In the interviews given to promote Avatar, which opens in theaters today, James Cameron has already given a few tips on the Blu-ray of his latest movie epic. The filmmaker said that the BD will include over ten minutes of deleted scenes, and also that the initial Blu-ray release of 'Avatar' "probably won't be in 3-D", and there will be another edition with 3-D support in late 2010.
Cameron told MTV that the discarded footage gave added background on the native Na'vi people of Pandora. "It's all wonderful stuff, but it was sort of bogging down the middle section of the movie," Cameron said. "So there's plenty for a value-added DVD experience on this film. Of course, we'll have to go punch it all up and get it all mixed and stuff like that." There is also a trial ritual where, to become one of the clan, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) must hunt a local beast.
With regard to whether the Blu-ray release would include 3-D or not, Cameron said: "Probably the initial Blu-ray release of Avatar won't be in 3-D and then a subsequent release will be in 3-D. That's my guess right now. So we will probably put out a disk, you know, in six or eight months, let's call it six months, and then after that we will have a 3-D disc when there are enough sets available."
This will mean that, when released, that BD will utilize the Blu-ray 3D specification (see blu-ray.com, December 17).
Cameron is highly enthusiastic about 3-D, in theaters and at home, as you can see in this interview he gave for Attack of the Show:
wonka, most likely it will. It sounds like a win for both sides. People who want 2-D will get their copy while the rest of us can get the far superior 3-D version (as the movie is meant to be seen) somewhere down the road. Hooray for everyone!
Since the 3D version will have a 2D option anyway I will definutly be waiting for the 3D release. With the spec finalized and hardware coming as early as the spring I don't see why its initial Blu-Ray release can't be in 3D. The only reason would be to make some money double dipping.
1) Since the extra footage was "sort of bogging down the middle section of the movie", I hope the BD includes both versions.
2) I expect the 3D version may be more expensive, and only time will tell if the new 3D BD's are really compatible with older players (Maybe the mods should go ahead and set up a "My player won't play 3D movies" section).
Good information and love when the consumer is given product information in advance so they can make a product decision that works for them, instead of the moronic "double-dip" revenue game.
I look forward to the regular old Blu-ray, as switching to 3-D will entail getting a new stand-alone 3-D Blu-ray player and 3-D HD display. That will be a ways down the road. Look forward to seeing the 3-D in the theater, but will get the first release instead of waiting for the 3-D version.
Wallendo 3D version WILL be compatible with all previous Blu-Ray players. Just in 2D only for all current standalones and half resolution 3D for the Playstation 3. Its part of the spec. Its a given.
The 3D version being more expensive however is a very likely possibility.
Awesome! I am going to get the 2D version for sure. Screw 3-D!
Generally speaking: Won't there be any contrast\brightness issues with the 2D version on a 3-D disc, since 3-D has to be brighter?
"Wallendo 3D version WILL be compatible with all previous Blu-Ray players. Just in 2D only for all current standalones and half resolution 3D for the Playstation 3. Its part of the spec. Its a given.
The 3D version being more expensive however is a very likely possibility."
Since many current players have trouble with current BD's, I suspect that many players will need a firmware update, and a number of discontinued players will never get an update. The fact that this is "part of the spec" means it SHOULD work, not that it WILL work.
I plan to eventually go 3-D, but until I know that my players can reliably play the disks, will stick with 2-D versions.
I'll stick to the regular Blu. I foresee the 3-D tech dying from lack of consumer support. It's just too early to put out a new format that will require new setups this close to Blu being introduced.
I saw this film yesterday morning, and all I can say is skip the 3D and just see it in digital 2D. I personally don't find 3D films all that engrossing. Actually, I kind of find it gimicky. Also, the glasses seem to mute the colors a bit. I'll stick with the 2D version, but it is sort of sad they are already planning to double dip.
I'm actually excited to see Avatar, and I can't wait to see what Cameron does with the 3D Blu-ray edition. I'm definitely waiting for the 3D version of Avatar.
how is it a double dip when they are telling you the 3D version is coming out later? if you want the 3D version then just wait until the 3D version comes out and don't buy the 2D version and there will be no double dip for you.
