Avatar, and how it made me feel like a kid again.

**SteyrAUG** · 12-27-09, 19:39

Originally Posted by kwelz

Interesting observation Steyr. Most people, me included felt the CGI was the best we have ever seen with the pissible exception of the Na'Vi eyes.

If that was the blue people, they looked fake as hell. With Jurassic Park I thought I was looking at actual dinosaurs. With Avatar it looked like CGI animation.

**kwelz** · 12-27-09, 20:11

The only part I felt that way about was the eyes. Other than that, I must respectfully disagree.

**Mac5.56** · 12-27-09, 23:47

Just saw the 3d version today on a high quality screen. Kwelz I agree that it was a kick, absolutely amazing regarding the atmosphere they created, and the graphics were top notch.

But I agree a lot with Steyr too, in that the entire production was very cartoon like. Regardless of the leaps and bounds that CGI has made over the last ten years, it still has a tendency to look too glossy or "cartoon". I struggled with this the entire movie, and finally just had to embrace the fact that I was watching CGI, and get into the movie itself. The movie as great, but I have to say that it wasn't what it was hyped to be in regards to the CGI. It was groundbreaking, but I can't wait to see what happens in two years using the same techniques just with greater innovation. I think we're about that far off from seeing something that is completely in-distinguishable.

**KingsideRook** · 12-27-09, 23:59

Wife and I saw it in Imax 3D. Totally immersed in the movie, I actually caught my wife swatting at the 3D bugs that were buzzing around early on. This was the kind of movie where you're afraid to blink because you might miss a split second of something astounding. I really appreciated seeing the futuristic military hardware in action, James Cameron, for all his heavy-handed political message (and to keep the thread on topic, that's all I'll say), has the best eye for design when it comes to badass future gear. Think about everything we thought looked cool in Aliens, but oversized, fluid, and photorealistic, fighting "dragons".

I totally understand what SW-Shooter means by feeling like a kid again - I was downright gleeful, with fists clenched in anticipation while watching it. A couple times I had to remind myself that it was just a movie. I would say that if there's a speck of pure wonder left in a cynical guy like myself, then Avatar found it, and worked it overtime.

**scottd907** · 12-28-09, 11:02

Saw the movie last night... Must say it was or probably is one of the best movies iv seen in a long time. I think the story is better then the graphics. Humans taking what they want without thinking about the long or short term affects.

**Armati** · 12-28-09, 14:26

Cameron did it again. Revolutionary. He has once again set the standard.

His use of 3D was spot on. It was used to add depth and not as a B-movie shtick. The floating burning embers really made the battle seem real.

He has a good eye for taking existing technology and near future concepts, and projecting them into the future. The inside of the shuttle looked like a C-17. The aircraft borrowed from the UH-1 and AH-64. He even had a new take on the MOLLE concept. Of course, the GPMG was a well dressed M-60.

I don't think you will see 3D romantic comedies or serious dramas. But this is the future of block buster films. Can you imagine Saving Private Ryan in 3D?

If you have not seen this film yet you must see it in a proper 3D theater. IMO, do not see it in IMAX unless it is a proper IMAX sized screen (like the kind found in some science museums). Most retrofitted IMAX screens and RealD have to crop the top and bottom of the film to make it fit the screen. For most theaters you will want to find a RealD 3D XD screen. RealD 3D XD is a superior format on a full sized screen. They actually bring in a special screen for this format and retrofit the theater.

**kwelz** · 12-28-09, 23:00

I just read that Avatar has made 615 Million so far world wide. Even if the insane estimates of the budget are true then it has turned a profit in 2 weeks. Not bad at all.

**hayes** · 12-28-09, 23:27

I went with my colleagues on the company dime for a quarterly team building. I was very skeptical going in. As "escapist" entertainment and enjoying a flick, it was great when one can put aside the secondary messages.

I was also quite surprised to find myself attracted to giant blue females with tails...