the only way to fly ;)

Nah, these three wise men should have a crack at The Silmarilion by JRR Tolkien, now that would be something else :D

[mithrandir]

A few more:

The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Steven Donaldson

The Saga of the Exiles - Julian May

The Belgariad + The Mallorean - David Eddings

The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson)

...

[multiweb]

My wife just told me she hasn't seen it 3D so now I have to take her to the movie to see it again. Some one's gotta do it... :P :)

[Octane]

Andrew,

Magician. :eyepop:

I've been wondering why it hasn't been done yet. Those thoughts quickly drift away when I start thinking about who would play Carline...

H

[troypiggo]

I was going to say Magician - that's the Raymond E Feist series, isn't it? Good stuff.

[mithrandir]

Or Miranda. I'll have a flick through the bookshelf when I get home for some more. :D

OK - home now. Not counting ones already mentioned:

Helliconia series - Brian Aldis
Gap series - Steven Donaldson
Axis, Wayfarer, Crucible, Troy Game series - Sara Douglass
Night's Dawn series - Peter E Hamilton
Ringworld series - Larry Niven
Mars series - Kim Stanley Robinson
Amtrak Wars series - Patrick Tilley

Should keep them busy for a few years.

[bloodhound31]

I reckon they should get their heads together and do "The white mountains" trilogy by John Christopher and definitely have a decent crack at Frank Herberts DUNE - all of it, not just the first book!

Baz.

[Kevnool]

movie rocks

[multiweb]

Apparently spielberg/lucas are considering a remake of dune?

[Satchmo]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/sam-worthington-signs-on-for-avatar-sequel/story-fn3dxix6-1225820294869

James Cameron mentions somewhere that a sequel will be faster and cheaper to make now that all the hard yards have allready been done with all the computer modelling .

[Vartigy]

Watched that making of avatar the other day.
Found it Ironic that the bodyskins with the digital sensors and diodes on the suits made it possible for RL people to control 'avatars' of themselves on a computer screen.
So yeh, hard yards are probably done.


They are? Or are you asking based off our earlier comments? If the latter, we were just surmising to the possibilities of it happening.
If the former,... How cool!!

[iceman]

What would the plotline of the sequels be? What else can happen?

His human body is 'dead' and he's now a fully blown avatar, so... ?

[multiweb]

Looks like it did really good in China (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/avatar-pulled-from-chinese-screens-nears-record-2010-01-19?dist=countdown)until they pulled the plug. 3D version is still going for now.

[multiweb]

The Human will be back to get more unobtainium. Most of Pandora is still unexplored. Mentions of underwater worlds? They also reckon they're developping some storylines on other moons. May be they hitch a ride with all the hardware left behind?

[Satchmo]

Hopefully we could see a sequel storyline with no `ugly humans' , no more explosions , and more immersion in to the Na'vi culture :thumbsup:

[Otis Quakes]

yeah.. Thats what we need... Another Disney movie....:lol:

[starlooker]

I really hope they don't make a sequel to Avatar.

There's no plot left.

Nothing is bigger than an all-out war between humans and natives(including animals), and that has been done. So has love.

How can they top that? The only way is if the Navi invade Earth, but that would just be another war.

But of course, they'll milk it for the money, and being the mindless consumer that I am, I will pay good $$$ for a sequel that should not have been made! :P

[multiweb]

There are 2 sequels in the run and Sam Worthington is already signed for Avatar2. :)

[lacad01]

How bout this for a plot...
The Navi fast track their evolution, wreck Pandora after mining unobtanium in order to develop it into the energy source for hypergalactic space craft which they use to explore the galaxy, they come across a habitable moon called Nirvanna which is inhabited by a sentient species known as the Verdani (they're green) but these little green so and so's object to the Navi's designs on their pristine paradise and put up a fight to get rid of them and.......:lol:

[Vartigy]

Wow! Sounds like a gobsmacking original film... What's it called mate?:P

Gotta admit though. With the world thinking that any sequel to Avatar would be 'spinning the wheels'... makes you wonder what story they will try and deliver this time around.

[iceman]

I saw it for the second time on Saturday, took Jacob with me too.

Loved it just as much this time as I did last time.

[Baddad]

Hi Mike & All, :)

Because the transformation is no longer reversible, is Jake an Avatar or a Na'Vi? I say he is now a Na'Vi.

I went and saw the movie again. With Grandson Ben, of 7/7 yrs. At the end he said, "Wow Pappy, what a great movie.

