AVATAR might of ruined photography

[CWILL]

Saw Avatar in 3D last night... After seeing the amazing scenery that was digital composed for the movie, I might not be able to persue photography. Unless someone knows how to get to Pandora?

:] best movie i've seen in years.

[gorgon2k]

wtf?

[JWright]

Saw Avatar in 3D last night... After seeing the amazing scenery that was digital composed for the movie, I might not be able to persue photography. Unless someone knows how to get to Pandora?

:] best movie i've seen in years.

Take away the CGI special effects and I'll bet it's nothing. Give me movies where the actors know how to act anytime.

[Nate P.]

Agreed, it was a GREAT movie!

[birdfromboat]

I think we are going to have to come up with a term for these animated movies. Pixar flick is one term I have heard, there has to be something that can help differentiate between real actors on real locations and created characters on computer generated sets.
Anything by Stanley kubrick= movie
who framed roger rabbit= cartoon

they are very different venues, they just happen to appear on the same screens.

[10megapixel]

I went a saw it at Imax 3-d as well....unbelievable :shock:

The most incredible thing I have ever seen on film, I might go back and watch it again this week.

[zachbreaux]

I only got to see it in 2D but it was enthralling to say the least.

[10megapixel]

The 3-D version is breathtaking, there were deserving cheers at the end from the entire audience ( I haven't been to a movie in quite a while where that happened) . My whole family walked out of the theater and we couldn't shut up about it all the way home :lol:

[msgsnapshot]

yes is was a great movie, I'm going back to see it in 3d

[SkyBaby]

Take away the CGI special effects and I'll bet it's nothing. Give me movies where the actors know how to act anytime.

+1

I haven't seen it and not planning on it. Glad you liked it tho. :)

[10megapixel]

+1

I haven't seen it and not planning on it. Glad you liked it tho. :)

I went in very skeptical as well, the previews didn't look all that great to me...plus, I'm almost 40 and I figured it was more of a teen kids flick like transformers or whatever ( My teenage son talked me into seeing it :lol: ). The acting was damn good IMO, and whole package was great, you will get lost in it....especially in 3D. This film is going to be the catalyst for an onslaught of 3D action films in the near future...that's a good thing if they even come close to Avatar.

[SOK]

Take away the CGI special effects and I'll bet it's nothing. Give me movies where the actors know how to act anytime.

Take away those sets behind the actors and I bet those movies are nothing.

Give me Shakespearean plays in candle lit theaters anytime.

:p;)

Haven't seen Avatar yet...and after much skepticism at the CGI I now can't wait to check it out. Haven't heard a bad thing about it yet...except from you John! :D

[20droger]

Having only one functional eye, I'll have to settle for 2D.

[CWILL]

Having only one functional eye, I'll have to settle for 2D.

MOVIE WAS AWESOME! SEE IT IN 3d! it uses REAL-D glasses which are not the same as old-fashion Blue+Red. You can see the 3D with only one eye! :]

This movie will win awards. Anything the director "James Cameron" touches becomes golden.

It took him 12 years to create this film.

[rammy]

Saw this movie on boxing day in 3D, first "real 3D" film and the effect was amazing. The only thing wrong with it (the 3D) is that stuttering with the quick pans, does your head in. The storyline was formulaic, the CG was superb, the motion capture, not that good. Still, a good movie.

[20droger]

MOVIE WAS AWESOME! SEE IT IN 3d! it uses REAL-D glasses which are not the same as old-fashion Blue+Red. You can see the 3D with only one eye! :]
How? 3D, by definition, requires two eyes. The third dimension is depth. No depth perception, no 3D.

[SuzyView]

Loved the movie, but 15 years of working on a project seems extreme to me. But I liked the whole 3-D thing myself.

[jdizzle]

I haven't seen it in 3D yet but, overall the movie was good!

[jdizzle]

Loved the movie, but 15 years of working on a project seems extreme to me. But I liked the whole 3-D thing myself.
Well, the reason it took this long to make was that the technology wasn't there to make this movie. I can see why he spent so much on the CGI. Well worth the wait imo. :)

[10megapixel]

How? 3D, by definition, requires two eyes. The third dimension is depth. No depth perception, no 3D.

Correct, and unfortunately you will not be able to experience the 3D version of the film. The good news is that the 2-D version is fantastic as well, and I have heard many say (That have seen both 2/3D ) that the 2-D versions color is much richer and made the film better as it is bursting with beautiful colors throughout ( The Pandora planet scenes will blow you away ) . For whatever reason, I guess the 3-D technology and polarized glasses take away from that.

