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Rottenwatch: AVATAR (82%)

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cmonmanreally said:
I have plans to go watch the movie tonight at a theatre that offers both the 3D and non-3D versions. The thing is, as much as I'd like to watch it in 3D, past experiences with it caused great strain in my eyes and made my head hurt. Will this be any different?
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Yes. Also, what sort of 3D are you watching it in? If its Dolby, change cinema.
 
So, i'm thinking about seeing this this weekend - but my girlfriend can't see 3D movies - like she has always failed that 3D depth perception test since she was a kid.. The 3D version is going to look all goofed up and wrong without glasses, right?

Or would she be able to wear the glasses and it'd just look like the film in 2D? I'm pretty sure we're just going to the old style 2D version but I'd like to see it in 3D if possible.

I imagine wearing the 3D without being able to use it might lead to headaches or something, but does anyone have any experience with this?
 
SonOfABeep said:
So, i'm thinking about seeing this this weekend - but my girlfriend can't see 3D movies - like she has always failed that 3D depth perception test since she was a kid.. The 3D version is going to look all goofed up and wrong without glasses, right?

Or would she be able to wear the glasses and it'd just look like the film in 2D? I'm pretty sure we're just going to the old style 2D version but I'd like to see it in 3D if possible.

I imagine wearing the 3D without being able to use it might lead to headaches or something, but does anyone have any experience with this?
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It will look really messed up for your girlfriend. Unwatchable. You may want to consider getting into a big argument with her, seeing it by yourself in 3D, then making up and catching a 2D viewing with her.
 
SonOfABeep said:
So, i'm thinking about seeing this this weekend - but my girlfriend can't see 3D movies - like she has always failed that 3D depth perception test since she was a kid.. The 3D version is going to look all goofed up and wrong without glasses, right?

Or would she be able to wear the glasses and it'd just look like the film in 2D? I'm pretty sure we're just going to the old style 2D version but I'd like to see it in 3D if possible.

I imagine wearing the 3D without being able to use it might lead to headaches or something, but does anyone have any experience with this?
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No idea what's wrong with her eyes, no depth perception usually means blind in one eye, but the 3D version can't be viewed as normal 2D if you don't wear the glasses.
 
border said:
Arachnids, prawns, T-1000's and T-rexes don't exist, but it didn't really stop them from being mostly photorealistic. I never really bought the argument that this or that only looks like CG because you know it "can't exist". It's ultimately kind of a defeatist viewpoint, since you're admitting that anything unrealistic is going to always and forever look like CG.
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I'd say it depends heavily on the design.

The more 'out there' the design is, the more difficult a time we have associating that thing as possible or real irrespective of how realistic the skin/muscle/motion/shading/etc are.

In Avatars case, it's overwhelmingly overloaded with fantastical elements that are bright and colourful. Given our current cultural perspective and given that design decision, there's no way irrespective of how well done the CG is that we'd ever mistake that stuff for fantastical, and thus CG.
 
stuburns said:
No idea what's wrong with her eyes, no depth perception usually means blind in one eye, but the 3D version can't be viewed as normal 2D if you don't wear the glasses.
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Yeah - she fails tests like this one:
http://www.vision3d.com/frame.html

She can't see the two thumbs or the two eyes when focusing distant or far. She has depth perception, but can't percieve "fake" 3D in that sense.

I'm just wondering if by going to a 3D show and putting on glasses, she'll see the 2D movie, or if it'll be off looking? Cause her mom and brother are coming too and they'd like to see it in 3D also, I think it'd just be 2D for us, though.
 
SonOfABeep said:
Yeah - she fails tests like this one:
http://www.vision3d.com/frame.html

She can't see the two thumbs or the two eyes when focusing distant or far. She has depth perception, but can't percieve "fake" 3D in that sense.

I'm just wondering if by going to a 3D show and putting on glasses, she'll see the 2D movie, or if it'll be off looking? Cause her mom and brother are coming too and they'd like to see it in 3D also, I think it'd just be 2D for us, though.
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I ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION ABOVE!
 
