I give Avatar Blu-Ray DVD 5++ Star.
I too look forward to the 3D release of Avatar, but realize that the technology and standards are not quite ready, and decided to pick up the Blu Ray for my brother and I to watch together. We had both seen the 3D version in the theater some months back. We watched this edition without interruption on a Mitsubishi 73 inch DLP with 6 channel surround, and found the experience nothing short of stunning. We actually agreed that the presentation on Blu Ray seemed to have more impact than the original 3D theatrical experience. The combination of a very strong story, impeccable special effects and cinematography, and very high quality transfer, seemed to be the reason. For anyone doubting that Avatar was a 3D gimmick, they will have no doubts once they have seen this release.
To top it off, the studio provided a Standard Definition copy along with the Blu Ray, something that contradicts the accusation of taking advantage of the fan. At a price of barely over $20, this release has to rate easily as the best deal I have found yet in a Blu Ray release (of which I buy relatively few compared to regular DVD).
It seems to have become fashionable to bash a studio for "milking" their product at every opportunity, and no one criticized the release of the Lord of the Rings Blu Ray set more than I did, but the similar reaction by many to this release amazes me.
Can I wait for the "extended 3D edition"? Absolutley not, and this in no way compares to the Lord of the Rings example. First, the producer is faced with considerable online piracy if he does not release the film sooner rather than later. Second, no fan has yet seen an "extended edition" so the comparison is invalid. Third, many fans will never buy the 3D version anyway, so why prolong the release of the regular Blu Ray version.
I for one will instantly buy the extended, 3D version when it becomes available, but this will not be for everyone. I highly recommend that any fan of the movie pick up the Blu Ray and enjoy the original theatrical experience again in the highest quality Blu Ray release that I have yet seen.
To top it off, the studio provided a Standard Definition copy along with the Blu Ray, something that contradicts the accusation of taking advantage of the fan. At a price of barely over $20, this release has to rate easily as the best deal I have found yet in a Blu Ray release (of which I buy relatively few compared to regular DVD).
It seems to have become fashionable to bash a studio for "milking" their product at every opportunity, and no one criticized the release of the Lord of the Rings Blu Ray set more than I did, but the similar reaction by many to this release amazes me.
Can I wait for the "extended 3D edition"? Absolutley not, and this in no way compares to the Lord of the Rings example. First, the producer is faced with considerable online piracy if he does not release the film sooner rather than later. Second, no fan has yet seen an "extended edition" so the comparison is invalid. Third, many fans will never buy the 3D version anyway, so why prolong the release of the regular Blu Ray version.
I for one will instantly buy the extended, 3D version when it becomes available, but this will not be for everyone. I highly recommend that any fan of the movie pick up the Blu Ray and enjoy the original theatrical experience again in the highest quality Blu Ray release that I have yet seen.
