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330 of 423 people found the following review helpful:
Blu-Ray Review (not a review of the movie!)
Five months after "Avatar" received its initial big-screen release, we are presented with its first release to the home-video market. Much has been written about the double and triple-dipping. We know this is a bare-bones release, devoid of ANY extras, special features, deleted scenes, commentary, etc. We know the studio is releasing a more complete edition of the film on...
Published 4 months ago by the-movie-guy
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3,297 of 3,847 people found the following review helpful:
AVOID THIS EDITION - 20-40 minutes of new missing storyline and no special features. SPECIAL EDITION COMMING SOON!
***THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY***
1. A special edition likely including 20-40 minutes of additional footage is already being leaked to media for release later THIS YEAR!
2. No special features. If you are a fan, of all the discs in your collection this is the one you really want the extra stuff. It really should be amazing!
3. No 3D...
Published 5 months ago by M. Western
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3,297 of 3,847 people found the following review helpful:
AVOID THIS EDITION - 20-40 minutes of new missing storyline and no special features. SPECIAL EDITION COMMING SOON!, March 18, 2010
***THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY***
1. A special edition likely including 20-40 minutes of additional footage is already being leaked to media for release later THIS YEAR!
2. No special features. If you are a fan, of all the discs in your collection this is the one you really want the extra stuff. It really should be amazing!
3. No 3D presentation. New technology in TVs is out this year and should enhance the home 3D experience. I don't usually care about 3D at home but things are changing. Be ready!
4. There is also news that the movie itself will be re-released shortly with the 20-40 minutes of additional content I mentioned above. Why buy the Blu if you can see it with additional content and in the best possible 3D at theaters--- then buy the special edition just a few months later?
I have to echo the comments of a previous reviewer. The studios are becoming so brazen. They released this edition and tried to explain the poor accoutrements by saying "they wanted to save all the space on the disc for the best possible presentation". Are you kidding me? Bust out the extra discs already! Offering this bare bones BR right before re-releasing the movie with additional footage was also a classless act that spits in consumer's faces. Just rent the movie or see the enhanced version in theaters. It will tide you over until the Special Edition comes out.
Lastly, there are plenty of people adding comments that you shouldn't wait for 3D because the home experience with 3D is lack luster or most people don't have the new 3D TVs. That's partly true, however...
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT 3D! The lack of additional storyline, missing special features and blatent disregard for consumers (in an economic downturn) are what make this a bad deal. There is new home theater technology out this year that should enhance the home 3D experience. Your home theater will catch up. People who are excited about this movie should be standing together against a poor release offering, especially when there are terrific alternatives to hold us over.
Wait a few months and get a much superior release for similar money.
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1,027 of 1,232 people found the following review helpful:
BE CAREFUL!!!!!, March 17, 2010
As it turns out, Fox has craftily decided to milk "Avatar" for every possibly penny, since the debut DVD/blu-ray will be a bare-bones release -- and it will be one of the first major films to appear in home video without any of the regular special features, such as theatrical trailers, deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage.
If you want all the extra features, you'll have to wait until November, when you can buy a second "Avatar" DVD, currently titled the "Ultimate Edition," which will include all of the fancy stuff. And then, if you have really deep pockets, you can come back to the video store next year and buy a third, 3-D, version of the DVD.
So in a nut shell... This Blu-ray/DVD release JUST has the movie on it! NOTHING ELSE. NO EXTRAS, NO TRAILERS, NO SPECIAL FEATURES.
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330 of 423 people found the following review helpful:
Blu-Ray Review (not a review of the movie!), April 22, 2010
Five months after "Avatar" received its initial big-screen release, we are presented with its first release to the home-video market. Much has been written about the double and triple-dipping. We know this is a bare-bones release, devoid of ANY extras, special features, deleted scenes, commentary, etc. We know the studio is releasing a more complete edition of the film on Blu-ray in November 2010, and a 3D version at some point in the future. We've all heard the complaints from those who think this stripped-down version is merely a cash grab. So now Earth Day has arrived, and "Avatar" has been released in this bare-bones edition. For those who, like me, love the movie, and want to have something on-hand to enjoy until the more thorough release arrives in the months to come, is this worth it?
In a word, yes.
