Avatar-Collector's Edition [Blu-Ray] [Import]

I did not see Avatar in the theaters and waited for the Blu-ray release; this is my usual pattern. Having been a science fiction fan for over 70 years I was curious to see what this movie would bring to the genre. Frequently movies that are hyped to the extent this one has been hyped can be, to some degree, disappointing when viewed. This one was consistent in that regard but to a lesser degree than I had feared. Having never seen it in 3-D I can, nevertheless, see how it was produced to serve the features that 3-D offers; many scenes present objects that move toward the viewer in a manner designed to provoke a reaction from the 3-D viewer. This does not, in my opinion, interfere with the enjoyment of the movie in 2-D. My overall reaction to the movie is favorable in many regards. First is the interesting idea of the avatar; this idea has surfaced in sci-fi, but not often in my experience. The second is the idea of the sentient planet which has been used much more often; this version minimizes the proactive nature of that sentience by comparison with other sci-fi stories. Thirdly the picture quality and audio quality are both outstanding as are the much touted special visual effects. If I were to identify some flaws I would have to mention the rather prosaic, stereotypical characters that occupy certain supporting roles in the movie. The short-sighted, narrowly focused corporate manager character has been done far too often; Sigourney Weaver's character in Alien had a corporate antagonist cut out of exactly the same cloth. The tough, driven, mercenary commander's character has also been used to the point of annoyance; they were some of the evil straw men set up for the audience to hate. The tough mercenary soldiers were similarly designed to generate audience revulsion. Devices such as these are manipulative and I would have hoped this movie would rise above such simplistic alternatives. I would say that such choices as were made in this regard can be understood and overlooked if one can accept the basic premises of the movie in general. Some of the battle scenes were reminiscent of "Star Wars" but were suitably bombastic. It may be a propaganda piece as some have pointed out but that is fairly easy to overlook. I have watched the movie twice now and actually enjoyed it more the second time. A lot is happening fast and I would say it will take two viewings at least to begin to absorb all that is being displayed on the screen. The scenery is fascinating in its detail and provides the viewer with many interesting backgrounds; it is evident that a huge amount of work went into creating the movie and the planet Pandora. It appears that many who bought the disc have had problems viewing the movie. Blu-ray is a technological marvel but it does require some tender, loving care; most importantly Blu-ray machines can, and should be updated with the latest software. In this regard Blu-ray players are more like computers than the DVD players of the past. I have two OPPO players which are both capable of playing the disc; they are both connected by an Ethernet connection to the web and inform me automatically when an update is available. I would strongly suggest that all of those who are having problems avail themselves of any updates that might be available from the manufacturers of their equipment. Updates can usually be made from a network connection, through a USB input, or from a disc. For those who are disinterested in technology it may be wise to have a knowledgeable friend help with setup or hire someone to do the necessary setup; this is a problem that won't go away if ignored. If, on the other hand, the manufacturer is not providing the needed updates, or the player is obsolete and cannot update, then that is another problem entirely. If you find yourself deciding to get a new Blu-ray player, may I suggest the OPPO BDP-83; I am looking at one as I type this and can recommend it highly. It is available from Amazon and will play Avatar. By way of summary, this is a disc worth having; some have complained it does not have extras and that is true but for $19.99 one can enjoy the movie now at home and then, should one desire, treat one's self to a Christmas present when the "Ultimate" edition comes out.

The first thing I notice is the extreme packaging - a slip-off sleeve, then a box cover containing a book with three really fancy pages with a pull-out disc holder - all with very nice depiction of AVATAR scenes over every visible inch of the packaging. All this hints that something special lies inside. And you won't be disappointed - at least I wasn't - and it was well worth the price. DISC 1 - AVATAR Disc Menu: PLAY / SETUP / SOUND / SEARCH / EXTRAS This disc contains three versions of AVATER: 1) original movie release 2) Special Edition DVD Re-release (with 8 additional minutes), and 3) Collector's Extended Cut (with 16 additional minutes) If you saw the movie, then you've seen version 1. If you bought the DVD, then you've seen version 2. What you want to see now is version 3, the Collector's Extended Cut, with 16 additional minutes. If you just click on the PLAY menu choice, you'll get version 1. To play version 2 or 3, click first on SETUP - FILM SELECTION, then choose the Special Addition Re-release, or the Collector's Extended Cut. The Collector's Extended Cut contains all the scenes in versions 1 and 2, plus the additional scenes, so no need to view versions 1 or 2, even if you haven't seen the movie yet. Under the SOUND menu is an option to have all the swear words deleted from the sound track, but it doesn't work for version 3, Collector's Extended Cut, which is the version you want to watch, and the swearing is very light, no "f" words. Under EXTRAS menu are all the added scenes, which is handy of you fall asleep watching the Extended Cut movie (as I did) and want to see if you missed anything new. DISC 2 - FILMAKER'S JOURNEY Disc Menu: DELETED SCENES / CAPTURING AVATAR / A MESSAGE FROM PANDORA / PRODUCTION MATERIAL The best thing about Disc 2 are the more than 45 minutes of "Deleted Scenes." There are many of them, all in various stages of completion, and all but two add considerably to understanding the story line, especially "Dream Hunt" and "Challenge." The two deleted scenes that should stay deleted are : "Norm is a God," and "Norm's attitude Improves." The Deleted Scenes are the next place to go after viewing the "Extended Collector's Cut" on Disc 1. "Capturing Avatar" is about how the film married real human facial expression and human movement