[CWILL]

How? 3D, by definition, requires two eyes. The third dimension is depth. No depth perception, no 3D.

Your right that you need both eyes.. Your wrong when you say you need 2 eyes for depth. If you have no depth perception with one eye then a one eye driver couldnt tell when to stop for a stop light, or how to grab the milk out of the refridge..

Real D works by projecting slightly different images (two different 2D images are projected), which gives the illusion of depth.

This works because objects that are supposed to look like they are "near" are projected twice but a long way from one another, whereas objects that are supposed to look far away are projected twice but very close to one another.

If you only have one working eye, you will only see one of the two images - the same thing would happen to a fully-sighted person if they used two "right" lenses or two "left" lenses, so you could show somebody with two working eyes what it looked like to you by having them watch the film while holding two sets of glasses in front of their face, and watching it through two "left" or two "right" lenses.

Watching the film in this way, or with one eye closed, or with only one eye - as is your case - is like watching the film in 2D only (the "blurry" effect is a side-effect of you managing to see through the illusion and to see both images: this is what everybody sees when they don't have the glasses on at all).

Unfortunately, there's no current 3D film technology that can be experienced using only one eye.

so in the end, one eye people have depth perception, just cant see 3D flicks -- YET! --

[basroil]

Loved the movie, but 15 years of working on a project seems extreme to me. But I liked the whole 3-D thing myself.

Didn't actually take 15 years. People go on and on about the matrix being 7 years in the making... If that all was the case, some movies out there today are 30 years in the making or more. Matrix was shot in two years, Avatar about the same. WETA (fx company) had a pretty full list of things in the last few years, including a little known project that took up 250% of their computing power (yes, they expanded twice for it, and now they own a family of backbone connected server farms that would provide enough computing power to put it not only in the top supercomputer spot, but also the nine following spots)... That was called Lord of the Rings, but nobody remembers that trilogy ;) And lets not forget that Cameron was working on Battle Angel Anlita until about 4 years ago, when he postponed it due to a lack of technological ability to make the 3d characters he needed as real as he needed them to be.

He was more of dreaming about the project for 15 years... kind of like how many independent film makers with nearly 0 budgets dreamed about being able to get that studio look in their work... until the RED cameras came out, and now the 5dmkii.

Take away the CGI special effects and I'll bet it's nothing. Give me movies where the actors know how to act anytime.

Take away all special effects and it's still a great movie, with everything else it's one of the best movies of the decade. Ranks up there with District 9 in my books.

[FlyingPhotog]

Yeah, it's Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_perception) but the article explains that true "Depth Perception" stems from three catagories of input.

People without sight in both eyes can not receive binocular depth cues only relative size information.

[Lazuka]

I thought it looked like a CGI infested movie, but the acting was top notch and the 3d just sent it over the edge into absolutely incredible, go experience for yourself.

[FlyingPhotog]

I thought it looked like a CGI infested movie, but the acting was top notch and the 3d just sent it over the edge into absolutely incredible, go experience for yourself.

Based on what I saw on the HBO "making of," the bulk of the animated character "acting" was captured in real time as the performers did the scenes in studio.

[Lazuka]

I think the real question is, say if u had those glasses still from the show, would they be able to do that on a dvd or blu-ray? :P

[10megapixel]

I think the real question is, say if u had those glasses still from the show, would they be able to do that on a dvd or blu-ray? :P

I don't know, but I kept mine just in case :D

[bieber]

I think it's really quite telling that the only criticism I hear of the film are from people who haven't seen it, and assume that the acting/story will be crap and the entire appeal of the film derives from fantastic imagery. I assure you, it doesn't ;)

[DeVVitt]

+1

I haven't seen it and not planning on it. Glad you liked it tho. :)
+1 on that. I cannot believe (and my mind will NOT make up for that) that a movie about blue aliens is good. I just can't, I'm sorry :(

[SuzyView]

I returned my glasses due to not wanting one more thing in my house I don't use, but I'd be happy to get the DVD and see if it works on my screen. I need a bigger t.v. :)

[CWILL]

:[ im a 3d glass theif as well.

[10megapixel]

+1 on that. I cannot believe (and my mind will NOT make up for that) that a movie about blue aliens is good. I just can't, I'm sorry :(

I felt the same way about green alien movies...but then Star Wars and Yoda came along :lol:

[tonylong]

I felt the same way about green alien movies...but then Star Wars and Yoda came along :lol:

Yeah, but then the Ewoks came along and to me, well...not my cup of tea -- Ewok McBurger anyone:)?

