Yesterday was Earth Day, which means you should have gone outside, hugged a tree, and then celebrated consumerism by buying James Cameron’s AVATAR (I’ve done one of two—can you guess which one, intrepid readers?)
If you are interested in buying AVATAR on Blu-ray or DVD, you may find that there is some general confusion surrounding the film’s release. The internet is abuzz with version rumors and director confirmations. How does the shrewd spender go about buying this film with the prospects of re-releases on the horizon? Fear not, as I will give you the known facts about the home video releases of AVATAR and keep you from getting your ponytail in a knot.
James Cameron’s AVATAR
Available: now on DVD ($14.99-$19.99) and Blu-ray/DVD combo ($19.99-$39.99)
April 22nd is AVATAR day, also known as Earth Day. The DVD and Blu-ray hit store shelves at midnight. The important thing to know about this release is that it is strictly the film only. There are no bonus features, no deleted scenes, no elaborate navigation menus, no commentary tracks—just simple, delicious movie. Fox has stated that this was done to preserve as much of the digital clarity as possible on the transfer to DVD, (though the excuse hardly holds water for the Blu-ray).
The disk is even sans corporate logos and previews. I popped the disk in my Blu-ray drive, it loaded up, and the film began to play in mere seconds. I didn’t have to fast forward through forced trailers and advertisements.
Nothing but the movie on the disk? Why didn’t I think of that?
Amazon link for this edition.
Pros:
No frills disk, overall simplicity. It’s the film and nothing more.
Cons:
None of the extra scenes that James Cameron can’t stop talking about. Offers nothing new to the movie buffs that love the extras.
AVATAR Extended Cut Super Special Edition
Available: November 2010 on Blu-ray
James Cameron is a man who loves to talk about his projects. Following AVATAR’s theatrical release, interview after interview James seemed to let loose with more information about upcoming home releases. James has also made numerous mentions of 20-some minutes of deleted footage that was cut from the original release.
Fed up with his mouth, Twentieth Century Fox finally made official announcements about a special extended cut of AVATAR slated to be released in November of this year. Details of the disk are sparse, but you can bet the release will involve at least the 20 minutes of footage that James keeps talking about, including the infamous extended baby-making scene between Jake and Neytiri that everyone keeps clamoring about. The extended cut will follow with the theatrical re-release of AVATAR which will also include the 20 minutes of additional footage. This release will not be in 3D.
The extended special edition will also include a plethora of ‘making of’ featurettes. James has made mention that there is a metric ton of reference footage and behind-the-scenes video shot during production. There is also speculation that this edition will include a side-by-side shot comparison with virtual production footage and finished product.
Fox has not confirmed any plans for an extended cut to be released on DVD, but if it happens, expect it to sport fewer features than its Blu-ray counterpart.
Pricing information has not yet been announced, but expect the disk to ring in between $29.99-$49.99, because Fox can never make enough money.
Pros:
Tons of extras for all the movie-making fanatics, now over three hours long!
Cons:
Waiting until November, a possibly high price tag, and a film that lasts longer than my commute to ICHQ.
AVATAR Mega Ultimate 3D Edition
Available: Sometime in 2011 on Blu-ray disk
We’re entering the world of super-speculation at this point. Fox has not made any real announcements regarding a stereoscopic release of AVATAR, which means absolutely nothing. The film championed 3D technology, and there’s a boatload of cash to be harvested. Fox wouldn’t dare miss the opportunity.
James Cameron has said in interviews that they are waiting on the 3D release of AVATAR due to lack of 3D-capable television sets in homes. Also, refining the experience to meet the Blu-ray 3D spec takes time. James had said that a 3D release will definitely happen, but it’s a year off.
There’s no telling if what James has stated is accurate, but come now—do you really think we won’t see this film released in Blu-ray 3D? It’s the way AVATAR was meant to be seen, and it’s an opportunity for Fox to sell us the film for a third time.
Pros:
It’ll be in 3D
Cons:
It’ll be in 3D
When this is all said and done, Twentieth Century Fox will literally be swimming in money. Heck, they could probably pay off a significant amount of the national debt if they felt so inclined. Regardless, they don’t need all of your money, so plan ahead. If you can muster the patience to buy the film, wait for the more impressive releases. If you don’t care about bonus extras, go for the simple release today. If you’re a fanatic, you’re not listening to me and planning on buying all three.
Go forth, dear readers, and make educated purchasing decisions. If you’ll excuse me, I believe I’ll go out to find a tree worthy of my hug now.