My first job was at a theater, and I had no idea that people went to the movies on Christmas. My family certainly didn't. So I had to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve was super dead. I went into Christmas Day expecting the same thing, but by about 3:00 PM, the people started arriving and they DIDN'T STOP! I'd never seen it so busy. It was like being caught in a hurricane. So yes, people go to the movies on Christmas. A lot of them!
use to be there was a good set of movies playing around christmas time. so people like me with jobs get that day off and go someplace to just relax and enjoy
Surprisingly when I told co-workers, friends, and family I was heading to see Avatar on Friday evening most new it was coming out, but they didn’t realize it was this weekend. I had a lot of “oh I didn’t know that was this weekend.” So, maybe some mixed marketing issues there.
Avatar will keep rolling, but the sad thing is we wanted to see Babylon on a premium screen, but since Avatar has them all locked up for the holidays we can’t. My wife and I are movie nerds and only go to Dolby or IMAX, so that unfortunately means that we’ll probably wait to see it once it hits streaming
@@993mike That's the power of Disney, they'll get any premium screen they ask for. I didn't realise just how competitive the situation was until I started tuning in to Grace's videos.
@@Ludwig55555 You wish, both of Cameron's previous two producing credits TANKED at the box office, Alita: Battle Angel and Terminator:Dark Fate which absolutely killed off the Terminator franchise. People were NOT screaming for an Avatar sequel. The first film succeeded because it was released at the height of the 3D craze. People have moved on. That's why you DON'T see that many 3D movies anymore and why 3D televisions never sold in the first place. The sequel was downright three hours of pure boredom, bad writing and visual effects that has been done thousands of times lately. My audience didn't clap or cheer at the end, they were just relieved it was finally over, and the final fight between Jake and Quaritich was a huge letdown.
@@mikedavison1466 im sorry you couldnt enjoy the movie, but GOD where im from everyone was stunned because of the story, the visuals and the action packed scenes it had. it didnt even feel like 3 hours for me it felt like much less because i cared enough to pay attention to almost every detail and dialogue it had to offer. it was an amazing experience for me and im sure anyone willing to experience the movie as i did will understand. also alita will be getting a sequel and the terminator franchise bombed because it DID. it has nothing to do with avatar 2... lmao dont compare two things that arent the same. i highly reccomend avatar 2 though
Hey Grace! This weekend was the World Cup final and I think this had an effect in the worldwide box office for sure. Wouldn’t be surprised if the movie had legs because people will end up discovering in the coming weeks.
It will not have a lot of rewatchability because the story is very generic and simple. However the CGI is mindblowing but even then that starts to lose it's appeal second time around.
One thing I find interesting about Avatar 2 is that most of the chatter is about the insane visuals but not so much about the characters and story. I wonder if it will be another Avatar situation where the movie has massive impact on film technology but none culturally, with most of the population struggling to remember a single character's name.
Well that is all these movies have to offer. It's like the Next Call of Duty or Battlefield game where they spend millions on ultra realistic photogrametry graphics and pennies on the actual story. But as long as people keep buying them I guess nothing will change.
@orlando5789 lol is that why people keep buying Battlefield 2042 or COD vanguard, or WW2 or Battlefront 2 or Hardline? What about Fifa Ultimate Team and Madden? Lol its your money I guess but it's the same flaws over and over the same flaws people keep calling out in other franchises and movies but for these ones they give it a pass.
Avatar and avatar 2 have one major thing working for them.....they're visually stunning movies that people want to see on the big screen. Was the first time I'd been to the cinema in 2 years because I knew even if the story sucked I was still in for a visual treat
The White Lotus breaking out Nielsen's top 10 acquired chart is amazing to see. Also, the fact that it's finale outperformed Succession's finale is kinda insane to me
It's hilarious how Disney and WBD are out here fighting for their lives- while Universal is like, don't mind me...look at this drugged up bear and dancing doll! 😭😂
@@Junksaintsolid” is an understatement. There’s nothing else out there that has 3D on this level. Not only that, it’s so immersive (visually and emotionally) that it is challenging to put it into words. You have to see it to believe it. I watched it on Thursday.
@@jerueljagessar294 ha, okay. I didn't know if it was going to be anything extra special 3d wise. I thought the water cgi was just the main draw this time
A couple of underrated factors for the first Avatar's early box-office numbers was the much smaller # of IMAX theaters at the time as the technology still in its infancy. I also remember the weather being a factor leading into the film's opening weekend with an ice storm shutting a big portion of the northeastern coast down, a big reason for the minuscule 2% drop in the second weekend.
There's a big winter storm headed US central, NE corridor, and south for Christmas this year, with dangerous temps, winds, windchill, & snow in NE, starting Thursday.This could affect 2nd week box offfice #'s significantly.
It is a perfect storm of factors but honestly, given how long this franchise has been "dormant," I am kinda astonished it garnered the support it has over its opening weekend. Where I am it just kinda exists, some people are bananas for it, most folk are like "I'll get to it, when I can get to it." Which is usually code for, I think I'll wait until it streams where I can watch it form the safety and comfort of home.
it has much more support than you can imagine its insane where im from. dont be surprised its gotten support just because where you live its different lmao
Maybe it’s just the trailer I watched but it didn’t explain well what the movie is about I just remember the blue think they are called avatar was pregnant. Those types of movies where they don’t explain what the movie will be about in the trailers I usually avoid.
@@Strangerz64 I've taken note of that as well The run time and the economic situation plus the ongoing global health issues which are blowing up now in China may prove to undo his touch. Wish the movie the best but it does have a bit of an uphill battle.
It would be unthinkable to go to the cinema on Christmas day here in Ireland where I live, I really think its much more a USA thing. Apart from a few petrol stations and food takeaways, everything else is closed.
In Toronto things are pretty dead but us Asians are used to being out on holidays so I see people being lost here on what to do on a holiday if not go out
Feel sorry that you get put in such specific boxes depending on who you vote for in America. According the Grace, If you vote a certain way you must obviously feel the same way regardless.
