DVD
REVIEW:
AVATAR EXTENDED EDITION
05/14/10
OVERVIEW: Director James Cameron is unlocking the secrets of Pandora and taking fans on a guided tour of his vision with the highly anticipated release of AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD releasing November 16th in North America and rolling out internationally from November 15th. These exclusive Extended Collector’s Editions come with iconic, collectible packaging to get fans to experience Pandora like never before. With three versions of the film, AVATAR fans will get an all-new extended cut of the film and hours of never-before seen material including over 45 minutes of amazing deleted scenes!
SYNOPSIS: Oscar and Golden Globe winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.6 billion in worldwide box office. Director James Cameron takes audiences to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. AVATAR delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story.
FILM REVIEW: Col.
Quaritch: You are not in Kansas anymore. You are on Pandora, ladies and gentleman.
This is not just a movie, it’s an experience! I had been claiming Star Trek as the best movie of this year but now it has a serious challenger. You know that feeling you get after
watching a movie and thinking to yourself, “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before!” Just like after seeing the Matrix for the first time. Well this one gave me that same feeling. This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Just the visual aspect alone makes it very much worthwhile so everything else is a bonus. And believe me, there is plenty more than just visual stimulation. There is action, adventure, mystery, love, courage, determination, pride, helplessness, and hope just to name a few. The story takes place in the year 2154 if I’m not mistaken so the high tech gadgetry is mind boggling on its own. The setting is extremely futuristic and yet primitive at the same time. There is an interesting balance between the two. As I watched this movie for reviewing purposes, it was extremely difficult for me to take my eyes off the screen to take any notes because it is that riveting. The visual aspects of this movie are mesmerizing. Seeing it in 3D is a must because you really feel like you are in this incredible world called Pandora. The usage of 3D is not blatant, abused, or corny but instead it is taken advantage of for its power to wrap you up and take you into the movie. I also claimed that if for nothing else Speed Racer should be commended for its use of color and visual excellence. Avatar tops it by far. From the beautiful eyes of the indigenous beings of Pandora to the various creatures and different landscapes, everything is simply breathtaking. The special effects used for this movie are truly top notch.
So does this film stand up to the hype? You better believe it. James Cameron has done it again. Is it the next Titanic? Probably not, but in my opinion, it’s just as good only different. This is an epic movie that does have some similarities with such films as Last Samurai and District 9. This is not necessarily a bad thing. What helps give the movie depth is the people of this planet and the mystique that surrounds them. The cast that was assembled to present this story is decent and their respective performances are decent too, but nothing out of this world (pun intended). The performance I enjoyed the most was delivered by Zoe Saldana as
Neytiri. She really brought that character to life. Is it coincidence that she was in Star Trek as well? Hmmm, interesting. Considering the unreal setting, the characters are actually very down to earth, or down to Pandora, and you easily become attached to them. The story itself is not exactly fresh but it is still effective. You might find yourself rooting for the underdog. This film also makes a strong socio-political statement but let’s not get all controversial now so we will just leave it at that. If you have read my reviews in the past you know that I tend to score high because I like to give every movie the benefit of the doubt plus I am a fan of movies more than a critic of them. If I give a 3 or lower the movie is not that good. But when I give a 5 star rating, you can be sure that the movie is good, great even. Go see this one and let me know if you agree with me. I highly recommend the 3D version. Enjoy the ride!
Film
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
BLU-RAY: The film is
presented in 1080P widescreen in a 1.78:1 aspect ration
preserving its theatrical format. The picture is just
flawless, with a high definition bringing to perfection the colorful
world of Pandora. It is not the same as watching it in 3D, but
it is just as good as it gets. Not only the picture looks great in this release,
also the sound it is outstanding, a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that provides an
optimal complement to the beautiful picture. Very impressive
sound, I have to say the best 5.1 sound that I have experienced.
Fox Home Entertainment and James Cameron has done it again with this release taking
care of every single detail.
The three-disc AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Extended Collector’s Edition DVD will both feature the original theatrical release, a special edition re-release, family audio track with all objectionable language removed and new collector’s extended cut with sixteen more minutes including an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene. Viewers will journey to the depths of Pandora with filmmakers during “Capturing Avatar“ an in-depth feature length documentary covering the 16 year filmmaker journey including all new interviews with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew exploring James Cameron’s unique vision for the film seen by more than 310 million people worldwide.
VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) Enhanced for 16 x
9 Televisions
AUDIO:
5.1
DTS-HD ES, English French
5.1 Dolby Spanish 5:1 Dolby French 5.1
Subtitles - English, Spanish
BONUS FEATURES:
Original Theatrical Version
Special Edition Re-release
Collector’s Extended Cut 16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening
Original Theatrical Version
Special Edition Re-release
Collector’s Extended Cut
“Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew
Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes
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