Avatar 3-D

Yep, saw it in the IMAX 3D last night.  The most incredible movie experience I think I've ever had.  The 3D was like you were 'IN' the movie and not just looking at a screen.  You felt like you were in the cockpits of those planes, in the room with the people.  Just crazy.  The movie has a serious 'save the rainforest' feel to it which got a little annoying at times and some real weirdness to it too.  But just an incredible movie well worth paying the extra for IMAX 3D.  A few mild curse words and some almost national geographic type of partial topless I guess you could say?

Nice review--maybe I should force myself to go.

Balaine and Jackson saw it yesterday too and loved it.  Balaine would really like to see how they made the thing.

Is it better than Bugs Life at California Adventure?

Just read the perfect review for Avatar, and this dude said exactly what I was trying to say "It's an impossible but completely plausible and seductive world that invites your total immersion."

Definitely a good movie, and the 3D immerses you in the story.  I am looking forward to renting it so I can turn on the subtitles and find out what they were talking about...     

You went

REally?  Oh great... I thought this whole time it was going to be an easy movie to skip because the blue people looked pathetic.... Like an elongated smurf that had been run over by a combine.  Maybe I'll go see it now.

Planning to see it this week while we're in CA but hadn't decided whether 3D or not. Sounds like maybe we should find a theater that's showing it in 3D.

Great...that turns me off if you have to have subtitles to know what they were saying.  That is a funny description, Scott, as it exactly fits my perception of those things.  The previews looked so boring too. 

i'm telling you, i thought the previews looked completely ridiculous, but the movie will most likely amaze you.

Ya I have or had no desire to see this movie but I guess I'll take your advice and try and see it in 3D Imax. Maybe this weekend.

Going to see it again in IMAX tomorrow with Robie, Scott, Michelle and maybe Steven and Cindy.

If anyone else wants to meet us we are going to Bridgeport 10:40 showing.  You can join us for dinner b/f too.

Best part is, Robie is paying for everyone... so come on out.

Are you talking 10:40 P.M.??  I will long be in bed, otherwise I'd join you. We might join you for dinner though.  Where are you going?

i saw it, even though i wasn't that interested and i was blown away.  it was beautifully done, and made me think.

Yeah same question--10:40 pm.  how can you stay awake?  So Sean, you didn't see it in IMAX the first time?

where are you going to dinner at....

Just got back from it, liked it a lot. Really good movie. I give it an A-

The silly parts that I can't help but mention are:

- Rear view mirrors in those mechanical robots? are you serious? with all that high tech mumbo jumbo, you still have a rear view mirror?

- Surviving the 100 ft free-fall drop inside the robot without shattering his leg bones or worse

- Why does the robot fall over when the guy inside dies? Those things stand up even without a human being in them. Guess that was for affect, but kinda silly unnecessary

- Martial arts fight scene at the end was a little over done

- Didn't quite understand how those helicopters had bullet proof windows (when being shot at by the buff seargent dude) but were penetrated easily by an arrow? But the arrows were bouncing off of those windows earlier in the movie? confusing....

With all that said, still a great theater 3D experience and worth the $10 or whatever.

those robot-man things are pretty weird.  what if you had an itch in your eye?  would you smash yourself in the face?   i noticed the same thing with those rear-view mirrors.  that was a corny detail.

i kept wondering why the Na'Vi didnt just fly above those helicopters (at least the huge mother ship) and drop a huge boulder thru the blades.  that woulda ended that ship's life in a matter of seconds.

Or, if the argument is that the blades on those ships are made out of indestructible rare metal of some kind, then pick up the blades from a blown up helicopter, and drop the indestructible blade thru the indestructible blade, and then maybe there would be a time-warp continuum reversible black hole quasar.

Aunt Chaco, we haven't decided yet where to eat.  Most likely somewhere close to Bridgeport.  Any suggestions?  Taco Bell?  We'll call you when we know.