Yep. Need to see how A2 fares through the holidays. The holds for the next couple weeks should be pretty strong since Christmas and New Years are coming up.
I saw Avatar 2 in the first week in 4DX. Definitely recommend seeing this on the big screen for the visuals alone. I have a hunch that the return will snowball as the holiday season progresses.
It's just been too many years in between the two films for me to really care that much. Also, you are spot on that Cameron should have promoted whatever was more special about this new Avatar. This time around, there wasn't really a focus on highlighting any groundbreaking filming techniques we could look forward to.
Avatar 2's opening was a HUGE disappointment to the Disney company. There was extended hype from them that it would open over $200 million in North America. The results speak for themselves. I felt watching it that not only was three hours of my time wasted but so was my money. The only thing saving it from being a total disaster were the visual effects but the script and story was absolutely AWFUL this time around. I wasn't a huge fan of the first Avatar but compared to it's sequel the first film is a downright masterpiece. At least that film was far more interesting and didn't feel like a chore to sit through like the sequel was. In fact ,my audience over the weekend did NOT clap or cheer at the end, they just felt relieved it was finally over. Avatar 2 will undoubtedly play better on Disney Plus.
It was a out of this world experience, my family loved it and the 3D was awesome. I want to watch it again but I want a premium screen so ima waiting for an available one
Avatar 2 is so good it’s crazy. I’m going 3 times at least. I can’t get tickets until Friday at the earliest cause every imax screen is full until then. This movie is gonna make a ton of dough
@@mscooldeadlyI love how you downplay the colossal work of hundreds people who invested themselves so much during 13 years to create these outstanding visuals..
@@mscooldeadly uh, no. We think it's good for other reasons too. It's emotionally engaging for a lot of people. My sister cried 4 times during the movie. My brother cried a few times too.
@@mscooldeadlyhere me out… technically it’s original. Like it’s it’s own world not based on a bunch of other mess. Fun movie that was fully committed to.
I think industry experts put the expectations too high. Given it’s running time, it’s only allowed so many showtimes and mega theaters are not so popular anymore. Another big reason, for some reason the push for IMAX was not advertised like the first, which is mind boggling to me. Still, over a $100 million domestically is amazing.
I don't general audiences even know about most controversies. They just want to watch the new big epic movie and forget their worries. Sunday and Saturday had two big crucial Football World Cup matches, so that may have affected the box office along with some places where covid is surging. Maybe Monday to Thursday and future weeks & weekends will not see big drops because of this.
My opinion: Streaming is going to shrink the theater industry. If James Cameron wants me to spend $200 at the theater, then I'll just stay home and wait for it to come out on streaming. I'll be happy watching Avatar 2 in my own home theater. Not quite the IMAX level, but it's good enough for me.
Hey Grace. The first weekend of the first Avatar movie was during a major snow strom in big parts of the US. That's part of the reason that it actually grossed more in the second weekend.
Snowstorms ALWAYS appear this time in December. That didn't stop other blockbusters like No Way Home or The Force Awakens from having record breaking weekends. Especially No Way Home which was released during major Covid outbreaks last year.
I do think this is a movie no one is really burning to watch it as soon as possible as with franchise movies but will definitely give it a go with their families over the holidays. We'll see!
Remember the first one it made its money with its long legs. Like the first it really did not start hitting until after the holidays. It will .ostly make its big chunk from international countries though. My guess
I absolutely loved The Way of Water, I have already seen it 3 times and have tickets for a fourth. I hope it legs out cause I really want to see how this story plays out.
I went on Thursday evening 3D showing, loved the movie! I was surprised that there were only about 15 people in the whole showing. Not sure what that means, but it was super surprising.
With the movie being a 4hr experience, it’s a real commitment to go to the movie even if you are kind of bored. That’s a huge chunk of time. I’m interested in seeing it, but it’s not something easy to fit into a schedule
I used to love long movies, binge watching series and playing long games... But now, I kind of feel like those things are a chore and sometimes not respectful of audiences time, yes, I wanna have some entertainment and escapism, but I also want to spend time with my girlfriend, my dogs and doing other things I'm not saying I'm not willing to watch something that long, but... Definitely I'm not excited about it
Trust me. wait for it on streaming. While the visual effects are nice, it's way too slow in the second hour and the ending was a HUGE letdown. Trust me. It's not worth seeing it on the big screen. Critics agree, and gave it a lower score than the first film.
its 3 hours and 12 minutes. id suggest you form your own opinion of the movie first before watching and listening to what other people have to say, and may i say that during my experience of watching the movie, i had my doubts at first but i ended up loving it! my brother hated the first movie but he liked this one even more and afterwards we just kept talking about the ending on the way home. the reason people are disappointed is because they expected MORE but they dont realize the plot stretches until the third movie. the ending is like an open ending that will continue with the THIRD. its AMAZING i swear to you. but its fine, not everyone will get me lmao
Can you explain the double the cost for advertising pleaee. If I make a movie for $50, using your logic, it should cost only $50 to advertise, right? My point being advertising should be capped at a limit, and they haven't really done much of it, TBF. The double the cost makes no sense. AirTime, Printimg, merch all have a set price. The production cost doesn't dictate the cost of a poster.
I just binged The Recruit over the weekend (not a typical binger) and I gotta say it's a refreshing mix of the Jack Ryan book character meets legal drama meets Gen Z progressive surrogate family dynamic. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
People who only care about headline figures and statistics without analysing the underlying contexts are just something else. There're multiple well-written pieces about the commercial dominance of largely apolitical spectacle-driven tentpole films in the theatrical market. James Cameron has single-handedly twice made box office history with two original IPs instead of pre-existing ones. 1:20 Grace is all of a sudden caring about inflation-adjusted figures when she previously, on multiple occasions, happily admitted she didn't care about such accuracy because the unadjusted figures fitted her then narratives.