Scullibundo said:
Oh btw, did anybody else notice there was no 'Are you out of your jarhead mind?!' They edited out the 'jarhead'. I love how hard and brutal the punch Quaritch gives Jake to the face seems.
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I noticed that. In both that clip and the one where the corporate villain explains the plot to Weaver, the previously released clips had 'jarhead' in place of mild profanity. Everyone was complaining that they were using it too much prior to release, but it was just a profanity filter for the early clips.

Thank god.
 
I was pretty unconvinced by the 3D at first when I saw this last night, but once I saw the holographic screens in the film I was pretty impressed. They really used the 3D in a subtle but effective way, not just 'oh shit there's an arrow coming toward you watch out!'.
I also really liked the way they used glass, it really gave you the feeling you were looking out a window or sitting inside one of the gunships.
 
Scullibundo said:
I love how hard and brutal the punch Quaritch gives Jake to the face seems.
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They just ended the shot way earlier and cut right to Jake's face being propelled back.
 
In terms of a visual spectacle, I don't feel I can fairly judge this film. I thought it looked stunning, groundbreaking even, but it was also my first cinema experience after getting glasses, and since my eyesight was apparently TERRIBLE without me realizing it Avatar looked better than any movie I've ever seen perhaps by default.

However, I thought Cameron did some really stunning work in terms of world-building here. There are so many technical elements at play (both behind the scenes and in the story itself) that there are plenty of opportunities for the audience to become distracted: on occasion, I would stop and think about the CG, or the fact that this is all motion capture, or get caught studying the nuances of the Avatars' faces in order to recognize their human counterparts.

And yet somehow, I would always get sucked right back into this world, the creation of Pandora that is truly alive in the context of the film's production. It's the kind of world where you catch yourself wondering what you haven't seen yet, and the film has some great pacing in terms of showing you just enough to leave you wanting more. Considering the film's themes, the audience's attachment to Pandora (and our desire to spend time in that world) is integral to its success, and I think Cameron's deft work on that front (and the stunning technology that made it happen) overcomes any hokeyness or dialogue issues that could arise.

Really enjoyed the experience (saw it in 3D), might go back for IMAX with the family over the holidays.
 
Two things that didn't need to be in the film:

After Weaver gets
shot
and she says "now this is goin to ruin my whole day"

and everytime one of the soldiers yell "GET SOME!" in battle.

Two fucking awesome parts:

The Na'vi/soldiers fight on the back of the gunship.

anything involving the grenade things Jake throws.
 
DanielPlainview said:
After Weaver gets
shot
and she says "now this is goin to ruin my whole day"
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Weaver did no wrong in this film, sir, including this line - thought it was consistent with character, and didn't feel like it
was actually successful at making light of the situation, which kept it from feeling too hokey.
 
DanielPlainview said:
Two things that didn't need to be in the film:

After Weaver gets
shot
and she says "now this is goin to ruin my whole day"
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Badass: Trauma kit.
Nerd: TRAUMA KIT!!!
 
Memles said:
Weaver did no wrong in this film, sir, including this line - thought it was consistent with character, and didn't feel like it
was actually successful at making light of the situation, which kept it from feeling too hokey.
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I loved her character but thought it was a bit too much since I was actually feeling kinda sad, then all emotion left when she said that.
 
Yeah seriously, I said in my initial review of the film, but Sigourney was fucking great. I loved her character and wish I could have seen more of her. Hopefully this is rectified when the extra scenes are added back in.
 
One thing that impressed me was how powerful I found the ending to be. I remember when I originally read the spoiler for it, I was all "oh come on! That's so damn lame!". But, I don't know, when I actually saw it and
saw Jake's human body die and Neytiri giving it a kiss, I got a bit sad at the symbolism there that his life, as it was, had ended. Even though he wasn't dying, I still kind of got that moment and felt a little tug at my heartstrings.

Again, I really really wish there had been more Jake/Neytiri conversation scenes, especially during the 3 month period. Hopefully there are some of that in the deleted scenes. I'd like to imagine that what was left out, like how it was with Aliens, will help add to the depths of some of the characters.

I suppose either that, or waiting for the sequel.

Oh yeah, like others have said, the music was mostly forgettable except for the main theme or the orchestral version of the theme song. Both either played at during the flight sequences or at the very end.
 