Scott made reservations at PF Changs for 7:15 and we are going to the MAC store before that if you want to come...  I get 40% off there.

Darn, I missed the MAC store.  I kept meaning to ask you about going again, Robie.  Let me know when you are going again in the next year. :)  Hope the night was fun.

Was it scary? Did you take Kylie aqnd Taylor with you?

i am going to take kylie and taylor and jodie and valorie to see it next week.

love the comments.  I saw the preview and turned to Dave to say "that looks so dumb."  and dave said he actually wanted to see it.  Well I'm really glad I did.  I saw it 4 days ago and still thinking about it.  Wish I could go back to Pandora for a few days.  ahhhhh.  The movie REALLY made you feel like you were there.  I turned to Dave at one point and said "I'm crying over a cartoon movie scene!"  haha

Yeah, I felt equally stupid that I was getting a little choked up over cartoon characters.

 I loved it!!!   I also got caught up in the movie and thought Pandora was real and I was there.

I think this movie is going to revolutionize the movie industry.

We saw it - took Michael and Gabriella and saw the 3D movie. Definitely enjoyed it, although I don't think it's on my best ever list. I am probably not visual enough to appreciate it.

yah, like i said earlier, i wouldnt place it as the greatest movie ever, but definitely the greatest entertainment movie i maybe have ever seen.  It is a long long movie, but I never onced looked at my watch.  The time flew, and for days now, I too have been thinking about that world, and how much I want to go back.

We saw it in California with most of the Larry/Cheryl Seversons - I was VERY surprised at how much I liked the movie. The previews made it look pretty ridiculous, but I was glad I went with the group, despite my reservations. We saw it in 3D too - totally worth a few extra dollars. 

Mom's seeing it in 3D on the IMAX right now.  I'm soooo jealous.  I'd actually watch that almost-3hr-movie again!  I miss Pandora. I want to go back.

I saw it twice in IMAX.  Can't get enough.

Well here is my review.  LOVED the 3-D and the feeling of "being there".  Awesome feelings when he jumps from the clift into the open space and the free fall into the water--being underwater with him was so real.  The tree part was amazing.  I would like to watch all of that again and I loved the story and all the emotions.  I like seeing the tech of the 3-D maps and the "transforming".  The long braids were fun but the tails would get in my way.  I didn't notice the rear-view mirrors but I TOTALLY agree with Jay on the last scene--c'mon and die.  I was getting so bored of that last fight--like a James Bond unrealistic.  My cons were way too much fighting and too violent for kids and by the end I was tired of sitting in the uncomfortable I-Max seats and the cold wind blowing on my face.  I am glad I went but wouldn't want to go again.  Now, "This is It" I can't get enough of. 

The seats in that IMAX were not very comfortable.  Compared to regular 3D, i'd almost say that the regular 3D was more brilliant, bold colors.

Watching it the 2nd time, things I noticed were the accuracy of the animated characters.  Things like the skin on the wings of the flying beasts vibrate as they fly.  The falling tree is one of my favorite parts.  Awesome.

Second time through I noticed that all the blue people have 4 fingers and toes.  Jake has 5 fingers and toes.  I doubt that's a mistake as it's pretty obvious, I just assume it's because his avatar had human DNA mixed in.

As far as the last guy dying, I didn't really get that feeling at all.  I mean I've seen some ridiculously long drawn out last bad guy won't die type of scenes and this didn't even compare.  I thought it was actually pretty cool.  I like how he climbs in the robot with his shirt on fire, thought that was a nice little touch.  The jump down out of the ship was a little over the top but not the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.  I could live with it. 

I thought the imax seats were also uncomfortable b/c you didn't have as much leg room and couldn't put your foot up on the chair in front of you.

the reason they are uncomfortable is because the seats are so dang short.  they are almost on the floor, so ur knees are up in your face.  they do that so they can stack more rows in the stadium style seating. 