I used to go to the cinema quite a few times a year but since the beginning of the pandemic I've only been once - and that was to see Avatar, a movie I own, just to see it in 3D again. I'm waiting until after Christmas to see Avatar: Way of Water.
2020- TOP 3 WORLDWIDE OPENING 1. 600M - No Way Home 2. 450M - Multiverse of Madness 3. 435M - The Way of Water TOP 3 DOMESTIC OPENING 1. 260M - No Way Home 2. 187M - Multiverse of Madness 3. 181M - Wakanda Forever
The wife and I were going to see it, but stuff came up where we couldn't take that amount of time out of the day. We plan to see it in a local Dolby 3D lounge theater perhaps on Monday after Christmas.
Is this a case of Quality of film, or is it that it's been too long since the first film, I'm more of a student of the old way of Hollywood theme "Striking while the iron is hot" some films need to be on a regular schedule when it comes to release. This film was supposed to be out years ago. The steam may have run out, plus the run time is a bit much
I know this is a kind of debbie downer comment but honestly theaters should let their employees have christmas day off and close down like basically every other business
Its a mixed bag... Some people dont have families/friends/etc and they need that paycheck. So if you stop doing things on Christmas, then the industry decides to shutdown on a holiday and then that hourly worker is losing time and half holiday pay that they really need...
@@ICU1337 sorry. This scenario gets no sympathy. Holidays are to be off. Give people time off with their families. But 1 poor person would rather work so let's bolster the argument to make everybody should work on Christmas Sis, stop it.
My fiance and I really liked Avatar 1 and recently rewatched it and it was still good. The way of water... It was good, not as good as the first one HOWEVER the high frame rate and IMAX 3D is something you HAVE to experience. I'm probably gonna go watch it again.
I don't care whether Avatar succeeds or fails. I'm not seeing it because I have no interest in seeing it. I want to see Wakanda forever much more than Avatar 2, but I still haven't found the motivation to go to that or any movie for months. The one interesting thing about this movie, to me, is whether it will bring about a resurgence of 3D movies. The first movie single-handedly brought back the 3D fad (remember it was first a fad in the 1980s, for those old enough to remember). And a fad it was. Can this movie? My guess is no. The huge expense to produce the movie to give the sort of 3D experience people claim it does is going to put pretty much any studio that isn't Disney off that kind of investment when the return simply won't be there. As you keep saying Grace, movies are first and foremost a business and if it doesn't look like making money it won't fly.
NO way. Our cinemas are closed on Christmas Day. he idea of minimum wage earners being forced to work Christmas Day is a bit scary tbh. (They would be "forced" eventually).
James Cameron was clear, he WANTS to film all the movies. He said they only have plans of him not finishing them in case something happens (he gets sick or family matters etc).
I’ve seen it twice and it was even better the second time. Going to see it with my parents next week. Hopefully it makes enough to justify continuing past 3. The 3D was beautiful. Edit also both times I didn’t feel the 3hrs. Great sign for me. It’s definitely my favorite movie this year.
wow thats amazing, glad you will be going to have that memorable experience with your fam. i saw it in dolby 3d and i plan to see in imax 3d next, and finally i want to see it in 4dx 3d
I'm sorry but I felt differently. I saw it in 3D, felt the visual effects were nothing special and It felt like I was watching a FOUR hour movie. The ending felt like a rip off of Waterworld and the build up to the confrontation between Sully and Quarrich was a HUGE letdown. All of Netiyis's screaming at the end, really got on my nerves. All in all, it felt like a waste of time AND money.
Hey Grace, In actuality Gone With the Wind is the highest domestic grossing film (adjusted for inflation) with $3.9 billion with Avatar is about $3.5 billion.
I think we're forgetting both Puss in Boots and the Whitney Biopic coming out next weekend which I feel could seriously counter program this film and make bank off the non premium screens and more showings per day.
Just came back from Avatar 2 and the theatre was only 20% filled. That was the 7pm showing on Sunday opening weekend. Didn't find that the 3d improved over the first.
This girl talks about how it’s a “shame that movies are politicized now” and proceeds to call out conservatives for their opinions which she calls “frustrating and upsetting”. Also, imagine being scared of this “pandemic” it’s been almost 3 years, people need to get over it.
I saw Black Panther a couple weeks ago. The guy two seats to my right kept coughing every 10 minutes. Pissed me off! I wanted to throw him out the theater. It only strengthen my resolve to not go back to the movie until covid is over. It's upsetting because I used to go to the movies 3 times a month...depending on what was out.
Hi from the UK Grace. I think the biggest barrier for me personally is the length. I live on the outskirts of my city and so I have to factor in travel time and that means that any plans to see the film would be an almost literal all day affair. Something which doesn’t make sense for my level of interest in the film.
I saw A2 in IMAX 3D Friday, and it's amazing. This film was made for IMAX 3D, or at least 3D. Unfortunately, there are only 2 IMAX screens with in driving distance for me. This area is seriously lacking on premium screens.
I am waiting for more showtimes for Imax 3D to be made available. Currently my local Imax theatre has dates available only till Dec 22. This isn't just any blockbuster movie. The first movie blew me away when first seeing, and watched it again when it was re-released earlier this year. I am willing to wait till a good seat is available, that could be after Christmas or after new years.
I drove 4 hours to go see Avatar 2 in 4DX because my city doesn't have a 4DX theater close by and it was 100% worth it to experience the movie in that way. I saw it again the next night in regular 2D and I plan to go back again and see it in IMAX 3D. I have so many friends who just want to "wait until it's on Disney+" but I really try to convince them that they will never have the chance to see this movie on such a large screen in the highest quality it's intended for again. I try to remind them that their 10 year old 36 inch screen probably won't do it justice 🤣 I think that's convinced them
Is it possible that the Avatar box office came behind in projections because of the fifa world cup because the majority of the movie going audience couldve opted to tune in on that as opposed to the movie? I do believe however that the box office will pick up in the subsequent weeks, particularly this 2nd week.