Later that evening I showed him the Moon via my 200mm Celestron. He said "Wow". For the second time in one afternoon.

Ben is a very bright kid and shows his enthusiasm openly. Throughout the movie he was voicing his approval several times.

Near the beginning of this thread it was feared that the movie was too much for the young ones. I don't maintain that fear and even encourage to take the young ones to see the movie.;)

Cheers Marty

[Lismore Bloke]

We saw it last weekend. Stunning film. The 3D affect seemed to work best in the outdoor scenes. The forest sequences had a luminescent quality. Just beautiful. The flight scenes were outstanding, it reminded me of the first Imax film of the Amazon, years ago. The indoor scenes didn't seem to work quite as well, somehow. The acting was good without being outstanding. It makes you wonder what the next 5 years will bring.

[Satchmo]

That pretty much covers all the stuff where they were filming real humans indoors . The 3D seemed exaggerated and the people looked a bit like cardboard cutouts at different distances. Non CGI 3d stuff seems to have a problem that way ..I think it is something about the way in real life the eye is constantly scanning and readjusting convergence as it darts around

These long scenes of fixed depth/constant convergence just don't seem real, it tires the eyes very quickly. I think the lower convergence of the 3d for outdoor scenes is much easier on the eye. I noticed I could take the glasses of for the outdoor stuff and it was still quite watchable .

[Lismore Bloke]

The indoor scenes seemed to lose some sharpness compared with a normal film, and yes, the perspective did appear to be rather exaggerated. Having the edge of a table seeming to poke you in the eye was a bit gimmicky. Still, it shows just what the medium is capable of, but whether cameras and technology can match that marvel, the human eye - well, still a way off yet.

[el_draco]

Film critic that I am, I raely bother with this sort of stuff but I ent last night with my wife and still have finger prints in my arm... and that was 2D. Going back for the 3D experience.

Overall, "The Bar" has been seriously raised!!

[koputai]

I saw it last night at the outdoor cinema at Mrs Macquaries.
I think the most amazing thing about the film is how well it has done, considering it was a load of tripe. Sure the visuals were fantastic, and the technology used to make it was interesting, but the story was attrocious. It was basically a collection of scenes and sub-plots from previous sci-fi flicks.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Satchmo]

You'll never get your 2.5 hours of 'wasted' life back :)

[Vartigy]

Hollywood 101. :eyepop:

[wavelandscott]

I finally saw this movie in IMAX and 3D...WOW...very entertaining.

[Terry B]

If Mr Bean was an avatar he would look like this. (stolen from facebook:P)

[troypiggo]

Haha! Classic!

[supernova1965]

You beat me to it with Mr Bean but check this site out with Stars Avatared

http://celebrities.ninemsn.com.au/slideshow_ajax.aspx?sectionid=8847&sectionname=slideshowajax&subsectionid=202970&subsectionname=avatar#10

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:

[Jen]

:eyepop: wow how pretty is Megan Fox and as an Avatar too ;)

[Baddad]

Hi All, :)

Ref: The celebs avatared. :lol::lol::lol::rofl::rofl:

Great find.

Cheers Marty

[troypiggo]

Was just sent this link this morning. You can "Avatarize" yourself!

http://www.avatarizeyourself.com/?mId=34837454.3

Attachment is me Avatarized. My neck hasn't been that slender since I was in High School... :lol:

[Terry B]

I like it. Now it's my avatar.:P

[Jen]

Hey that is so cool :D check me out :lol::lol:

72230

[starlooker]

Hahahah! I like it Jen! :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Ok, so I saw Avatar tonight.
It was ok. I enjoyed it. But it's hard to get the full screen experience on a 51cm telly.:rolleyes:

[Octane]

:(

The movie was definitely not made to watch on a television.

Ah, well.

H

[supernova1965]

Here is my Avatar

[Liz]

hahaaaa .... you all look beautiful :D

On the telly Nettie :sad: ..... oh well, better than nothing I suppose :shrug:

[jjjnettie]

I'll watch it again tomorrow on my new telly. It's a wee bit bigger than 51cm. And if I sit real close, maybe, just maybe, it'll come across better.

[supernova1965]

The only way anyone was going to say that about me:rofl:

[TrevorW]

I did one too JFF

[TrevorW]

I did one too JFF

[multiweb]

Here's a MAD (http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/mad_sergio_avatar113.jpg)look at Avatar. :)
...and here (http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/mad_sergio_avatar213.jpg).