[10megapixel]

Yeah, but then the Ewoks came along and to me, well...not my cup of tea -- Ewok McBurger anyone:)?

Hey now, easy on the Ewoks... your gonna piss off my inner nerd :lol:

[DeVVitt]

I felt the same way about green alien movies...but then Star Wars and Yoda came along :lol:
Well yeah..... But Yoda still offers something grumpy and looks like a cooked Gremlin, so that does compensate a bit doesn't it? :eek:

[Dean Rachwitz]

Your IMAX 3D glasses won't work on anything outside of IMAX 3D. There are several 3D technoligies out there, and they all require very specific combinations of source material, display equipment and 3D glasses.

[Todd Lambert]

Yeah, unfortunately, the glasses will not work outside of the theatre.

I saw this on Christmas Day and I went in with a very skeptical attitude about it. Within 3 or 4 min, it had me engaged and by then end, I was totally enthralled with it.

The 3D imagery was so beautiful and truly transported you to another place, even if for only a couple of hours.

I'd totally recommend everyone see it, especially in 3D. It's not a perfect movie, but even if they turned off the audio and removed the acting scenes, it would still be worth seeing - just for the eye candy alone.

[10megapixel]

The film has grossed 1 billion worldwide :shock:

From ERC boxoffice (http://www.ercboxoffice.com/index.php?section=news&subsection=show_news_details&news_id=235) :

"Avatar” has done the impossible--$1 billion ($670.3 million foreign, $352.1 million domestic) in just 21 days of release. With an additional $133.5 million in foreign territories and $68 million in North America this weekend, James Cameron’s epic has now crossed the hallowed $1 billion mark"

[Huskers69]

It took 17 days for Avatar to gross $1 billion, and is already the 4th highest grossing of all time, trailing only Titanic, Lord of The Rings: Return of the King, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Only 5 films have EVER grossed over $1 billion. This film was absolutely amazing IMO. Cameron has said that if Avatar was successful , 2 sequels are planned for it. I can't wait to see the next two. :)

[10megapixel]

It took 17 days for Avatar to gross $1 billion, and is already the 4th highest grossing of all time, trailing only Titanic, Lord of The Rings: Return of the King, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Only 5 films have EVER grossed over $1 billion. This film was absolutely amazing IMO. Cameron has said that if Avatar was successful , 2 sequels are planned for it. I can't wait to see the next two. :)


You would think that Star-Wars would be on that list as well.

[bieber]

You would think that Star-Wars would be on that list as well.

I dunno, maybe if we adjust the list for inflation? That was an awful long time ago...

[10megapixel]

True.

[jchargu3]

Speaking of 3d, could you imagine if TWISTER would have been done in 3d, that would have kicked sooo much.... fanny!

[asysin2leads]

I'm not a big fan of sci-fi. I think that massive amounts of CGI is better suited for cartoons/animated movies. I understand that a large amount of CGI goes into many movies now-a-days. Yes, I do like Star Wars, but that's because my sons like it and that gives us something to snuggle up on the couch with and watch. BTW, I like the majority of James Cameron's work.

[10megapixel]

Speaking of 3d, could you imagine if TWISTER would have been done in 3d, that would have kicked sooo much.... fanny!

It has completely changed the way I want to go and see action films. The kid film previews like "Shrek" and "Up" looked AMAZING as well in 3D. I wish the technology existed when my son was young, we would have probably went to alot more movies :lol:

[Pekka]

Some posts deleted. No politics allowed means just that. Carry on.

I have not see the film yet, will soon!

[Karl Johnston]

I'm not a big fan of sci-fi. I think that massive amounts of CGI is better suited for cartoons/animated movies. I understand that a large amount of CGI goes into many movies now-a-days. Yes, I do like Star Wars, but that's because my sons like it and that gives us something to snuggle up on the couch with and watch. BTW, I like the majority of James Cameron's work.
You'd be surprised how much CGI there is in regular TV shows that aren't animated...take a look at this blog entry by Chase Jarvis on the topic

Never knew that they did that, myself.

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2009/12/green-screens-and-greener-pastures.html

[10megapixel]

You'd be surprised how much CGI there is in regular TV shows that aren't animated...take a look at this blog entry by Chase Jarvis on the topic

Never knew that they did that, myself.