*I saw Avatar 2 today in 4DX in Chicago and let me just say WOW! The movie was absolutely incredible, I have never seen a movie so well put together in all the ways. My theater was also completely sold out, I bought my tickets the week they came out as well, and I HIGHLY recommend watching it like this*
Saw it on both top tier screens already(the movie started midweek in germany) and imax 4k is better than 4dx. the imax laser has just so much more power making the 3d pop so much more. also the 4d effects are not so well integrated when compared to the 3d effects.
I had a completely different experience than you did. I felt the visual effects were distracting, felt the storyline was downright BORING at times the characters were completely lifeless and the ending was a direct rip off of Waterworld from 1995. It's easily the biggest disappointment of the year.
Grace, at 17:05 - it's not disinterest - it's uninterest (or non-interest). A Judge is disinterested in the case (no vested stake with either side), but is interested in a solid verdict. Love your content. Just sharing good grammar to make it better!
Grace, thanks for your quality content, especially the movie math episodes. Grace won't be able to make a clear assessment on Avatar until after the second weekend. The percentage drop, that's what matters.
As grace talks about the expenses of going 2 a 3D movie…i wonder how other movie theatres work with 3D glasses…i live in the netherlands and i have to purchase my 3D glasses once and then get to keep it for other 3D movies… its not much but still i dont have to pay for the glasses each time. Is this the same for everyone or not? Im pretty curious about that
The AMC A list only makes sense for people that go weekly though and because of the dry seasons Hollywood has at the cinemas sometimes, is it worth it?
I think it’s going to do well. I loved it , going to see it again , rarely do I see movies twice and I know many people at work have tickets over the next week to see it . Also I went at mid day to see it due to availability of 3D premium. I never do movies that early
I'm waiting just because I really didn't care for the first Avatar. I know I'm one in a few but this movie hasn't excited me enough to venture out into the cold to sit in a theater for more than 3 hours.
It’s funny how she talks about Covid being a thing right now, I live in the very liberal state of Washington people do not care anymore about Covid affecting their life/movie going time
My first job was at a theater, and I had no idea that people went to the movies on Christmas. My family certainly didn't. So I had to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve was super dead. I went into Christmas Day expecting the same thing, but by about 3:00 PM, the people started arriving and they DIDN'T STOP! I'd never seen it so busy. It was like being caught in a hurricane. So yes, people go to the movies on Christmas. A lot of them!
It's crazy
It’s a family tradition for us! 🎅🏻🎄❤️
I’ve only seen one movie on Christmas it was one of the Hobbit movies. I think theaters and all stores should be closed on Christmas
I go every year on Christmas, purchased my tickets a week ago for Avatar.
use to be there was a good set of movies playing around christmas time. so people like me with jobs get that day off and go someplace to just relax and enjoy
Surprisingly when I told co-workers, friends, and family I was heading to see Avatar on Friday evening most new it was coming out, but they didn’t realize it was this weekend. I had a lot of “oh I didn’t know that was this weekend.” So, maybe some mixed marketing issues there.
Interestingly in past few days I’ve seen TH-cam ads. Had seen none up until this point
This year has been fascinating in terms of films and the box office, can't wait to see the second weekend.
King of the world again
Avatar will keep rolling, but the sad thing is we wanted to see Babylon on a premium screen, but since Avatar has them all locked up for the holidays we can’t. My wife and I are movie nerds and only go to Dolby or IMAX, so that unfortunately means that we’ll probably wait to see it once it hits streaming
@@993mike That's the power of Disney, they'll get any premium screen they ask for. I didn't realise just how competitive the situation was until I started tuning in to Grace's videos.
@@Ludwig55555 You wish, both of Cameron's previous two producing credits TANKED at the box office, Alita: Battle Angel and Terminator:Dark Fate which absolutely killed off the Terminator franchise. People were NOT screaming for an Avatar sequel. The first film succeeded because it was released at the height of the 3D craze. People have moved on. That's why you DON'T see that many 3D movies anymore and why 3D televisions never sold in the first place. The sequel was downright three hours of pure boredom, bad writing and visual effects that has been done thousands of times lately. My audience didn't clap or cheer at the end, they were just relieved it was finally over, and the final fight between Jake and Quaritich was a huge letdown.
@@mikedavison1466 im sorry you couldnt enjoy the movie, but GOD where im from everyone was stunned because of the story, the visuals and the action packed scenes it had. it didnt even feel like 3 hours for me it felt like much less because i cared enough to pay attention to almost every detail and dialogue it had to offer. it was an amazing experience for me and im sure anyone willing to experience the movie as i did will understand. also alita will be getting a sequel and the terminator franchise bombed because it DID. it has nothing to do with avatar 2... lmao dont compare two things that arent the same. i highly reccomend avatar 2 though
There needs to be a 3 hour behind the scenes Documentary on Disney+
I can’t stop wrapping my mind on the technological achievements in the film.
Agreed!
Camera and computer, basically.
I'd watch it, but is it really -ALL- Disney? Haven't they been gobbling up competition (thru acquisitions) like other corporate giants?
Disney+ won't get AVATAR The Way of Water till December 2023
Like what?
25+ minute movie math episodes are what I'm thankful for this holiday season
it only dropped 16% from Friday to Saturday, Wakanda dropped 33%, Dr. Strange over 36% and Top Gun 27%. It already shows legs after just one day.
Hey Grace! This weekend was the World Cup final and I think this had an effect in the worldwide box office for sure. Wouldn’t be surprised if the movie had legs because people will end up discovering in the coming weeks.
true
Soo true, i was reallt looking fwd to see Avatar 2, but decided to skip this week cz of the worldcup
It will not have a lot of rewatchability because the story is very generic and simple. However the CGI is mindblowing but even then that starts to lose it's appeal second time around.
@@muddhutter Top Gun Maverick was very generic and simple still grossed 1.4B.
