Cameron's Avatar DVD Blu-ray info

from slashfilm.com

It was about time Fox spoke up and put James Cameron’s wagging tongue to rest. Finally, we have the officially announced plans for Avatar on DVD and Blu-ray, and they’re trying something a little bit different…

The first release comes this April. Just as Jim said, the US launch will be on April 22nd which is, appropriately enough, Earth Day. Meanwhile, the UK release is set for Monday April 26th. Not so far away, then. These first releases are now said to be completely without any kind of special features whatsoever in order to free up the data space on the disc. They’ve also ditched motion menus, studio logos and anything else irrelevant. Apparently, mastering Avatar for disc was a six week process as opposed to the typical two weeks and the transfer is something of a record breaker.

Don’t like the idea of bare bones? At least my fellow Brits will be able to get some kind of supplement. Here’s a quote from the press release:
The UK is exclusively releasing a Limited Edition Blu-ray available for pre-order only by online retailers containing 4 lenticular art cards and a ‘Survival Guide’ book.

And that’s what you can see in the picture at the head of the post.
Any US retailer exclusives are not yet clear. If you know of any, then please pop them in the comments.

Later on, in November, a multi-disc special edition Blu-ray will be coming along. According to Fox’s statement, this will not be the eventual 3D release (and, according to inside voices, the chances of Fox getting a satisfactory 3D Avatar disc ready by then are looking quite slim).
More details are forthcoming after a press event on March 23rd, at which James Cameron and Jon Landau will personally unveil more details of the film’s upcoming iterations. I expect this will also be when we get confirmation of a theatrical release for the ‘extended cut’.

All movie discs should be barebone.

defstartrooper said:

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All movie discs should be barebone.

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bad idea.

for a film like this, fine do a super duper 3D set next year, but please don't go the lucas route and insult your audience by ignoring all us poor slobs with 2D tv's and deny us an all singing all dancing version of the film with a second disc of extras.

most films don't need many, but avatar is such a groundbreaker in how it was done, this film screams out for a second disc packed to the gunnels with making of material.

Think I'll wait for the November edition. I really liked the movie, but I'm willing to wait longer to get some extras on the disc as well.

Lancer said:

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-1

bad idea. .

So you are against movie quality in favor of fluff?

There is no reason to waste the DVD or Blu-ray space with fluff at the cost of the movie itself, many people only want the movie and want the best quality version out there... Sure there are people that enjoy the fluff but why should it be at the cost of quality of the actual movie, if you want extras buy a box set or multi-disc version but I can't see why you would say movie only disc is a bad idea, as it simply maximizes the available space on the disc for a quality transfer...

I jut want Cameron commentary. I'm willing to wait for The Richard Donner cut in November.

Jet Beetle said:

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I jut want Cameron commentary.

I hear Kevin Costner's doing a track, too.

Rifftrax baby.

exoray said:

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So you are against movie quality in favor of fluff?

The solution to that problem is called "Disc 2". Releasing a movie like this with no bonus features is a slap in the face. I hope the sales are pathetic, I'm sure as hell not buying it. It's bad enough I'll have to double-dip it in a few years for the 3D version, I'm not about to double-dip the 2D version.

Yeah I kinda don't care if it took 6 weeks to render. We're buying it to keep for many years so we want the goods. Might be better to just not release it and wait til they can put all the supplemental stuff.

Of course me being antsy I will be buying the barebones one next month and then HAVE to have the special one in November. Grrr.... hate myself sometimes....

If you want the fluff then simply wait for the box set or 2 disc set, no one forces the double dipping... If you don't have the patience or will power to wait then who is to really blame? Especially when they warn and tell you flat out in advance with plenty of notice that the fluff version will be released 6 months later... And honestly I can't blame the studios for double dipping if the public buys into is full force time and time again, after all they are in the business to make money...

The way I look at it is that the movie is still running in many theaters, to get an April release is an early bird release like the R5s the Studios pump out in the Soviet Union and Africa to get to the market ASAP and capitalize before the bootlegs take hold, just figure the November release with all the fluff as the normal release and you don't have to worry about buying it again...

Jedi2016 said:

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The solution to that problem is called "Disc 2". Releasing a movie like this with no bonus features is a slap in the face..

As opposed to rushing to filling up a disc with fluff and what not just to get it out? I'm sure that given an additional 6 months to prepare the fluff will result in much more quality and a nicely polished product rather then rush it out...

I guess the solution really is to simply push the release date back to November like I said, ignore the early bird special and just wait for the real release in November, win win...

Isn't that kind of fast to release a DVD? I seem to recall more than 6 months in the past for blockbusters such as these. Ah whatever, I don't care anyways, once was enough for me.

Is it still in theaters? I still haven't seen it and I'd like to catch it in 3D.

Solo4114 said:

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Is it still in theaters? I still haven't seen it and I'd like to catch it in 3D.

