James Cameron's "Avatar" Thread v.4

[Tacit Ronin]

You would be wrong. It was obviously a marketing ploy.

 

[Passdom]

The original Blu-Ray does have a higher bitrate IIRC, but the new Disc looks just as good regardless

 

[spider-neil]

The original Blu-Ray does have a higher bitrate IIRC, but the new Disc looks just as good regardless

Is worth holding onto the original theatrical cut?

 

[Passdom]

The new set also has the theatrical cut on it, so its up to you.

 

[Venomfan]

Just got the 3 disc DVD and was bummed to discover that they've split each edition up into two parts over two discs, as opposed to having each full version on its own disc and putting the special features on a fourth (what's a dvd take to print - a few pence or cents?).

this doesnt make sense to me with blurays. arent they supposed to have a million times more space on them then a regular dvd? how come they split dvd's and blurays up the same? from what i know about blurays you could fit like a whole season of a tv show on one bluray yet they use just as many disks as regular dvds

 

[Passdom]

this doesnt make sense to me with blurays. arent they supposed to have a million times more space on them then a regular dvd? how come they split dvd's and blurays up the same? from what i know about blurays you could fit like a whole season of a tv show on one bluray yet they use just as many disks as regular dvds

The movie is on one Blu-Ray disc. Its only the DVD that is split up

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

You would be wrong. It was obviously a marketing ploy.

Definately, see below for more.

The original Blu-Ray does have a higher bitrate IIRC, but the new Disc looks just as good regardless

IMO the picture on the extended edition of the movie was better than the bare bones BD, a lot better in fact, I noticed plenty of new things in the EE from scene's not extended simply because the picture was so good.

 

[Kane52630]

James Cameron Announces AVATAR: THE EXHIBITION; Set to Open Next June in Seattle
http://www.collider.com/2010/12/06/avatar-the-exhibition-james-cameron-seattle/
http://www.empsfm.org/press/index.asp?categoryID=183&ccID=302

James Cameron has made the biggest blockbuster movie of all time and, with two sequels already lined up, will continue to ride on its success for a long time. But what he has lined up next is better than the coolest memorabilia: Avatar: The Exhibition.is due to open on June 4, 2011 at Seattle’s Science Fiction Museum.

Organized by Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) in association with 20th Century Fox and director James Cameron’s production company Lightstorm Entertainment, the show will bring the imaginative world of Pandora to life. More details after the jump.

Sketches, artifacts, handmade models of the Na’vi characters, costumes and the AMP (Armored Mobility Platform) suit used in the combat scenes in the epic sci-fi film are among the many items that will go on display. Visitors will also have fun pretending they’re James Cameron, Sam Worthington or Zoe Saldana through the many interactive installations that feature 3D technology and motion capture.

James Cameron wants it to be an enlightening experience and explains how it’s an explorative ride through Pandora’s creation and culture and its groundbreaking technology:

“The exhibition is going to be a unique opportunity for people to learn more not only about how the film was made, but also experience Pandora in a much deeper way. Fans will be able to see in-person the workmanship behind the film, whether it’s how scenes are captured; or how a Na’vi costume was built first as a real world garment then produced digitally. It’ll create a tactical reality that’ll be a good companion to having seen the movie.”

Brooks Peck, Associate Curator at EMP|SFM, also said in a press release:

“We’re honored to work with James Cameron and debut Avatar: The Exhibition at our museum in Seattle. Avatar completely revolutionized filmmaking, advancing production technologies and processes, and forever changing how we watch movies. In the exhibition, we’ll bring to life the imagination of Avatar as well as the technological innovations Cameron mastered to capture the magic on-screen.”

Peck and Cameron explain the exhibition further:
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Given the commercial phenomenon that Avatar has been, I was actually expecting a tacky amusement park to pop up anytime soon, so I’m looking forward to (sort of) being in Cameron’s seat in Seattle.

Avatar: The Exhibition will run through September 3, 2012, before making its way to other arts and cultural institutions in the US and around the globe.