@@Ikejosh9 you are the first person i have ever seen say that
One thing I find interesting about Avatar 2 is that most of the chatter is about the insane visuals but not so much about the characters and story. I wonder if it will be another Avatar situation where the movie has massive impact on film technology but none culturally, with most of the population struggling to remember a single character's name.
😂
Well that is all these movies have to offer. It's like the Next Call of Duty or Battlefield game where they spend millions on ultra realistic photogrametry graphics and pennies on the actual story. But as long as people keep buying them I guess nothing will change.
@@kityhawk2000 Gameplay is more important than story. And COD MW2 has great gameplay
@orlando5789 lol is that why people keep buying Battlefield 2042 or COD vanguard, or WW2 or Battlefront 2 or Hardline? What about Fifa Ultimate Team and Madden? Lol its your money I guess but it's the same flaws over and over the same flaws people keep calling out in other franchises and movies but for these ones they give it a pass.
@@kityhawk2000 I don't buy/play COD ( nor any shooter, for that matter) .
But story is not the most important part of a game
Avatar and avatar 2 have one major thing working for them.....they're visually stunning movies that people want to see on the big screen. Was the first time I'd been to the cinema in 2 years because I knew even if the story sucked I was still in for a visual treat
Absolutely no one in the world was like 'what's this 3D' when the first avatar came out
The White Lotus breaking out Nielsen's top 10 acquired chart is amazing to see. Also, the fact that it's finale outperformed Succession's finale is kinda insane to me
It's hilarious how Disney and WBD are out here fighting for their lives- while Universal is like, don't mind me...look at this drugged up bear and dancing doll! 😭😂
And yet Universal is on the verge of purchasing Warner Brothers to compete with Disney.
I’m certain Avatar 2 will keep making money for weeks and weeks on end. It’s very rewatchable and I suspect word of mouth for the 3D will be high.
The 3d is pretty solid?
@@Junksaintsolid” is an understatement. There’s nothing else out there that has 3D on this level. Not only that, it’s so immersive (visually and emotionally) that it is challenging to put it into words. You have to see it to believe it.
I watched it on Thursday.
@@Junksaint it’s unbelievable
@@Junksaint oh boy
@@jerueljagessar294 ha, okay. I didn't know if it was going to be anything extra special 3d wise. I thought the water cgi was just the main draw this time
A couple of underrated factors for the first Avatar's early box-office numbers was the much smaller # of IMAX theaters at the time as the technology still in its infancy. I also remember the weather being a factor leading into the film's opening weekend with an ice storm shutting a big portion of the northeastern coast down, a big reason for the minuscule 2% drop in the second weekend.
I’m surprised Disney isn’t pushing for IMAX like Fox did with the original. Most of the money was made from IMAX numbers.
I always heard rumors that James Cameron used his billionaire tech to manipulate the weather to create that ice storm.
lol storm is happening now
@@josephmora5230 Disney being greedy company missed opportunity Cameron should explain to them about IMAX
There's a big winter storm headed US central, NE corridor, and south for Christmas this year, with dangerous temps, winds, windchill, & snow in NE, starting Thursday.This could affect 2nd week box offfice #'s significantly.
I am living for these extended movie maths!❤
It is a perfect storm of factors but honestly, given how long this franchise has been "dormant," I am kinda astonished it garnered the support it has over its opening weekend. Where I am it just kinda exists, some people are bananas for it, most folk are like "I'll get to it, when I can get to it." Which is usually code for, I think I'll wait until it streams where I can watch it form the safety and comfort of home.
- agree 100%
it has much more support than you can imagine its insane where im from. dont be surprised its gotten support just because where you live its different lmao
Maybe it’s just the trailer I watched but it didn’t explain well what the movie is about I just remember the blue think they are called avatar was pregnant. Those types of movies where they don’t explain what the movie will be about in the trailers I usually avoid.
@@Strangerz64 I've taken note of that as well The run time and the economic situation plus the ongoing global health issues which are blowing up now in China may prove to undo his touch. Wish the movie the best but it does have a bit of an uphill battle.
I was just reading the headline and saying “can’t wait for Grace to break this down”
This week there was the World Cup Finals...and also next week there will be a very small drop.
It would be unthinkable to go to the cinema on Christmas day here in Ireland where I live, I really think its much more a USA thing. Apart from a few petrol stations and food takeaways, everything else is closed.
In Toronto things are pretty dead but us Asians are used to being out on holidays so I see people being lost here on what to do on a holiday if not go out
@@dharmani_youtube Rest maybe lol
Feel sorry that you get put in such specific boxes depending on who you vote for in America. According the Grace, If you vote a certain way you must obviously feel the same way regardless.
@7:55 What?! Starting Avatar 2 at 11:30 p.m. lol thats crazy. I would definitely fall asleep in the theater if I did that
Ditto! 😂
Yep. Need to see how A2 fares through the holidays. The holds for the next couple weeks should be pretty strong since Christmas and New Years are coming up.
I saw Grace's photo on the thumbnail and my mind went like "is she announcing that she'll have a small role in season 2 of 'Wednesday'"? 😯😯
That would be awesome.
You’re dumb if you thought that was the case. May god have mercy on you.
No.
Great breakdown. Happy Holidays!
Didn't they work on Avatars 2-4 simultaneously though? How do they/did they account for that in the budget?
I saw Avatar 2 in the first week in 4DX. Definitely recommend seeing this on the big screen for the visuals alone. I have a hunch that the return will snowball as the holiday season progresses.
It's just been too many years in between the two films for me to really care that much. Also, you are spot on that Cameron should have promoted whatever was more special about this new Avatar. This time around, there wasn't really a focus on highlighting any groundbreaking filming techniques we could look forward to.
Avatar 2's opening was a HUGE disappointment to the Disney company. There was extended hype from them that it would open over $200 million in North America. The results speak for themselves. I felt watching it that not only was three hours of my time wasted but so was my money. The only thing saving it from being a total disaster were the visual effects but the script and story was absolutely AWFUL this time around. I wasn't a huge fan of the first Avatar but compared to it's sequel the first film is a downright masterpiece. At least that film was far more interesting and didn't feel like a chore to sit through like the sequel was. In fact ,my audience over the weekend did NOT clap or cheer at the end, they just felt relieved it was finally over. Avatar 2 will undoubtedly play better on Disney Plus.