One thing that I think Cameron(or the wizards behind him that made it happen) needs to be commended on is the clarity of action in the climactic scene. We are talking multiple fantastic and disproportionate creatures/mechs/ships interacting with each other in believable and readable ways, in 3 dimensions no less.

The final battle between the marine captain/mech vs Na'vi Chick/Panther Monster/Jake was a clinic on clarity of action. I actually cringed a bit when he caught the panther mid-air and stabbed it in the gut. As an animator, I really geeked out at the fact that you could see the marine's CQC training showing through the mech's actions.

Way cool stuff. Michael Bay, take some notes so you can use them in your next blockbuster clusterfuck.
 
There's no hope for Michael Bay. TF3 will be at least as shitty as TF1 and TF2 are. Chance of increased shittyness are high. Watch him jump on the 3D bandwagon and totally suck at it too, like he did with IMAX for TF2.
 
TAJ said:
The talk of Dolby 3D having the brightest picture and best color is discouraging because I've seen it several times in the past and it looked dim as fuck.
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Dolby 3D will have less ghosting, but a dimmer picture.


RealD will have more ghosting, but a brighter picture.




003.jpg
 
I think I was one of the only people in the theater who didn't groan when Guaritch's mech pulled out a knife. People were saying "Really?" and "Yea, I'll believe that." I thought it made sense since the mech outta have a backup in case a vicious animal smashes it's gun but apparently the audience wasn't understanding that.

That's about the only time I can think of that the audience was taken out of the film. I lol'ed quite a bit when the other marines started popping up here and there in the film - I was basically waiting for them to die as soon as they made their first smartass, unfunny remark.

GET SOME.
 
SpeedingUptoStop said:
I think I was one of the only people in the theater who didn't groan when Guaritch's mech pulled out a knife. People were saying "Really?" and "Yea, I'll believe that." I thought it made sense since the mech outta have a backup in case a vicious animal smashes it's gun but apparently the audience wasn't understanding that.
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I'd wager a good portion of these geniuses had no problem with Shia's trip to robot heaven.
 
Count Dookkake said:
I'd wager a good portion of these geniuses had no problem with Shia's trip to robot heaven.
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:lol :lol :lol That was probably one of the few times I've ever actually thrown my hands in the air and said "Okay, I'm done here!"
 
Kung Fu Jedi said:
The CGI must look much better in the actual film on the screen, because while it does look amazing in the trailers on TV and in the theater, it is clearly CG and wouldn't be mistaken for anything else.

Haven't seen the film yet to comment beyond that, but the trailers don't make it look photorealistic at all.
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it's really strange.. i'm not sure what is going on. maybe they used unfinished images for the trailers and such.. but even looking back at the trailers now after seeing the movie.. they still look like crap to me. the movie was pretty awesome though.


Brimstone said:
Dolby 3D will have less ghosting, but a dimmer picture.


RealD will have more ghosting, but a brighter picture.




[]http://www.i-magic.com.hk/images/3d_dcinema/xpand/003.jpg[/IMG]
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i saw absolutely no ghosting at my RealD screening.. i think the ghisting is only an issue the closer you are to the screen.
 
Saw it again tonight in Real-D

Was even better the second time, and Real-D slaps the shit out of IMAX 3D. There was little to no blurriness (while the IMAX 3D was rrrreally blurry during the Thanator scene)

Real-D + the full aspect ratio would be godly. Too bad only IMAX has the full AR :(

Also, again very receptive audience. Huge applause at the end, even more than when I saw it in IMAX.
 
Saw it tonight and it was a great film all the way around.

- The story was not clichéd to me except for the typical
'good guy wins'
. I understand the critics who said the story didn't need to be complex. I agree although I don't think it would have been ruined by a more complex one. I understand this is a movie built for the world.

- I was indifferent toward the 3D. I got the same feeling that I always get. The picture is not as bright. It was used nicely, but it's not the reason the movie is great unless 2D is truly terrible.

- As is often the case, Cameron's villains are clichéd even if the story is not. I think that's what people remember when they talk about the story. My theory is Cameron does this on purpose as he is definitely more focused on the heroes in any of his films. No Joker to steal the show in this movie.

