James Cameron's AVATAR discussion thread

[lightwave000]

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[DarkArtist81]

Great review P!tu, thanks for posting that lightwave. And thanks Khev for your response to my post. I felt exactly the same way, it was one of those realizations that made me have a huge grin during the film. I had chills in that moment, it's so hard to put into words.

I want to see it again.... Might go tomorrow. I need to see this in 3D.

 

[LOTRFan]

I need to see this in 3D.

You were that blown away by 2D, oh just wait! The opening transport scene was just golden in 3D.

 

[FLOSI]

You were that blown away by 2D, oh just wait! The opening transport scene was just golden in 3D.

Isn't it funny how the 3D really just jumps right at you during the first couple minutes then suddenly you get used to it.... Then just as suddenly something jumps at you again. For some reason the scene where Jake Sully is back in his Avatar body as the tree is burning stands out to most people I've talked to, with the ashes falling from the sky. I know a couple people, as well as myself, who told me they were swatting at the ashes.

 

[KAOSINLA]

You got to be kidding! Gollum looked better? Maybe you liked the character design more but i have a hard time believing you thought Gollum looked more realistic. Unless you are taking into account all the darkness and shadows like the ???? roaches of District 9

No, I'm not kidding. As aforementioned, Gollum had the beneift of having a physical world background (in most scenes) and also interacted with that world. With that luxury, the character somewhat transcends the CGI into more of a stage performer. So, it's the total package I'm referring to. Having said this, the Navi were masterfully done in an all CGI world, but still lacked that real, physical world dimension. Furthermore, I would have loved to see the Navi conceptually in human flesh tones. That would really show the advancement.

All and all, it almost falls into an apples and oranges comparision.

 

[Something Sexy]

I agree with lightwave here, Gollumn looks terrible compared to characters in Avatar.

 

[KAOSINLA]

Humans will HAVE to be back at some point though, if this Unobtainium is all that we are supposed to believe it is; they will come back with far greater numbers and go "shock and awe" again - i.e. just wipe out everyone. There is no way a major corporation would just leave with it's tail between their legs like that, they are far too "greedy" and "evil" - I mean really who can resist a little war-mongering?!

They will also bring their inefficient gas guzzlers and plastic bottle too, just for good measure.

 

[Bannister]

Nope sorry, I win! They are faulted. People are not allowed to be skeptical. I have spoken

 

[Bannister]

No, I'm not kidding. As aforementioned, Gollum had the beneift of having a physical world background (in most scenes) and also interacted with that world. With that luxury, the character somewhat transcends the CGI into more of a stage performer. So, it's the total package I'm referring to. Having said this, the Navi were masterfully done in an all CGI world, but still lacked that real, physical world dimension. Furthermore, I would have loved to see the Navi conceptually in human flesh tones. That would really show the advancement.

All and all, it almost falls into an apples and oranges comparision.

For me, what makes Gollum stand out as CGI is when there is lots of movement, like when he fights with Frodo and Sam. He looks completely real when standing still. I felt the same way about the AMP suits. They just don't look right when they are moving. I thought the Navi looked good either way.

 

[carbo-fation]

Finally saw it yesterday. I loved it!! The effects incredible. I've never seen something like this before.

 

[p!tu]

No, I'm not kidding. As aforementioned, Gollum had the beneift of having a physical world background (in most scenes) and also interacted with that world. With that luxury, the character somewhat transcends the CGI into more of a stage performer. So, it's the total package I'm referring to. Having said this, the Navi were masterfully done in an all CGI world, but still lacked that real, physical world dimension. Furthermore, I would have loved to see the Navi conceptually in human flesh tones. That would really show the advancement.

All and all, it almost falls into an apples and oranges comparision.

DID you not see the compositing of first the avatar body in the water tank and second when Neytiri has Jake in her hands!!!!! Those too scenes alone were 10 times better than the compositing on gollum. am i saying gollum sucks.. Nope Just that weta stepped up there game for this movie and the Effects are better than LOTR.

 

[p!tu]

I agree with lightwave here, Gollumn looks terrible compared to characters in Avatar.

Gollum does not look terrible. That CG and compsiting are amazing.

 

[lightwave000]

For me, what makes Gollum stand out as CGI is when there is lots of movement, like when he fights with Frodo and Sam. He looks completely real when standing still. I felt the same way about the AMP suits. They just don't look right when they are moving. I thought the Navi looked good either way.

I thought the AMP suits looked really good for machines that are supposed to be super agile and well balanced. I think the whole movie could have benefited though from having a few more darker spots and shadows.

Take a look at this concept art for example. It looks insane! If there were a scene like this I would have flipped!

 

[lightwave000]

Gollum does not look terrible. That CG and compsiting are amazing.

I do think the gollum is pretty awesome. He was a milestone. Naturally with time Weta has upped their game.

 

[plasmid303]

Awesome concept art and models from the movie

https://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=79195&page=1&pp=15

Wow, thanks and great find. I hope the blu-ray or dvd features have more concept and behind the scenes photos like that.

 

[galactiboy]

They really did a nice job of getting the Avatar's facial features to resemble their human counterparts. I still thought the Jake Sully one looked a bit odd (for some reason is face kind of bugged me) but not enough to be distracting or really bothersome. Maybe it was just that he was too smiley

 

[BadMoon]

They really did a nice job of getting the Avatar's facial features to resemble their human counterparts. I still thought the Jake Sully one looked a bit odd (for some reason is face kind of bugged me) but not enough to be distracting or really bothersome. Maybe it was just that he was too smiley

I agree, it was hard to see Jake in there sometimes. Weaver's one was insane! It almost made her attractive. LOL!

 

[plasmid303]

They really did a nice job of getting the Avatar's facial features to resemble their human counterparts. I still thought the Jake Sully one looked a bit odd (for some reason is face kind of bugged me) but not enough to be distracting or really bothersome. Maybe it was just that he was too smiley

I thought the Norm guy had a funny looking Avatar:

 

[BadMoon]

I thought the Norm guy had a funny looking Avatar:

Yeah but that guy is funny looking. Does anyone remember him from Grandma's Boy?

 

[lightwave000]

Yeah but that guy is funny looking. Does anyone remember him from Grandma's Boy?

He is also from the cast of Bones and they recently had an avatar themed episode where he is camping out in line for the premiere...lol