Avatar Night

email this story
read comments (69)
post a comment

There were two things different about last night's 3D IMAX previews compared to the San Diego/ComicCon footage shown last month. The reel I saw here was, of course, shorter -- 15 or 16 minutes compared to 24 minutes in San Diego -- and the ending has a hurried montage ofAvatar's second half (the clash between Stephen Lang's military commandos and the Na'vi with Sam Worthington's Na'vi hybrid sure to take sides against his own). But there was another distinction. Actually a distraction.

The Avatar footage, projected onto the huge IMAX screen inside Leows Lincoln Square, wasn't quite as vivid and needle-sharp looking as the 3D San Diego reel. And yet LLS projects "real" IMAX (i.e., on super-sized film) vs. the digital "fake" IMAX-on-smaller-screens that other NYC theatres were showing. What gives? My semi-educated guess is that Avatar looks better with digital projection since it's been an all-digital show from shooting to FX to post. Transferring to film (even IMAX film) just degrades. I know that what I saw wasn't as on-the-money so what other conclusion could there be?

Beyond this I was feeling a little Avatar-ed out after it ended. I walked out saying to myself, "Hmmm....no bump-up. Same as before only less so." Obviously because of the tech/focus issue but also because an Avatar visual highlights reel (i.e, the Na'vi/jungle monster/flying reptile-bird whoa stuff aimed at 12 year-olds) only takes you so far. It doesn't wear well the second time. I need story, soul, structure, music, wit, great acting, etc.

Why does Worthington's Jake Sully, a paraplegic military guy, act like an incorrigible 13 year-old when he wakes up from his Na'vi transformation operation and finds himself 10 feet tall and full of energy with two good legs? He didn't anticipate that it would be a huge shock to suddenly find himself able to walk around? The laboratory authorities didn't talk to him about adjusting before he went under? It's kind of stupid that he just gets up and goes "this is really cool!" and lumbers out of the recovery room with the physicians warning him to stay put or else. I didn't believe it. It felt bullshitty.

Plus the CG of his backside (including a tail) as he leaves the room looks too cartoony.

Down on Pandora the second monster (i.e., the big black one Scully is told to definitely run from) is right on top of him during the chase sequence. Why do big scary predators have to be within a step or two of their prey all the time? Why does every movie chase have to be so skin-of-our-teeth close? It gets old. Plus the monster moves so fast that his moves blurred out for me. My eyes couldn't follow each and every whip-snap movement.

Paramount standee on second floor of Leows' Lincoln Square -- Friday, 8.21, 8:35 pm.

And how does it work exactly that Zoe Saldana's Na'vi character -- a strong, fierce-eyed warrior named Neytiri -- can speak English? She's a Pandora native whose fellow Na'vi tribesmen speak in their native tongue with subtitles, so I don't get it. I'm sure it'll be explained down the road but it was one more thing to scratch my head about.

The 8 pm show was maybe 25% full, if that. A female Leows usher screwed things up in the early stages, telling people who showed their print-outs (like me) to go straight up to the fourth floor without telling them to get their orange wristbands from the Avatar/Fox guys on the main level. So a lot of us went up to the fourth floor only to be told to go all the way back down again.

I'm just going to take an Avatar break in my head until they start showing the full-length film to press sometime in November or whenever.

Once Was Enough<< previous | next >>Today Tells The Tale

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on August 22, 2009 at 9:59 AM

comment #1

BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey says ...

Yeah, I mentioned the blurriness as well in the other thread. It just didn't seem pristine. The IMAX scenes of The Dark Knight were really spectacular - crystal clear image - but I'm realizing that the "real" IMAX screens are really only good for a giant picture and for films that have scenes shot with an IMAX camera. I think from now on I'll stick to the fake IMAX digital screens for animations, etc.

Ages ago I saw This Is England digitally projected and it looked great. Why is this not the standard now? With HD TVs commonplace it seems weird that we are still projecting movies using weather-beaten film, with all the blurry, scratchy bits on it. Wouldn't it also cut costs for theaters and potentially reduce ticket prices?