This Blu-ray is the movie only, with some basic search/bookmarking features and subtitles. There is no commentary, no trailers, no previews, no annoying advertisements that play before the movie starts. It's the movie only, much like the way DVDs presented films back in the early days of that format. You insert the disc (the disc loads and starts playing automatically in my Sony BDP-S570). There will be a moment or two of a blank screen as the disc loads. You'll see a brief message informing you to update your player's firmware if you experience any problems playing the disc. Then you'll see a piracy warning (thankfully it's brief), and then a basic Fox Home Video title screen. Now you come to a nicely animated menu screen, which gives you options to play the film, set up your options or search for a scene or bookmark.
The disc has an advanced feature which allows you to resume playback if you power your player off during the film playback. This option comes on automatically when you turn on the player again, even if you've removed the disc and reinserted it.
The video quality is astonishing, easily besting last month's Toy Story and Toy Story 2 releases from Disney. You have a full 16x9 (1.78:1) picture, which is how I remember the film being presented in RealD and Dolby 3D Digital in theatres. Colors are crisp and bright. No visible artifacts.
Audio is superb, a quite robust mix that will engage fully your 7.1 system.
This is the finest-looking Blu-ray of the year, thus far, and the best way to enjoy the film until the next more complete edition is released in November. Is this stripped-down edition a cash grab? I don't think so. I appreciate having a bare-bones release. It's refreshing to have a disc that is the movie only. Who needs all the junk that we get on most Blu-ray discs? Yes a making-of documentary would be fun, but is there anyone who loves the movie who doesn't already have some idea of the craft that went into making it?
This release is for people who love the movie, end of story. If you love the movie, you'll appreciate having such a wonderful, flawless transfer to enjoy in high definition at home. If you don't love the movie, you will find things to quibble about such as the lack of extras. I, for one, am happy with what we've got now.
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66 of 83 people found the following review helpful:
Simply put: The best Picture and Audio available on any format. (Blu Ray review), April 23, 2010
Let me start off by saying that I am one of the people that saw Avatar multiple times in theaters and loved it. The CGI , as well as the 3D technology infused, were by far the best I have ever seen. James Cameron and all of the people who participated in the making of this movie did a tremendous job. Weta workshop is taking its place at the top of the mountain, as far as visual effects companies go. Watching this movie was like being transported to a different universe. I was completely immersed throughout the almost three hours I was in the theater.
As for the story and acting for the film, I am probably in the minority on most of these reviews. The story for me, while predictable and reminiscent of other movies I'd seen previously (What movie isn't nowadays?), was extremely enjoyable. Watching this made me feel young again. It made me forget about all the worries that an adult life brings, and just enjoy myself in the moment. Many people argue that the acting in this movie was subpar. These people say that the portrayals of the characters were downright cartoonish. I would argue strongly against that. For the type of movie that this is, the good versus evil portrayals given by the actors works in the movie's favor. Sam Worthington especially does well. If you haven't seen him in Terminator: Salvation, do so. He made the movie worth watching.
Now, to get to the actual product at hand. I ordered the Blu Ray / DVD combo pack from Amazon. From the moment the menu came onto my screen, I knew this was going to be something special. When I pressed play, there was no turning back. Over the next three hours, my senses were completely assaulted and my mind was dumbstruck. Simply put, James Cameron's Avatar on the Blu Ray format is the best picture and audio we have seen or heard to date. I have a feeling it will be years before anything better is brought to the table. Watching the visuals was more stimulating than looking at a real life forest. Every detail could be seen from far and away. The walls of my house shook, and I just hope the neighbors did hear. I would tell them to buy the movie themselves and experience it.
With this release comes certain issues. While I don't have any of them myself, I will still talk about them as it would be uninformative of me to not. This release of Avatar is not in 3D. Many people complain about this, and a large percentage of those people do not even have the right equipment to properly experience 3D yet. The technology for home theater 3D is very new and very pricey. Next year, after all the quirks have been worked out, is when we will likely see Avatar in a home release 3D format. Another gripe is the complete lack of special features. This again has a good reason. In the Special Edition coming later this year, there will be scenes incorporated into the movie not even visually completed yet. Documentaries in high definition have to be put together. A commentary track needs to be recorded. No one is being forced to buy this "stripped" edition, however. I am one of the people who will knowingly double or triple dip on this. The reason for that is because I love it so much.