I thought the same thing about the tree falling, it's one of the best parts.  The ending was decent with how the villain died.  I thought it was relatively quick given the history of Hollywood.

i was really quite disappointed in Blind Side.  It was so Disney-ified I nearly couldn't take it anymore.  And that was on top of the fact that I severely dislike Sandra Bullock, but I set that aside so I could watch it.

Loved all the dirt in the air when the tree was falling.

what on earth are you guys talking about "imax seats" ? Last i checked imax doesnt have anything to do with seats, but the actual size of the screen? Maybe just your theater in particular has weird seats in their imax theater? Our imax theater had the same theater seats as the rest of the theater rooms, and plenty of leg room, and seats weren't lower to the floor for midgets or anything. Weird.

Yeah, nothing in the movie REALLY annoyed me, i was just pointing out what i thought was a bit silly. If anything really bothered me, i wouldnt have given it an A-

Ya, I agree on the seats.  Didn't seem any different than any other theater I've ever been in.  Same fold down arms with a cup holder etc.   However it was hotter than crap in there both times I went.  I guess they think because it's -20 degrees outside it should be 95 degrees inside to make you comfortable

One thing I really noticed the second time through that was a big oops for me was the last fight scene when the big gun or knife or whatever it was gets rammed through the windshield of the big robot walker thing.  As it stuck out of the windshield it was obvious it had big huge air gaps in the hole but it wasn't until the guy pulled the gun out of the windshield that cabin pressure was lost with the big whoosh noise.  I kind of chuckled.  Should have had the big whoosh noise as soon as the weapon went through the windshield. 

Jay they are not called midgets anymore...  it's little people or dwarfs.  I know b/c I watch the show and Sammy's primary teacher is a little person.

the seats in the IMAX theater at Irvine Spectrum are definitely different than the regular theater seats.  They are really low to the floor.  And when I tried to walk down the row to take the kid to the bathroom, it was super tight - more than a regular theater.

I loved the movie, and I am not a sci fi fan. The seats at IMAX Irvine are designed for those 6 feet and smaller. I could not get comfortable. Even Southwest Airlines has more leg room. It was long and a little too violent for the little toddies, but  the movie carries a good theme and even some comedy. The effects were absolutely amazing. Can't wait to get our 3D TV and be the first on the block to have one. I already have a call into Nate to send us two, in case the first one gets smashed.

Well, off to SF tomorrow on Jet Blue-love their seats you can buy with the added leg room!I would even pay for more room in a theater for the same!!

haha, hilarious Brad.  did Nate make your list for Christmas cards last year?

I do feel bad for Nate.  He had cancer twice maybe three times and then his wife left him for his brother.  Brad why don't you have one TV sent here so we can test it out for a couple years.  Our TV is gettng old...  we have had it 6 years with the same bulb and it's only suppose to last 3 years. 

Yes, the seats were uncomfortable as already stated--not our imagination--noticed the SECOND I sat down.  I even suggested half way through the movie Brad could stretch his legs out on my lap as I felt so sorry for him.  He didn't--but I suggested it. Arms with cupholders did fold up.  Sean, I could have used some of that heat.  My nose was cold and Jodie had her hood on. 

 Robie- good idea,  we will buy the first 3D TV out form Nate's store and have Sean pick it up. Then you can test it and drive it down to us along with Fella. I will pay 1/2 of the delivery cost for the TV and Geoff can pay the other 1/2 for the delivery of Fella. Don't forget to bring the 3 D glasses along.

The Irvine Spectrum IMAX seats are carbon copies of the Shark's stadium nose bleed seats.  You feel like you are going to fall over to the row below.  They must have designed them that way so that the footprint of the theater is a lot shorter front to back, and yet has rows of seats all the way to the top.  I saw Star Trek in there, and didn't like it much; don't think I'll go back for any movie.

I heard this morning that in 4 weeks it's brought in $1.2Billion beating out Lord of the Rings for the 2nd highest grossing film ever.  Top spot is still Titanic with $1.8Billion so I imagine it will beat it soon.

i cant believe i liked Titanic the first time I saw it.  I watched it a short while later, and it was super cheezy.

