Image: FOX

The three-disc Avatar Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD will both feature the original theatrical release, a special edition re-release, family audio track with all objectionable language removed, and a new collector’s extended cut with 16 more minutes including an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene. You’ll also be able to see a in-depth feature length documentary, “Capturing Avatar” with James Cameron, Jon Landau, cast and crew. The DVD set is prices at $34.98.

The Blu-ray version ($54.99 for the 3-disc set) includes:

Disc One

• Original Theatrical Version
• Special Edition Re-Release
• Collector’s Extended Cut (16 more minutes plus the alternate opening)
• Family Audio Track (all objectionable language removed)

Disc Two

• “Capturing Avatar” documentary
• 45 minutes of deleted scenes
• Production materials

Disc Three

• Interactive scene deconstruction
• Production shorts – 17 featurettes
• Avatar archives – original scriptment, 300 page screenplay and more
• BD-live portal with additional bonuses

You can also enter the ULTIMATE AVATAR SWEEPSTAKES at www.AvatarSweeps.com for a chance to win $50,000 and daily limited edition instant-win prizes

Post from: EveryJoe

Post from: EveryJoe

In an interview with CNN, Cameron said: “We might be persuaded. We’ll have to see how much money the movie makes first.”

He also seemed a little surprised by how well the film has done.  “And that’s not some sort of false humility. We thought it was gonna be a commercial movie, but we didn’t think it was gonna do half of what it’s done financially.  I see a very similar pattern, in a sense, between Titanic and Avatar. Not that they are similar films because they are not — totally different subjects — but in both cases, you have people coming back over and over to see the film.”

Avatar has made 2.05 billion dollars worldwide and has secured nine Oscar nominations, including “Best Film” and “Best Director.”

image: 20th Century Fox

Post from: EveryJoe

I experienced something this weekend that has changed my perspective a little bit on the potential success of 3-D television in your living room. I watched “Avatar” in IMAX 3-D and it was perhaps the most immersive 3-D experience I’ve ever enjoyed. The powerful part of the experience was that it didn’t feel forced. It was just there.

Now if they can recreate that type of experience in my living room, I might actually be interested in sitting on my couch with a pair of 3-D glasses on and watch a 3-D movie or broadcast. The NFL is talking about doing more 3-D games and the bigger option for 3-D material in the home may be in the form of video games. Thinking about playing some Halo on a 3-D television is intriguing, and the idea of wearing some specs with integrated mic and headphones is even better.

What do you think? Will you be purchasing a 3-D television in a couple of years? Do you think you’ll be sitting on your couch with 3-D specs on watching your favorite show or game?

Image: Texas Instruments DLP HDTV

Post from: EveryJoe

It took me awhile to finally get into the theater and enjoy the movie. I went to see it twice and both times it was sold-out in the showing I hoped to view. Continuing to be sold out in a theater where each seat is $15 says quite a bit about the success of a movie. The $500B and awards received also agree.

I had just read an article about the technology that James Cameron had developed to bring his movie to reality. The article discussed the “uncanny valley” in working with CGI human-like forms. If the face doesn’t look right, the reality is lost to the viewer. There was no reality lost from my perspective. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that the majority of everything I was seeing on the screen didn’t exist anywhere other than the hard drive of computers during development.

I thought the story was believable but the actors could have been developed a little bit more. However, I understand this movie was more about the visuals than the character development. The visuals didn’t disappoint either.

Watching the movie in IMAX and 3-D made the experience almost as completely immersive as you could dream. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, do yourself a favor and go see it. If you have the option of catching the show in IMAX and 3-D, do it! It’s worth it.

Post from: EveryJoe

20th Century Fox

The blockbuster has been dominating the box office for weeks and I personally know at least one person who has gone back to see it more than once.  I haven’t seen it yet but I’m guessing I should get off my butt and buy a ticket.

“‘Avatar’ asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that’s the wonder of cinema right there, that’s the magic,” Cameron said.

It sounds like the film’s message has had the intended effect since movie goers and critics have been touched by the storyline.  It’s great when you can combine great special effects with a thought-provoking script.  Too often, one is sacrificed for the other so I really wouldn’t be surprised if this took home some statues at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Post from: EveryJoe

I’m not sure if it’s going to happen, but I’d love to do what I did when I was single and spend the day watching movies in the theater. The ones on my list that are currently at Kerasotes $5 Club that I’d really like to see tomorrow are:

• 2012
• The Blind Side
• A Christmas Carol
• Invictus

I’d like to take the kids to go see A Christmas Carol and The Blind Side, and then they can head home and I’ll stick around to see 2012 and Invictus. Have you see these movies? I’ve heard good reviews for all of them except 2012. However, I’d like to see 2012 because it’s just a huge production and the type of movie to watch on the large screen.

Then perhaps on Saturday I’ll catch Avatar in 3D IMAX and Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes.

Post from: EveryJoe

image: 20th Century Fox

Avatar tells the story an ex-Marine who awakens on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. “As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.”

It sounds pretty good. If I didn’t have so much last-minute shopping to do, I’d probably go to see it.  I was just at Toys R Us tonight and people were buying the toys like crazy.  I’m sure this movie is going to do well at the box office.

Post from: EveryJoe

The special effects for both the movie and the game look incredible so if you’re looking forward to watching the on-screen action, you’re probably going to love playing the game.

Players will get to choose whether they want to fight for the Na’vi (indigenous people) or the opposing RDA Corporation.  As you move through the levels, you’ll acquire more skills and have access to customizable weapons.  Players will also be able to design their own characters and battle in online multiplayer gameplay.

Avatar comes out today on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC.

Post from: EveryJoe

The 3-D film is set to hit theaters and IMAX on December 18, 2009.  Up close and on their own, the CGI figures don’t look so realistic but that one shot of the female in a “real” environment (shown in a crouching position below) looks pretty believable.

In the film, “a band of humans are pitted in a battle against a distant planet’s indigenous population.”  From the pics, I’m guessing the original Alien slayer, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and Giovanni Ribisi are part of the group of humans who are trying to save humanity.

I’ll have to see a more extended trailer to really get a feel for whether I like this storyline but, in the meantime, check out these production stills and tell me what you think!

images: Twentieth Century Fox

Post from: EveryJoe