Whats the point in giving a format that majority wont enjoy ? I would say that this is the right move. IMO, the beautiful Pandora and the gorgeous 3D are the only 2 things made this movie worth watching and I dont want to spoil that now by watching it in the ridiculous Red and Green glasses !
scorpion83 Cameron would never release Avatar in red/blue anaglaph. He has condemned anaglyph home video releases as "stunting 3Ds growth" something I 100% agree with. Avatars 3D release will be in full color 1080p video not anaglyph.
So if someone says they don't like 3-D they get voted down what just because? That's childish. I hate 3-D seriously hate it with a passion and hope to God that it just goes away. But I am one of those people who get seriously sick when I watch 3D movies and I can't trade getting sick for seeing something pop out at me. I think it's funny how on a Blu Ray fan site people are already trashing the existing format as "bad enough" because something newer is on the way. Well I guess there will always be those people.
I won't be watching this in theaters though, don't have the time or the money right now but I will check it out when the Blu Ray release comes out. I also think it is wise to not jump on 3D right away give it time to see how the market reacts, sure people are excited now but the Tv sets haven't even come out yet and it's way too early to tell how even they will do. It's stupid to be pushing a new TV type now when HD is still a long ways away from being standard.
Then I guess I'm waiting until late 2010. It's not that everything I watch has to be in 3D, but I love the option to watch it in 3D - I already have a 3D capable display. Besides, I can always watch it in 2D if I'm not in the mood to watch it in 3D or have someone over who's not a fan of 3D.
To the above people who are saying that 3D is inferior & they hate it, WATCH THE MOVIE! There is no way that after seeing Avatar you can tell me that 3D is inferior! This movie blows away any 2D movie in existence. If 3D is done right on home players it's here to stay.
By the way, did James Cameron happened to mentioned anything about the Blu-ray releases of The Abyss, and True Lies, while discussing plans for Avatar BD?
3D is a gimmick. Always has been. Always will be. I've never see a good movie in 3D that I didn't enjoy as much or more in 2D. In fact, with the surcharge theaters are tacking on to 3D movie ticket prices, I've started passing them by and going to see the film in a theater showing the flat version. Looking forward to "Avatar" on BD (assuming I like the film once I see it). Flat, 2D BD. And that'll be that.
Just saw it. Visually stunning, yes. Content wise, every CLICHE in the book and then some. Won't take you long at all to know exactly what's going to happen. It's worth seeing for sure, just don't expect ANYTHING new beyond the visuals.
Saw this last night at the midnight showing in digital 3D, it was my first 3D experience with the newer technology and it was awesome! I enjoyed it so much I want to watch it again on IMAX 3D. I'll be picking the 3D version for sure.
If you haven't watched any 3D movies or even if you have I highly recommend this one the story is good but nothing new and the visual are sweet. You really feel you're on another world the attention to detail is very impressive.
I can't believe how quickly people are jumping on the bandwagon for 3D. In theaters is one thing, but it seems unnecessary to have it at home. Only about 1 or 2 of 10 movies released would benefit from being in 3D anyway. I'll wait until I can see the effects for myself before deciding if this is a worthy investment.
It just isn't worth spending (probably) $2K on a new TV and whatever else on new players and cables just to watch a handful of lacklustre movies in 3-D.
Can't Cameron tell us a story in 2 hours ?? Nope... another few more mins to add to bring it up to 170+. Why doesn't he bring out his full Dances With Smurfs 4 hour cut like Costner did ?? Or is that in the Ultimate Directors Vision Cut ??
Being from FOX - its bound to be region locked down with the biggest padlock to ensure that you can't do anything with the disc except give them money
Saw this last night at the midnight showing in digital 3D, it was my first 3D experience with the newer technology and it was awesome! I enjoyed it so much I want to watch it again on IMAX 3D. I'll be picking the 3D version for sure.
If you haven't watched any 3D movies or even if you have I highly recommend this one the story is good but nothing new and the visual are sweet. You really feel you're on another world the attention to detail is very impressive.
I'm not gonna get into the have 3-D or not have3- D discussion, but after seeing the movie last night on an IMax screen. The movie was just revolutionary, it was just amazing, after awhile you forget you wearing the glasses and just get into the movie. This without a doubt is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
Just got back from seeing the Avatar I have to say it is very well done - a special effects feast for sure. Didn't do the 3D version those 3D glasses and my glasses don't get along. I would also have to say that it is typical Hollywood movie very much a combination of Pocahontas, Fern Gully, and every other evil corporations/man against the environment movie.
