There was this total madness in the media when Endgame knocked Avatar from the number one spot as the highest grossing movie ever made, but to me personally, these two movies couldn‘t be compared. Yes, Endgame was an awesome finale, a crazy ride through and through, but it had tons of movies before that led up to it. So it was foreseeable that it would do well. Avatar on the other hand came out of nowhere and just took over the whole world, mostly because of it‘s CGI and visual effects, which still, 13 years later, are just top-notch. I‘m super hyped about what’s to come in this franchise.
Endgame is at no. 2 now... Avatar has already surpassed Endgame... Last year.... It was re-released.... Infact when it gets September re-release it will surpass 3 billion dollars easily!!!
Yeah no it didn’t. Maybe if ya look at the nominal dollars but if look at the REAL dollars (adjusted for inflation) Avatar beats endgame by 500 million and gone by the wind beats em both by another $500 million
@@jaiminsharma it already has. Adjusted for inflation Avatar has grossed about 3.2 billion in 2020’s money. Although gone with the wind (1936) has made about 3.7 billion and is the real highest grossing film of all time
Bro, it was the most immersive 3D experience I've ever had in a theater. You legit felt like you were on the planet. It was next level incredible. Avatar 2 is going to be mind blowing visually
I saw it in IMAX when it came out. It was one of the first times I smoked weed and I got super overwhelmed and had motion sickness, but my friend did shrooms beforehand and she kept saying WHOOOOOA during the whole movie lol
James Cameron waited 15 years for CGI technology to catch up with his dream so he could finally make this eye-candy of a movie. you have to see the Behind the Scenes look at how they made the movie, that alone will blow your mind!
Yeah I watched an interview where he talked about having this vision beyond what the technology at the time could produce, what a visionary ahead of his time!
And he's done it again for the upcoming sequels. building and creating the tech he needs to tell the story he wants to tell. Can you tell I'm hyped for the sequels? Even if the story and dialogue is bad its gonna look SO good.
If I remember correctly, a lot of Pandora was designed like VR. They had physical "camera" capture units that displayed the virtual environment as they recorded, so they could use cinematography techniques within a virtual sound stage. The reason why it looks simultaneously like someone made an entire CGI environment but filmed conventionally, somehow on-location without an actual location... Is because they essentially did just that.
I saw this in theaters in 3D It was honestly, the first time I ever left the theater feeling like I was stepping off a spaceship and back onto Earth. I had to sit in the car and decompress for a moment. I felt like I had been gone for months, years. It was very surreal and I hope to feel the same way when the new ones come out.
I did not have the chance to see it in theaters (lots of other things happening at the time) and I'm hoping it gets re-released before the others come out so that I can have that experience. My mind was blown on the world of Pandora just on my tv, can't even imagine going to the IMAX and seeing it in 3D.
Same here, the world (Pandora) always felt amazing. And I can clearly see why ppl would dream of this world. We'll finally get a game and the sequel this december :)
I worked at our local movie theater, when Avatar came out. One of the perks of working there was, that I could watch any movie for free. Avatar ran daily, for almost 2 months... and I went there at least once a week to watch it. It just never got boring. The cinema is quite small (only 3 screens) and invested in upgrading to 3D because of Avatar. A wise decision... it was breathtaking.
I LOVE seeing people not clown on this movie. When I was 11 and saw it in theaters in 2009 in 3D as my first ever 3D movie, I was blown away. Now I am 23, and I will be 24 by the time the second one (hopefully) comes out this December, and I am still super excited for it. Going by that one I'll decide if I am going to watch the other sequels but yeah - just love to see positivity about the movie and not people clowining on it 24/7.
I was the same age as you whey i saw it for the first time and it was also my first 3D experience 😭 i’m from France and it’s amazing how this movie has marked a generation
It's interesting how everyone is just talking about the special effects of this film. I mean... yea they are really good and some of the shots are just breathtaking. But I do like the story, too. And I feel like a lot of people seem to miss that this is pretty much an allegory to what's happening to our planet. Pandora might be this natural paradise but our nature on earth is perfect in it's own way, too. And to me personally it always felt like James Cameron wanted to remind people of the beauty of nature and that we have to appreciate instead of destroying it.
Cynics are dismissive of the story and claim it’s derivative (as opposed to drawing from powerful archetypes!), but I found the relationships deeply moving as they were also tied in with the characters’ love for their world and its inner connectedness in a way that most of us have yet to learn. We are “killing our Mother” even while we should be learning that trees do connect and nurture their offspring, and that we are indeed all one.
This movie gets so much hate for “not having a story” which I cannot understand. The visuals are amazing obviously but the story is so moving because it puts a critical eye on what we are doing to our own planet literally also for money (oil, lumber, overfishing) and you have the story line of jake coming to realize the value of preserving nature and not being unnecessarily violent and shows just how much someone’s experiences and perceptions shape what they believe. Once he saw everything for himself and from their view of course he would fight to preserve it and we as the audience also feel that way and that’s why it’s so powerful when the tree falls
I find it odd that everyone complains about all current movies being nothing but reboots and remakes and then when we get a truly new concept everyone says it wasn't original because it was similar to dances with wolves. newsflash people, every superhero movie has basically the same plot and yet no one mentions that when "spiderman 45, spiderman gets brunch" comes out.
I haven't seen Dances with Wolves, but I'd agree, there are only so many "plots" for any type of story, and at the end of the day, the originality of the world of Pandora is something I think should be celebrated for its tremendous visual creativity and beauty
@@nickreacts6394 yeah everyone is already saying that the sequels will suck but as we all know this happens with every Cameron movie before it comes out and then the movie changes film history. I'm gonna stay quiet about criticisms til it comes out. Honestly I think people are just contrarians, the movie was too successful so people look for reasons to not like it. It's certainly not perfect but seriously the hate it gets is not warranted.
I have seen Dances With Wolves twice, and aside from the main premise, nothing else is the same. I think some of the people who keep comparing the two films haven't even watched them. 🤣
The extended version (also known as Director's Cut) is even better, with a lot more scenes expanding the worldbuilding and the lore. :> For example, how close Grace really was to the Omaticaya and how Tsu'tey's death really went.
Seriously when people were complaining about the story they would often complain about stuff that is actually in the extended version and was only cut for time
As long as the movie is, there's actually an even longer extended cut which fleshes out Jake's story before leaving Earth, Grace's relationship with the Na'vi before hostilities began, and Norm's jealously of Jake. There is even an entire Norm/Trudy relationship subplot that got deleted altogether.
This movie has its critiques, but I’ve always just been in awe of the visuals and effects (and personally I love the story too). Looking forward to your reaction & thoughts!! Hope you’re having a great day :D
Yeah, I've heard often just negatives, but to me a few of the weaker story aspects were easily compensated by the heart, the visuals, the creatures, and the action sequences which were all riveting!
Every movie has its flaws. But obviously Avatar succeeds so often and in so many ways, why critique it? I mean, it is the movie the Star War sequel and prequel trilogies wanted to be
it is a generic Going native story, wich i think Last samurai and dances with wolves does much better. and when it comes to visuals, sure the visuals is fine, but personally i think we rather should be concerned about the real environment here on earth and then real nature is as visually stunning and the native cultures that we have here is as this CGI.
@@marcusfridh8489 Both Thw Last Samurai and Dances With Wolves but they dont have the craftsmanship of James Cameron. That means that they will not age as well
I remember seeing Avatar when it first came out at the cinema. I was absolutely blown away by it! Went back to see it a 2nd time a couple weeks later and have watched it many times since. The wait for the sequals is killing me!
You didn’t mention the late James Horner’s amazing score, but it so perfectly enhances the film. His death was an utter tragedy. We can only hope his successor is anywhere near as brilliant scoring the sequel.
Some known differences between the avatars and Na'vi are due to the influence of human DNA. Critically, the avatar brain and nervous system are modeled to precisely match those of its human operator while still maintaining appropriate Na'vi cellular biology. The avatar also possesses the necessary nervous system pathways required for the control interface. Avatars retain the human configuration of five digits on each hand and foot, as opposed to the native Na'vi who possess four digits on each limb. Avatars possess eyebrows, while the Na'vi are hairless apart from their scalp and a small tuft of hair on the tips of their tails. Avatars display somewhat more human-like body musculature and structure than the Na'vi. (This is especially apparent when comparing the build of Jake Sully to that of the male Na'vi of the Omaticaya clan; Jake's body structure is sturdier than those of the more willowy Na'vi). The Na'vi have large lemur-like eyes, while an avatar's eyes are usually smaller and more human-like. The Na'vi nose is flat and cat-like, while the nose of an avatar has a more human-like central ridge, in some cases quite pronounced. The queue of an avatar starts at the base of the skull, whereas a Na'vi queue starts at the top of the skull. The reason for this is not clear. The Na'vi have opposable big toes, while avatars do not.