to the animated AVATAR scenes. It is very interesting to see. "A Message form Pandora" is about James Cameron going down to the Amazon Basin in Brazil and joining the jungle tribes fighting against the construction of a dam. If there was any doubt that Cameron was anything other than a dedicated tree-hugging environmentalist, this will dispel all doubts. DISC 3 - PANDORA'S BOX This disc primarily has items a filmmaker might be interested in, The BD-Live portal is also on disc 3, which allows you to download additional material. I tried this but found nothing new that wasn't already on one of the three discs, and also the download was very slow. MY TAKE ON THIS EDITION OF AVATAR I am a civil engineer who thinks bulldozers and mining equipment are righteous and good. I suppose in an environmentalist's eyes I have done my share of raping the environment, although the way I see it, natural resources are there to be utilized. I do believe, however, that the resources need to be used wisely and efficiently and that renewable resources should be harvested by sustainable methods, and the earth returned to a green state after opening it and harvesting whatever is there. I present the above, because it is very clear that AVATAR is permeated with tree-hugging, environmentalist propaganda. And Cameron so much as admits it in "A Message from Pandora" on Disc 2. Nevertheless, Cameron made a really terrific movie promoting environmentalist concerns, though probably his message is totally lost on sinners like myself. Still, I very much like this movie and especially the Collector's Cut, because 1) it is so realistically done, 2) because it is an exciting adventure story with lots of very dangerous creatures, 3)because it is also a love story, and 4) because it is a hero story - the little guy fighting the faceless bureaucracy of a large corporation or government. As someone who has thrice married into different cultures in different countries, and experienced the somewhat difficult task of adjusting to and accommodating a foreign culture, I think Cameron has done a good job presenting the difficulty and opposition that naturally occurs against inter-cultural romance, and much more so for inter-specie romance, even if it is through a remotely controlled avatar body. Much of this opposition was deleted in the original movie, but is evident in the added scenes, and especially the Deleted Scenes. SUMMARY The extra scenes in the Collector's Extended Cut (Disc 1), and the Deleted Scenes (Disc 2) by themselves make this set well worth the price, and a story worth watching over and over, all the while hoping for a sequel. If you are also into how movies are made, there are plenty of ground-breaking techniques presented on Disc's 2 and 3. THE SEQUEL My idea of what would be an interesting sequel - Jake and Neytiri have a baby or two. Jake leads the Navi to develop some technology to prepare for the return of the Earthers but find the Navi uninterested. Jake remembers how European settlers arrived in America in such overwhelming numbers that the natives were completed subjugated and near annihilated. He fears that unless the Navi modernize to some degree, at least the military, the same will happen to the Navi when the Earthers eventually return for revenge. Jake goes to the Tree of Souls and discovers Grace has merged with Eywa and can communicate with Jake. Jake and Grace discover they can reach each other telepathically. Grace-Eywa has some ability to sense events beyond the planet-moon's surface. Grace and Jake begin to develop their telepathic powers, and discover thay also have some telekinetic powers By the time the Earthers return, Jake and Grace can affect the control mechanisms on the Earthers ships. [Take it from there, Cameron ...]

David Cameron's penultimate creation is a must-see flick for the excitement-loving sci-fi addict who enjoys detailed and wonderful fascination of another planet presented with the highest level of compelling realism. The unique life forms and the planet Pandora is the setting for a classic theme of imperialism by greedy outsiders with no consideration or respect for anything but their targeted acquisition of a high-valued commodity. The presentation, in 3-D, is a perfect example of just why the 3-D format is so compelling, so stimulating, so exciting and wonderfully beautiful in presentation. The implementation of the 3-D features is stimulating is hyper-realistic, making for a higher level of entertainment than a normal non 3-D movie can possibly muster. It is chuck full of amazing visual feasts that entice our imaginations to become enmeshed in the world of another population of life forms who follow their own "religious" value system, much like the indigenous indian populations around the globe of our own earth, valuing the natural world above all else in their existence, and dedicated to protecting and preserving their way of life as they have evolved it over great expanses of time. What makes this film so good is the sheer credibility of the story, a story that has been relived time and time again in our own histories on our own world. It symbolizes a universal value among indigenous members of tribes that arise from a natural environment without the artifacts of technological advancements. On Pandora the tribal values are not belief from faith, but from a real connectedness to the very substance of life in and on the planet itself. With a name eerily similar to "Yahweh" of Earthly nomenclature, the spiritual essence of all life is represented in a unique biological mechanism that permeates the very real life energy of all life forms that thrive on the planet. Special "miracles" are even presented as rare possibilities when their spiritual energies are harnessed in ceremonial ritual activity engaged in by a large number of the higher life forms presented as the uppermost strata of intelligent life on Pandora. The entire storyline is quite classical in its design, and the inescapable hero rises to the occasion to lead the people in a rebellion against the destructive interlopers who are threatening the very existence of the indigenous people and their many varied creatures who also inhabit the planet. The production is super-detailed, the environment recreated in amazing detail, all of it presented in astonishing realism as a 3-D experience incorporating flying, soaring, swimming, and leaping acts of daring in the unique environs of the planet. A gustatory delight in many ways and in many levels of meaning make this entertaining film very special in the canon of great film creations.