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2009/12/green-screens-and-greener-pastures.html

Great Link...That's awesome. ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

You'd be surprised how much CGI there is in regular TV shows that aren't animated...take a look at this blog entry by Chase Jarvis on the topic

Never knew that they did that, myself.

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2009/12/green-screens-and-greener-pastures.html

Yep, pretty cool...

The "industry" has come a long, long way from the days when a "key signal" was simply a way to insert text or a weather map.

[10megapixel]

I'm getting a chroma-key backdrop soon, I can't wait :D

[jchargu3]

It has completely changed the way I want to go and see action films. The kid film previews like "Shrek" and "Up" looked AMAZING as well in 3D. I wish the technology existed when my son was young, we would have probably went to alot more movies :lol:


I hear you loud and clear...


I too am a 3d glasses theif, but only because I see 3d movies quite often at channelside imax here in Tampa, figured its better to have my own pair that were fresh sealed then use the recycled mangy dingy ones :)

[Karl Johnston]

Yep, pretty cool...

The "industry" has come a long, long way from the days when a "key signal" was simply a way to insert text or a weather map.
Indeed...gotta hop on the bandwagon now before we get buried. Either that or hunt out the niches.

[10megapixel]

Indeed...gotta hop on the bandwagon now before we get buried. Either that or hunt out the niches.


Yep. Senior pictures, family portraits or whatever... in any city or location the client chooses ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

Indeed...gotta hop on the bandwagon now before we get buried. Either that or hunt out the niches.

I've been helping to drive the bandwagon for twenty years and I'm actually about ready to step off and find a different ride.

The pictures, descriptions and accounts all look fantastic but the production industry is far, far from what it once was.

Budgets (which are shrinking) that once paid 20 people in house, now pay 200+ through outsourcing and sub-contracting! ;)

Keep in mind the one truism for just about any walk of life:
When more people want pie, the pie doesn't get bigger.
The slices just get smaller.

[10megapixel]

I've been helping to drive the bandwagon for twenty years and I'm actually about ready to step off and find a different ride.

The pictures, descriptions and accounts all look fantastic but the production industry is far, far from what it once was.

Budgets (which are shrinking) that once paid 20 people in house, now pay 200+ through outsourcing and sub-contracting! ;)

Keep in mind the one truism for just about any walk of life:
When more people want pie, the pie doesn't get bigger.
The slices just get smaller.


What did you do (or do) exactly? if you don't mind me asking.

[FlyingPhotog]

What did you do exactly? if you don't mind me asking.

The Wonderful World of Broadcasting (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road)

And along the way, I've been fortunate to garner five of these shiny, gold paperweights (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/102591385). ;)

[asysin2leads]

The Wonderful World of Broadcasting (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road)

And along the way, I've been fortunate to garner five of these shiny, gold paperweights (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/102591385). ;)

We are not worthy!
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/907/bowingsmiley.gif

[10megapixel]

The Wonderful World of Broadcasting (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road)

And along the way, I've been fortunate to garner five of these shiny, gold paperweights (http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/102591385). ;)

That's awesome! Hey I have something I need to ask you that you may be able to help me with. I'll send you a PM ;)

[FlyingPhotog]

We are not worthy!

Trust Me, you're worthy... :lol:

That's awesome! Hey I have something I need to ask you that you may be able to help me with. I'll send you a PM ;)

Fire Away!

[Huskers69]

You would think that Star-Wars would be on that list as well.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is ranked #11 at $924,317,558 and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is ranked #20 at $848,754,768.

[SuzyView]

I asked my sons about a sequel. They said it would be difficult to beat the first one. I would welcome a sequel.

[10megapixel]

I'm still waiting for a sequel to "True Lies" from Cameron, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

[asysin2leads]

I'm still waiting for a sequel to "True Lies" from Cameron, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

I liked True Lies. Especially the way they screwed w/ Bill Paxton's character. There really isn't much room to expand True Lies. I think it left off just where it needed. I guess their daughter could get wrapped up in the spy game and go that route, though. However, I don't think the Governator has another feature-length movie in him.

[FlyingPhotog]

I liked True Lies. Especially the way they screwed w/ Bill Paxton's character. There really isn't much room to expand True Lies. I think it left off just where it needed. I guess their daughter could get wrapped up in the spy game and go that route, though. However, I don't think the Governator has another feature-length movie in him.

However, I do believe Jamie Lee could still fit into that black dress!