Does the 460m budget also include the filming and production of Avatar 3? Apparently it’s 95% complete and filmed back to back!
It was a out of this world experience, my family loved it and the 3D was awesome. I want to watch it again but I want a premium screen so ima waiting for an available one
Avatar 2 is so good it’s crazy. I’m going 3 times at least. I can’t get tickets until Friday at the earliest cause every imax screen is full until then. This movie is gonna make a ton of dough
It's the simple movie. Hell ya'll act worst then Comicbook fans. Just because the visual is good ya'll think it's a great movie.
@@mscooldeadly 😂😂😂😂
@@mscooldeadlyI love how you downplay the colossal work of hundreds people who invested themselves so much during 13 years to create these outstanding visuals..
@@mscooldeadly uh, no. We think it's good for other reasons too. It's emotionally engaging for a lot of people. My sister cried 4 times during the movie. My brother cried a few times too.
@@mscooldeadlyhere me out… technically it’s original. Like it’s it’s own world not based on a bunch of other mess. Fun movie that was fully committed to.
Also congratulations to James Cameron on his first 100+ million dollar opening. Well deserved 🎉
I think industry experts put the expectations too high. Given it’s running time, it’s only allowed so many showtimes and mega theaters are not so popular anymore. Another big reason, for some reason the push for IMAX was not advertised like the first, which is mind boggling to me. Still, over a $100 million domestically is amazing.
I don't general audiences even know about most controversies. They just want to watch the new big epic movie and forget their worries. Sunday and Saturday had two big crucial Football World Cup matches, so that may have affected the box office along with some places where covid is surging. Maybe Monday to Thursday and future weeks & weekends will not see big drops because of this.
My opinion: Streaming is going to shrink the theater industry. If James Cameron wants me to spend $200 at the theater, then I'll just stay home and wait for it to come out on streaming. I'll be happy watching Avatar 2 in my own home theater. Not quite the IMAX level, but it's good enough for me.
You have low standards
- same
Hey Grace. The first weekend of the first Avatar movie was during a major snow strom in big parts of the US. That's part of the reason that it actually grossed more in the second weekend.
Snowstorms ALWAYS appear this time in December. That didn't stop other blockbusters like No Way Home or The Force Awakens from having record breaking weekends. Especially No Way Home which was released during major Covid outbreaks last year.
@@mikedavison1466 No Way Home was also never released in China, which is one of the world's biggest markets.
I do think this is a movie no one is really burning to watch it as soon as possible as with franchise movies but will definitely give it a go with their families over the holidays. We'll see!
Remember the first one it made its money with its long legs. Like the first it really did not start hitting until after the holidays. It will .ostly make its big chunk from international countries though. My guess
People have been waiting 13 years for this movie what do you mean!
@@danico3070 lol most people were not waiting for avatar, I would even say most people forget about avatar.
@@kylebrown239 hahaha most people forgot? You are too funny.
@@raf686 only 135 mill opening weekend. Yea most people lost interest or forget. Sorry
I don’t know about awards, the movie only has 77% on rotten tomatoes
I absolutely loved The Way of Water, I have already seen it 3 times and have tickets for a fourth. I hope it legs out cause I really want to see how this story plays out.
I just can’t see myself spending that much money on 1 weekend for 1 movie.
@@eddiepalomares7639 I would if I had money for it
I saw it back to back in IMAX 3D and would love to catch it again
9 hours...sheesh...and that's not factoring trailers etc
@@eddiepalomares7639 not even money but that amount of time! Like over 10 hours!? I can't find that much time in my weekends lol
I went on Thursday evening 3D showing, loved the movie!
I was surprised that there were only about 15 people in the whole showing.
Not sure what that means, but it was super surprising.
no one like 3d anymore, remember people buying 3d tv for homes? gone, do not make any more!!!
was it imax? There’s plenty of 3D screens available where im at but anytime i try imax 3D its completely sold out.
@@MrDeone365same! where i live every theater is sold for atleast the next week😭😭
With the movie being a 4hr experience, it’s a real commitment to go to the movie even if you are kind of bored. That’s a huge chunk of time. I’m interested in seeing it, but it’s not something easy to fit into a schedule
make. it. work.
I used to love long movies, binge watching series and playing long games... But now, I kind of feel like those things are a chore and sometimes not respectful of audiences time, yes, I wanna have some entertainment and escapism, but I also want to spend time with my girlfriend, my dogs and doing other things
I'm not saying I'm not willing to watch something that long, but... Definitely I'm not excited about it
Trust me. wait for it on streaming. While the visual effects are nice, it's way too slow in the second hour and the ending was a HUGE letdown. Trust me. It's not worth seeing it on the big screen. Critics agree, and gave it a lower score than the first film.
its 3 hours and 12 minutes. id suggest you form your own opinion of the movie first before watching and listening to what other people have to say, and may i say that during my experience of watching the movie, i had my doubts at first but i ended up loving it! my brother hated the first movie but he liked this one even more and afterwards we just kept talking about the ending on the way home. the reason people are disappointed is because they expected MORE but they dont realize the plot stretches until the third movie. the ending is like an open ending that will continue with the THIRD. its AMAZING i swear to you. but its fine, not everyone will get me lmao
its worth it though, trust me i had my doubts but im so glad they were lifted.
Can you explain the double the cost for advertising pleaee. If I make a movie for $50, using your logic, it should cost only $50 to advertise, right?
My point being advertising should be capped at a limit, and they haven't really done much of it, TBF. The double the cost makes no sense. AirTime, Printimg, merch all have a set price. The production cost doesn't dictate the cost of a poster.
