Avatar News
James Cameron has one of the best reputations I have ever seen. First he comes out of nowhere and surprises the world with a string of sci-fi hits (The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)) then, after a little side boat trip into Academy Award waters, nothing until 2002's Dark Angel TV series. Now, his well-publicized return to sci-fi film, Avatar, is not only highly anticipated, but it's the talk of the web. Talk about buzz!
Avatar just began filming. The cast includes Wes Studi, Sigourney Weaver (a reuinion of sorts for Cameron), Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana (Trek's new Uhura), Peter Mensah, CCH Pounder, Laz Alonso, Joel David Moore, Joel Moore, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi (from Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow). Avatar's expected release date is May 2009.
Why the long production time? Avatar is yet another special effects-heavy film. But Cameron wanted to do something more than just another sci-fi flick with people acting against green screens. (I'm looking at you Star Wars prequels!) Avatar will only be shown in 3-D.
I'm not entirely sure how this will play out. I only saw one movie in 3D (that'd be Jaws 3D) and the effect was cool (The movie? Not so much...), but I'm not sure the 3D was anything more than a gimmick. Could Cameron be looking to boost an otherwise lackluster idea?
Hi John, Cameron's digital 3D technology compared to Jaws 3D technology is like comparing the Commodore Vic20 to today's PCs. You just can't lump them together. Cameron is using a polarized system, CGI, pure dual stereoscopic digital cameras, mixing live action and 'performance capture' and there is rumors of him using cameras that are NOT optical. Whatever that means I do not know as it is enshrouded in secrecy. Needless to say we will be blown out of the theater with effects never before seen or dreamed about. This isn't hype. It's real. Spielberg and Lucas are dropping by the Avatar set to see how he is doing it. When those two are taking time out of their day to admire someone else's work - look out. Lastly, Peter Jackson's Weta is doing the special effects - need I say more? Check out my blog which is dedicated to 3D movies and technology - http://marketsaw.blogspot.com
Hi Jim,
Apologies for the confusion...my intent was not to compare Jaws 3D with Avatar, it was just to mention my limited experience with 3D movie-going. And it does indeed sound like Avatar is out to do something revolutionary. Thanks!