I will definitely be buying this one when it comes out on Blu-ray.
I don't think mine or many other viewers TVs will be 3d compatible so a 2D release is expected and is perfectly fine with me. Yes I would love to watch this film in 3d in my home, but I'm not going to buy a new TV just for one or two films. I'm glad 3D releases are required to include the 2d versions though, but again, we all know the 2d/3d combo packs will be overpriced. I'm glad I have a choice to opt out of the 3d version, especially if it's cheaper for me personally.
I know many people who have jumped on the HD bandwagon in just the last year. None of them are going to overhaul their home entertainment room just for a few select films. I'm quite happy with my current 1080p TV. I really have no plans on replacing it for at least 3 years. Even then prices are going to have to go down on the TV's if they want home 3D to catch on. It may just end up a niche market.
Watched this in 3D two nights ago here in the Philippines and WOW is the only word to describe it. I LOVBED every minute of it. It is the most stunningly beautiful world I have ever seen, pfull stop. The aquamarines, blues and purples simply shined in every scene. And what about the audio, fantastic. Day 1 purchase for me. Question are front projectors like the Epsom 8100/ 8500 and the Panasonic 4000 fully 3D compatible? If anyone has a definitive answer please let me know. Thanks
I personally have no interest in 3-D blus or players or TVs. Not my cup of tea. I hope we don't see a future where all releases are in 3D. That would be terrible.
Is it really a big deal to "double dip' as they call it? Honestly a movie comes out new it's like what $20.00, then in oh a year or so it comes out again in new packaging with some new feature, but this time it's only $15, so you buy the new version if you feel the need, then you sell the old one to a pawn shop, you made your money back no harm done and some under paid movie fan cab buy the used copy you sold to the pawn shop, and the movie studio gets more sales to oh I don't know stay in business and keep making movies. Seams to me like it is just a win-win for everyone but people complain anyways.
why is everybody jumping on the 3-D homevideo waggon. When players and TV sets has to be bought again. Those who say i will buy the 3 D version. Do you got a 3 D set??
If you don't why so exited over this
A lot of what's being said here is very telling about the film. No film should NEED a gimmick like 3-D to be successful. Sure it can be *enhanced* by 3-D but how the film *looks* should be the be-all-and-end-all. There are folks here who aren't even going to consider the movie in 2-D. That makes Avatar a very disappointing movie IMHO. I'm seeing it on Monday. My expectations aren't high.
Avatar really needs to have 3-D. It's like The Wizard of Oz without color if Avatar isn't in 3-D. Color like in Wizard of Oz used to be a "gimmick". Stereo sound used to be a "gimmick". Subwoofers and bass used to be "gimmicks". Digital Surround Sound used to be a "gimmick". Photos moving in syndication against a screen was once a "gimmick". The Wizard of Oz relies heavily on its "gimmick", so I guess it is a failure of a film.
I don't consider them "gimmicks", I consider them the future.
And why would post something like that on a Blu-ray website. HD is basically the enhancement in the same way 3-D is enhancement. You can look at a movie in 2D the same way you can view a film in SD instead of HD.
Dances with smurfs was my idea cameron! you cant just take dances with smurfs and call it something else! smurf berries are more powerful than that stupid mineral you replaced them with anyway.Papa Smurf is gonna kick your ass!
HD is a completely different enhancement to 3-D and to draw comparisons between 3-D/HD and 2-D/SD is completely ridiculous. HD is a legitimate method of optimising what's there on the film print, or digital master. 3-D is an entirely artificial process, hence the need for glasses. You don't need special eyewear for HD, nor special headsets for surround sound. 3-D is an unnatural way to watch movies. When they figure out a way of getting it to work without glasses then give me a call.
jasonicus he is tell you that the 3D version is coming out later, so if you want the 3D version don't buy the 2D version. then you won't be double dipping, if you do it's not his or the studios fault that you bought the 2D version when all you wanted was the 3D version and you knew it was coming out later.
in this case if a person don't have the self control to not buy the 2D version then it's their own fault.
i'm also not big on the whole 3D and will not upgraded my TV to be able to watch it at home. i find i enjoy the movie better in 2D than i do in 3D. i saw both Up and Monsters vs Aliens at the theater in digital 3D, but enjoyed both movies a whole lot more at home in 2D. i almost didn't buy M vs A when it came out on blu ray cause i didn't enjoy it at the theaters. i did end up buying it and liked it a whole lot better in 2D than i did at the theater.