This is about the original movie and DVD only, not the 3-disc version being released tomorrow. I'm biased because I loved Avatar and saw it five times in the theaters. The 3D was excellent and enjoyable. By far the #1 complaint was that the special effects were incredible but the plot was boring and unoriginal. The FX are of course amazing but I liked the story as well - "Romeo and Juliet" set in outer space. Also, Mr. Cameron deserves a little more credit here than what he's been getting. This is an incomplete list and it'd take someone better informed than me to complete it, but here are some of the influences that I spotted: Sir James Frazier, Joseph Campbell, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Frank Frazetta, the Bible (love those Christ-figures), the aforementioned Shakespeare, Joseph Conrad, the Ramayana, Plains Indians, Amazon rain forest Indians, Gaia, T.H. Lawrence, the Masai, Vietnam, the Middle East and that's all I can think of right now. My point is that more thought went into the script than people seem to realize. It is of course very derivative, but there aren't too many totally unique plots out there (show me a few, please). At least Mr. Cameron used high-quality sources for his concept. Another complaint was Mr. Cameron's politics. I'm not a liberal or a leftist and I wasn't inconvenienced by any attempts to brainwash me into anti-American, anti-military, anti-consumerism, anti-business, anti-capitalism, anti-imperialism or anti-anything viewpoints. I just appreciated the movie and enjoyed the ride. I figured that Mr. Cameron needed despicable villains and henchmen as well as noble heroes and heroines, which is what any epic requires. Because the main evil-doer and his mercenaries and the corporate execs were American, some people got very offended. I just looked at them as handy, all-purpose scoundrels; not as representatives of something I was supposed to hate forevermore. Don't forget, the hero (and Christ-figure) was an ex-Marine. Didn't that balance things out for you? I don't know or care about James Cameron's personal philosophies, I just believe he intended to create an entertaining, enjoyable, enthralling movie and that he succeeded admirably. Anybody who only sees art produced by people who share the same outlook is missing out on a lot of what the world has to offer. You don't have to be converted in order to appreciate someone else's vision. There has to be a final note about the incredible FX. The visuals were undeniably spectacular and even people who hated the movie itself all agreed on that. A lot of diligence and work and thought and effort went into Avatar and it clearly shows. Mr. Cameron and his actors and crew and staff were obviously deeply committed to their vision and it showed in every scene. My only complaint was the soundtrack. A flick like this deserved a score on the same level as "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" or "Once Upon a Time in the West" or "The Last of the Mohicans" or "The Magnificent Seven" (it was, after all, an exciting cowboy movie placed in outer space). It richly deserved a stirring and emotional soundtrack but instead there was mostly innocuous elevator music throughout. I love Leona Lewis but putting her song over the end credits wasted it, IMHO. It would've fit in better during the movie itself, also IMHO. Anyway, I highly recommend Avatar. Hard to imagine a more enjoyable film.