14:23 well the Na'vi look quite different from the avatars. Na'vi only have 4 fingers and no eyebrows, the avatars do, since they have human DNA in them. 22:20 it's actually said, that dinosaurs were really brightly colorful, seeing as parrots, and birds in general, are colorful and the close relatives to dinosaurs. The second movie is supposed to come out at the end of the year and will look even more beautiful. The concept arts were just wow and involve a lot of the tribe people living at the ocean.
Seeing it in theater was absolutely stunning. I was like 13 or something and just went as a last minute whim with some friends, but it’s one of those first time viewings I will always remember
Exact same expérience as you, 12 in my biggest cinéma in 3D. Even if thé story was pretty standard, i hadnt feel that immerse in a film since LOTR. even 10 years later the CGI hasnt aged at all.
I don't know if the plants are bioluminescent or if it's his avatar eyes picking up wavelengths that aren't visible to human eyes... I have to give Cameron his props on worldbuilding. A lot of effort and thought went into developing the flora and fauna of this world, including the chemical composition and density of the air, the difference in gravity, the interconnection/communication between all living things... You ask if Jake 'believes' what he's saying while killing a creature or whether he's just performing to get by. This is their culture; they won't let him advance if he disrespects their customs. As time goes on, his experiences will fill in understanding why they do this. For the Na'vi, this isn't "religion" or "custom"; it's physical existence. We don't "believe" in our phones or the person on the other end of the line. It's a fact. These connections are a fact & exacts respect for the creatures they share communication with.
One of the many great things about this movie is the stunning animation, every creature feels alive and real. Like at 22:11, you'd expect Toruk to just fly away with his wings, but the added detail of him grabbing on and jumping off the tree branch makes it so much more alive.
I kinda feel like "I See you" can be the MOST romantic thing you could say to someone. You see them; you understand them, It is the difference between knowing someone, and KNOWING someone, and THAT level of understanding and LOVE is BEAUTIFUL. and I want that conveyed to me someday, and have it MEANT wholeheartedly.
I still think this was one of the most ambitious movies ever made, very few SciFi movies can touch the level of creativity and hard work that went into the visuals of this movie.
It is an excellent movie that holds up today and its deeper message also, sadly though while on the home screen it is good it does not compare to the 3D experience we had at the cinema and it was my first jump into 3D but it made me go back and watch it 4 more times, but just the experience of the visuals along with the wildlife and action almost jumping out the screen
I've never rewatched this movie, because my experience of watching it in the theater was so perfect and so emotional that I don't think I can recapture it from home.
i definitely appreciate your take on it!! i was 7 when this film came out, and have been absolutely enamored with it since. so when all of the film reviews made for it at the time called it "a reboot of pocahontas", it was super disheartening. i feel like you were able to appreciate the heart and tender care Cameron treated the worldbuilding and lore with, and that just made me really happie. i love your reviews, can't wait to see more!!!
Thank you! While I do see similarities to the story of Pocahontas, I really don't have any issues with films finding inspiration from previous works (look at all of Tarantino's films), especially when the end result looks this fantastic. And you're so right, Cameron really showed passion for the lore and the world he created, well-said!
Never saw a professional review comparing it to Pocahontas. That's only something I saw from internet wannabe critics who put snark above actual film criticism.
@@richardb6260 eh, it's very clearly a pocahontas/dances with wolves/last samurai movie in space. it's not really being snarky if you notice the similarities. I like all those movies btw (except pocahontas cuz I can't get past them making it a romance. it has some great songs tho)
@@mischr13 Then why don't people say Pocahontas copied Dance With Wolves or Last Samurai? Since two of those movies are based on historical events, then it's just a movie inspired by the same actual story. Why didn't people complain when Forbidden Planet did Shakespeare's The Tempest in space? Nobody complained when Outland did High Noon in space or Battle Beyond the Stars did The Magnificent Seven/Seven Samurai in space. No, but Avatar, one of the most visually stunning films ever made, gets lambasted because it might have plot similarities to twenty other movies and who knows how many books. Cameron said it was inspired by At Play in the Fields of the Lord and if you watch the movie it's pretty clear. It's based on a book written in the 60s. Should we now accuse all the movies that Avatar is accused of copying of stealing their plot from that book?
@@richardb6260 but...they DO say that about those movies. like Thor said, it's fine to acknowledge inspiration. it's not an insult to the movie. when Pocahontas came out it was "Disney's dances with wolves". Kill Bill is similar to Lady Snowblood (and even has a song from the soundtrack). As you mentioned Magnificent Seven is inspired by Seven Samurai and has had a ton of other movies copy it with varying degrees of similarities (Like A Bug's Life [and The Three Amigos]). All good movies. It's not inherently a bad thing.
@@nickreacts6394 yep!! He confirmed 4 more movies a few years ago but the second kept getting pushed back but it’s officially happening this year and I’m excited. Just a little fun fact as well in a documentary that they did for the making of the movie ( it’s on TH-cam)James cameron actually wanted to make this movie when he was filming titanic but the technology just wasn’t there yet so he waited until it was available in order to make avatar happen. I thought that was some serious dedication right there and really awesome how much work they put into the movie. I’d highly recommend watching it! Also love your hair!🤗
I will never forget the experience ... watching this in my citys best and biggest cinema... in 3D... it was breathtaking. I remember when my friend and I left the building, we were standing outside, looking around to get accostumed to the real world again xD xD
I went to watch it for the 3D effects the first time. I was blown away. I went the second time with friends, and they loved it. Three times is a charm. Yep. It’s the only film I saw three times at the theater.
When this movie 1st came out my brother paid for our ENTIRE family to go see it in IMAX 3D together. $$$ It was one of the most memorable & unique moments in my immediate family’s history. For three hours we were all taken away to a new world and witnessed the amazing beauty of Pandora and sat in astonishment of the leap in technology that changed the way view movies. This was great storytelling along with an a reflective reminder of how Native American cultures were treated upon the colonization of the US. 🥺 Great movie!
Having seen this movie 30 times in theaters and 28 times in IMAX. I have to say I was BLOWN AWAY! It was a truly immersive experience and I just couldn't get enough of it. Pandora is THE Coolest Sci-fi planet I have ever seen on screen. Also, being very much into science and nature I was also blown away just how well not only the creatures looked but also functioned in their world. Clearly a lot of care was done to make Pandora seem as real as it could possibly be. As for the criticism, I think it's just been popular to hate it because it did so well in theatres. The story is a basic story that has been done before but It was done well and had a very cool backdrop. What really makes me enjoy the film is the world building and the visuals. I still can't get over how well this movie looks almost 13 years later! This is one of only three movies I have ever seen that had a standing ovation at the end of it as well. Also, Watch the extended edition when you get a chance. There are also some behind the scenes stuff that gives you more insight on the characters.
a lot of Avatar was filmed in New Zealand, and the company who did the CGI is called Weta Workshop (they also did LOTR, Thor, Narnia etc) both in their Wellington studio and in the local native bush, mixed in with CGI
I have this on Blu-Ray 3D ... and that is another level of "experience" to watching this film! One of the better films to watch in 3D mode :-) Btw, GREAT reaction to this film!!!
James Cameron is one of the first directors to use cinematic stereoscopic 3D as an integrated form of artistic expression instead of a Gimmick ,he put a huge amount of work into the deep understanding of making the technology work artistically for example he dynamically adjusts the 3D space for each scene including dynamically rolling the depth out for scenes that might cause motion sickness. I can watch Avatar in any venue with good 3D presentation (And that's a very important consideration as some venues do not follow the rules and offer dark hard to view presentation and that's absolutely one of the reasons behind why many people don't like 3D) and its as natural an experience as looking out a window onto the world,, I can not say that about a lot of the films out there especially those that converted there content to 3D , Yes I have the film on Blu-ray 3D and have a display that can present it with Good presentation. I am very concerned over the future of the 3D medium and hope people express strong support for the format all the high end TV makers no longer offer displays that offer 3D but many projectors still have that feature..
I love this movie! It’s sooo much more spiritual than most notice. The story she told to him was all along telling him what his story was to be, he just didn’t see it yet and neither did they. so when they reunite it’s chills whole body because he is the reincarnation. He needed to be knowledgeable in all of the human aspects in order to reunite with his people, as a warrior once more. They also didn’t know how the warrior would emerge and where from, and he came in not what they thought and they felt blind. She was no longer scared, it made sense to her why she was his teacher, why they are in love and why she was learning human ego interactions (the bow scene; she is genuinely confused what his intent is for staring at her like that. When they are riding and he ‘plays’ with her and she experiences fun (which is more human like things that only he could teacher her)). So funny though she called him a baby in the beginning because he would bring trouble to himself because of the childlike curiosity. He was so much in the adolescence of his spiritual potential; he wasn’t listening to the natural realm or trying to learn it, only defend against it (even though they are one). The sacred spirits only hovering his top half is also due to that only being the part of the avatar that’s Jake soul, since it was original based off his brother and human Jake is disabled. Hard hitter for me, ahead of its time for most; can’t wait for the 2nd💙🦋
When this gets re-released in theaters this upcoming fall, I may see it two or 3 times. Seeing this in the theatre is probably the best experience I’ve ever had at one, my uncle took me to see it for my birthday and it was his first 3D movie. Seeing how he was reaching out to touch the seeds or ducking anytime something came towards the audience was even better.