I thought Titanic was pretty good.  Leo is always a good actor.

I fell asleep in it but I fell asleep in Avatar.

I think I liked Titanic better than Avatar. But it's been a while since I've seen it. Lots of comments on this thread - I go away for a few days and I have 27 to read :-) Maybe I'll have to see them both again in a few years and then compare.

Going to Avatar again tonight for the 3rd time.

sheesh!!  I'm ready to wait for the small screen version.  I just watched "Taking Chance".  An outstanding true story film if you want to be reminded about the tragedy, sacrifice and price we pay for war.

I heard that the Chinese are now ready to promote a wireless TV set. In that case, cancel my order with Nate for the 3D set and make sure I get the new wireless version with 3D.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/11/avatar.movie.blues/index.html

Wow, did none of these movie goers realize that Pandora was full of vicious beasts?  How absurd.

Wow, that's a crazy article but I can totally agree.  I want to go back to Pandora.

ahaha, duh.  depression from that movie?  what a bunch of tards.  what James Cameron failed to show about life in Pandora was all the hard work that was involved in hunting animals, making your own loin cloths to cover ur butt, sleeping in the outdoors while getting bit by bugs all night, making your own meals from scratch 3 times a day, and on and on.   It's not all about running around half naked in the forest, frolicking amongst glowing plants, and flying around on multi-colored birds.

That is really sad to hear that people can get that upset and lose touch with reality.  They need to sit down and make a gratitude list. 

Well it's no secret that, especially in these difficult economic times, people are hungry for a way to escape reality.  I think that, as the ability to create alternate realities via film and internet grows, there will be a new group of "addicts" who escape their mundane, pointless lives by melding almost entirely into these alternate universes.  We already see the beginnings of this when we hear about people who have their kids taken away because the parents play video games 24x7.  When I left the movie, I thought it was cool and a new level of technology, but that was about it.

I think there are a few living under the Burnside bridge.  Young kids with backpacks and dogs that travel the rail system in search of Pandora.

ahahaha, good one.

I've seen it and I'm only 9

WOW, where are your parents???

Her father had already seen it and said it would be fine for Michael and Gabriella to watch. He's not on here to defend himself, so I can blame him :-) Actually, most of the story was fine, but there was a lot of language, especially at the beginning. He claims he didn't notice.

Geoff can't talk--he took Kylie and Tay. 

I'd rather they watch Avatar with some S-words in it, than watch Home & Garden shows where they say "OH MY G, OH MY G, OH MY G, It is so perfect!  OH MY G" over and over and over.  Yes, thank you.  I am right.

No kidding, lots of kids shows even say that.

Well Troy, it's nominated for 9 Oscars.  It couldn't have been that terrible.

I guess you can say the massive Zerg rush on the Terran is a successful strategy.  You get enough Hatches going and nothing can stop it. :)

I missed something... did Troy post and delete or something?

i heard rumor that Troy hated it.  I'd like to hear from him.  Personally, i thought it was a masterpiece in that it will change how 3D movies are done, from here on out.  Best story? Best acting? Most realistic?  No, but that wasn't the obvious value of the movie.  If you didn't see the miraculous 3D animation, the amazing creative genius in this beautiful new world, then I think you must have spilled your popcorn and had your head down the whole movie.

I know. That "oh my G gets really old on some of those shows.  I always thought how some of other religions would like it if we were always saying oh my buddha, etc.

We talked a lot about Avatar at the Sunday dinner, Scott, so I think that's what Sean is referring to.  Where were you Scotty??  

Ohh, makes sense.  I was at home Aunt Chaco.  I realized somewhat late that there was family dinner and I hadn't signed up for anything.  I was then too embarrassed to show up empty-handed.  Plus I was tired and didn't want to drive that far.  Regarding Avatar, I saw it a 2nd time with a friend and once it started I wondered why I made that choice.  I enjoyed some parts but I rarely like to see a movie twice.  I found myself hoping for it to end quickly.  Plus the glasses drive me crazy and a little nauseous.  Oh yea, I thought I noticed that Jake Sully had 5 fingers and the other blue men had 4... is that right?