WOW! I absolutely LOVED this movie. I wish that I had seen it in the theater on the big screen. This movie was very different and certainly right up my alley with the "energy" component. It has awesome scenery, gadgets, and creatures. It's about metaphysical energy, the spirits of animals, and our connectedness to nature and each other. It's also about the terrible things men do for greed. There are a group of approximately 12 foot blue people who live on planet Pandora. They live in peace with nature and the land, and live in appreciation and respect for all life forms (shamanistic principles). They are very much in sync with the energy vibrations of each other and spiritual beings. There is a mineral that the earth wants that Pandora has called unobtanium and this grey rock is worth $20 mil a kilo. Earth has brought a bunch of mercenary soldiers to Pandora determined to get unobtainium any way they can. The Avatar program is earth's attempt to bond with the blue people and learn as much about them as possible, to use the knowledge against them. An Avatar body is part human DNA and part blue people. Each program participant has their own avatar linked to their DNA, so they can interact together as one. To activate the Avatar body, you lock down into an electronic bed and meditate out. Then the Avatar body awakens, hence the name "Dreamwalker" by the locals. Jake Sully is a young wheel-chair bound marine who received spinal injuries while fighting for his country. His brother, Tom, was a scientist who signed up for the Avatar program. When Tom died, the contract was offered to Jake because Jake has the same DNA (that was already linked to the Avatar body). Grace is Sigourney Weaver, the scientist running the scientific part of the program. Colonel Miles Quaritch is running the military section and he is a tough dude. He asks Sully to get inside the blue people's heads and get him what info he needs to be able to control or conquer them and he will get Sully his legs back when Sully rotates home. (The operation is too expensive for Jake to handle alone.) The blue peopl's village is right on the richest deposit of unobtanium. Jake has 3 months before the bulldozers get there to befriend the blue people and convince them to move out of the way. So, like a good little soldier, Jake heads to the dangerous Pandora forest with Grace and others. Running from a wild beast and barely escaping, Jake is lost in the jungle overnight where he is helped by Neytiri (father is clan leader/chief; mother is a spiritual leader/shaman). Eywa is their name for God. After a spiritual sign, Neytiri introduces Jake to her parents and they assign Neytiri to teach Jake to be one of them. It's really cool to watch Jake learn the spiritual oneness that these people offer. As Jake learns from and appreciates the magnificent beauty in their culture, he begins to realize the "war" with the blue people is all about greed. There is so much in this movie to appreciate. The concepts of tying into the energy of all living things, living in peace and gratitude, sharing energy, that we are all connected and all energy beings, that there is a supreme spiritual being and spiritual helpers, the concept of taming your dragon--so much here that I already believe. My sincerest appreciation to the writer/director James Cameron for putting this movie out for the world to see. Even if it is all just sci-fi fantasy to you, the storyline is great! The colors are brilliant, the creativity is fantastic, the computer graphic imaging and animation is remarkable. I think this movie has something for everybody. I loved it. It's a movie that leaves you thinking about it. I know I will watch this movie many times. 2009/2010--162 minutes Note--My son said he saw a "making of" special on tv. They hired a professor to make up some words to use as the blue people's language. The professor developed a whole new language just for this movie! Is that cool or what! You will see the language woven into the movie with English subtitles. Note#2--I see where another reviewer said a lot of footage was cut out. Not having watched it in the theater, I was not aware anything was missing. Although I am anxious to see what was cut, I loved this movie as shown.

First off, yes, we have the discs in hand early so this review is based on hands-on experience, not on speculation nor on a general dissatisfaction with studios who feel compelled to "double dip" on major titles like this. I'm as averse to double dips as the next guy and have frequently called out studios who put out multiple releases of a movie in order to squeeze every last drop out of the fans. But there are a few reasons why this particular double dip may be worthy of your high def dollars. The extended versions of the film (as with Cameron's other SciFi epics, "The Abyss" and "Aliens" before it) really enhance one's enjoyment of the film. If you like being immersed in Pandora, these extra sixteen minutes dealing with such sub-plots as the failed school project (only hinted at in the theatrical version) give you a little more time in this beautiful world and lend further depth to the characters. The extra scenes better illustrate the efforts that some humans have put into trying to understand and respect the beliefs and wishes of the Na'vi - maybe even enrich their lives through broadened horizons. This brings further contrast to the insensitive company men (and women) who are just trying to figure out how to get the Na'vi out of the way so they can exploit the planet's natural resources. These extra scenes took so long and so much computing resources to render and complete that they simply were not ready in time for the earlier Blu-ray release. The extra scenes are incorporated into the film cleanly using Blu-ray's seamless branching feature. You choose which version to watch and it runs through the theatrical, extended or collector's edition cuts. Or you can also choose to just jump to the new and expanded bits if you'd prefer. We did notice some mild differences in the noise level and black level reproduction in the newest scenes (the scenes added for the Collector's Edition cut). There was nothing to draw major attention to the new material but you may spot subtle quality differences in the new scenes if watching closely. Overall, it is still a stunning transfer, even blown up on a 100-inch projection screen, with rich details and nicely saturated colors. Pandora is a colorful world and Blu-ray is the only way to watch it. The sound is as impressive as the audio, with a DTS-HD Master Audio track that captures the organic environmental sounds of Pandora, the dialog (Na'vi and human), as well as the massive explosions and percussive attack of mortar fire and automatic weapons. New scenes such as a shot of the abandoned school, blend transparently