Posted by BoshBarnetWonkyDonkey at August 22, 2009 11:33 AM

comment #2

Markj74 says ...

If people aren't happy with Cameron they always have McG, Bay, Abrams, Emmerich and Sommers to fall back on...

Posted by Markj74 at August 22, 2009 11:50 AM

comment #3

Circumvrent says ...

I was sitting right behind Jeff and was tempted to catch him after the screening and saying hi, but he was out of that theatre like a shot (and exited in the opposite direction of my party).

Posted by Circumvrent at August 22, 2009 12:03 PM

comment #4

Circumvrent says ...

Oh, and here's my logic question down the road... if Worthington actually defects and fights against the Marines, why don't the Marines just cut whatever connects his mind to his avatar? War's over, and he's stuck in a wheelchair again.

Posted by Circumvrent at August 22, 2009 12:33 PM

comment #5

K. Bowen says ...

It's like Admiral Akbar and the Blue Man Group had a lovechild. :)

Posted by K. Bowen at August 22, 2009 12:42 PM

comment #6

richlbii says ...

here's my logic problem with the plot: so technology is such that the armored power-assist power lifters are possible, and there is technology to change people's bodies into alien creatures, but no technology for something better than a regular wheelchair if you suffer a spinal injury?

Posted by richlbii at August 22, 2009 12:44 PM

comment #7

mpneeb says ...

Rich,
My guess is the HMOs are still running things.

Posted by mpneeb at August 22, 2009 12:53 PM

comment #8

Hallick says ...

"here's my logic problem with the plot: so technology is such that the armored power-assist power lifters are possible, and there is technology to change people's bodies into alien creatures, but no technology for something better than a regular wheelchair if you suffer a spinal injury?"

HMOs hell. The guy's probably in the VA system, god help him. Odds are more than likely that he hasn't gotten confirmation from the bureaucrats that he has a spinal injury in the first place.

Posted by Hallick at August 22, 2009 12:58 PM

comment #9

chris7crows says ...

I'm sorry, I checked out for a while. Are we still arguing over whether the "Avatar" trailer is better or worse than "GI Joe"?

And if a guy in a wheelchair is going to be your big sci-fi plot issue, let me point out just a few of the plot holes in "Star Trek"...

Posted by chris7crows at August 22, 2009 1:14 PM

comment #10

p.Vice says ...

I love it how it usually takes Jeff two viewings to catch on.

If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere.

Posted by p.Vice at August 22, 2009 1:38 PM

comment #11

DCIJB says ...

"If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere."

This is bullshit. All of James Cameron's movies had great acting, story and soul so far so it's not unlikely that this one will have to.

"And how does it work exactly that Zoe Saldana's Na'vi character -- a strong, fierce-eyed warrior named Neytiri -- can speak English?"

Don't worry: I read the decade old scriptment, it's all explained.

Posted by DCIJB at August 22, 2009 2:05 PM

comment #12

Jeffrey Wells says ...

Wells to p.Vice: I get what I get when I get it, and I don't need you keeping score and I don't need or want your assessments of my artistic sensitivity levels. My reaction to the footage in San Diego was as real and from the heart as I was able to convey, and my reaction to last night's footage was what it was given my having seen the CCSD reel and so on. It doesn't take me two viewings to "catch on." You're suggesting...what, it only takes you one viewing to get the whole picture? My word, what a fellow you must be!

Posted by Jeffrey Wells at August 22, 2009 2:07 PM

comment #13

MARLOWE says ...

He didn't anticipate that it would be a huge shock to suddenly find himself able to walk around? The laboratory authorities didn't talk to him about adjusting before he went under? It's kind of stupid that he just gets up and goes "this is really cool!" and lumbers out of the recovery room with the physicians warning him to stay put or else. I didn't believe it. It felt bullshitty.