Shot natively in IMAX 3D (a huge camera rig), that is definitely the way to view it. Absolutely immersive. The digital 3D in the regular theaters was spectacular, going from the screen all the way to the horizon and beyond. But in IMAX the 3D started at your seat, not the screen. I tried batting a falling ember of Hometree out of my line of sight, because I forgot it wasn't real. Stunningly beautiful. When the sequels come out, Cameron went to great lengths to get the effects just right (which is why they took so long), so do yourself a favor and spend the extra for IMAX.
I wish I could watch Avatar again for the first time... so funny and interesting seeing your reactions... like... "did he just disconnect from the horse?" XD!!!!
Your comment about waking up to the dismal reality after watching a movie really hit home for me. I remember going to the movie theater as a young adult (20 yo), watching this movie and then immediately going back for a 2nd watch. Afterwards, I took the bus home, and I was stunned. I was unwell physically and mentally, and in comparison to this gorgeous world I had just witnessed, everything about reality was grey and sad. Part of me just wanted to have the chance to get into a different body on another planet. And to this day, I have not watched Avatar again, mainly because I didn't want to feel that way ever gain. Watching your reaction video, though, gave me some peace, so thank you for that. 😄
I absolutely loved your commentary during this (my favorite) movie! I simply love your thoughts and emotions going into it and I can't wait to binge on all the stuff you have on your channel I missed.
I still remember going to the theater and watching when it first came out. It still gives me chills to watch it today. And I would 100% stay and side with the Na'vi
I cant even start to imagine what Cameron was cooking for past 13 YEARS on Avatar 2... Ive heard its shot with completely new technology. With higher frame rate and some other stuff. Less than a YEAR is left for us to witness another visual masterpiece...I hope it wont get delayed... and I hope we all be still alive to see it lol
This movie was gorgeous in 3D. When the tree was burning down, you could see ashes falling all around you, it was totally heartbreaking. I went to see it with my aunt and cousin, and as part First Nation people, this movie hit us so hard.
5:56 I’m pretty sure that in this movie’s wiki, when they first mentioned Unobtanium they have “pun intended” in parentheses…which I just find hilarious, the fact that they acknowledge it
Seeing this in 3D was one of the most impressive, immersive experiences I've been able to enjoy. I kind of wish there were no planned squeals but, it made money so...yeah. The extended version is also worth a watch IMO. I've got this on DVD and Bluray. love it. Lots of people like to bash the story as it's pretty similar to other stories like it, but it's ok, I love the stories it follows.
I felt like the story was a bit cliched but James Cameron has the ability to make me love it nonetheless. I actually cried the first time Jake Sully ran through the forest as his avatar. I'm sad that Cameron feels like he wants to make only Avatar films now (and go to the bottom of the ocean) but I will watch every one of them.
Good new for u: Jim Cam is getting tired of doing Avatar also and looking to train another director to finish A4 & 5 for him (if those get the green light). He mentioned he has other projects he really wanted to do (so excited to see those).
Easily one if the best experiences I've ever had in a theater. Cameron says the film is inspired by the book and movie "At Play in the Fields of the Lord". Some like to say it was based on "Dances With Wolves". But they probably haven't seen that film in a while because the plot isn't really similar at all. More likely they just like to make the lame "Dances With Smurfs" comment over and over and over and over and over again. One detail I liked is that the Na'vi have four fingers and the human/Na'vi hybrid bodies have five fingers. Probably a intentional choice since the human "driver" would be more comfortable with five fingers.
Yeah, I've gotta disagree with the hate on this one, especially as a spectacle and a cinematic experience! And that's a neat detail with the Na'vi fingers, I didn't catch that, I feel like there was so much thought behind the world and character designs
@@nickreacts6394 I think some of the backlash came from it's massive success. Some have a mind set of not wanting to admit liking something that was so popular. I just get tired of the Dances With Wolves comparison when the whole "civilized man finds peace with 'savages' " is such a common story trope. It was part of Edgar Rice Burroughs' stories. Including John Carter on Mars. Also Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Called Horse films starring Richard Harris, Farewell to the King, The Last Samurai, The Man Who Would be King, and yes, Dances With Wolves, and probably a ton more I've forgotten or am not aware of. Yet all you hear is Avatar ripped off Dances With Wolves. Which really speaks to their limited knowledge of film.
For what is worth, this is what we do to our planet. This movie woke a primal need in me to do everything I can, while I still am aware, to do the minimal damage to our home
You touched on a bit about just how immersive the world is and its so true. Their was actually a kind of phenomenon (aptly dubbed Post Avatar Depression) where a bunch of people just felt lost after seeing the movie because they couldn't live on Pandora. It was just on such a different level as far as visuals and immersion, when you walked out of the theatre to see the lifeless gray cities, concrete parking lots and buildings it was a shock to the senses.
Saw this movie in 3D IMAX. It was the first movie I had seen in the theaters since Titanic. I spent the entire movie with my jaw on the floor in absolute awe - so visually stunning.
It basically revolutionized 3D. Before it was just jump out of the screen gags. I don’t know why someone hadn’t really thought to use it for depth instead before.
We are finally in the year of Avatar 2. I can’t wait to finally see it. Here’s hoping Covid doesn’t spike again this year. I wanna see it in the best theater possible.
Yeah Avatar was amazing I can’t wait for the whole story with these new movies the world of Avatar is magical!!🔥 A lot of people call this dances with wolves to slander it I guess even though that’s also a great film but they just forget and skate by the fact of the whole spirit thing like grace said it isn’t some gods like we have on earth these are real and connected with the planet there’s proof of them and like the asshats who were there for the materials they don’t care to even think about it the magic of the whole world being 1 and connected it’s cool!!🔥🔥
This movie is incredible. The visuals are amazing even to this days. The world Pandora (that is actually a moon, but whatever) is amazing. There's even a book wrote by Maria Wilhelm and Dirk Mathison that's like confidential reports about Pandora and, gods, there's so many details. It talks about how Earth is nowadays (in this AU), about the discovery of Pandora, Pandora's fauna and flora, the human's technology, the Na'vi culture... There's even a Na'vi dictionary. I don't know if you can find this book in english (you see, I'm a brazilian so I read this book in portuguese), but you probably can and it's really nice if you're a curious person like me that like this kind of details. Not to mention the MANY photos of places, things and beings that we probably gonna see in the next 4 movies.
This movie is so beautiful... amazing and breathtaking... I use it to determine if a screen is good... it's my go to movie to watch on a new monitor or screen to see if it can handle it... and it wows me every time.
I was 8 years old when this movie came out and it became my favorite movie instantly. And still is my favorite to this day. I had never seen anything like it!
James Cameron has said before that Avatar is a trilogy and is already written. I guess its just a matter of when he thinks technology can do what he wants to show all of us with his movies.
This film literally changed my life and how I approach things, how I accept things, how I see life and the world around me. I definitely had the avatar blues for a very long time. Watching this took me back to how I felt the first time I saw it as well. I really appreciate the way you approached this film!
The iMax 3D version of this movie forever changed my opinion of what a 3D Movie could be. Unfortunately it is still the benchmark that has not been matched in more than a decade since it's release.
"I see why people are just blown away by the effects of this movie." Yeah, and remember, this movie was made 13 years ago! This was anything but standard back then, hell I would say it's not even close to being standard now xD
I have no idea why this movie had so much hate when it came out, to me it was an absolute masterpiece. The only 3D movie I have enjoyed and felt immersed!
@@jude_the_apostle I did enjoy the storyline myself however I can see how it would be considered overdone or tired :P I fully agree with it being the alien Dances With Wolves lol
LOVE this movie. The visuals alone are outstanding and I love that you picked up on the colour grading of different scenes. The creatures and plants, too, are so unique and carefully thought out. I remember being completely blown away watching it in the cinema - I even went back for the bonus footage version. It was a completely different experience to any other cinema viewing before or since. You mentioned wanting an AR experience for Avatar - that's pretty much the ride Avatar: Flight of Passage in Disney Orlando's Animal Kingdom. It's an incredible ride, definitely recommend!