with old as far as the audio is concerned with a stable and immersive soundscape throughout. Also, a new "family-friendly" soundtrack is offered which omits the fairly plentiful profanity from the mix. This is offered for the theatrical and extended cuts only (not the Collector's Edition cut). Although I've never been a fan of censorship, I do like knowing that I can play this for my young son without fear of exposing him to excessively "colorful" language. Plus the track was created in cooperation with the director, so we know it doesn't stray too far from his vision. Unfortunately, probably due to space considerations, this track is plain old lossy Dolby Digital 5.1, but after watching it with the family, I can say that much of the quality and dynamics of the lossless mix are carried over here. In the extras department, this set is unlikely to disappoint the fans and those who are simply curious as to how some of the more impressive aspects of the film (like the performance captures of human actors playing Na'vi) were accomplished. Other than the omission of any kind of running commentary track during the film (which would have been nice), you'll find just about everything you could hope for on the making of the film, including even *MORE* deleted and extended scenes that were left out for pacing or logistical reasons. The 28 deleted scenes are on disc two, combining over 45 minutes of new footage with enough transitional scenes to total up to just over 68 minutes running time. Continuing on discs two and three, you'll find various behind the scenes and Making Of segments, screen tests and initial performance capture proof of concept segments, scene deconstructions, art galleries and much more. If you're curious about Pandora or what it takes to pull off a film like this, you'll enjoy poring over these details. There is, of course, one major omission from this release: it's still not 3D (hence 4 stars, instead of 5). And as much as I wish it were 3D, I can understand why Fox is not putting out a general release Blu-ray 3D version of the film at this time. The market of 3D TV owners simply isn't large enough for ths studio to invest in a separate Blu-ray 3D release at this time. Although sales would probably be impressive, the 3D version of the film would be playable by relatively few viewers. Instead of not releasing a Blu-ray 3D version at all, Fox has partnered with Panasonic to offer a basic Blu-ray 3D version of the film (theatrical cut only) as an exclusive promotion for buyers of Panasonic 3D TVs (past and present). This arrangement allows Panasonic to bring the 3D version of the film to consumers, while also giving Fox the "financial security" to know that they can be profitable with the 3D Disc. This arrangement also gives consumers a major incentive to choose a Panasonic 3D TV. But it leaves buyers of other brands' 3D TVs out in the cold, and frankly, that part sucks. It means these consumers will need to turn to eBay or other secondary markets in order to obtain a 3D version of the film. From our discussions with the studio and manufacturer, we believe this will be a one year exclusivity window. Cameron and Fox have stated (at Blu-Con in Beverly Hills earlier this month), that this Collector's Edition of the film will be the "final word" on the film, as far as 2D is concerned, and a general retail version of the film on Blu-ray 3D will follow, but not for at least a year. So, is it ideal that we don't have a 3D version of the biggest 3D movie of all time available to general consumers? No. But for the vast majority of Blu-ray and HDTV owners, who are not yet 3D-enabled, this Collector's Edition of the film offers a major improvement over the earlier single-disc edition and earns our recommendation. Our more detailed review is available on our web site at Big Picture Big Sound (dot com).

Hello to everyone who reads this. I have bought from Amazon over 125 Blu-ray titles by now.. and this would be my first ever review on a Blu-ray title if I am not mistaken I think I did one review on "Short Circuit " not sure. I still didn't get my "Avatar" Blu-ray from Amazon, as at the time I am writing this, it is 04-21-2010 12:37PM on PST. I should receive my copy of "Avatar" Blu-ray tomorrow which is 04-22-2010 on it's official schedule release on "Earth's day". Yet I received a copy of it on Blu-ray yesterday from another very well known source to me which I can't mention here due to legal street issues date. Firstly I have to let you all know that my friends TV is calibrated and this review is mainly based from what I see on my friends calibrated TV settings. ( in other words if your TV is not yet been calibrated please don't blame my review after watching "Avatar" on your none-calibrated TV ) Let me start with just saying this UNBELIEVABLE quality. I have no idea how Mr. Cameron did it. This is the best-ever Blu-ray title that I have ever witness. Just amazing and mind blowing ( Waiting on Star Wars Blu-ray set and hoping it will have the same quality knowing Mr. G.Lucas ) It took my breath away. ( I think I disturb my friend Gary many times while watching the movie by parsing the quality of it) Mainly I take my hat off to Mr.Cameron for giving the viewers of "Avatar" experience by taking off all that Hollywood crap out from the menu which they usually adds... and cheers again for that Mr.Cameron. Cheers a lot for having respect for viewers. Cheers again for giving us a such a nice treat we appreciate your art with great respect. My ratings on video quality I gave it a Five Stars, Audio Quality I gave it a Five Stars, Overall Blu-ray quality I gave it a Five Stars,Overall for the movie 'Avatar" Five Stars and Two thumbs up. I do also know that the release on 22nd of "Avatar" will not have the extra Forty Five minutes. But Mr.Cameron were nice enough to let us know way-ahead about it so we can make our choice of which version to by such as April 22nd release or the late November 'Avatar" Directors Cut release. Therefore we will not have to double dip-it. ( Not many in Hollywood movie industry does give that early information of a late "Directors Cut" release before they release their very first title release, they always grab our money by releasing a late "Directors Cut" with a surprise ) Also I will not forget to thank the "Fox" Studio for releasing the Blu-ray for $ 19.99. Where they would have unarguably sold it for very easily over $ 26.99 ( which is considering with the cost of the movie/even though they covered in Two weeks of the opening well as thinking of other prices of some not so good new releases ) My hats off to you on that "Fox" Studio. Still there is one thing that bugs me and I am sad or rather upset about what "Fox' Studio did. Which is stated here by me. ( this is only my opinion and does not say I am right