<Insert Wolf Whistle Here>

[10megapixel]

However, I do believe Jamie Lee could still fit into that black dress!

<Insert Wolf Whistle Here>

No doubt, she still looks good. Must be that yogurt that helps ya poop :lol:

[SuzyView]

LOL :)

I doubt the Governor is ready to do another movie in the next little bit.

[10megapixel]

He'll be back.


Sorry, couldn't help myself :o

[asysin2leads]

However, I do believe Jamie Lee could still fit into that black dress!

<Insert Wolf Whistle Here>

Yes she could.

He'll be back.


Sorry, couldn't help myself :o

I was waiting for that.

[10megapixel]

I wish the "Clash of the titans (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHMPgEehKAo)" re make was in Real 3-D at the Imax. I remember the film when I was a kid and loved it, despite the horrible clay-anmation. I knew this would be a great re-make project with today's technology. Another one to keep your eye out for is Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeWsZ2b_pK4)" the trailer looked fantastic, and it's 3-D :D

[FlyingPhotog]

I wish the "Clash of the titans (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHMPgEehKAo)" re make was in Real 3-D at the Imax. I remember the film when I was a kid and loved it, despite the horrible clay-anmation. I knew this would be a great re-make project with today's technology. Another one to keep your eye out for is Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeWsZ2b_pK4)" the trailer looked fantastic, and it's 3-D :D

Early buzz on Alice = Willy Wonka on Acid... :shock:

[10megapixel]

Early buzz on Alice = Willy Wonka on Acid... :shock:

:lol:


Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" is rumored to be re-released in 3-D in October 2011. That film by the way was shot entirely with the Canon 1D Mark II for those that didn't know ;).

[CWILL]

the movie is sequalable -- is that a word?-- if they do decide to make a sequal, what would it be about?

[jchargu3]

He'll be back.


Sorry, couldn't help myself :o



www.instantrimshot.com

[jdizzle]

I can't wait to see TRON 2. The trailer looks real good.

[neilwood32]

I can't wait to see TRON 2. The trailer looks real good.

Now that takes me back a few years - Tron was pretty good so I hope they dont screw it up!

[BenJammin]

Easily my favorite movie this year, and one of my top 5's. Sooo good.

[SuzyView]

I loved TRON, and that was years ago. High tech stuff then and the new one looks wonderful. From the trailer, though, it looks like the good guy goes bad. I hope they show it at the Air & Space 3D IMAX! I'd see it!

[blackshadow]

I think you meant to say in the thread title

Avatar might have ruined photography!

[Todd Lambert]

Uh oh, the Grammar Police might of arrived. ;-)

[20droger]

Uh oh, the Grammar Police might of arrived. ;-)
We've been here all along. We just become a bit weary beating dead horses.

And what he really meant was, "AVATAR might've ruined photography." The substitution of the word "of " for the contraction " 've" (meaning "have") is a common error. After all, phonetically they are quite similar, even identical in some dialects.

[tonylong]

Roger, it looks like the cat has gotten over the hangover -- what's next, valentine for all the neighbor hood female felines?

[20droger]

Yeah, it was only a five-day hangover. Must've not been that good of a party.

I'll dig something up for the next event, you can be sure.

[themadman]

Just saw the movie today and I thought it was pretty good. I really appreciate the hard work and passion people put into the CGI these days. I studied multi-core processor design (including graphics) and these works are really a labor of love, bravo!

[CWILL]

I wonder if there will be a second avatar?>!

[arkphotos]

I'm still waiting for a sequel to "True Lies" from Cameron, so I wouldn't hold my breath.

I read <somewhere> 9/11 dampened the enthusiasm to make a True Lies sequel.

[GSeries1]

I had already seen the movie; it was called Braveheart... But I still loved it despite its predictability.

I guess a good formula is a good formula and the CGI and 3D were amazing.

[themadman]

I wonder if there will be a second avatar?>!

Maybe! Taken from James Camron wikipedia article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_cameron

Avatar Sequels - Cameron has mentioned Avatar sequels are being planned, including more story line with Jake and Neytiri, and to explore a moon orbiting Polyphemus. The sequels are rumored to be Cameron's next two projects.

I had already seen the movie; it was called Braveheart... But I still loved it despite its predictability.

I guess a good formula is a good formula and the CGI and 3D were amazing.

Movies respin story lines all the time, how it is executed is the important part.

[bps]

I watched it in 2D and then one week later, I saw it in 3D at an IMAX theater. All I can say is WOW!