As we previously reported, parts 2 and 3 of the Avatar trilogy are lined up for December 2014 and 2015.

 

[Kane52630]

I found a snip it of "The Volume" skit featuring Devin Korman, seriously I think it might be the best thing on that disc

http://vimeo.com/17176521

 

[PreK]

this doesnt make sense to me with blurays. arent they supposed to have a million times more space on them then a regular dvd? how come they split dvd's and blurays up the same? from what i know about blurays you could fit like a whole season of a tv show on one bluray yet they use just as many disks as regular dvds

Disc space may be bigger, but the content gets bigger as well due to the higher definition. Those 4-DVD box sets could fit into a single Blu-Ray disc, but you'd just be watching standard definition video. Obviously you wouldn't want that. The higher the resolution, the more space it will have to take. Hence why you still see multi-disc Blu-Rays.

 

[zanos]

Pioneer developed a bluray disc with a 500 gb capacity 2 years ago. They should hit the market soon. I expect everything will be on 1 disc from now on.

 

[Passdom]

This is an interesting read that was linked to me yesterday

http://www.scribd.com/doc/46625174/...y-Psychedelics-Make-Avatar-More-Sophisticated

Its basically a 10 page article on the Deleted Dream Hunt scene from Avatar. Theres a lot of spiritual and shamanistic mumbo jumbo, but beyond that it makes for a good read on why the scene truly belongs in the movie and is almost vital to it (which I agree with)

It also brings up how the sequence is a direct allusion to Ayahuasca, which is:

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew made by indigenous South American cultures that contains the monoamineoxidase inhibiting vine of Banisteriopsis caapi and the dimethyltryptamine (DMT) containing Psychotria viridis leaves. When these two plants are combined together, they allow for potent entheogenic experiences to ensue for those who are brave enough to consume the often-nauseating drink. Ayahuasca has been used by indigenous cultures in the Amazon for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Ive read comments about how the sequence so closely parallels the real life experience that you would think that Cameron himself indulged in this kind of psychadelic experience in order to so closely transcribe it to film.

But beyond that, its almost uncanny how so much of the imagery and themes of the film, beyond even the deleted scene, so closely relate to the experiences and artistic interpretations of the hallucinogenic experience.

Like I said, a lot spiritual mumbo jumbo and what not, but its interesting to find out what seemingly was one of the foundational inspirations for Avatar.

 

[dark_b]

fxpodcast: Dr. Mark Sagar
http://www.fxguide.com/fxpodcasts/fxpodcast-dr-mark-sagar/

 

[CGHulk]

The Extended Cut picture quality is not that good, within the feature, but every time an extended scene is shown it's picture quality is amazing. It's a little off putting going back and forth to the theatrical footage because it's not as sharp. I put in the first Blu-ray release (prior t this extended release) on and it's just amazing. The detail you see in every scene, it blows away everything that has come before and so far after. By them not putting any extra features on that first standalone Blu-ray it looks as though they used up ever bit of the disc space for the best picture and sound quality ever on a Blu-ray. Now if only they could put the amazing picture quality of the extended scenes with the picture quality of the first release then you'd have a perfect video audio release of Avatar. Unless you think the theatrical release is perfect as it is then you already have the perfect presentation of the movie.

Oh in the Earth scene when you see Jake's brothers body in the over head shot of him in the card board box it's not Sam Worthington, they hadn't done the face replacement yet, it's some other persons laying there. Some of the lighting and the skin and the performances of the Navi and Avatars are superior for the most part in the extended footage, it's as if they have gotten better since they have rapped on Avatar, they are better now on these extended scenes.

 

[Kane52630]

How James Cameron Just Saved Pandora In Brazil

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/02/28/benzinga890532.DTL

James Cameron might have just saved a real-life Pandora on Friday, as a Brazilian judge ruled to save thousands of rainforest acres from one of the world's largest dam proposals.