here, but it's a strong opinion ) We here in USA produce all the Blockbusters and still England and Europe gets the best deal and pricing why?. I don't know. It is a Million Dollar question for me. Example "Avatar" in England gets a choice to buy the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with a Steel Book and other survival guide book of "Avatar" for British Pounds 24.99 which is $38.00 at today's currency exchange rate. Or else they can buy just the Blu-ray at a cheaper price. It might be expensive for most of us yet the choice would have been give to us in the USA market too. And most of other titles that are released in England and Europe they always gets a very good buying options well as good pricing too... mainly Amazon UK. Then-again this is only my opinion like I have mentioned above. What I am trying to say here is.... we the USA make these films and such choice should have been given to us in USA too in-definitely . I have pre-ordered the USA and the UK version of it.. the UK version was ordered because I wanted the Steel Book Edition. But if the choice was given to the USA market I would have saved the $38.00 that I have spend on the UK "Steel Book Edition' as it would helped me on the long-run as I am going to buy the "Avatar" November "Directors Cut" release too. There-after if they release a 3D version I will not buy it because the movie was not shot on 3D camera. But still it would have help me if we in USA had the choice overall. My European version of "Avatar" Blu-ray will not go a waist as I will keep the steel book and give the Blu-ray to my nephew who lives in Spain. ( For those who are waiting for a good 3D movie... in 2011 Mr. Michael Bay's "Transformer 3 " is the best why!!!... he is shooting it in the real way how it is meant to be shot. With 2D and 3D dual lens anamorphic camera. Just a tip for fans. Overall my anonymous respect goes to Mr. Cameron for taking us into a such a wonderful,unforgettable excursion in life. Million thanks to you again. And cheers to "Fox" Studio for keeping the price at $ 19.99 for Blu-ray and DVD combo pack. ( at Amazon ) And thanks for the great production crew of this movie "Avatar"... well as let us not forget to thank the Geeks who work in it too without them there wouldn't be a "Avatar" movie. Cheers to all of you. I will not have to write in here asking people to buy it within another week time if you read [...] I am very sure this will be the ( AVATAR ) most sold Blu-ray title in currant Blu-ray history. Enjoy your "AVATAR" copy. Please if you can try and calibrate your TV before you watch it, calibrate your sound system and watch it ON DTS-HD ( UNCOMPRESSED sound ) Those who doesn't have Blu-ray system and 1080P TV with their own good reasons... whenever time permits you please buy it as this is how movies are meant to be watch. I thank you all a lot for reading my review on "Avatar" Blu-ray. Take care may Peace Prevail On Earth. Please plant a tree whenever you can, and don't destroy any that you have. Love, Brazil D. Uluwita, Long Beach, CA.

I liked the movie, so I'm giving it 5 stars. It has some of the best animation I've ever seen. It's even superior to FF7: Advent Children, which I own on BD. That movie is phenomenal, but seeing Avatar in 3d showed me that computer animation has vastly improved in the past few years. I think this is a movie worth owning if only for the technological aspect of it. Some people find the plot boring, a rip off, too predictable, etc. I agree. However, I don't watch movies for complicated plot devices and intricate character development. You cannot get that in 90 or even 120 minutes. (The only movies I've seen that even come close is the Sci-Fi channel's miniseries adaptation of Dune and Children of Dune. Both of which I own in the director's cut version; they're over 5 hours long each.) If you want detailed plots and characters, read 19th century novels. If you want some entertainment and decent plot and character development done in a limited amount of time, movies are much better for that. Avatar is entertaining, beautiful to look at, and has a positive message about not destroying the place where we live. Is it shallow? No more than anything else coming out of Hollywood. I'd say it's better than most of the movies I've seen in theaters lately. This version doesn't have special features. I don't like them because I never look at them anyway. I wish more BD were done without trailers, previews, forced ads and other junk. I hate having to watch ads on a product I buy. I can watch trailers on youtube. All of these things take up space on discs, often to the detriment of the AV quality of the movie. This version will make use of the large disc size to have the best picture and audio quality available. Is this a possible marketing ploy? Maybe. If they make use of the entire 50gb available on a BD-50 disc, then it will be literally the highest quality picture and sound ever offered on BD. I've never seen another BD devote the entire 50gb to just the movie. We will see in a few days whether or not it's a marketing ploy. If they make full use of the disc like they claim they're doing, I will be completely satisfied with my purchase. This movie comes bundled with a coupon to buy the Ultimate version coming out later, so I could sell this one in several months and buy that one at a discounted price. If you only want the BD and not the DVD, you can sell that too. You're getting a BD AND DVD copy for $20 along with a coupon to get the extended version. How this isn't a good deal is beyond me. I don't see why people are complaining about the lack of extras. Amazon should remove the one star reviews that only talk about how this is "fake" or inferior because it doesn't have special features. I don't want special features, and my 5 stars are for the movie itself. If you want special features, wait until they're done. They haven't finished making them yet, so they'll be out in November, a mere 7 months away. You can buy the movie now or the movie and special features later. This is not double or triple dipping. I'm glad the studios have announced their intentions. In my mind this makes them honest for telling the truth about what they're doing. We are all now informed consumers, so buy whatever version you want. For those that complain people won't know this doesn't have special features, I imagine people like to read the movie's info online or on the back cover at the store before they purchase it. If people don't read and, consequently, buy the wrong version, they are at fault for not taking the time to inspect a product before purchasing it. If you want only the movie, like me, then buy this version. Edit: After watching the movie numerous times on my HDTV, I'm still blown away by how good the picture looks. It really is stunning.