Bryan

[neilwood32]

Maybe! Taken from James Camron wikipedia article

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_cameron





Movies respin story lines all the time, how it is executed is the important part.
I dont think there is such a thing as a new story line - just a different angle on an existing one.

[20droger]

Reminds me of the college student who, upon reading Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," promptly complained, "Why, that's a direct rip-off of "West Side Story!"

[10megapixel]

I had already seen the movie; it was called Braveheart... But I still loved it despite its predictability.

I guess a good formula is a good formula and the CGI and 3D were amazing.

I was thinking of the cartoon "Fern Gully" myself :lol: But still a great piece of work. Going to see it again Thursday actually ;) and I have NEVER went to see a film for a second time in the theater.

[neilwood32]

Im still thinking about going to see it for the first time! :D

[brownbugger]

I saw it in imax 3d twice ! quite an experience , all movies should be imax 3d !

[botw]

SPOILER ALERTS:

http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/epic-fail-avatar-plot-fail.jpg

Seriously great effects in this movie. Extremely weak plot and some ridiculous assumptions. A few things that irked me: waterfalls coming off floating mountains, giant trillon dollar enterprises lead by a total buffoon and a psychopath colonel, no corporate checks on either of these losers, no military personel (except one) willing to question orders to murder thousands of intelligent, civilian beings, complete lack of tactical skill on part of earth's interstellar military, tired pantheism from Cameron, lead character not realizing everything glowed until he put torch out - as if this woudl not have been in every standard briefing about the planet, complete unbelievability of giant corporation not going nuts over the marketable possibilities of Pandora's biological resources. I could go on.

None of this should imply I didn't enjoy the movie. I enjoyed Waterworld too.

[racketman]

corny plot with strong eco message (think Shell and the Niger Delta) but eye popping 3D and wonderful imagination so I vote worth seeing.

[bieber]

A few things that irked me: waterfalls coming off floating mountains,


Well, insofar as floating magnetic mountains make sense, so do the waterfalls, since water isn't going to be held back by any magnetic field


giant trillon dollar enterprises lead by a total buffoon and a psychopath colonel, no corporate checks on either of these losers,


I don't think the buffoon in question was really leading the corporation, more like just middle management. Idiotic middle management abounds in corporate America today, and I don't expect it to get any better in the future ;)


no military personel (except one) willing to question orders to murder thousands of intelligent, civilian beings,


This has happened more than a couple of times throughout Earth's history to date, and that's with other humans. I wouldn't find it surprising at all if the same thing happened with nonhuman creatures.


complete lack of tactical skill on part of earth's interstellar military

Well, from their perspective it probably looked like they were making a perfectly reasonable move, and if not for the entire bloody planet coming out to fight them, it would have worked just fine.


lead character not realizing everything glowed until he put torch out - as if this woudl not have been in every standard briefing about the planet,


Yeah, you got that one.


complete unbelievability of giant corporation not going nuts over the marketable possibilities of Pandora's biological resources. I could go on.

This could be easily explained away if the unobtainium (which, btw, I thought was a joke the first time I heard the name :/) resources sufficiently outstrip the value of any biological resources.[/quote]
There's usually a way to explain most elements of films with a little bit of thinking, but of course there will always be plot holes. It is, after all, fiction ;)

[20droger]

This is a fantasy/science fiction movie. Why would one want logic in everything.

A willing suspension of disbelief always increases one's enjoyment of such stories.

[botw]

Well, insofar as floating magnetic mountains make sense, so do the waterfalls, since water isn't going to be held back by any magnetic field

Except that water would have to condense REALLY fast not to all drain out in an hour or so... also, were the mountains unobtainium. Seems they would have been an easier source than digging under the giant, inhabited tree


I don't think the buffoon in question was really leading the corporation, more like just middle management. Idiotic middle management abounds in corporate America today, and I don't expect it to get any better in the future ;)
Don't disagree - on site management of an operation like that is not typical middle management.


This has happened more than a couple of times throughout Earth's history to date, and that's with other humans. I wouldn't find it surprising at all if the same thing happened with nonhuman creatures.
Really? I would, especially as the military in question appears to be analagous to the U.S. Marines. Not at all keeping with their traditions and training.

Well, from their perspective it probably looked like they were making a perfectly reasonable move, and if not for the entire bloody planet coming out to fight them, it would have worked just fine.
Decision to fight fit well into plot. The tactics - not the strategy - were terrible.