I just binged The Recruit over the weekend (not a typical binger) and I gotta say it's a refreshing mix of the Jack Ryan book character meets legal drama meets Gen Z progressive surrogate family dynamic. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I only go to recliner clean cinemas. Reading cinemas in Australia are so good but the big chain has IMAX but only half the cinema has recliners? Weird
I feel bad to the employees that have to stay at the theater that late.
They should be getting over time, I’d gladly stay overtime and play on my phone for 3 hours for $50
The first Avatar collected only half of Avatar 2.... and see where it ended up
The interesting thing about top gun Maverick is it’s domestic box office was larger as a percentage of total box office relative to most other movies.
People who only care about headline figures and statistics without analysing the underlying contexts are just something else. There're multiple well-written pieces about the commercial dominance of largely apolitical spectacle-driven tentpole films in the theatrical market. James Cameron has single-handedly twice made box office history with two original IPs instead of pre-existing ones.
1:20 Grace is all of a sudden caring about inflation-adjusted figures when she previously, on multiple occasions, happily admitted she didn't care about such accuracy because the unadjusted figures fitted her then narratives.
I used to go to the cinema quite a few times a year but since the beginning of the pandemic I've only been once - and that was to see Avatar, a movie I own, just to see it in 3D again. I'm waiting until after Christmas to see Avatar: Way of Water.
People will trickle in, in mass I'm sure. Has to be seen in the theater. We have all waited SOOOO LONG that one or two weeks means nothing
2020-
TOP 3 WORLDWIDE OPENING
1. 600M - No Way Home
2. 450M - Multiverse of Madness
3. 435M - The Way of Water
TOP 3 DOMESTIC OPENING
1. 260M - No Way Home
2. 187M - Multiverse of Madness
3. 181M - Wakanda Forever
The wife and I were going to see it, but stuff came up where we couldn't take that amount of time out of the day. We plan to see it in a local Dolby 3D lounge theater perhaps on Monday after Christmas.
I’m not really hyped about about Avatar, but I’ll see it when it comes out to streaming.
Is this a case of Quality of film, or is it that it's been too long since the first film, I'm more of a student of the old way of Hollywood theme "Striking while the iron is hot" some films need to be on a regular schedule when it comes to release. This film was supposed to be out years ago. The steam may have run out, plus the run time is a bit much
I know this is a kind of debbie downer comment but honestly theaters should let their employees have christmas day off and close down like basically every other business
It's never occurred to me to go to the movies on Christmas. I am opposed to making people work that day, so I say everyone should stream!
1000
No, everyone should go to the theater to watch Avatar 😭 I need film 4 and 5
Its a mixed bag... Some people dont have families/friends/etc and they need that paycheck. So if you stop doing things on Christmas, then the industry decides to shutdown on a holiday and then that hourly worker is losing time and half holiday pay that they really need...
@@ICU1337 sorry. This scenario gets no sympathy.
Holidays are to be off. Give people time off with their families. But 1 poor person would rather work so let's bolster the argument to make everybody should work on Christmas
Sis, stop it.
You do realize everyone isnt Christian, right?
Say what you want but Avatar 2 having a ww box office of 430 mil after hardly a week is frikking insane
Got COVID last week and had to give up my IMAX 3D HFR Avatar tickets... Hoping I can get back in and see it before it falls off those screens.
It's just a different era now...back when Avatar came out, the comicbook movie era was just in its infancy stage.
Cameron and his ilk needs to be humbled every now and then.
I’m certain the World Cup final had a big impact outside the US
My fiance and I really liked Avatar 1 and recently rewatched it and it was still good. The way of water... It was good, not as good as the first one HOWEVER the high frame rate and IMAX 3D is something you HAVE to experience. I'm probably gonna go watch it again.
I miss REAL midnight premieres. Those were always the most fun.
I don't care whether Avatar succeeds or fails. I'm not seeing it because I have no interest in seeing it. I want to see Wakanda forever much more than Avatar 2, but I still haven't found the motivation to go to that or any movie for months. The one interesting thing about this movie, to me, is whether it will bring about a resurgence of 3D movies. The first movie single-handedly brought back the 3D fad (remember it was first a fad in the 1980s, for those old enough to remember). And a fad it was. Can this movie? My guess is no. The huge expense to produce the movie to give the sort of 3D experience people claim it does is going to put pretty much any studio that isn't Disney off that kind of investment when the return simply won't be there. As you keep saying Grace, movies are first and foremost a business and if it doesn't look like making money it won't fly.
Sorry what happened to Avatar’s $200-$300 million opening weekend…? It’s a flop.
NO way. Our cinemas are closed on Christmas Day. he idea of minimum wage earners being forced to work Christmas Day is a bit scary tbh. (They would be "forced" eventually).
Also what I REALLY want is the 3D version of both films available to watch on the Quest 2 so I can really enjoy the 3D since I never can in theaters.
James Cameron was clear, he WANTS to film all the movies. He said they only have plans of him not finishing them in case something happens (he gets sick or family matters etc).
I’ve seen it twice and it was even better the second time. Going to see it with my parents next week. Hopefully it makes enough to justify continuing past 3. The 3D was beautiful.
Edit also both times I didn’t feel the 3hrs. Great sign for me. It’s definitely my favorite movie this year.
wow thats amazing, glad you will be going to have that memorable experience with your fam. i saw it in dolby 3d and i plan to see in imax 3d next, and finally i want to see it in 4dx 3d
I'm sorry but I felt differently. I saw it in 3D, felt the visual effects were nothing special and It felt like I was watching a FOUR hour movie. The ending felt like a rip off of Waterworld and the build up to the confrontation between Sully and Quarrich was a HUGE letdown. All of Netiyis's screaming at the end, really got on my nerves. All in all, it felt like a waste of time AND money.
I saw first avatar 16+ times! Have seen this one three times already! Taking a break until January then going back!
Hey Grace,
In actuality Gone With the Wind is the highest domestic grossing film (adjusted for inflation) with $3.9 billion with Avatar is about $3.5 billion.