DVD comprato come regalo! Perfetto! Imballo in perfetto stato e consegna puntuale! Prodotto come me lo aspettavo !

AVATAR is what results when when cutting edge cinematographic science, unbounded and adventurous imagination and the enduring power and eternal relevance of myth intertwine. The synopsis above and the other posted reviews cover the storyline in detail, so I will not be touching on that so much. Instead, I want to focus on the underlying themes of what only appears to be a Saturday matinee fantasy and how AVATAR is a modern myth, a reflection of the zeitgeist ( spirit of the time ) ... Like everything that lives on Pandora, we too have a 'tuft of filaments', so to speak - the open and willing mind, aligned with the subconsious, through which we can access the deeper, vaster, supra-rational realm of knowledge that is the root of all storytelling. Beyond the barriers of language, age, geography, time and distance ... is the realm of Myth. And THIS is where AVATAR really earns its wings in the public mind, I think. Through populist entertainment AVATAR reaches a deeper common ground that is pan-cultural. Like Peter Jackson's cinema version of Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS, James Cameron has fashioned a world utterly complete and meticulously and cohesively realized. Pandora is so completely realized in every mintue detail that the wonder of it opens the mind up to a rarely seen receptivity. And it is also resonantly in tune with the deepest aspects of what is most important to us now as a species. With his committed vision he has given this modern myth a form and expression that is elegant, awe-inspiring, stirring and exciting. Nice combination. J.R.R. Tolkien created his masterpiece out of the ashes of a world war. His goal was to create a British myth, but one that addressed the very deep concerns of his day. It addressed honour between people and differing nations, looked into the very dark chasms of evil, obsession and power at all costs, condemned world domination and evoked the deep sadness at the loss of the natural world to the fires of industry and power. Now, nearly a century after the books were published, and a decade after the LOTRs as a film was first shown, we have a more modern myth. This one, never published as a book, is more planetary than national in scope and concern. It builds on what went before it, as all good stories do, but it also crystallizes and projects what is oceanically stirring, with increasing restlessness, in the world consciousness today. So to the endless chorus of criticism that cynically seeks to put AVATAR down for its supposedly unoriginal story line, I would answer with the suggestion that perhaps what Cameron intended was NOT to present a story line that was fashionably novel but preferred to transmit his vision in something grander and more universal than a glib, stylish screenplay. Go big or go home ... He went beyond mere filmic convention, as did Jackson, and into a realm that speaks of something deeper. AVATAR does that speaking with a less strident voice, one filled with the resonant verity of truth. For that kind of storytelling, we need to enter the realm of Myth and the Perennial Philosophy. It is important to remember here that Myth does not mean fantasy necessarily. Myth is a way of communicating ideas that go beyond everyday thinking, while using common and familiar conventions that move into a realm where much more fundamental pictures of life and reality are formed and accessed. And neither is it, as is understood in every day speech, a lie. SHANE, the 1952 classic western, was a modern retelling of the Messiah myth. O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU, set in the Great Depression, was THE ODYSSEY. AVATAR gives us, like THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and other films like DISTRICT 9 and THE LAST SAMURAI a modern myth that expresses our deep need for the return to a paradigm that respects and works with all life, for a deeper awareness of nature, for integrity, for respect and cooperation among peoples, for honour, for compassion, for the end of exploitation as a way of life and the final capitulation of the corporate-military-political-industrial western mindset. In this, AVATAR has truly expressed, and mirrored brilliantlly, the modern zeitgeist. Visually, it is surely the most mind-blowing spectacle since THE LORD OF THE RINGS. For pure invention of an entirely different world, with every minutiae of detail meticulously crafted, it has gone beyond anything before it. Yet it is glaringly obvious that some of AVATAR's geography was quite clearly inspired by British artist Roger Dean, known world-wide for his work on the album covers for progressive rock band, YES. The Hallelujah Mountains on Pandora, gravity-less, cloud-wrapped and cascading with waterfalls are straight out of Deans work on FRAGILE, YESSHOWS and CLOSE TO THE EDGE. The gigantic, sweeping stone arches that surround the Tree of Souls, are right off the front covers of KEYS TO ASCENSION 1 & 2 and UNION. A footnote in the credits acknowledging Dean would have been a proper thing to do. While AVATAR could easily have done very well as awe-inspiring eye-candy, it DOES have a gripping and involving story line, characters you care about who are real and three-dimensional and it hits hard on issues that we DO need to face, that we do need to resolve, on the brink of peril. I think the fact that it lasted so long in theatres on first run is because it IS more than just eye candy, more than just grandiose cinematic fluff. Avatar is speaking to us VERY deeply. Giovanni Ribisi's smarmy, corporate worm is excellent, reminding me of Camerons early bad guy creation, Carter