This could be easily explained away if the unobtainium (which, btw, I thought was a joke the first time I heard the name :/) resources sufficiently outstrip the value of any biological resources.

Totally sounds like someone forgot to change it in the script doesnt it?

[vipergts831]

This is a fantasy/science fiction movie. Why would one want logic in everything.

A willing suspension of disbelief always increases one's enjoyment of such stories.

Totally agree with you here. People expect too much from a movie. Just accept it for what its meant to be.

Avatar was definitely a great movie. The CGI was mind blowing . However, now im intrigued in the 2D version. As i watched the 3D version i felt the colors were a bit washed out. Don’t get me wrong they are beautiful but i kept thinking in the back of my mind that they would look even better in good ol 2D.

Would have been great if Clash of the titans was in 3D as well.

[GSeries1]

It's unfortunate some people weren't able to enjoy the movie; I thought it was pretty entertaining. Of course, where I watched it they serve beer and pizza so that may have made the difference.

[neilwood32]

SPOILER ALERTS:

Seriously great effects in this movie. Extremely weak plot and some ridiculous assumptions. A few things that irked me: waterfalls coming off floating mountains, giant trillon dollar enterprises lead by a total buffoon and a psychopath colonel(sounds like the lead up to world war 2), no corporate checks on either of these losers(see comment above), no military personel (except one) willing to question orders to murder thousands of intelligent, civilian beings(again sounds like WW2), complete lack of tactical skill on part of earth's interstellar military(ww2 reference again? Axis command?), tired pantheism from Cameron, lead character not realizing everything glowed until he put torch out - as if this woudl not have been in every standard briefing about the planet, complete unbelievability of giant corporation not going nuts over the marketable possibilities of Pandora's biological resources(sounds like our current situation with corporations not understanding the untold resources within the rainforests). I could go on(and so could I).

None of this should imply I didn't enjoy the movie. I enjoyed Waterworld too.

See notes in red!

[GSeries1]

See notes in red!

Exactly,,, And here in the U.S. we don't have to look back as far as WWII to see examples of incompetent humans in positions of great power starting wars for no good reason.

[neilwood32]

Exactly,,, And here in the U.S. we don't have to look back as far as WWII to see examples of incompetent humans in positions of great power starting wars for no good reason.

I was trying to avoid current events (or recent past events) in case thats viewed as political.

[GSeries1]

I was trying to avoid current events (or recent past events) in case thats viewed as political.

I was just agreeing with you...

[SOK]

Great movie - I sense that I was distracted by the amazing visuals and sound to focus too much on some of those weaker plot elements....but who cares, it's a movie! And a sci fi one at that!

Did people disect Star Wars like this?

The only thing that really struck me as strange/possible oversight was that despite being set over 100 years from now, in a time of amazing space travel and technology, the main character was getting around in a clapped-out old manual wheelchair!

[FlyingPhotog]

Great movie - I sense that I was distracted by the amazing visuals and sound to focus too much on some of those weaker plot elements....but who cares, it's a movie! And a sci fi one at that!

Did people disect Star Wars like this?

You're kidding right? Star Wars has been Inspected, Detected, Rejected and all kinds of Mean, Nasty, Ugly Things over the last 30 Years.

There have been all kinds of shows devoted to the Tech of Star Wars, the Politics of Star Wars, the Weapons of Star Wars and/or the Sociology of Star Wars.

Hell, there's even a Family Guy Star Wars and a Robot Chicken Star Wars! :lol:

[neilwood32]

You're kidding right? Star Wars has been Inspected, Detected, Rejected and all kinds of Mean, Nasty, Ugly Things over the last 30 Years.

There have been all kinds of shows devoted to the Tech of Star Wars, the Politics of Star Wars, the Weapons of Star Wars and/or the Sociology of Star Wars.

Hell, there's even a Family Guy Star Wars and a Robot Chicken Star Wars! :lol:

Yeah and they are still dissecting it to this day! It is even recognised as a religion now - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_census_phenomenon

On the subject of spin offs, i think almost everything is available with a Starwars connection (im leaving it up to you to google them.....:eek:)

[20droger]

Yeah and they are still dissecting it to this day! It is even recognised as a religion now - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedi_census_phenomenon
There have been stranger belief systems than those centered on "The Force." This is hardly the first such belief system espoused by science-fiction (screen)writers. Some have even become mainstream cults, attracting celebrity followers.

Such fads come and go amongst the weak minded. Surely you grok that?