I couldn't disagree with you more Jeff. No amount of counseling from a therapist can prepare someone who is paralyzed from the waist down for what happens when a miracle allows them to walk again. Imagine for a moment that your legs are useless hunks of flesh. Dead weight with no chance of ever walking or running. Now imagine you're suddenly able to walk and run. Your brain will short out and all the warnings to take it easy will go out the window. Paraplegics have constant dreams of running. If you suddenly wake up with new powerful legs, the first thing you're gonna do is run around like an excited child and fuck what the scientists are saying. Nothing bullshitty about that. FYI, I saw the IMAX 3D footage and was blown to bits. Everything felt alive. David Poland was there. He seemed to enjoy the experience. Cameron delivered. I believe in AVATAR but seeing it 3D is a MUST.

Posted by MARLOWE at August 22, 2009 3:14 PM

comment #14

Anonymous Bosch says ...

What? A guy goes native? You mean after all the endless hype for this movie, *that's* what it's about?

You can throw up all the CGI on the screen you want, it's still the same old story as something like 'Dances With Wolves', but made weaker by us having to suspend disbelief by watching obvious computer characters emote / fall in love.

Game-changer? Show me a CGI character with convincing weight to it's movements.

I can safely skip this one.

Posted by Anonymous Bosch at August 22, 2009 3:15 PM

comment #15

K. Bowen says ...

Question: Why do all alien races have apostrophes in their names? is this an intergalactic code that we humans are sinisterly avoiding?

Posted by K. Bowen at August 22, 2009 3:40 PM

comment #16

Yuval says ...

I really hate it when something negative is said about a director like Peter Jackson or James Cameron you get all these “they’re visionary directors that have an OSCAR”. Thanks for contributing for this conversation.

“All of James Cameron's movies had great acting, story and soul”
Are you fucking serious?

Posted by Yuval at August 22, 2009 5:41 PM

comment #17

VictorLazlo says ...

If this movie is depending on IMAX 3-D to make an impact they are dead in the water.

I saw RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK at a second run 75 cent shoebox theater with the music from MEGAFORCE bleeding through the walls and I was still blown away.

Posted by VictorLazlo at August 22, 2009 7:51 PM

comment #18

DeeZee says ...

Yuval: DCI hasn't seen Piranha 2.

Posted by DeeZee at August 22, 2009 7:52 PM

comment #19

Hans F says ...

It probably looked blurrier just because it was larger. 2K material displayed big enough just plain doesn't look very good. Seeing it digitally projected won't necessarily make it look any better, especially not if you sit so that it still fills the same amount of your vision as the full-scale IMAX auditorium. You'd likely be getting the "screen door effect". Comparing it at the same viewing angle it should look to have more or less the same amount of sharpness.

Not having seen it I can't say for sure, but that's probably it. It could have been a focus problem or a bad transfer, but that is the most likely explanation.

Posted by Hans F at August 22, 2009 9:52 PM

comment #20

DCIJB says ...

""All of James Cameron's movies had great acting, story and soul"
Are you fucking serious?"

Yes, I am fucking serious. But of course I excluded Piranha 2 which isn't really a James Cameron movie.

Posted by DCIJB at August 23, 2009 1:02 AM

comment #21

SpinDozer says ...

"Down on Pandora the second monster ... is right on top of him during the chase sequence. Why do big scary predators have to be within a step or two of their prey all the time?"

That had me wondering if Cameron hired George Lucas as a 2nd unit director, I'm wondering if, at the moment the scene is frozen, an even BIGGER monster swoops down to kill the 6 legged marsupial saber cat.

Posted by SpinDozer at August 23, 2009 6:31 AM

comment #22

Yuval says ...

So True Lies had great acting and soul?

Posted by Yuval at August 23, 2009 10:32 PM

comment #23

free games says ...

HMOs hell. The guy's probably in the VA system, god help him

Posted by free games at November 1, 2009 4:22 AM

comment #24

arentin says ...

That nice post for everyone who like the movies

Arentin Belajar Menulis

Posted by arentin at February 1, 2010 11:52 AM

comment #25

ivory says ...