Scott, no worries about showing up empty-handed, we had plenty. But I do understand being too tired for the drive.

On the movie, I liked seeing the effects and enjoyed watching. Agree that the story wasn't amazing, but it kept me entertained enough. I don't think I'll see it again, but I'm glad I saw it in 3-D.

Yes, above is just a continuation of a conversation from the family dinner. 

Sigourney was terrible in the movie I agree.  I thought Sam Worthington (Jake) was great.  I honestly had to look him up to see if he was really in a wheel chair.  Turns out he was the main actor in the latest Terminator movie too, which actually wasn't very good.  Many people thought that Zoe Saldana (Neytiri) got snubbed for an Oscar nomination.  I thought she was really good as well.  She spent a year training for the part and learning the Na'vi language.

Do they teach Na'vi in the MTC?

charlotte, ur comments are pretty accurate.  if you are more into a good solid story, then Avatar will be hit or miss.  I personally thought it was a fun sci-fi story, not the best not the worst.  Sigourney was lame.  She was seriously over-acting, just trying too hard.

i have to disagree that Up animation and art was anywhere near Avatar.  Up was very flat animation.  But i loved Up, it was a great movie.  That is actually the only other movie i've ever paid to see in 3-D.

The textures alone, in Avatar, were phenomenal.  Silky was silky, leafy was leafy, the skins of the various animals, best ever.

One of my favorite scenes is when he dives from the cliff and goes underwater.  Those effects were awesome.  I remember when Jurassic Park came out.  The most difficult thing to animate was water; making the dinosaur's face look wet.

took the kids to Alice in Wonderland this weekend.  So, first of all, we did NOT see it in 3-D, so maybe that makes a difference.

I'd give it a 6.  Animation was just "good".  Wouldn't say it was cutting edge, or fantastic.  Johnny Depp's part was just weird.  I didn't think he was awesome.  The previews made the show seem really creepy, like not for kids even.  Was a little hesitant to take the kids.  But, it was far from creepy.  Mostly just weird, with hard to understand dialogue.   Overall, kind of disappointed. 

Thanks for the review. Good to know that it probably isn't really creepy/scary. But it sounds like we won't be too sorry if we end up missing it.

We'll stick with the small screen and subtitles.

Ya it looks kind of creepy even for me, doesn't seem like a kids movie at all.

i cant wait for this to come out on blu-ray.  i'm pretty sure i'll love it even outside of 3-D.

ahhhhh I want to live on Pandora.

Sweet, didn't know that was Leona singing that.

me neither.  she's weird, but has some good songs.

the sequel for Avatar is apparently going to focus on the oceans of Pandora.  Much of the movie will take place underwater, with all new ocean life.   Sounds awesome to me.   Cameron told the LA Times, "and I'm going to be focusing on the ocean on Pandora, which will be equally rich and diverse and crazy and imaginative, but it just won't be a rain forest. I'm not saying we won't see what we've already seen; we'll see more of that as well."

Where did you read that?

Where did you read that?

i dont know, some link on yahoo yesterday.  anyway, if you want to buy/own Avatar, get it now.  Best Buy has it for $22 for the 2-disc combo (Blu-ray and regular).  Once the initial release is over, the price is probably going to shoot up to $36 or so.   The girls and I watched the first hour last night and it was surpringly awesome even on a home tv.  I thought it might be a let-down not having the 3-D, but man, on blu-ray it looks diiizzzzope.

The problem with bluray is I only have one bluray player.  Won't work on my laptop, RV, PC, upstairs or anywhere else.

thats why you get the 2-pack from best buy.  so you have both versions, can watch it evvvvvverywhere we go.

$16 at Walmart