[botw]

There have been stranger belief systems than those centered on "The Force." This is hardly the first such belief system espoused by science-fiction (screen)writers. Some have even become mainstream cults, attracting celebrity followers.

Such fads come and go amongst the weak minded. Surely you grok that?

The "force" was a pretty cool belief system and not far removed from the pantheism pushed in Avatar. At least until Lucas ruined it by trying to turn it into science with the midichlorians or whatever that you could determine by a simple blood test.

[FlyingPhotog]

There have been stranger belief systems than those centered on "The Force." This is hardly the first such belief system espoused by science-fiction (screen)writers. Some have even become mainstream cults, attracting celebrity followers.

Such fads come and go amongst the weak minded. Surely you grok that?

*COUGH*

SCIENTOLOGY

*COUGH*

[20droger]

*COUGH*

SCIENTOLOGY

*COUGH*
Great minds think alike.

[neilwood32]

*COUGH*

SCIENTOLOGY

*COUGH*

To name but one - theres plenty more out there. And some more dangerous than that one.

[Karl Johnston]

The matrix had books of philosophy written on it. They were actually very intriguing...

Star trek is another big one that's got a lot of non-fiction (especially physics) inspired off of it.

Where do you think cellphones came from ?;) Communicators anyone?

[oaktree]

OK, I actually skimmed through the entire thread but must have missed the part about "Avatar might of (have) ruined photography". I was about ready to throw my 5DmkII and 8 lenses in the trash, but I see no reason to.

BTW: I did mention in 2 other threads that I saw the Fuji 3D camera while I was in Japan and WOW!! Unfortunately, viewing is presently limited to the screen in back of the camera (about 4 inch diagonal).

[MikeFairbanks]

If Avatar ruined photography, then why are so many people scouring the internet for pictures of Haiti right now?

Photojournalism will never die, and will always be the most exciting aspect of photography.

[10megapixel]

OK, I actually skimmed through the entire thread but must have missed the part about "Avatar might of (have) ruined photography". I was about ready to throw my 5DmkII and 8 lenses in the trash, but I see no reason to.

BTW: I did mention in 2 other threads that I saw the Fuji 3D camera while I was in Japan and WOW!! Unfortunately, viewing is presently limited to the screen in back of the camera (about 4 inch diagonal).

I think with the growing popularity and dropping prices of digital photo frames, the 3D cameras have the potential to be a pretty popular item in the near future. I would really like to see the final results in person myself .

[CWILL]

did anyone see.... book of eli.... SUckY!

[10megapixel]

did anyone see.... book of eli.... SUckY!


Did it suck? The previews looked like it might be OK.

[vipergts831]

Did it suck? The previews looked like it might be OK.

Looks like a netflix pitcure to me from the previews. Just cant see denzel in that kind of role.

[10megapixel]

Looks like a netflix pitcure to me from the previews. Just cant see denzel in that kind of role.

More of a Wesley Snipes "Bad ass" role.

[vipergts831]

More of a Wesley Snipes "Bad ass" role.

Yea it just rubbed me as an action type flick. Denzel can play bad ass but in the American Gangster/ Training Day fold, controlled bad ass not letting loose but is tactical. Book of Eli screams of a bad ass who just lets loose.

[bieber]

Yea it just rubbed me as an action type flick. Denzel can play bad ass but in the American Gangster/ Training Day fold, controlled bad ass not letting loose but is tactical. Book of Eli screams of a bad ass who just lets loose.

Ehh, it's a mix. He's controlled when he needs to be, and lets loose when the time comes. I really found it enjoyable.

[Stalin]

I thought the movie was mediocre at best.

[Lazuka]

did anyone see.... book of eli.... SUckY!

It started off great, then spiraled into a piece of crap, terrible movie.

[FlyingPhotog]

Since this thread is creeping toward general movie reviews, I highly recommend Sherlock Holmes.

Well made, fantastic sets and costumes, great action and some genuine adult laughs not derived from references to body parts or functions. Robert Downey Jr is very good but Jude Law as Watson is dynamite!

[Chairman7w]

????? man, tough crowd.

Movie, cartoon, animation... who cares what you call it?

Just go sit down, have some popcorn and enjoy the ride!! It truly is ground breaking and stunning movie/cartoon/animation/video making..

Come on people, let go and enjoy sh&&##@ for a change, instead of trying to pick it apart and find things "wrong" with it.

[denMAR]

I'm sorry to bump this thread but I saw the title when I did a search for something else and had a pretty good laugh.