I really enjoyed read your article, very interesting, Regards

astaga.com lifestyle on the net

nowgoogle.com adalah multiple search engine popular

Posted by ivory at February 8, 2010 10:34 AM

Posted by akuy at February 8, 2010 11:37 AM

comment #27

Potty Training says ...

that movie is going to sell A LOAD of 3D TV's when they hit store shelf next november!

Potty Training Boys | How To Potty Train A Toddler

Posted by Potty Training at February 25, 2010 2:19 PM

comment #28

ajim says ...

nice to be here.... thanks for share

nowGoogle.com adalah Multiple Search Engine Popular|intermezo

Posted by ajim at March 1, 2010 9:06 PM

comment #29

buy generic viagra says ...

I have seen this movie! It's awesome! Best of all from the last time! buy generic cialis and levitra online pharmacy

Posted by buy generic viagra at March 2, 2010 4:05 AM

comment #30

free online games says ...

I found out your webpage from bing and it's outstanding. Thnkx for stating such an awesome blog post..

Posted by free online games at March 18, 2010 3:00 PM

comment #31

intothepresence.com says ...

i am waiting for Avatar Night 3D, that is really wonderfull tonight. nataliawika,alarm system, lockerznews, wika_determination,credit card debt, intothepresence, earn money place, smart site.

Posted by intothepresence.com at March 26, 2010 9:08 PM

comment #32

ren says ...

Just have a try with the powerful mts file converter,MTS Converter can be done perfectly!
Convert MTS to MPEG,
Convert MTS to FLV,
Convert MTS to MKV

Posted by ren at April 14, 2010 6:13 PM

comment #33

doublexjohn says ...

Can't wait to see this. The book was phenomenal. It's certainly a tricky narrative, but Wells, I am shocked you didn't love this film, as I really figured you would. identity theft protection rated

Posted by doublexjohn at April 27, 2010 10:11 PM

comment #34

dd says ...

Yes, I am fucking serious. But of course I excluded Piranha 2 which isn't really a James Cameron movie.

Designer handbags

Posted by dd at May 10, 2010 8:27 PM

comment #35

cameron says ...

It's certainly a tricky narrative, but Wells, I am shocked you didn't love this film, as I really figured you would.
How to unlock iPhone 3.1.3

Posted by cameron at June 5, 2010 9:11 AM

comment #36

rifan says ...

good idea............
free Ringback Tones
value city furniture
vitamin shoppe
Poptropica

Posted by rifan at June 8, 2010 9:10 PM

comment #37

cameron says ...

It's certainly a tricky narrative, but Wells, I am shocked you didn't love this film, as I really figured you would.
iPad jailbreak

Posted by cameron at June 10, 2010 1:38 AM

comment #38

turk sikis says ...

yes that is the avatar evden eve
parca kontor
videoizle
oyun oyna
dizi izle
dizi izle
Turk Porno
liseli porno
full oyun
oyun arsivi
oyun indir
bedava oyunlar
night

Posted by turk sikis at June 10, 2010 3:41 PM

comment #39

zombi says ...

It's kind of stupid that he just gets up and goes "this is really cool!" and lumbers out of the recovery room with the physicians warning him to stay put or else. I didn't believe it.
Camper Trailer

Posted by zombi at June 19, 2010 8:50 AM

comment #40

turk sikis says ...

dizi izle
dizi izle
Turk Porno
liseli porno
rapidshare
picture upload
flash oyun oyna sikiş
travesti
sikiş

Posted by turk sikis at June 23, 2010 1:30 PM

comment #41

turk sikis says ...

dizi izle
dizi izle
Turk Porno
liseli porno
rapidshare
picture upload
flash oyun oyna sikiş
travesti
sikiş

Posted by turk sikis at June 23, 2010 1:32 PM

comment #42

Ibnu Ryan says ...

Posted by Ibnu Ryan at July 1, 2010 6:10 PM

comment #43

porno izl says ...