The visuals of this movie are one of the best. That is where it really shines. You might want to watch the making of and behind the scenes. I think this movie was one of the first to use "virtual cameras", where they can see the full environment rendered while filming in a studio with green screen. It's just incredible what they did to make this movie possible. You can find it the making of on youtube with the title "➤ AVATAR (2009) - Making Of and Behind The Scenes"
It was the first 3D movie I saw that wasn't the classic red/blue. It's mostly CGI with very little practical or on-site but the floating mountains are inspired by the Zhangjiajie Mountains in China. What's interesting is that it's been battling with "Endgame" for the number one grossing movie of all time and the only thing they really have in common is they both feature Zoe Saldana. So far there are four sequels being filmed, "Avatar 2" is coming out in December 2022, "Avatar 3" in December 2024, "Avatar 4" in December 2026, and "Avatar 5" is scheduled to come out in December 2028.
I really enjoy this movie. I do understand a lot of the complaints about it. but for me its still a good watch. I love the scene where he first jumps into the avatar body. I use a wheelchair myself, that moment where he just runs, I instantly understood his desire as I'd likely do the same.
There’s a ton of behind the scenes material, you should definitely look it up! Every scene in Pandora was full CGI, essentially everything was shot in a sound stage and Cameron could see a basic version of the actors as Na’vi on a monitor attached to his camera. It’s fascinating to watch, it looks like it was akin to the theater experience with a few props and structures here and there to emulate the environment, and he got his actors to immerse fully in this imaginary world.
Watching this reaction on my laptop was nothing like actually watching it in IMAX and 3D was jaw dropping. The sound and picture sharpness and brilliant color were nothing we'd experienced before. The DVD I later bought was no comparison. Glad I saw it at the theatre in IMAX/3D.
I collected View Master 3D reels as a kid (still do) and always dreamed of seeing a whole movie like that. So when I got to watch this on the big screen, in 3D, I was in tears. Soooo happy I lived long enough for that to happen. watched it many times at the theatre.
I have an unhealthy obsessed with this movie. Not even the story line of it but just the visuals and world building of it. I personally am not and have never been a fan of movies that are basically "man with the bad guys trying to colonize land isn't like the other bad guys". I dislike Pocahantas for the same reason. However, my dislike for this type of plot doesn't even remotely outweigh my love for everything else I love about this movie. Plus, Ms. Zoe Saldana acted her ass off in this movie as Neytiri. Especially in the scene at the end before the big battle when she's yelling at Jake. I highly recommend anyone to watch the behind the scenes of that. She's incredible! I'm so excited for the 2nd one and I really hope they take the plot criticisms from this one to heart. It has so much potential to be amazing. Also, I'm totally one of the people who would take an avatar body if offered. No questions asked lmao.
Same! The visuals and world-building are truly incredible, I'm definitely going to be checking out some behind the scenes stuff.... and I agree, I do hope that part 2 offers a more sophisticated story and is a great film!
Same! I am so in love with Pandora. Pandora land in Animal Kingdom at Disneyworld is just magical, they captured the feeling of Pandora so perfectly. I could spend all day there if it was just a little bit bigger. Besides 50th merchandise, Pandora souvenirs are quickly taking over my Disney collection lol.
Zoe Saldana should have won an Oscar for her performance but so often acting in science fiction isn’t taken as seriously. But scene for scene, she captures every note. Her anguish at the fall of Hometree made that scene even more wrenching if possible. And the ending where she gets that mask onto “her” Jake and “sees” him even in his tiny human form is a knockout. I wish I could tell her directly how great she was!
In a way, there's a "vr" version of Pandora... At Walt Disney World, Florida in Animal Kingdom, there is a 3-D ride called Avatar: Flight of Passage. You get to "inhabit" your own avatar and connect with a banshee and fly around Pandora. Almost everyone who rides that ride gets emotional afterwards and no one wants it to end! If you ever get a chance to visit, you MUST! If not, there are plenty of videos here on TH-cam of the complete experience, including the queue and pre-shows. But nothing compares to the actual feeling of the banshee breathing between your legs and feeling the breeze of Pandora on your face. It truly is breathtaking! Basically, the Avatar 2 trailer looks a lot like the ride! lol The ride is located inside the land of Pandora, where you can see the mountains float during the day, and see the plants and land glow during the night. It's an amazing place, and I wish everyone could experience it at least once in their life!
One big detail about why they were able to pen the glass when coming from the sky is that relative to where they fire them from, the glass is pretty flat, and the arrow has way more energy being fired while in a dive. When they were at the ground on home tree, the shot up at angled glass.
It was such a delight to revisit this movie with you! I watched it first when I was 12, and it completely enthralled and enchanted me. I’ve loved it ever since, no matter what the critics say. This is James Cameron‘s master work.
I don't know how many times I've watched avatar, but I have repeatedly been watching since I was three or four years old. I'm thirteen years old now. I can't wait for the second one coming. Sadly, it was delayed because of COVID-19, but it's now coming this December! I can't wait! 😆😆😆
Fun fact: The technology created to make this movie was CREATED TO MAKE THIS MOVIE! hahaha and it was the one they used to be able to make characters like Thanos or Hulk more realistic today.
I saw this in 3D in theaters, and it was just absolutely amazing! Even now, so long after release, the CGI is just top notch! Truly love when people see it for how amazing it is
A lot of the environmental design was inspired by the artwork and designs of Roger Dean. He was the artist for a large number of album covers for progressive rock bands like Yes in the 70s and 80s. The Hallelujah Mountains are in particular inspired by his work.
dude there is VR! at disney they have a whole avatar world and the rides are CRAZY. one flies you through pandora on the little dragons and it feels so real, i actually shed a tear because of how beautiful it was idk why 💀💀
There was this total madness in the media when Endgame knocked Avatar from the number one spot as the highest grossing movie ever made, but to me personally, these two movies couldn‘t be compared. Yes, Endgame was an awesome finale, a crazy ride through and through, but it had tons of movies before that led up to it. So it was foreseeable that it would do well. Avatar on the other hand came out of nowhere and just took over the whole world, mostly because of it‘s CGI and visual effects, which still, 13 years later, are just top-notch. I‘m super hyped about what’s to come in this franchise.
Endgame is at no. 2 now... Avatar has already surpassed Endgame... Last year.... It was re-released.... Infact when it gets September re-release it will surpass 3 billion dollars easily!!!
I've seen the endgame movie once or twice but avatar I've seen it many more times
@@jaiminsharma i hope they re-release it in Europe too, i was too young when it came out and i really want to experience it in cinema
Yeah no it didn’t. Maybe if ya look at the nominal dollars but if look at the REAL dollars (adjusted for inflation) Avatar beats endgame by 500 million and gone by the wind beats em both by another $500 million
@@jaiminsharma it already has. Adjusted for inflation Avatar has grossed about 3.2 billion in 2020’s money.
Although gone with the wind (1936) has made about 3.7 billion and is the real highest grossing film of all time
Bro, it was the most immersive 3D experience I've ever had in a theater. You legit felt like you were on the planet. It was next level incredible. Avatar 2 is going to be mind blowing visually
I can only imagine... (with envy hahaha), but I definitely want to see the sequel in the theaters!
I saw it in IMAX when it came out. It was one of the first times I smoked weed and I got super overwhelmed and had motion sickness, but my friend did shrooms beforehand and she kept saying WHOOOOOA during the whole movie lol
@@mischr13 That's hilarious what a way to experience this movie hahaha
Well, considering how long they’ve been working on Avatar 2, I would expect it to.
@@mischr13 that sounds like the litest movie experience ever😂
James Cameron waited 15 years for CGI technology to catch up with his dream so he could finally make this eye-candy of a movie.
you have to see the Behind the Scenes look at how they made the movie, that alone will blow your mind!
Yeah I watched an interview where he talked about having this vision beyond what the technology at the time could produce, what a visionary ahead of his time!
And he's done it again for the upcoming sequels. building and creating the tech he needs to tell the story he wants to tell. Can you tell I'm hyped for the sequels? Even if the story and dialogue is bad its gonna look SO good.
The visual effects budget was up the roof. Weta Digital Digital contributed a lot in this using every tech available.
If I remember correctly, a lot of Pandora was designed like VR. They had physical "camera" capture units that displayed the virtual environment as they recorded, so they could use cinematography techniques within a virtual sound stage. The reason why it looks simultaneously like someone made an entire CGI environment but filmed conventionally, somehow on-location without an actual location... Is because they essentially did just that.
That alone has to separate him alone from movie director because that’s tell u he isn’t looking for a quick buck
I don't care what anyone says "Oh shut up and fly straight!" will always be the funniest part of this movie 😂
W
agreed
A close second is when Jake bitchslapped the spirit things
@@DoraScarlet yep thats my one my favorites to lmao
I also love when Neytiri said that other girl was a good hunter and Jak esaid ''Yea'' and her face was just like ''Bro don't you dare-''
I saw this in theaters in 3D
It was honestly, the first time I ever left the theater feeling like I was stepping off a spaceship and back onto Earth. I had to sit in the car and decompress for a moment. I felt like I had been gone for months, years. It was very surreal and I hope to feel the same way when the new ones come out.