Now to the biggest complaint. During the initial release, many people were complaining that Avatar would not play in their Blu Ray players. The reason for that seems to be some new copy protection put on the disc. While I was not one of the people with this problem, I can certainly sympathize with those who did. A new firmware update is all it will take to fix the issue. My PS3, which serves as my Blu Ray player, had a firmware update ready for me before I watched the movie.
So if you are one of the millions who loved Avatar when you saw it in theaters, or one of the people who didn't get around to seeing it, now is your time. Pick this movie up right away without hesitation. Keep an open mind, and let yourself become immersed. You do not want to miss what many people believe is one of the top movies of all time.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
Outstanding movie!, June 13, 2010
This review is from: Avatar (DVD)
I find it amazing that so many of the people who reviewed this disc whined about it having no "extras". I buy a disc because I want to watch the movie and enjoy it, over and over. I have no interest whatsoever in all the extras, deleted scenes, commentaries, interviews, bells, whistles, fireworks, violins, etc. that clutter up most movie discs today. That is all nothing but an excuse that the studios can use to double the price of the disc and they do nothing to enhance the enjoyment of the film. This disc was fine for the purpose of anyone who wants to enjoy the film. What is even better is that even though it reads as "widescreen" it was put out in an aspect ratio that makes it fill virtually the entire screen of your tv set. I throughly detest the "widescreen" format that leaves you watching a movie that fills the center third of your screen, with huge black blocks at top and bottom. What, exactly, is the point of buying giant big screen tv's when movie discs leave one third of your screen blank at the top and another third blank at the bottom, leaving you to watch a movie squeezed into the middle of your screen? I was not able to see Avatar in the theaters, so I wanted to see it at home. And when I did I was enchanted. The fantasy world of Pandora is utterly breath-taking, with colors so vivid you wonder if you ever saw real color before this. Cameron has done it again; someday the film world will stop doubting him. Bigger, better, more amazing, more entertaining, he does it all. Film reviewers keep grouching that his characters are steriotypes, his dialogue clunky----but I think I am sensing sour grapes here. I think all the critics wish that they could have made a movie that was not only marvelous, but made so much money it is unbelieveable. As for steriotypes? Did you ever wonder why something is a steriotype? Mostly because it is a character that speaks deeply to people, and is very, very popular. The story of Avatar is that of a weary hero, very much abused and alone, finding himself willing to risk everything, even his chance at a new life, for a girl, a people and a world he has come to love. The hero that stands against great odds, to defend what is right, is an eternal figure. He has existed in every time, land and race since humanity began to dream. Humanity needs such heros, real or fictional. We all wish we could be such heros. The filming of Avatar is ground breaking, the story ideas interesting, the visual effect gorgeous. You fly with dragons, run through giant forests, fight enemies, find love, taste disaster and triumph. The basic story is simple---but all the very best stories are. Especially the ones that last. As I think this one will. So get this disc, enjoy the movie, the adventure and the beauty. It is a fantastic "feel good" film. And there's not a damned thing wrong with that as far I can see.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
Biggest bargain in years, May 5, 2010
Avatar is a watershed moment in cinematographic history. It is a step forward as important as the first Star Wars movie was. Avatar is an experience not to be missed by any fan of movies, it is a truly impressive achievement. I've been a movie fan since the late 1940's, in all that time I had never gone to any movie more than once while it was in it's first run... until Avatar. My wife and I have been to see Avatar three times in theaters (once in each of the three formats: Big screen 3D; IMAX 3D, and big screen 2D. We were favorably impressed by the movie, and the technology, in all three formats. We both felt that Avatar will be remembered as a powerful, ground breaking film, and that it will become a major classic.
We recently bought the DVD and Blu-Ray two disc combination package (from Amazon.com) and consider the package to be one of the best bargains in entertainment. Getting two and a half hours of entertainment, in two high quality formats, each for the average price of one movie theater ticket is extraordinary... especially when the film is just concluding it's first run in theaters.
If you can see Avatar on a big screen (in 3D or 2D) by all means do so. I also recommend buying a copy to view at home... the quality and the experience on a good digital TV screen are extraordinary. This film is one that will influence the making of, and course of, film entertainment for a long time to come.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Here is a REVIEW of the PRODUCT, April 22, 2010
This is BY FAR the best looking and sounding blu ray disc I have ever seen.