Good article, thanks.

porno izle
seks izle, porno izle
sikis izle, seks izle
sikis, sikis izle
lezbiyen izle

Posted by porno izl at July 4, 2010 1:00 PM

comment #44

jim144 says ...

But, of course, most of the films that win the Cassavetes award are ones that feature already semi-recognizable actors and have already played in theatres. best identity protection

Posted by jim144 at July 13, 2010 9:51 AM

comment #45

ICT Learning says ...

Posted by ICT Learning at July 15, 2010 10:40 AM

comment #46

porno says ...

Posted by porno at July 15, 2010 2:31 PM

comment #47

how to make money says ...

nice post i loved it a lot worth readable and very informative thanks for sharing with us. keep the job up
Very good job. I just found your blog and wanted to say I really enjoyed reading your blog.
make money

Posted by how to make money at September 4, 2010 9:12 AM

comment #48

World travel says ...

Avatar is one of my favorite movies. The film was very good and has many meanings. I hope, there will be a good movie like this.

Fashion Shops

Posted by World travel at October 23, 2010 4:19 AM

comment #49

HerzbergTheory says ...

When we are looking for a job, at first we should prepare a proper cv (Curriculum vitae) or resume. A resume should be made in relevant with the kind of job we are applied.Do not ever use same cv or for all of kind of jobs.The requirement for engineering of course different to accounting or nursery, for example. Each company have an own recruitement procedure. for example walmart. Walmart using online application for employment or we can just called it wallmart online application form.

_______________________________

Diabetes Care | Jobs Info | About Obesity

Posted by HerzbergTheory at December 16, 2010 1:57 PM

comment #50

kellybrown273 says ...

mm , I love it how it usually takes Jeff two viewings to catch on.If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere . Best regards

Posted by kellybrown273 at February 2, 2011 3:38 AM

comment #51

kellybrown273 says ...

mm/..i love it how it usually takes Jeff two viewings to catch on.If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere...

how to win the lottery

Posted by kellybrown273 at February 2, 2011 3:39 AM

comment #52

https://me.yahoo.com/a/Dy_IPEMhv_AkVDaSZ7ERT.f2C80pyI4-#74919 says ...

If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere.

Posted by https://me.yahoo.com/a/Dy_IPEMhv_AkVDaSZ7ERT.f2C80pyI4-#74919 at February 3, 2011 5:25 AM

comment #53

gerlem says ...

I will start by saying that the IMAX scenes of The Dark Knight were really spectacular - crystal clear image - but I'm realizing that the "real" IMAX screens are really only good for a giant picture and for films that have scenes shot with an IMAX camera. Those in the Avatar movie was truely a work of art. acid reflux diet

Posted by gerlem at February 4, 2011 12:57 AM

comment #54

https://me.yahoo.com/a/Dy_IPEMhv_AkVDaSZ7ERT.f2C80pyI4-#74919 says ...

If great acting, story and soul are what you need, I think you're going to have to look elsewhere.

Posted by https://me.yahoo.com/a/Dy_IPEMhv_AkVDaSZ7ERT.f2C80pyI4-#74919 at February 4, 2011 3:43 AM

comment #55

olaolacom.ua says ...

Интернет магазин женской одежды представляет купальники Victoria's Secret и великолепные Karen Millen платья в Киеве.

Posted by olaolacom.ua at February 6, 2011 9:43 AM

comment #56

olaolacom.ua says ...

Интернет магазин женской одежды представляет купальники Victoria's Secret и великолепные Karen Millen платья в Киеве.

Posted by olaolacom.ua at February 6, 2011 9:50 AM

comment #57

cyndiviste says ...

that movie is going to sell A LOAD of 3D TV's when they hit store shelf next november!

how to win at blackjack

Posted by cyndiviste at February 9, 2011 9:30 PM

comment #58

Strathmore says ...