I did not have the chance to see it in theaters (lots of other things happening at the time) and I'm hoping it gets re-released before the others come out so that I can have that experience. My mind was blown on the world of Pandora just on my tv, can't even imagine going to the IMAX and seeing it in 3D.
you went on a mind trip.
Same here, the world (Pandora) always felt amazing. And I can clearly see why ppl would dream of this world. We'll finally get a game and the sequel this december :)
@@ScientificallyStupid Yup! The film is being rereleased in theaters prior to the sequel!
@@tldrSF that is great to know!
I worked at our local movie theater, when Avatar came out. One of the perks of working there was, that I could watch any movie for free. Avatar ran daily, for almost 2 months... and I went there at least once a week to watch it. It just never got boring.
The cinema is quite small (only 3 screens) and invested in upgrading to 3D because of Avatar. A wise decision... it was breathtaking.
That’s so cool, what an awesome opportunity to take in this movie properly!
I LOVE seeing people not clown on this movie. When I was 11 and saw it in theaters in 2009 in 3D as my first ever 3D movie, I was blown away. Now I am 23, and I will be 24 by the time the second one (hopefully) comes out this December, and I am still super excited for it. Going by that one I'll decide if I am going to watch the other sequels but yeah - just love to see positivity about the movie and not people clowining on it 24/7.
You just made me feel super old lol
I was the same age as you whey i saw it for the first time and it was also my first 3D experience 😭 i’m from France and it’s amazing how this movie has marked a generation
This movie was phenomenal in theaters
Please tell me who's in your pfp?? It looks like an arcane style photo-but it also looks like the 3 lines on Ahri's face?
@@skinnypomegranate That's Jinx.
It's interesting how everyone is just talking about the special effects of this film. I mean... yea they are really good and some of the shots are just breathtaking. But I do like the story, too. And I feel like a lot of people seem to miss that this is pretty much an allegory to what's happening to our planet. Pandora might be this natural paradise but our nature on earth is perfect in it's own way, too. And to me personally it always felt like James Cameron wanted to remind people of the beauty of nature and that we have to appreciate instead of destroying it.
Cynics are dismissive of the story and claim it’s derivative (as opposed to drawing from powerful archetypes!), but I found the relationships deeply moving as they were also tied in with the characters’ love for their world and its inner connectedness in a way that most of us have yet to learn. We are “killing our Mother” even while we should be learning that trees do connect and nurture their offspring, and that we are indeed all one.
This movie gets so much hate for “not having a story” which I cannot understand. The visuals are amazing obviously but the story is so moving because it puts a critical eye on what we are doing to our own planet literally also for money (oil, lumber, overfishing) and you have the story line of jake coming to realize the value of preserving nature and not being unnecessarily violent and shows just how much someone’s experiences and perceptions shape what they believe. Once he saw everything for himself and from their view of course he would fight to preserve it and we as the audience also feel that way and that’s why it’s so powerful when the tree falls
There is a cut opening scene that shows how disgusting earth is so it really shows how humans destroy and what they need to fight for and protect
@@emmetthowell899 earth is our own eywa, I wish more ppl got that part and understood how important it is in the scheme of the plot
I find it odd that everyone complains about all current movies being nothing but reboots and remakes and then when we get a truly new concept everyone says it wasn't original because it was similar to dances with wolves. newsflash people, every superhero movie has basically the same plot and yet no one mentions that when "spiderman 45, spiderman gets brunch" comes out.
I haven't seen Dances with Wolves, but I'd agree, there are only so many "plots" for any type of story, and at the end of the day, the originality of the world of Pandora is something I think should be celebrated for its tremendous visual creativity and beauty
@@nickreacts6394 yeah everyone is already saying that the sequels will suck but as we all know this happens with every Cameron movie before it comes out and then the movie changes film history. I'm gonna stay quiet about criticisms til it comes out. Honestly I think people are just contrarians, the movie was too successful so people look for reasons to not like it. It's certainly not perfect but seriously the hate it gets is not warranted.
@@criss_x Never underestimate James Cameron
I have seen Dances With Wolves twice, and aside from the main premise, nothing else is the same. I think some of the people who keep comparing the two films haven't even watched them. 🤣
One of my absolute top favorite movies. Favorite parts are the healing ceremony and “Eywa has heard you!”,seeing all of Pandora fight back.
Yeah, the triumph at the end with all the creatures was one of those crowd-cheering scenes!
“And that this… this is our land”
The extended version (also known as Director's Cut) is even better, with a lot more scenes expanding the worldbuilding and the lore. :>
For example, how close Grace really was to the Omaticaya and how Tsu'tey's death really went.
Seriously when people were complaining about the story they would often complain about stuff that is actually in the extended version and was only cut for time
As long as the movie is, there's actually an even longer extended cut which fleshes out Jake's story before leaving Earth, Grace's relationship with the Na'vi before hostilities began, and Norm's jealously of Jake. There is even an entire Norm/Trudy relationship subplot that got deleted altogether.
This movie has its critiques, but I’ve always just been in awe of the visuals and effects (and personally I love the story too). Looking forward to your reaction & thoughts!! Hope you’re having a great day :D
Yeah, I've heard often just negatives, but to me a few of the weaker story aspects were easily compensated by the heart, the visuals, the creatures, and the action sequences which were all riveting!
Every movie has its flaws. But obviously Avatar succeeds so often and in so many ways, why critique it? I mean, it is the movie the Star War sequel and prequel trilogies wanted to be
it is a generic Going native story, wich i think Last samurai and dances with wolves does much better. and when it comes to visuals, sure the visuals is fine, but personally i think we rather should be concerned about the real environment here on earth and then real nature is as visually stunning and the native cultures that we have here is as this CGI.
@@marcusfridh8489 Both Thw Last Samurai and Dances With Wolves but they dont have the craftsmanship of James Cameron. That means that they will not age as well
I am a sucker for worldbuilding and a lot of it went into this.
I remember seeing Avatar when it first came out at the cinema. I was absolutely blown away by it! Went back to see it a 2nd time a couple weeks later and have watched it many times since. The wait for the sequals is killing me!
I would've loved to have caught it on the big screen, hopefully the sequels will be coming out soon!
@@nickreacts6394 The 3D blew me away.
@@nickreacts6394 the second film should be December 2022
@@nickreacts6394 I saw this in IMAX, it was indescribable how good this was.
Jake's speech to unite the tribes always gives me chills. The music, his words and pronunciation, the slight delay of the translation ...
I love this movie so much and it’s a real kick to watch someone discover it who GETS why it’s so powerful!
I was thoroughly impressed! Thank you!
You didn’t mention the late James Horner’s amazing score, but it so perfectly enhances the film. His death was an utter tragedy. We can only hope his successor is anywhere near as brilliant scoring the sequel.
In Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, you can do a 3D immersive ride flying like the Navi. You can feel the animal breathing. It's amazing!
Not only that but when you're flying near the waterfalls and you can feel and smell the mist hit you, it's truly a mindblowing experience.
I did that and I loved it 😍 some of the scenes from the ride will be on avatar 2! 🙌🏻
Some known differences between the avatars and Na'vi are due to the influence of human DNA.
Critically, the avatar brain and nervous system are modeled to precisely match those of its human operator while still maintaining appropriate Na'vi cellular biology. The avatar also possesses the necessary nervous system pathways required for the control interface.
Avatars retain the human configuration of five digits on each hand and foot, as opposed to the native Na'vi who possess four digits on each limb.
Avatars possess eyebrows, while the Na'vi are hairless apart from their scalp and a small tuft of hair on the tips of their tails.
Avatars display somewhat more human-like body musculature and structure than the Na'vi. (This is especially apparent when comparing the build of Jake Sully to that of the male Na'vi of the Omaticaya clan; Jake's body structure is sturdier than those of the more willowy Na'vi).
The Na'vi have large lemur-like eyes, while an avatar's eyes are usually smaller and more human-like.
The Na'vi nose is flat and cat-like, while the nose of an avatar has a more human-like central ridge, in some cases quite pronounced.
The queue of an avatar starts at the base of the skull, whereas a Na'vi queue starts at the top of the skull. The reason for this is not clear.
The Na'vi have opposable big toes, while avatars do not.
the movie is 13 years old, and still looks better then most movies today, its incredible.
14:23 well the Na'vi look quite different from the avatars. Na'vi only have 4 fingers and no eyebrows, the avatars do, since they have human DNA in them.
22:20 it's actually said, that dinosaurs were really brightly colorful, seeing as parrots, and birds in general, are colorful and the close relatives to dinosaurs.
The second movie is supposed to come out at the end of the year and will look even more beautiful. The concept arts were just wow and involve a lot of the tribe people living at the ocean.