Yep, it's still in theaters, Moviefone shows there is 12 theaters in my area still running it, and most of them are still full day runs, not a single evening run that is usually the sign of it going out...

‘Avatar’ Extended Collectors Edition Unveiled – Deadline.com

LOS ANGELES, CA. (October 5th, 2010) – Director James Cameron is unlocking the secrets of Pandora and taking fans on a guided tour of his vision with the highly anticipated release of AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD releasing November 16th in North America and rolling out internationally from November 15th. These exclusive Extended Collector’s Editions come with iconic, collectible packaging to get fans to experience Pandora like never before. With three versions of the film, AVATAR fans will get an all-new extended cut of the film and hours of never-before seen material including over 45 minutes of amazing deleted scenes!

"I told our team --- let's do the ultimate box set of Avatar, with everything in it the fans could possibly want. There's an extended length cut that's sixteen minutes longer, plus documentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, artwork and over 45 minutes of deleted scenes. Everything worth putting into a special edition is in this set," said James Cameron.

The three-disc AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD will both feature the original theatrical release, a special edition re-release, family audio track with all objectionable language removed and new collector’s extended cut with sixteen more minutes including an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene. Viewers will journey to the depths of Pandora with filmmakers during “Capturing Avatar“ an in-depth feature length documentary covering the 16 year filmmaker journey including all new interviews with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew exploring James Cameron’s unique vision for the film seen by more than 310 million people worldwide. The Oscar and Golden Globe winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.7 billion in worldwide box office. It is also the top-selling Blu-ray disc of all time.

The AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray will also have even more bonus material and interactive viewing. Through the unparalleled, interactive technology of Blu-ray, fans can dive further into the world of the Na’vi and experience the #1 international sensation from behind the scenes, with a “master class” on the production of the film. Leveraging the interactivity of Blu-ray, viewers can experience the full film in three stages of production: Performance Capture, Template (1990’s video game version) and Final as well as a composite of all stages in “Pandora’s Box”. This will be supported with interviews by Jim Cameron and the filmmakers and serve as a “master class” on the making of AVATAR.

AVATAR Extended Collection’s Edition: 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray:

Disc One

· Original Theatrical Version

· Special Edition Re-Release

· Collector’s Extended Cut

o 16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Family Audio Track (All Objectionable Language Removed)

· Original Theatrical Release

· Special Edition Re-release

Disc Two

· “Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew

· Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes

· Production Materials

Disc Three

· Open “Pandora’s Box” and go deeper into the filmmaker process

· Interactive Scene Deconstruction: Explore the various stages of production through 3 different viewing modes

· Production Shorts: 17 featurettes covering performance capture, scoring the film, 3D fusion camera, stunts and much more

· Avatar Archives including original scriptment, 300 page screenplay and the extensive Pandorapedia

· BD-live Portal with additional bonus materials

AVATAR Collector’s Edition: 3-Disc Special Edition DVD:

Disc One

· Original Theatrical Version

· Special Edition Re-release

· Collector’s Extended Cut

o 16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Disc Two

· Original Theatrical Version

· Special Edition Re-release

· Collector’s Extended Cut

Disc Three

· “Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew

· Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes

AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD everywhere in the United States and Canada on November 16th. International release dates and product information may vary by market. Please contact your local Twentieth Century Fox office to confirm country specific information.

Still no 3D version, huh?

Considering what dvds cost ALL versions should come with extras.

"Family Audio Track (All Objectionable Language Removed)"

.....I hate to say this, but I really think that would be a modest improvement. I hated a lot of those "You like that bi&%$" and "Why not let them just kill my a$%". Of course, I'd have to make my own cut just to leave in Signourney's "Oh, sh&%" because she sold that.

A pity there's no commentary track.

Is there no unedited audio track?

alienscollection.com said:

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Is there no unedited audio track?

Unedited meaning no post-production sound, or unedited as in the profanity has remained? I seriously doubt that the film will come with only a family friendly track.

cobalt crimson said:

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Considering what dvds cost ALL versions should come with extras.

I'm all for extras but...

Personally, in my "perfect world", the actual disc that the feature presentation itself is on would be "extras free" (no painful animated menu screens either) but there would be a second or third disc that has all the other stuff, fluff, animated menus or whatever else they dream up.

Again, personally, when I want to watch the movie, I don't want to be forced to sit through all the animations, ads, trailers or whatever or have a bunch of other stuff that takes storage space (and thus quality) away from the movie itself.

So, it's not saying "no" to extras, just "yes" to putting all that stuff on a separate disc in the same package.

As to the Avatar blu-ray, it sounds like the version I'll probably wind up getting. I'm not too worried about the whole 3D thing. I left Avatar with a mild headache... nothing horrible... but I can't imagine wanting to watch movies and shows in 3D much myself. Maybe the younger generation will get attached to it but I'm just fine with good ol' 2D myself.

Clips of new footage:

Our first glimpse of Avatar's future destroyed Earth: It's Vegas!