Turkiye'de sohbet sohbet etmenin kolayligini chat chat sitemizde farkedebilirsiniz. Chat sohbet sohbet odalari sohbet sitesi Sohbet chat mirc Sohbet forum Sohbet Chat sohbet sohbet izlesene Oyun guncel haber

-------------------------------------------
forexmali
Shbt
porno
sex
sikis
porno izle
sex izle
porno film
adult videolar
porno
porno izle
sex
sex izle
sex
sikis
porno izle
porno
gubidik

Posted by Strathmore at February 13, 2011 1:08 AM

comment #59

deborahwolfram.wordpress.com says ...

mm..If people aren't happy with Cameron they always have McG, Bay, Abrams, Emmerich and Sommers to fall back on... :)

Posted by deborahwolfram.wordpress.com at February 13, 2011 9:13 AM

comment #60

darentu says ...

I think I will remember it.
Health Resources Directory|veggie kids
|Weight Loss Programs For Women

I think I will remember it.
Entertainment News|GoodZags Gadget and Tech News
|Music - Entertainment - Gossip|Software magazine

I think I will remember it.
Home Renovations|Personal Finance Money
|Garden Home Plans

I think I will remember it.
Palm Beach Indy Racing|chile ski resorts

I think I will remember it.
What's Happening|Meet the veggie kids|How to get our veggies

Posted by darentu at February 14, 2011 4:26 PM

comment #61

jesse says ...

I saw it at the Woodstock Film Festival earlier in the month and I was underwhelmed. David Denby wrote a piece on underdramatization in what he called the Cinema of
352-001 ADVDESIGN
HP2-E29 CCIP BGP + MPLS Exam (BGP + MPLS)
642-661 CCIP Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers (BGP)
642-642 Quality of Service (QoS)
642-611 CCIP Implementing Cisco MPLS Exam (MPLS)
HP2-E35 Building Converged Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks
642-845 Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks
312-76 Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks
642-892 Composite Exam
642-825 Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks
CWNA Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks (IUWVN)
642-746 Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services
640-802 Implementing Advanced Cisco Unified Wireless Security (IAUWS)
CCNA Conducting Cisco Unified Wireless Site Survey
640-822 Securing Hosts Using Cisco Security Agent Exam (HIPS)
050-720 Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
JN0-360 Cisco SAFE Implementation Exam
642-524 Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
1Y0-A16 Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
642-515 Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

Observation where he offered a new criticism of cinematic realism. He argued, in essence, that not enough 'happened' dramatically in films of this ilk. And while W&L isn't exactly like Smart People and other films he referenced, it's not an experimental film either. Yes, we emphasize with her suffering but I needed more there there.

Posted by jesse at February 15, 2011 12:05 AM

comment #62

Dozen News Portal says ...

Great article very helpful. I know most of this stuff but its nice to have it all laid out in one place for reference.

Best Regards
Dozen News and Dieran Information

Posted by Dozen News Portal at February 15, 2011 1:29 AM

comment #63

teresereyes8294 says ...

If this movie is depending on IMAX 3-D to make an impact they are dead in the water.I saw RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK at a second run 75 cent shoebox theater with the music from MEGAFORCE bleeding through the walls and I was still blown away.All the best :)

Posted by teresereyes8294 at February 15, 2011 2:27 AM

comment #64

teresereyes8294 says ...

I saw RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK at a second run 75 cent shoebox theater with the music from MEGAFORCE bleeding through the walls and I was still blown away.

acid reflux diet

Posted by teresereyes8294 at February 15, 2011 2:30 AM

comment #65

youtube converter mp4 says ...

Thanks for your patience and sorry for the inconvenience!
Best regards, Mary, CEO of mp3 from youtube and install windows 7 on iscsi

Posted by youtube converter mp4 at March 1, 2011 2:31 AM

comment #66

kerry says ...

Si vous etes interesses par le dossier, ou desirez en savoir plus, contactez-moi par mail, et je vous mettrai en contact.
Best regards,Jane, CEO of designing storage area networks

Posted by kerry at June 1, 2011 1:45 AM

comment #67