Seeing it in theater was absolutely stunning. I was like 13 or something and just went as a last minute whim with some friends, but it’s one of those first time viewings I will always remember
I'm jealous! That's a movie memory to cherish for a lifetime!
Exact same expérience as you, 12 in my biggest cinéma in 3D. Even if thé story was pretty standard, i hadnt feel that immerse in a film since LOTR. even 10 years later the CGI hasnt aged at all.
I don't know if the plants are bioluminescent or if it's his avatar eyes picking up wavelengths that aren't visible to human eyes...
I have to give Cameron his props on worldbuilding. A lot of effort and thought went into developing the flora and fauna of this world, including the chemical composition and density of the air, the difference in gravity, the interconnection/communication between all living things...
You ask if Jake 'believes' what he's saying while killing a creature or whether he's just performing to get by. This is their culture; they won't let him advance if he disrespects their customs.
As time goes on, his experiences will fill in understanding why they do this. For the Na'vi, this isn't "religion" or "custom"; it's physical existence. We don't "believe" in our phones or the person on the other end of the line. It's a fact. These connections are a fact & exacts respect for the creatures they share communication with.
One of the many great things about this movie is the stunning animation, every creature feels alive and real. Like at 22:11, you'd expect Toruk to just fly away with his wings, but the added detail of him grabbing on and jumping off the tree branch makes it so much more alive.
I kinda feel like "I See you" can be the MOST romantic thing you could say to someone. You see them; you understand them, It is the difference between knowing someone, and KNOWING someone, and THAT level of understanding and LOVE is BEAUTIFUL. and I want that conveyed to me someday, and have it MEANT wholeheartedly.
It was nominated for 7 Oscars including Best Picture but won for:
Best Visual Effects
Best Production Design
Best Cinematography.
Well-deserved!
I still think this was one of the most ambitious movies ever made, very few SciFi movies can touch the level of creativity and hard work that went into the visuals of this movie.
It is an excellent movie that holds up today and its deeper message also, sadly though while on the home screen it is good it does not compare to the 3D experience we had at the cinema and it was my first jump into 3D but it made me go back and watch it 4 more times, but just the experience of the visuals along with the wildlife and action almost jumping out the screen
Yeah, I'd love to experience this film in 3D, or at the very least the sequels!
I've never rewatched this movie, because my experience of watching it in the theater was so perfect and so emotional that I don't think I can recapture it from home.
The blue gas giant planet, it's called Polyphemus. And actually, Pandora is not a planet, but the moon. :)
i definitely appreciate your take on it!! i was 7 when this film came out, and have been absolutely enamored with it since. so when all of the film reviews made for it at the time called it "a reboot of pocahontas", it was super disheartening.
i feel like you were able to appreciate the heart and tender care Cameron treated the worldbuilding and lore with, and that just made me really happie. i love your reviews, can't wait to see more!!!
Thank you! While I do see similarities to the story of Pocahontas, I really don't have any issues with films finding inspiration from previous works (look at all of Tarantino's films), especially when the end result looks this fantastic. And you're so right, Cameron really showed passion for the lore and the world he created, well-said!
Never saw a professional review comparing it to Pocahontas. That's only something I saw from internet wannabe critics who put snark above actual film criticism.
@@richardb6260 eh, it's very clearly a pocahontas/dances with wolves/last samurai movie in space. it's not really being snarky if you notice the similarities. I like all those movies btw (except pocahontas cuz I can't get past them making it a romance. it has some great songs tho)
@@mischr13 Then why don't people say Pocahontas copied Dance With Wolves or Last Samurai? Since two of those movies are based on historical events, then it's just a movie inspired by the same actual story. Why didn't people complain when Forbidden Planet did Shakespeare's The Tempest in space? Nobody complained when Outland did High Noon in space or Battle Beyond the Stars did The Magnificent Seven/Seven Samurai in space. No, but Avatar, one of the most visually stunning films ever made, gets lambasted because it might have plot similarities to twenty other movies and who knows how many books. Cameron said it was inspired by At Play in the Fields of the Lord and if you watch the movie it's pretty clear. It's based on a book written in the 60s. Should we now accuse all the movies that Avatar is accused of copying of stealing their plot from that book?
@@richardb6260 but...they DO say that about those movies. like Thor said, it's fine to acknowledge inspiration. it's not an insult to the movie. when Pocahontas came out it was "Disney's dances with wolves". Kill Bill is similar to Lady Snowblood (and even has a song from the soundtrack). As you mentioned Magnificent Seven is inspired by Seven Samurai and has had a ton of other movies copy it with varying degrees of similarities (Like A Bug's Life [and The Three Amigos]). All good movies. It's not inherently a bad thing.
In case you didn’t know the second one comes out this December 16th😊 I’m so ready for it!!
No, I didn't know anything had been confirmed! At least that's this year!
@@nickreacts6394 yep!! He confirmed 4 more movies a few years ago but the second kept getting pushed back but it’s officially happening this year and I’m excited. Just a little fun fact as well in a documentary that they did for the making of the movie ( it’s on TH-cam)James cameron actually wanted to make this movie when he was filming titanic but the technology just wasn’t there yet so he waited until it was available in order to make avatar happen. I thought that was some serious dedication right there and really awesome how much work they put into the movie. I’d highly recommend watching it! Also love your hair!🤗
@@JadedCountess Yeah, Pandora is his baby. It’s uniqueness and the imagination required to envision this astounds me.
I can’t wait for the Avatar sequels to come out either!
@George Orwell sorry but like the movie theater experience so I’ll be watching it there
I feel more at home on Pandora, a fictional planet, than today’s Earth.
I will never forget the experience ... watching this in my citys best and biggest cinema... in 3D... it was breathtaking.
I remember when my friend and I left the building, we were standing outside, looking around to get accostumed to the real world again xD xD
I went to watch it for the 3D effects the first time. I was blown away. I went the second time with friends, and they loved it. Three times is a charm. Yep. It’s the only film I saw three times at the theater.
When this movie 1st came out my brother paid for our ENTIRE family to go see it in IMAX 3D together. $$$ It was one of the most memorable & unique moments in my immediate family’s history. For three hours we were all taken away to a new world and witnessed the amazing beauty of Pandora and sat in astonishment of the leap in technology that changed the way view movies. This was great storytelling along with an a reflective reminder of how Native American cultures were treated upon the colonization of the US. 🥺 Great movie!
Can't wait for the second movie to drop this year, it's been 15 years . We're READY 😭
Same! Avatar: The Way of Water looks so good! I can't imagine how Avatar 3, Avatar 4, and Avatar 5 will look like!
Having seen this movie 30 times in theaters and 28 times in IMAX. I have to say I was BLOWN AWAY! It was a truly immersive experience and I just couldn't get enough of it. Pandora is THE Coolest Sci-fi planet I have ever seen on screen. Also, being very much into science and nature I was also blown away just how well not only the creatures looked but also functioned in their world. Clearly a lot of care was done to make Pandora seem as real as it could possibly be. As for the criticism, I think it's just been popular to hate it because it did so well in theatres. The story is a basic story that has been done before but It was done well and had a very cool backdrop. What really makes me enjoy the film is the world building and the visuals. I still can't get over how well this movie looks almost 13 years later! This is one of only three movies I have ever seen that had a standing ovation at the end of it as well.
Also, Watch the extended edition when you get a chance. There are also some behind the scenes stuff that gives you more insight on the characters.
That sounds expensive. I saw Aquaman 4 times in theaters and cost about $80.
What was the other two movies you saw that got standing ovation in the theatre?
a lot of Avatar was filmed in New Zealand, and the company who did the CGI is called Weta Workshop (they also did LOTR, Thor, Narnia etc) both in their Wellington studio and in the local native bush, mixed in with CGI
I have this on Blu-Ray 3D ... and that is another level of "experience" to watching this film! One of the better films to watch in 3D mode :-)
Btw, GREAT reaction to this film!!!
Definitely gonna have to watch in 3D!
@@nickreacts6394 w reaction peak film loved it def seeing the 2nd one bro
James Cameron is one of the first directors to use cinematic stereoscopic 3D as an integrated form of artistic expression instead of a Gimmick ,he put a huge amount of work into the deep understanding of making the technology work artistically for example he dynamically adjusts the 3D space for each scene including dynamically rolling the depth out for scenes that might cause motion sickness. I can watch Avatar in any venue with good 3D presentation (And that's a very important consideration as some venues do not follow the rules and offer dark hard to view presentation and that's absolutely one of the reasons behind why many people don't like 3D) and its as natural an experience as looking out a window onto the world,, I can not say that about a lot of the films out there especially those that converted there content to 3D , Yes I have the film on Blu-ray 3D and have a display that can present it with Good presentation. I am very concerned over the future of the 3D medium and hope people express strong support for the format all the high end TV makers no longer offer displays that offer 3D but many projectors still have that feature..
the way he didnt relize the blue planet is pandora HAHAHHAHAHAHA
God, I remember seeing this in the theater with my dad. That was an amazing experience.