- The effects are incredible. The aliens are not nearly as blue as they are in pictures so they looked more lifelike to me. Plus it fit with their environment. However, the real feat was Pandora. It was incredible. I was thinking that Cameron was doing what most directors do- dazzle with particular CGI points. I kept forgetting that when he is showing us the rhino thing, everything around it is artificial too and looks even more amazing. It's almost like sleight of hand, but it's hard to explain so I'll stop.

- Neytiri is a wonderfully developed character and I respectfully disagree with some who say the relationship wasn't explored as it seemed to be throughout the movie to me. Anyway, Zoe should be nominated but probably won't be. At the same time, not sure why there are so many props to Michelle Rodriguez who still seems to be playing herself.

- In conclusion my favorite lines are:

"I see you"
"You're like a Baby!"
 
Dead said:
Saw it again tonight in Real-D

Was even better the second time, and Real-D slaps the shit out of IMAX 3D. There was little to no blurriness (while the IMAX 3D was rrrreally blurry during the Thanator scene)

Real-D + the full aspect ratio would be godly. Too bad only IMAX has the full AR :(

Also, again very receptive audience. Huge applause at the end, even more than when I saw it in IMAX.
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In the past I've noticed ghosting in IMAX 3d.
 
Hey, something I was just thinking about after finally seeing the movie today.
Do you guys know if theaters wash their glasses between showings?

I'm getting really grossed out right now, because I can't imagine they do.

SpeedingUptoStop said:
I wish I could get Imax sound in a normal theater. Normal theater sound is so half-assed.
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I KNOW!
The sound in the IMAX theater was so fucking incredible.
My god, it was heatstopping.
 
SpeedingUptoStop said:
I wish I could get Imax sound in a normal theater. Normal theater sound is so half-assed.
Click to expand...

Same here, it seemed like everyone in the theater was trying to be extra quiet just to hear the dialogue. I honestly couldn't hear much of the score, at all.
 
SpeedingUptoStop said:
I wish I could get Imax sound in a normal theater. Normal theater sound is so half-assed.
Click to expand...
There really isn't anything like an awesome theater sound system. As stunning as the visuals were, the audio was probably the most impressive* part of the movie for me as you could feel the bass reverberate in the floor and your seats.

*Major caveat - the theater we saw it in is in the same building Skywalker Sound works out of, so this is a bit of a cheat considering the godly setup they have in there for audio.
 
duderon said:
Same here, it seemed like everyone in the theater was trying to be extra quiet just to hear the dialogue. I honestly couldn't hear much of the score, at all.
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In my MJR theater, they don't even have speakers set up for the back 3-5 rows, it's such a crock of shit. Get some real speakers, assholes.
 
maharg said:
I'd be more concerned about where they got all the crazy plants, giant trees, and giant gunboat helicopters from.

Seriously? I don't know what anyone could possibly be smoking to think the CG in this movie somehow doesn't look like CG. It's very good, but no one's going to mistake it for reality.
Click to expand...

but of course, reality don't look so this good. you're argument is just off.

people saying anything like what maharg just posted, are missing the point. The only reason why you won't mistake it for reality is well, because you know what's real. That environment isn't really.

again with the off logic.
 
There is no doubt, none at all, that this is a game-changer from a technical perspective. This is by far the best use of 3D ever, and proves its validity not just as a gimmick but practically a necessity for any subsequent sci-fi blockbusters that seek to compete at this level.

Semi-related: I hesitate to add a bum note because I can safely be counted among those who thought this movie was incredible and plan to see it again, but I can't help but think ahead and be slightly bummed out by the certainty that there's no way this movie can retain all its magic at home, where it will eventually spend most of its life on Blu-ray and (yuk!) DVD. Movies these days have a shelf life of a few weeks in theaters (surely a little longer than usual in this case) but then are TV experiences for the rest of their lifespan, and the big-screen 3D experience is such an integral part of what makes Avatar so amazing, I almost don't want to see it that way. It's hard to imagine this movie without the 3D component. It'll still be awesome, just quite a bit less so.
 
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