Spymaster: i believe what is happening is people are seeing 3D as the next big thing like HD was when it came out. i don't think it has anything to do with avatar being bad and needing a gimmick to be successful (at least i hope not, i'm going to go see it at 1:30 today). it's like some people that says they refuse or can't watch movies is SD anymore. now we will see some people say i can't/refuse to watch movies in 2D anymore. heck there is already someone in these comments that said people who want 2-D will get their copy while the rest of us can get the far superior 3-D version....
Mmmm. Indeed soul embrace. It's like boys with toys. Always after the next big thing, even if the next big thing is a bit rubbish. One thing is certain, it looks like Avatar on BD is going to cost some people about $3,000! Well good luck to them! :-)
If it includes a hefty behind the scenes section, I'm sold. Avatar is too big not to have an equally big amount of "how they do it" to accompany it. The lack of 3D doesn't bother me. It just gives me a reason to see it in 3D in theaters.
Edit: phatrat1982: I like your point of view, and I also like to add that double dips usually improve on the original, like better picture and sound, more bonus features or, in plenty of our cases, just going from DVD to Blu-Ray. 3-D would probably fall under better picture, but if I like the movie, I'll just just get the regular Blu.
I'm as big of a hater of double-dipping as anyone but in this case I don't really think calling it double-dipping is justified.
To me a double dip is when a studio releases one version deliberately withholding content until later so they can sell it again. In this case, there is no market for home theater 3D since there really aren't any 3D-enabled TVs in the market so withholding a 3D version is justified.
Personally I can't see there being a real big market for home theater 3D for a few years. At least they will release this film in 2D in the meantime.
I agree. This definitely can't be called a double-dip.
Has anyone but me realized that the size of the screen reduces quite a bit when watching a movie in 3-D?
Why is this the case, and how small would this make our set-ups at home look?
Anyone?
I'll stick with the 2D version. I have no plans on upgrading to the 3D TV and Blu-ray player anytime soon. I just bought a new player and my old plasma still works great.
When is 3D going to go away. I dont care how "good" the 3D looks. It will always be a gimmick to me as long as you have to wear stupid glasses. I do not want my movies in 3D. Until they can get rid of wearing glasses to watch anything 3D I could care less about it. But I could care less about avatar anyway. So the point is moot for this film.
For those of you who prefer the 3D version, you're only fooling yourselves. You are not going to have the same viewing experience, of a standard, or an IMAX theatrical presentation at home, considering the exclusive commercial 3D technology, because the equipment needed, to replicate its video aspect, is not currently available on the home theater market, only commercial. That's what makes it unique, compared to home theater. So therefore a 2D High Definition viewing of any Blu-ray release, not just Avatar, will be appropriate, and sufficient for HDTV.
I just came back from the movie and it was awesome. And many of you are right. This movie is simply better in 3-D.. Because it relies less on the plot (which isn't that strong) but more of the complete experience.. BTW. At my theater we got some glasses.. Real Good ones.. Although they looked normal, they just tinted it a bit.. Why exactly can't one just take the image that's no projected on the big screen and put it on BD and give us such glasses. (BTW: They said: Real 3D on the Side)
I am usually not a big fan of 3D. Most productions of 3D film try to go all out and throw anything that is moving at you for a "unique" experience only leaving you cross-eyed halfway through the movie and wishing it was over. With that in mind, when I found out that Avatar, an almost 3 hour film, was going to be 3D for its entirety, I became rather hesitant to go. I ended up going to the Thursday midnight showing and was, too say the least, pleasantly surprised. Cameron's use of 3D was rather quite subtle. You weren't dodging arrows and shrapnel flying at you from the screen the whole movie. In fact, the 3D mainly just gave the audience three-dimensional depth perception of Pandora, in my opinion the most beautiful world ever created. Cameron has given me an appreciation for 3D, a format that I had long ago given up hope for. In the future, if I do decide to invest in a 3D home setup, it will be so that I can witness Pandora in its full potential of exquisite majesty.
I have just come back back from Avatar. This time I saw it in 2D (Last time in Imax 3-D). This movie works so much better in 3-D. In 2D the effects look pretty fake and soft. After all, it's not revolutionary, but rather evolutionary. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is going to blow this out of the water in 3-D, because the effects are even sharp in 2D.