I love this movie! It’s sooo much more spiritual than most notice.
The story she told to him was all along telling him what his story was to be, he just didn’t see it yet and neither did they. so when they reunite it’s chills whole body because he is the reincarnation.
He needed to be knowledgeable in all of the human aspects in order to reunite with his people, as a warrior once more.
They also didn’t know how the warrior would emerge and where from, and he came in not what they thought and they felt blind. She was no longer scared, it made sense to her why she was his teacher, why they are in love and why she was learning human ego interactions (the bow scene; she is genuinely confused what his intent is for staring at her like that. When they are riding and he ‘plays’ with her and she experiences fun (which is more human like things that only he could teacher her)).
So funny though she called him a baby in the beginning because he would bring trouble to himself because of the childlike curiosity. He was so much in the adolescence of his spiritual potential; he wasn’t listening to the natural realm or trying to learn it, only defend against it (even though they are one).
The sacred spirits only hovering his top half is also due to that only being the part of the avatar that’s Jake soul, since it was original based off his brother and human Jake is disabled.
Hard hitter for me, ahead of its time for most; can’t wait for the 2nd💙🦋
I saw this in the theatres in 3D. It was an EXPERIENCE. Tears were running down my face because I didn’t blink. It was mind blowing.
My son was the same way when he was a toddler and began to walk for the first time
I hadn't thought of that parallel, but that's awesome! It's almost like becoming a child again, full of wonder and joy
When this gets re-released in theaters this upcoming fall, I may see it two or 3 times. Seeing this in the theatre is probably the best experience I’ve ever had at one, my uncle took me to see it for my birthday and it was his first 3D movie. Seeing how he was reaching out to touch the seeds or ducking anytime something came towards the audience was even better.
Shot natively in IMAX 3D (a huge camera rig), that is definitely the way to view it. Absolutely immersive. The digital 3D in the regular theaters was spectacular, going from the screen all the way to the horizon and beyond. But in IMAX the 3D started at your seat, not the screen. I tried batting a falling ember of Hometree out of my line of sight, because I forgot it wasn't real. Stunningly beautiful.
When the sequels come out, Cameron went to great lengths to get the effects just right (which is why they took so long), so do yourself a favor and spend the extra for IMAX.
I wish I could watch Avatar again for the first time... so funny and interesting seeing your reactions... like... "did he just disconnect from the horse?" XD!!!!
Your comment about waking up to the dismal reality after watching a movie really hit home for me. I remember going to the movie theater as a young adult (20 yo), watching this movie and then immediately going back for a 2nd watch. Afterwards, I took the bus home, and I was stunned. I was unwell physically and mentally, and in comparison to this gorgeous world I had just witnessed, everything about reality was grey and sad. Part of me just wanted to have the chance to get into a different body on another planet.
And to this day, I have not watched Avatar again, mainly because I didn't want to feel that way ever gain. Watching your reaction video, though, gave me some peace, so thank you for that. 😄
I absolutely loved your commentary during this (my favorite) movie! I simply love your thoughts and emotions going into it and I can't wait to binge on all the stuff you have on your channel I missed.
That means so much and it is so kind of you to say, thank you!!
I still remember going to the theater and watching when it first came out. It still gives me chills to watch it today. And I would 100% stay and side with the Na'vi
I cant even start to imagine what Cameron was cooking for past 13 YEARS on Avatar 2... Ive heard its shot with completely new technology. With higher frame rate and some other stuff. Less than a YEAR is left for us to witness another visual masterpiece...I hope it wont get delayed... and I hope we all be still alive to see it lol
This movie was gorgeous in 3D. When the tree was burning down, you could see ashes falling all around you, it was totally heartbreaking. I went to see it with my aunt and cousin, and as part First Nation people, this movie hit us so hard.
5:56 I’m pretty sure that in this movie’s wiki, when they first mentioned Unobtanium they have “pun intended” in parentheses…which I just find hilarious, the fact that they acknowledge it
Seeing this in 3D was one of the most impressive, immersive experiences I've been able to enjoy. I kind of wish there were no planned squeals but, it made money so...yeah. The extended version is also worth a watch IMO. I've got this on DVD and Bluray. love it. Lots of people like to bash the story as it's pretty similar to other stories like it, but it's ok, I love the stories it follows.
I felt like the story was a bit cliched but James Cameron has the ability to make me love it nonetheless. I actually cried the first time Jake Sully ran through the forest as his avatar. I'm sad that Cameron feels like he wants to make only Avatar films now (and go to the bottom of the ocean) but I will watch every one of them.
Good new for u: Jim Cam is getting tired of doing Avatar also and looking to train another director to finish A4 & 5 for him (if those get the green light). He mentioned he has other projects he really wanted to do (so excited to see those).
Why sad, rather have him do the saga instead of other directors, look what happenes to Star wars
@@paulstaker8861 he is not getting tired, he will be to old to make them, but he was referring to a 6 and 7th film if its even made.
Easily one if the best experiences I've ever had in a theater. Cameron says the film is inspired by the book and movie "At Play in the Fields of the Lord". Some like to say it was based on "Dances With Wolves". But they probably haven't seen that film in a while because the plot isn't really similar at all. More likely they just like to make the lame "Dances With Smurfs" comment over and over and over and over and over again.
One detail I liked is that the Na'vi have four fingers and the human/Na'vi hybrid bodies have five fingers. Probably a intentional choice since the human "driver" would be more comfortable with five fingers.
Yeah, I've gotta disagree with the hate on this one, especially as a spectacle and a cinematic experience! And that's a neat detail with the Na'vi fingers, I didn't catch that, I feel like there was so much thought behind the world and character designs
@@nickreacts6394 I think some of the backlash came from it's massive success. Some have a mind set of not wanting to admit liking something that was so popular. I just get tired of the Dances With Wolves comparison when the whole "civilized man finds peace with 'savages' " is such a common story trope. It was part of Edgar Rice Burroughs' stories. Including John Carter on Mars. Also Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Called Horse films starring Richard Harris, Farewell to the King, The Last Samurai, The Man Who Would be King, and yes, Dances With Wolves, and probably a ton more I've forgotten or am not aware of. Yet all you hear is Avatar ripped off Dances With Wolves. Which really speaks to their limited knowledge of film.
I think the fingers are from the human dna affecting the avatar. But who knows, maybe it’s intentional.
he was also inspired by Pocahontas and Fern Gully
holy shit i never noticed their hands
For what is worth, this is what we do to our planet. This movie woke a primal need in me to do everything I can, while I still am aware, to do the minimal damage to our home
You touched on a bit about just how immersive the world is and its so true. Their was actually a kind of phenomenon (aptly dubbed Post Avatar Depression) where a bunch of people just felt lost after seeing the movie because they couldn't live on Pandora. It was just on such a different level as far as visuals and immersion, when you walked out of the theatre to see the lifeless gray cities, concrete parking lots and buildings it was a shock to the senses.
Saw this movie in 3D IMAX. It was the first movie I had seen in the theaters since Titanic. I spent the entire movie with my jaw on the floor in absolute awe - so visually stunning.
Avatar is the greatest 3D movie. It is the purest and simplest example of James Cameron's craftsmanship there is on film
It basically revolutionized 3D. Before it was just jump out of the screen gags. I don’t know why someone hadn’t really thought to use it for depth instead before.
@@fightingfaerie Exactly. Avatar made 3D a cinematic art form
3:10 Pandora is not a planet, its a moon.
We are finally in the year of Avatar 2. I can’t wait to finally see it. Here’s hoping Covid doesn’t spike again this year. I wanna see it in the best theater possible.
I still remember when i saw this film!! Again a big hug
Yeah Avatar was amazing I can’t wait for the whole story with these new movies the world of Avatar is magical!!🔥 A lot of people call this dances with wolves to slander it I guess even though that’s also a great film but they just forget and skate by the fact of the whole spirit thing like grace said it isn’t some gods like we have on earth these are real and connected with the planet there’s proof of them and like the asshats who were there for the materials they don’t care to even think about it the magic of the whole world being 1 and connected it’s cool!!🔥🔥
This movie is incredible. The visuals are amazing even to this days. The world Pandora (that is actually a moon, but whatever) is amazing.
There's even a book wrote by Maria Wilhelm and Dirk Mathison that's like confidential reports about Pandora and, gods, there's so many details. It talks about how Earth is nowadays (in this AU), about the discovery of Pandora, Pandora's fauna and flora, the human's technology, the Na'vi culture... There's even a Na'vi dictionary.