After several environmental concerns, construction of the Belo Monte Dam was halted by a Brazilian judge on Friday. With plans on the dam being the third largest hydroelectric dam in the world, it was costing the Brazilian government approximately 15 billion dollars in construction costs. The first phase of the 11,000 mega-watt dam was intended to have been completed in 2015. Since the beginning of the project, the dam has caused much uproar from many environmental organizations, even being criticized by the Catholic Church.

As Brazil's population and economy grows, so does its need for a reliable source of electricity. Blackouts in the past have signified a growing energy problem in the country, which was supposed to have been solved with the construction of the Belo Monte Dam. Having been chosen to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, energy demands have been on the forefront of concerns in Brazil.

In the rainy months, the dam would have produced 11,000 megawatts of energy, equaling that of approximately seven coal plants. However, during the rainy months, production would have decreased to about 10% of that total. The famed 11,000 megawatt dam would, in actuality, only produce about 6,000 megawatts on average , annually. While this does create a much-needed clean energy source, the cost to construct it - 15 billion dollars - and the effect on the rainforest does not quite compare to the proposed energy benefits.

In court rulings on Friday, construction was halted and funds were immediately cut off from the project, as a Brazilian federal judge determined that environmental requirements previously set had not been met. These requirements were set in an effort to minimize the impact on the surrounding tropical rainforest and the people of the area. Avatar director, James Cameron, along with Sting and Sigourney Weaver, has become front-line protesters against the construction of the Belo Monte Dam by moving to the Amazonian rainforest to live among the indigenous people. Aside from adding his voice to the protests against the building of the dam, Cameron helps to bring global awareness to the cause, a real-life Avatar.

Halting construction on this project will most likely slow the acceleration of the Brazilian economy. The private companies involved, including Odebrecht, Camargo Correa, and Andrade Gutierrez. Alstom, Andritz, Voith Hydro, and Impsa will likely see negative effects in their earnings, depending on the length of the suspension and the size of this project in comparison to their overall profits.

 

[:eek:]

WHAT DID 20TH EXECS REALLY THINK OF AVATAR?

March 16, 2011 by admin · View Comments

http://www.studiobriefing.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/avatar-wallpaper-e1292965445660.jpgIt may have turned out to be 20th Century Fox’s most profitable film – what with gross revenue of $2.8 billion worldwide and counting — but studio executives were less than enthusiastic when they screened Avatar for the first time, according to director James Cameron. As reported by the London Independent, Cameron was asked about the studio reaction during an interview with James Murdoch, chairman and CEO of News Corp Europe and Asia, an admitted aficionado of sci-fi films. The director replied that one of the (unnamed) 20th executives asked him, “Is there any way … to reduce this tree-hugging hippy crap?” Cameron also continued to thump for 3D production, insisting that consumers will insist that big movie productions and TV sports specials be offered in 3D “because it is such an exciting and immersive experience.”

 

[Passdom]

That's not a surprise. At all.

I wouldn't be surprised if they were the reason why some of the more far-out elements of the film were stripped down since the movie never had any test screenings.

 

[BLACK-SPIDEY]

I found a snip it of "The Volume" skit featuring Devin Korman, seriously I think it might be the best thing on that disc

http://vimeo.com/17176521

the whole thing is friggin hilarious, everyone should really check that out.

 

[Kane52630]

Cameron and Pace Form New Venture for 3D Across All Platforms

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=76313

At the 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas today, James Cameron and Vince Pace will announce they have formed a new venture to accelerate 3D solutions across all entertainment platforms. Here is the full press release:

Legendary filmmaker and 3D visionary, James Cameron has teamed up with acclaimed cinematographer and fellow 3D pioneer, Vince Pace to form CAMERON - PACE Group (CPG), which seeks to accelerate worldwide growth of 3D across all entertainment platforms including features, episodic and live television, sports, advertising and consumer products, pioneering a new generation of camera systems, services and a variety of creative tools that are innovative, powerful and easier to embrace. Cameron and Pace unveiled the new company this morning during a press conference at the 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