In Vegas. We have Mondays 5.00 movies - all formats and Tuesday 5.00 all movies.
I think we're forgetting both Puss in Boots and the Whitney Biopic coming out next weekend which I feel could seriously counter program this film and make bank off the non premium screens and more showings per day.
I'm stuck on the fact that Up came out in 2009! I thought it came out in like 2015 or something. Wow.
Just came back from Avatar 2 and the theatre was only 20% filled. That was the 7pm showing on Sunday opening weekend. Didn't find that the 3d improved over the first.
Neither did I. In fact I found Avatar 2 to be a huge letdown.
This girl talks about how it’s a “shame that movies are politicized now” and proceeds to call out conservatives for their opinions which she calls “frustrating and upsetting”. Also, imagine being scared of this “pandemic” it’s been almost 3 years, people need to get over it.
The second I go on break, this video drops. Perfect way to spend my break!
I saw Black Panther a couple weeks ago. The guy two seats to my right kept coughing every 10 minutes. Pissed me off! I wanted to throw him out the theater. It only strengthen my resolve to not go back to the movie until covid is over. It's upsetting because I used to go to the movies 3 times a month...depending on what was out.
Watching it twice next week with each of my teens that want to see it.
If avatar 3 has already been filmed does that mean the budget of the 2 is combined or overlapping to some extent?
Thank you for this week Movie Math Grace. Wishing a wonderful holiday to you and you family.
We don't have Dolby screens in UK (possssssibly one). What's the difference from IMAX? I always associate Dolby as 'sound'.
I just hate sequels. There has never been anything about Avatar that made me want to see more.
Hi from the UK Grace. I think the biggest barrier for me personally is the length. I live on the outskirts of my city and so I have to factor in travel time and that means that any plans to see the film would be an almost literal all day affair. Something which doesn’t make sense for my level of interest in the film.
I'm in for Puss N Boots on Christmas, not 3-4 hours with the blue people
I saw A2 in IMAX 3D Friday, and it's amazing. This film was made for IMAX 3D, or at least 3D. Unfortunately, there are only 2 IMAX screens with in driving distance for me. This area is seriously lacking on premium screens.
I am waiting for more showtimes for Imax 3D to be made available. Currently my local Imax theatre has dates available only till Dec 22.
This isn't just any blockbuster movie. The first movie blew me away when first seeing, and watched it again when it was re-released earlier this year.
I am willing to wait till a good seat is available, that could be after Christmas or after new years.
I drove 4 hours to go see Avatar 2 in 4DX because my city doesn't have a 4DX theater close by and it was 100% worth it to experience the movie in that way. I saw it again the next night in regular 2D and I plan to go back again and see it in IMAX 3D. I have so many friends who just want to "wait until it's on Disney+" but I really try to convince them that they will never have the chance to see this movie on such a large screen in the highest quality it's intended for again. I try to remind them that their 10 year old 36 inch screen probably won't do it justice 🤣 I think that's convinced them
@The Dash Driver Sadly the poverty in your country is absolutely disgusting.
The movie was insanely immersive. The 3D technology when done right just makes going to the cinema a different experience.
Is it possible that the Avatar box office came behind in projections because of the fifa world cup because the majority of the movie going audience couldve opted to tune in on that as opposed to the movie? I do believe however that the box office will pick up in the subsequent weeks, particularly this 2nd week.
*I saw Avatar 2 today in 4DX in Chicago and let me just say WOW! The movie was absolutely incredible, I have never seen a movie so well put together in all the ways. My theater was also completely sold out, I bought my tickets the week they came out as well, and I HIGHLY recommend watching it like this*
Saw it on both top tier screens already(the movie started midweek in germany) and imax 4k is better than 4dx. the imax laser has just so much more power making the 3d pop so much more.
also the 4d effects are not so well integrated when compared to the 3d effects.
I had a completely different experience than you did. I felt the visual effects were distracting, felt the storyline was downright BORING at times the characters were completely lifeless and the ending was a direct rip off of Waterworld from 1995. It's easily the biggest disappointment of the year.
Grace, at 17:05 - it's not disinterest - it's uninterest (or non-interest). A Judge is disinterested in the case (no vested stake with either side), but is interested in a solid verdict. Love your content. Just sharing good grammar to make it better!
Grace, thanks for your quality content, especially the movie math episodes.
Grace won't be able to make a clear assessment on Avatar until after the second weekend.
The percentage drop, that's what matters.
Exactly. More than 25% drop? It's a bomb Iger can't pin it on Chapek
I disagree, you'll have to wait until the third.
Ain't no way anyone is going to the damn theatre on Christmas.
@@sfdko3291 Christmas is a popular movie going day.
Another snow storm is brewing, starting Thursday. Could be a big factor on 2nd weekend #'s.
As grace talks about the expenses of going 2 a 3D movie…i wonder how other movie theatres work with 3D glasses…i live in the netherlands and i have to purchase my 3D glasses once and then get to keep it for other 3D movies… its not much but still i dont have to pay for the glasses each time. Is this the same for everyone or not? Im pretty curious about that
I was not a fan at all of Avatar 2009 but Avatar Way of Water stunned me with how good it was - I am all in on the IP now - Na'Vi and Pandora!
The AMC A list only makes sense for people that go weekly though and because of the dry seasons Hollywood has at the cinemas sometimes, is it worth it?
I think it’s going to do well. I loved it , going to see it again , rarely do I see movies twice and I know many people at work have tickets over the next week to see it . Also I went at mid day to see it due to availability of 3D premium. I never do movies that early
I'm waiting just because I really didn't care for the first Avatar. I know I'm one in a few but this movie hasn't excited me enough to venture out into the cold to sit in a theater for more than 3 hours.
Same honestly. My family is waiting for Glass Onions on Netflix.
Grace always makes my weekends better
It’s funny how she talks about Covid being a thing right now, I live in the very liberal state of Washington people do not care anymore about Covid affecting their life/movie going time