I don't know if you can find this book in english (you see, I'm a brazilian so I read this book in portuguese), but you probably can and it's really nice if you're a curious person like me that like this kind of details. Not to mention the MANY photos of places, things and beings that we probably gonna see in the next 4 movies.
It still holds $2.8 Billion dollars at the box office!! 😱😱😱😁😊
So impressive for an original property!
James Cameron’s films have grossed over 6 billion dollars, worldwide. I’m sure he’s got some pull..
This movie is so beautiful... amazing and breathtaking... I use it to determine if a screen is good... it's my go to movie to watch on a new monitor or screen to see if it can handle it... and it wows me every time.
What a perfect film to test the quality of the screen!
@@nickreacts6394 I always thought so...
I was 8 years old when this movie came out and it became my favorite movie instantly. And still is my favorite to this day. I had never seen anything like it!
I too would KILL for a well done VR experience of pandora. Imagine something like that made with unreal engine 5 for high end VR
James Cameron has said before that Avatar is a trilogy and is already written. I guess its just a matter of when he thinks technology can do what he wants to show all of us with his movies.
Fun fact: the spaceship in the start of the movie is probably the most scientifically and technically accurate one that has made its way into film.
Saw multiple times on the big screen in 3d awesome top 5 all timer for me thanks really enjoyed your reaction!
Aw I’m definitely gonna have to do it like that for the sequel! Thanks for watching!
This film literally changed my life and how I approach things, how I accept things, how I see life and the world around me. I definitely had the avatar blues for a very long time. Watching this took me back to how I felt the first time I saw it as well. I really appreciate the way you approached this film!
Your reaction has made me appreciate this movie more than I did before. Thank you, Thor.
The iMax 3D version of this movie forever changed my opinion of what a 3D Movie could be. Unfortunately it is still the benchmark that has not been matched in more than a decade since it's release.
Facts
"I see why people are just blown away by the effects of this movie." Yeah, and remember, this movie was made 13 years ago! This was anything but standard back then, hell I would say it's not even close to being standard now xD
I remember I went back to the cinema 4 times to see this when it came out
I have no idea why this movie had so much hate when it came out, to me it was an absolute masterpiece. The only 3D movie I have enjoyed and felt immersed!
It was more because of the cliché storyline. In terms of cinematics and cgi it was beloved.
@@jude_the_apostle I did enjoy the storyline myself however I can see how it would be considered overdone or tired :P I fully agree with it being the alien Dances With Wolves lol
Fun fact Unobtanium is an aerospace term
LOVE this movie. The visuals alone are outstanding and I love that you picked up on the colour grading of different scenes. The creatures and plants, too, are so unique and carefully thought out. I remember being completely blown away watching it in the cinema - I even went back for the bonus footage version. It was a completely different experience to any other cinema viewing before or since.
You mentioned wanting an AR experience for Avatar - that's pretty much the ride Avatar: Flight of Passage in Disney Orlando's Animal Kingdom. It's an incredible ride, definitely recommend!
The visuals of this movie are one of the best. That is where it really shines.
You might want to watch the making of and behind the scenes. I think this movie was one of the first to use "virtual cameras", where they can see the full environment rendered while filming in a studio with green screen. It's just incredible what they did to make this movie possible.
You can find it the making of on youtube with the title "➤ AVATAR (2009) - Making Of and Behind The Scenes"
It was the first 3D movie I saw that wasn't the classic red/blue. It's mostly CGI with very little practical or on-site but the floating mountains are inspired by the Zhangjiajie Mountains in China. What's interesting is that it's been battling with "Endgame" for the number one grossing movie of all time and the only thing they really have in common is they both feature Zoe Saldana. So far there are four sequels being filmed, "Avatar 2" is coming out in December 2022, "Avatar 3" in December 2024, "Avatar 4" in December 2026, and "Avatar 5" is scheduled to come out in December 2028.
A great movie I still remember watching it in 3D when I was still in the single digits in theater
I really enjoy this movie. I do understand a lot of the complaints about it. but for me its still a good watch. I love the scene where he first jumps into the avatar body. I use a wheelchair myself, that moment where he just runs, I instantly understood his desire as I'd likely do the same.
There’s a ton of behind the scenes material, you should definitely look it up! Every scene in Pandora was full CGI, essentially everything was shot in a sound stage and Cameron could see a basic version of the actors as Na’vi on a monitor attached to his camera. It’s fascinating to watch, it looks like it was akin to the theater experience with a few props and structures here and there to emulate the environment, and he got his actors to immerse fully in this imaginary world.
Such a beautiful film! Absolutely incredible, I never get tired of watching it
Watching this reaction on my laptop was nothing like actually watching it in IMAX and 3D was jaw dropping. The sound and picture sharpness and brilliant color were nothing we'd experienced before. The DVD I later bought was no comparison. Glad I saw it at the theatre in IMAX/3D.
I collected View Master 3D reels as a kid (still do) and always dreamed of seeing a whole movie like that. So when I got to watch this on the big screen, in 3D, I was in tears. Soooo happy I lived long enough for that to happen. watched it many times at the theatre.
I have an unhealthy obsessed with this movie. Not even the story line of it but just the visuals and world building of it. I personally am not and have never been a fan of movies that are basically "man with the bad guys trying to colonize land isn't like the other bad guys". I dislike Pocahantas for the same reason. However, my dislike for this type of plot doesn't even remotely outweigh my love for everything else I love about this movie. Plus, Ms. Zoe Saldana acted her ass off in this movie as Neytiri. Especially in the scene at the end before the big battle when she's yelling at Jake. I highly recommend anyone to watch the behind the scenes of that. She's incredible! I'm so excited for the 2nd one and I really hope they take the plot criticisms from this one to heart. It has so much potential to be amazing. Also, I'm totally one of the people who would take an avatar body if offered. No questions asked lmao.
Same! The visuals and world-building are truly incredible, I'm definitely going to be checking out some behind the scenes stuff.... and I agree, I do hope that part 2 offers a more sophisticated story and is a great film!
Same! I am so in love with Pandora. Pandora land in Animal Kingdom at Disneyworld is just magical, they captured the feeling of Pandora so perfectly. I could spend all day there if it was just a little bit bigger. Besides 50th merchandise, Pandora souvenirs are quickly taking over my Disney collection lol.
Zoe Saldana should have won an Oscar for her performance but so often acting in science fiction isn’t taken as seriously. But scene for scene, she captures every note. Her anguish at the fall of Hometree made that scene even more wrenching if possible. And the ending where she gets that mask onto “her” Jake and “sees” him even in his tiny human form is a knockout. I wish I could tell her directly how great she was!
In a way, there's a "vr" version of Pandora... At Walt Disney World, Florida in Animal Kingdom, there is a 3-D ride called Avatar: Flight of Passage. You get to "inhabit" your own avatar and connect with a banshee and fly around Pandora. Almost everyone who rides that ride gets emotional afterwards and no one wants it to end! If you ever get a chance to visit, you MUST! If not, there are plenty of videos here on TH-cam of the complete experience, including the queue and pre-shows. But nothing compares to the actual feeling of the banshee breathing between your legs and feeling the breeze of Pandora on your face. It truly is breathtaking! Basically, the Avatar 2 trailer looks a lot like the ride! lol
The ride is located inside the land of Pandora, where you can see the mountains float during the day, and see the plants and land glow during the night. It's an amazing place, and I wish everyone could experience it at least once in their life!
there is a Trailer for the Avatar game by Ubisoft.
The planet that looks like Earth is Earth and the big blue planet behind it is Pandora.
One big detail about why they were able to pen the glass when coming from the sky is that relative to where they fire them from, the glass is pretty flat, and the arrow has way more energy being fired while in a dive.
When they were at the ground on home tree, the shot up at angled glass.
It was such a delight to revisit this movie with you! I watched it first when I was 12, and it completely enthralled and enchanted me. I’ve loved it ever since, no matter what the critics say. This is James Cameron‘s master work.
I don't know how many times I've watched avatar, but I have repeatedly been watching since I was three or four years old. I'm thirteen years old now. I can't wait for the second one coming. Sadly, it was delayed because of COVID-19, but it's now coming this December! I can't wait! 😆😆😆
Fun fact: The technology created to make this movie was CREATED TO MAKE THIS MOVIE! hahaha and it was the one they used to be able to make characters like Thanos or Hulk more realistic today.
Definetely one of the best movie ever made
I saw this in 3D in theaters, and it was just absolutely amazing! Even now, so long after release, the CGI is just top notch! Truly love when people see it for how amazing it is
A lot of the environmental design was inspired by the artwork and designs of Roger Dean. He was the artist for a large number of album covers for progressive rock bands like Yes in the 70s and 80s. The Hallelujah Mountains are in particular inspired by his work.
dude there is VR! at disney they have a whole avatar world and the rides are CRAZY. one flies you through pandora on the little dragons and it feels so real, i actually shed a tear because of how beautiful it was idk why 💀💀