CPG will build upon the strong foundation of PACE and the 3D technology to which its co-founders have individually and collectively contributed, such as the revolutionary FUSION 3D system. In combination, Cameron’s and Pace’s technologies, products and services have been responsible for $4.7 billion of box office receipts and have played an extensive role in 25 features, seven concert and music entertainment projects and 40 sports productions worldwide, including “Avatar,” “TRON: Legacy,” “Resident Evil: Afterlife” and “U2 3D.” This history puts CPG in a unique position to respond to the growing demand for high-quality 3D entertainment and to provide 3D technology innovations that serve studios, filmmakers, directors of photography, producers, networks, studios and broadcasters. The company plans to take full advantage of its position to drive innovations in technology and deliver products, services and creative tools in unprecedented ways.

In addition to making advanced technologies, tools and services available to the global entertainment community, CPG will serve as an industry advocate for 3D technologies, practices and creative tools that will help filmmakers and other content producers realize 3D’s full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling and live broadcast medium. It will also drive public advocacy by setting the "gold standard" for the public's perception of 3D, which will result in compelling, engaging and high quality 3D entertainment.

“Our goal is to banish all the perceived and actual barriers to entry that are currently holding back producers, studios and networks from embracing their 3D future,” said James Cameron, Co-Chairman of CAMERON – PACE Group. “We are dedicated to building a global brand that is synonymous with high quality 3D and spans multiple channels, from features to episodic television, and changes the boundaries of what is understood to be 3D material.”

“CPG’s mission is to step up industry-wide efforts to help filmmakers realize 3D’s full potential as a creative and powerful storytelling medium and accelerate the growth of the next generation of 3D solutions across all platforms,” said Vince Pace, Co-Chairman and CEO of CAMERON – PACE Group. “Through our expanded reach and new generation of 3D solutions, we will deliver a variety of creative tools including SLATE2SCREEN™ 3D production services, educational workshops for industry professionals in FUSION 3D and FUSION 3D Mobile Workflow Units that support end-to-end solutions for both the live and recorded production environments. CPG will deliver CAN DO solutions.”

CAMERON - PACE Group already has an extensive list of current and upcoming projects, including “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “The Three Musketeers,” “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” “Life of Pi,” and “47 Ronin.” For a more extensive list of CPG projects, as well as a comprehensive overview of CPG’s available products and services, please refer to, CameronPace.com.

 

[Kane52630]

I wasn't aware of some of the books they released like these

Avatar: Collector's Vault 3D & 2D

http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Collectors-Vault-Whitman-Publishing/dp/0857682040
http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Collectors-Vault-Whitman-Publishing/dp/0794832679

The Making of Avatar
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Avatar-Jody-Duncan/dp/0810997061/

The Art of Avatar: James Cameron's Epic Adventure
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Avatar-James-Camerons-Adventure/dp/0810982862/

 

[CGHulk]

I looked at the 3D book at Costco. It's crap!

 

[Kane52630]

yeah I can tell just based off of the glasses.
I bet this wasn't under Cameron's supervision when they released that book but hey at least they also got the 2D version.

 

[dark_b]

i saw a lot of images from the Making of book. fantastic art.

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

i saw a lot of images from the Making of book. fantastic art.

I own Art of Avatar, the Survival guide and the Making off, the three of them are really nice ( for a fan ).

 

[Kane52630]

Avatar: The Exhibition

http://www.empmuseum.org/exhibitions/index.asp?articleID=1550

Get a first-hand look inside the spectacular world of Pandora through AVATAR: The Exhibition organized by EMP and scheduled to open in Seattle on June 4, 2011. Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment, AVATAR: The Exhibition will feature authentic props and costumes, interactive displays, concept models, and sketches from the blockbuster film.

June 4, 2011 - September 3, 2012.

Exhibition Highlights:

Artifacts and props used in the film -- including the full size AMP (Armored Mobility Platform) suit.
Hand-made models of Na'vi characters and their wardrobes.
Dynamic interactives demonstrating motion capture and 3D technologies.
In depth looks into the creation of the world of Pandora, revealing the science of the universe, the creatures, the plants and origins of Na'vi culture.

Avatar ©2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

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