I am quite convinced that Avatar is going to look better on BD 2D than in theaters in 2D. Blu-ray is simply sharper.
Has anyone else seen it in 2D? What was your impression?
i just got back from seeing it for the first time in 2D and loved it and the colors in the night scenes were amazing. i loved the story the look and the effects of Avatar. i thought everything looked great in the 2D version and to me the effects didn't look fake to me. it's definitely in the top 3 if not the number 1 spot of the best movies i've seen this year. when i walked out i was already ready to see it again. there is not too many movies that i've seen that made me want to see it again as soon as i walked out.
i have no plans to see this movie in 3D because my right eye has a little better vision than my left eye (both eyes are better than 20/20) so this throws off the 3D effect for me and i end up not enjoying the movie as much as i do the 2D version.
will definitely be buying the 2D version on Day 1....
The IMAX 3D Experience of this movie is out of this world! Word simply cannot be described! Will be getting both version of this movie. AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!!
James Cameron once again, REVOLUTIONIZED the industry!! TOO AWESOME!
2D version for me. I think with most setup's there wont be too much of a benefit with 3D. For it really to work you need a very dark room with a 60" or bigger set (projection). Will be a few years (2yrs at least) till I move into 3D and by then I will upgrade to the 3D version when I have the equipment. Still Pandora in 1080p with lossless sound will look and sound amazing.
2-D for me too. Even if I was to upgrade to 3-D I wouldn't even attempt to do so until the new TV technology had been run in for a couple of years. It's taken them THIS long to get plasma and LCD looking halfway decent. Who know what the new refresh rate is going to have on regular performance.
I wonder if the Blu-Ray releases will reflect the different ratios of the movie. Avatar in 3D is framed at 1.78 while the 2D showings are matted to 2.35. I wonder if the 2D Blu-Ray release will be 2.35 and the 3D version 1.78
Yes this movie it's beyond awesome on 3-D and I agree "DUUUUUUUUUUU...UDEE" review it's one of the best. The first 15 minutes of the movie in 3-D my first thought was "I want this technology on my home". This is a must see to anyone with 2 eyes.
Jimmy and Kevin, aaaaaaaaaaaah, I'm going nuts cuz I can't wait to see this movie now!
I'll be hitting up my local IMAX next week sometime. I'm holding off so I can catch a matinee (I'll be on vacation) and get decent seats. Glad to know that this movie lives up to the hype, especially in 3-D!
It's all the more reason why 3-D at home should succeed in the long term.
I say, in 6 months, release it on Bluray/combo, w/ a 2- D disc, featurettes on disc 2, and the movie in 3-D on 3rd disc..and jetision ANY idea for the totally worthless digital copy! Who wants 1- D on a standard pc drive? Makes about as much sense as a screen door in a submarine! AND, each case comes w/ 2 pairs of glasses to view it!
I appreciate the double dip heads up. At least that allows me to decide for myself which version I want. All releases should be like this if the studios want to double dip.
Let's see. Superior military force wants rare commodity found only on alien planet. Aliens residing on said planet are a peaceful people who just want to be left alone. Officer responsible for sorting it out sympathises with alien race and falls in love. Decides to take up arms against his own people to protect the aliens. Aliens are ultimately victorious.
Oh no, hang on, that was Star Trek: Insurrection.
Avatar: Okay effects. Can't say I was particularly impressed by the 3-D. Motion was somewhat blurred and even the human characters looked artificial somehow. I was nowhere near as "wowed" as I was by Beowulf a couple of years ago. Unforgivably predictable plot. Decent score by Horner. Gutted the second half of "War" is missing from the CD. Highlight of the whole thing!
This has NOT sold me on 3-D and I won't be falling over myself to purchase 3-D equipment.
My question is do i have to get a new "3d" tv? a new bluray player with this 3d support? if my current 42" 1080p 120hz tv i just bought 3 months ago cant support it then they can go eff themselves
i know PS3 has the firmware support thing so.. grrrr i wanna know how this works
why cant they just put them both on the same disc, im pretty sure both version would fit on one 50gb Blu-Ray, and just use the second disc for special features
I saw this in 3-D and 2.39:1 and I agree with the critcs and most bloggers, that this movie is a CLASSIC. The 3-D is used so well it puts you IN the film. Revolutionary!!