PICTURE QUALITY
The picture quality is beyond description and is so clear that it is like looking through a window. The colors are vibrant beyond belief. Every detail of every image is sharp and exquisite. I've never seen anything like it for a home theatre system before. The image had more detail than I noticed during the 3D presentation I saw in the theatre and the colors were even more vivid. Many scenes on this disc look as though they are in 3D, there is that much depth to the images. I'm beyond words to describe how incredible this disc looks.
AUDIO QUALITY
For english language this disc offers DTS 5.1 HD audio and DOLBY 5.1. I listened to the DTS. The sound is equal to the image. Every speaker in your system will be busy with this one. Rear speakers are in constant use with all sorts of immersive sound effects and the subwoofer will shake your house. This is spectacular entertainment and unprecedented in home video history.
PACKAGE AND FUNCTIONALITY
The 2 disc set comes in a striking reflective slip case. The discs are housed in a standard sized two disc keep case with the left side containing the DVD and the right side holding the blu ray disc. The disc menus are gorgeous and very easy to navigate. Pop up menu is quick and easy to read. There are NO FORCED TRAILERS or advertisements before the menu pops up but there are the usual warning screens. Although my player is usually fast loading, this disc took a bit more time to load than most (about one minute).
EXTRAS
There are none unless you count the DVD as an extra. There are however two inserts. One is a $25 off certificate toward the purchase of a Panasonic Blu ray player. The other insert contains an access code to the website which allows you to watch bonus material/sneek preview stuff.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It isn't expensive. It is well worth the money (at least to me) as I found it to be the most impressive home video release (in terms of picture and sound quality) that I have ever seen. Buy it!
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16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Incredible work of art, April 30, 2010
I've only watched the blu-ray version twice, but it is really incredible. I have never seen any HD to compare with this one. The movie itself is a work of art, with an incredible level of creativity and beautiful design/ornamentation to stretch anyone's imagination. The 3-D effect, through parallax (humans perceive 3-D by both binocular vision, for near objects, and parallax, for more distant objects)is the best I have seen. The theme is also highly relevant to our times. The expressivity of the actors is beyond comparison, certainly real, and enhanced by the technology used to produce this. I really look forward to an expanded version of this blu-ray in the future, if one is forthcoming. I have heard a popular story line related to the lack of an original story or character development in this, and it is just gibberish. I can see how the film would be viewed as a threat to traditional Hollywood filmmaking, however. I have seen 'Hurt Locker' that won the Academy Award for best picture, and it is a good film. The single theme and unidimensional character of that movie was simply this: obsession with dangerous work. In contrast, Avatar has a great deal to say about native cultures that are close to nature (e.g., stone age cultures) in general, exploitation of resources by technology-driven societies, and the mystery of life itself. It will make you think about the mystery of incarnation. This is a deeply thoughtful production, a fact that should not be missed as you follow the carefully written action/adventure story line. The theme, and the artwork, bear a signature that is unique in the history of filmmaking. Also, if you don't already have a blu-ray, DVD-upconvert player, this is the best reason to get one now.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
Yes the Blu Ray is a worthwhile buy. Excellent quality, April 27, 2010
You can be angry this version doesn't have 3D or additional features or extras and shout at the studios for exploiting the market. But I wouldn't tell people not to buy it because Avatar is the single best looking Blu Ray currently available. And this is what Cameron said you would be getting from this Blu Ray. Nothing but the movie looking the best it can possibly look because there are no extras. What you are paying for and hopefully gladly is a chance to buy this film for home viewing while it is still in the theaters. And it is spectacular. You aren't getting the cheap dumbed down product some well intentioned people are warning against. This is a premium quality disc. This is your chance to purchase the theatrical version. Later on you will have the chance to buy the extended edition and a 3D version. Both of these will no doubt cost more than this version. Not many people will be able to take advantage of 3D so it not being in 3D right now is fairly irrelevant. I love extras. But the truth be told most of the time I only need the movie. The extras all too often go unwatched.
If you want a showpiece Blu Ray to replace or add to your roster of Baraka or Fifth Element or Dark Knight. Avatar will make your HD system sparkle with life you haven't seen to date.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Great movie to have!!!, April 20, 2010
Look I know we are fans of this film... yes it has it's flaws, but really... if you want to buy this film... just to have a good time. Then do it!!! I will buy this version, and the extended version as well. Everything about this version is sound for now. Aspect Ratio is the way James Cameron wanted it to be. Remember people "IMAX". Remember Earth Day!!!! 4/22/2010.
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This product
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Avatar by Sam Worthington (DVD - 2010)
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