The biggest blockbuster of all time – not counting for inflation, goosed 3-D ticket prices or other variables way over my head – comes to DVD and Blu-ray this week.
James Cameron’s “Avatar” will be released April 22 – Earth Day – and it will likely rake in a few more million bucks.
That’s a very safe bet.
What’s less sure is how the film will play on your flat screen TV.
“Avatar” was the first – and only film – that proved the worth of 3-D technology to this jaded critic’s eyes.
But epic movies don’t always work as intended on smaller screens. And that may be doubly true when you remove the 3-D element.
WWTW will be re-watching “Avatar” and posting a fresh review shortly of the Blu-ray, 2-D version. My guess is that Cameron’s crisp action sequences will remain enthralling, even if some of the visual splendor is cut down by a single dimension.
(Photo: Will the fictional world of the Na’vi look as majestic when robbed of a dimension?)
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I prefer my left-prop movies on DVD.
Fast forward is your friend.
I’ve seen plenty of the “Avatar” highlights on my 2-D conventional television. My thoughts? An overrated, overly expensive video game, bereft of a single feeling or thought; all the while using CGI as some kind of penile extension as means to overcompensate for lack of imaginative girth.
I know, tell me again, I haven’t seen it – please allow me to say why. Not one tidbit enthralls me, or sends that cold shiver up my back, the way Kathryn Bigelow did when Jeremy Renner slowly pulled those pipe bombs out of the sand. Not one.
I’ve still yet to see a big-screen feature in 3D. I just never once in my life watched a film and thought, “Wow, if only that were in 3D!” For one thing, it’s already 3D in the sense that we can make out the dimensions of the image. Why should I screw with some silly glasses just to simulate some theme park ride? I don’t even want to sample it, honestly.
Didn’t see it in the theater and have no plans to see it on video, 3D or not. If I want to be preached to I’ll go to church and if I want propaganda I’ll just look at what the current administration spewing out.
In regards to 3D, I’ve only seen one of the recent crop of films in 3D, for me it wasn’t worth the expense.
To me, the fun – and novelty – of watching a 3D film evaporates after the first 20 min.
And I’m fortunate enough to attend free screenings, so the whole ‘extra charge’ part of the equation doesn’t impact me at the moment. That, I think, would stick in my craw.
Watched it in 3D and was wholly underwhelmed. Didn’t like the story, hated the political message, and after 10 minutes, the 3D was not worth the extra 2.50 (here in Casper, WY). The novelty of the extra dimension is not worth the splitting headache I have found I get halfway through the movie.
Starting to hear about health effects associated with 3-D viewing, Dustin. And a small percentage of the population have eye conditions which prevent them from enjoying the experience.
Sound,color, and hi-def were revolutionary, 3d is just a gimmick no different than smello-vision.
I think the people who loved Avatar in the theater are going to buy the dvd just like any other film.
The only type of 3d that would be revolutionary would be like a holodeck experience, (which is impossible) or a system that would allow you to project a 3d holographic movie,tv show or sporting event in your livingroom and you could control the viewing angle in real time.
If anything is remotely possible that’d be it.