Tech News
Reviewed by Cas Harlow, 6th May 2010.
James Camerons latest effects-laden beast is currently pummelling its way through the Box Office for the second time, and this is the first of the two known home cinema releases due this year. It is a marvellous, visionary effort, literally picking you up and dropping you off on a whole new planet. Sure the story is hackneyed, the dialogue clichéd, and the characters encompass just about every stereotype in the book (the cast trying their best with paper-thin roles that are occasionally, and pretty ironically, quite one-dimensional), but the visuals particularly in 3D go a long way to keeping you enthralled and entertained nonetheless. However, the cheap shot at the USs warmongering tactics is thinly veiled, and ultimately this is a production that will never stand up alongside the likes of Camerons Aliens or Terminator 2, except in one respect: effects. The sci-fi blockbuster Director has once again pushed the boundaries with his use of technology, and the 3D novelty of Avatar (literally) adds a whole new dimension to the movie, and frankly makes it much more watchable.
Personally, I hope that 3D and overuse of CG remains prevalent in certain genres, and is relegated to just massive blockbusters, because in an old fashion kind of way I like the idea of the classic filming style enduring on (and, really, are we all going to sit around watching movies at home with 3D glasses on?). Similarly I hope that CG versions of actors do not become commonplace, at least not for another decade or so. In reality, though, the success of Avatar may really change everything old films, new films, they could all become 3Dd eventually, and we could find a whole extra dimension added to our film-viewing pleasure. Watch this space (as it gradually reaches out of the screen and touches your nose).
With its first Blu-ray release (Region Free in the UK) what fans basically have is a beta-copy of the movie to play with, with perfect video and excellent audio, but no extras. And still only in 2D. In my opinion it is thus an unfinished work. Considering the ground-breaking popularity of the movie Im not surprised that this has already been a record-breaking release, but personally I think fans are being a little duped. A superior (although again, no doubt, not ultimate edition) version of the movie is due in November, reported as being a 4-disc box set, potentially with a 3D option, and perhaps even coming as an extended cut. And fans will be compelled to upgrade. And, if that is not in 3D, there will be an upgrade again further down the line. Youve heard of double-dipping, well Avatar may even beat LOTR in terms of dipping (it has the potential: 2D, 2D 4-disc edition, 3D theatrical cut, 3D Directors Cut 4-disc edition). So Id suggest waiting. But since I know few will be unable to wait, and since the title is actually quite reasonably priced because of internal market price-wars, this release still gets a recommendation. And it makes one hell of a High Def showroom title. It may not be the awesome spectacle that is Avatar in 3D but it is a very enjoyable other-worldly experience nonetheless, and is probably the best-looking title that has ever been released.
Read the full review...
James Camerons latest effects-laden beast is currently pummelling its way through the Box Office for the second time, and this is the first of the two known home cinema releases due this year. It is a marvellous, visionary effort, literally picking you up and dropping you off on a whole new planet. Sure the story is hackneyed, the dialogue clichéd, and the characters encompass just about every stereotype in the book (the cast trying their best with paper-thin roles that are occasionally, and pretty ironically, quite one-dimensional), but the visuals particularly in 3D go a long way to keeping you enthralled and entertained nonetheless. However, the cheap shot at the USs warmongering tactics is thinly veiled, and ultimately this is a production that will never stand up alongside the likes of Camerons Aliens or Terminator 2, except in one respect: effects. The sci-fi blockbuster Director has once again pushed the boundaries with his use of technology, and the 3D novelty of Avatar (literally) adds a whole new dimension to the movie, and frankly makes it much more watchable.
Personally, I hope that 3D and overuse of CG remains prevalent in certain genres, and is relegated to just massive blockbusters, because in an old fashion kind of way I like the idea of the classic filming style enduring on (and, really, are we all going to sit around watching movies at home with 3D glasses on?). Similarly I hope that CG versions of actors do not become commonplace, at least not for another decade or so. In reality, though, the success of Avatar may really change everything old films, new films, they could all become 3Dd eventually, and we could find a whole extra dimension added to our film-viewing pleasure. Watch this space (as it gradually reaches out of the screen and touches your nose).
With its first Blu-ray release (Region Free in the UK) what fans basically have is a beta-copy of the movie to play with, with perfect video and excellent audio, but no extras. And still only in 2D. In my opinion it is thus an unfinished work. Considering the ground-breaking popularity of the movie Im not surprised that this has already been a record-breaking release, but personally I think fans are being a little duped. A superior (although again, no doubt, not ultimate edition) version of the movie is due in November, reported as being a 4-disc box set, potentially with a 3D option, and perhaps even coming as an extended cut. And fans will be compelled to upgrade. And, if that is not in 3D, there will be an upgrade again further down the line. Youve heard of double-dipping, well Avatar may even beat LOTR in terms of dipping (it has the potential: 2D, 2D 4-disc edition, 3D theatrical cut, 3D Directors Cut 4-disc edition). So Id suggest waiting. But since I know few will be unable to wait, and since the title is actually quite reasonably priced because of internal market price-wars, this release still gets a recommendation. And it makes one hell of a High Def showroom title. It may not be the awesome spectacle that is Avatar in 3D but it is a very enjoyable other-worldly experience nonetheless, and is probably the best-looking title that has ever been released.
Read the full review...