Burke, in ALIENS. Stephen Lang's uber-macho, testosterone-saturated Colonel embodies the technological and rigidly linear aggression of western power. Sigourney Weaver is her usual wonderful self, tough, committed and now a bit crusty ... with a big, warm heart. Zoe Saldana as Neytiri is the heart and strength of the film, the centre of gravity and prime mover. Sam Worthington as crippled marine grunt turned powerful mythical hero has done a beautiful job of taking a potential cardboard cutout and 'real-izing' him into something very satisfying. His transformation from military stooge, Jake Sully, into planet saving Omaticaya warrior is subtly and convincingly accomplished. There are NO weak spots in the cast and it is obvious that Cameron, for all the expected mud-slinging bad press, had the total committment of his cast and crew. That speaks volumes about him, as does his creation. Nothing breeds such vehement badmouthing in the arts like widespread and popular success, and even more so ... repeated success. Look how long it took Hollywood and the media to recognize Steven Spielberg. Like thousands, now millions, of people AVATAR redefined for me what it was to go see a movie. $15 CAD for me, is a lot to pay to see a film, but when I think of what this masterpiece did for me - the COMPLETE abandonment to the imagination, the totally willing surrender of disbelief, repeated wave after wave of childlike awe, my fingers gripped to my seat and my total emotional involvement ... hell, I would be willing to surrender that many times over to repeat it. BECAUSE this film works magnificently on all levels, not just visually and creatively, and because it was such an inspiring and gripping story, on the level of pan-global myth, I am MORE than happy to watch AVATAR on my TV screen. THE LORD OF THE RINGS still inspires on 21 inches of cathode, and now, so does AVATAR. While the 3D of the theatre version was something special to experience, the bottom line is this film still works its magic in my living room in 2D. I will say that the colour seems a little less saturated than the film and the picture quality is somewhat lacking - perhaps they rushed this edition out to meet demand. The later "Collectors' Edition is far superior in every way. In simple terms, AVATAR is a great film. It is a watershed in the history of cinema, all the 3D wow-factor aside, because it reaches down very deep into our psyches and gives voice to issues and priorities we as a species are now very, very much concerned with. It reaches into our hearts and expresses what our collective consciousness is calling out to see. Through the archetypal template of myth AVATAR retells to us, for today, a story as ancient as humanity itself. We are inextricably part of a world, a living organism itself. To ignore that or actively seek to dominate the forces and balances of this world, without responsibility, is to invite our own downfall. Hardly a 'novel' idea, but one that is as timeless as humanity. For for telling this story with such power, heart, imagination and virtuosic, artistic realization James Cameron has been a very profound success.

Picture and sound really impressive enjoy the whole movie from start to end for collector must have it.

Excelente producto, el diseño del arte es muy bonito, la forma del libro y dónde vienen los discos ayuda a no maltratarlos, la imagen es excelente mucho mejor que en dvd, ya no se tiene que cambiar de disco para ver la segunda parte, no la dejo de ver, no me canso de verla y no me arrepiento de pedirla, vale totalmente la pena.

As an avid fan of James Cameron's Avatar, I can't help but express my unwavering admiration for this cinematic marvel. Released over a decade ago, the film continues to captivate audiences with its breathtaking visuals, compelling characters, and an immersive world that transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. One of the standout features of Avatar is undoubtedly its groundbreaking CGI. Even after all these years, the film's visual effects remain unparalleled, setting a standard that few have been able to match. Pandora, the lush and vibrant alien planet, is brought to life with such meticulous detail that every frame feels like a mesmerizing work of art. The attention to detail in the flora and fauna, coupled with the seamless integration of CGI and live-action, creates a visually stunning experience that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The characters in Avatar are not just vessels for the story; they are richly developed, making it easy for the audience to connect with them emotionally. The journey of Jake Sully, portrayed with depth and sincerity by Sam Worthington, is both exhilarating and poignant. Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldana, is a formidable and empowering character who adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The film's ensemble cast, featuring Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang, further contributes to the film's overall brilliance. Beyond its technical achievements, Avatar's narrative explores themes of environmentalism, corporate greed, and the clash between civilizations. James Cameron masterfully weaves these elements into a compelling story that resonates on a deeper level, elevating the film beyond a mere visual spectacle. In conclusion, James Cameron's Avatar is a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Its unparalleled CGI, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narrative make it a film that continues to stand the test of time. As a devoted fan, I just had to get this Collectors Edition Blu-ray edition to add to my collection. The amount of bonus content you get is simply just worth it!