Tag Archives: avatar

Screenwriters sign on for James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ sequels

Movies, News, , , ,

If you have been anticipating the Avatar sequels made official in October 2010, boy do I have some good news for you. On August 1, director James Cameron in collaboration with 20th Century Fox announced that not two but three sequels are in the works and four writers have already been selected to get the process going. Cameron handpicked screenwriters Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planets of the Apes), Shane Salerno (Savages, Salinger), and Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds) to collaborate with him on the screenplays for the three upcoming Avatar films. Much like Peter Jackson did with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Cameron plans to shoot all three sequels simultaneously beginning next year. Avatar 2 will release in December 2016, Avatar 3 in December 2017, and Avatar 4 a year after that. They will be produced by Cameron and Jon Landau through their Lightstorm Entertainment banner. Again, WETA Digital will contribute top-class special effects.

Cameron commented on the exciting news. “Building upon the world we created with AVATAR has been a rare and incredibly rewarding experience. In writing the new films, I’ve come to realize that AVATAR’s world, story and characters have become even richer than I anticipated, and it became apparent that two films would not be enough to capture everything I wanted to put on screen. And to help me continue to expand this universe, I’m pleased to bring aboard Amanda, Rick, Shane and Josh — all writers I’ve long admired -­ to join me in completing the films screenplays.”

Plot details remain under wraps, but all signs point to at least one of the many sequels taking place underwater as Cameron likely captured some breathtaking shots when he travelled to the deepest part of the Mariana Trench.

[Via Deadline]

‘Avatar’ finally releases in Blu-ray 3D today

Movies, News, , , , ,

After so many home release iterations, James Cameron’s Avatar can finally be owned on Blu-ray in 3D and you can watch it the way it was meant to be seen. The long-standing exclusive deal with Panasonic is officially over. The new release is called AVATAR Blu-ray 3D Collector’s Edition and according to a press release in full after the break, it includes specifically the original theatrical release on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, and DVD. There is no word on whether or not bonus content is included; it doesn’t look like it. As they say, take what you can get.

Purchase Avatar in 3D at Amazon for $24.99 today. *3DTV not included. Continue reading ‘Avatar’ finally releases in Blu-ray 3D today →

New ‘Avatar’ special features come to iTunes

Movies, News, Video, , , , , , ,

James Cameron’s cash cow Avatar saw its first home release on April 22, 2010. Months later on November 16 Avatar was re-released into the wild as a “Three-Disc Extended Collector’s Edition.” Unlike the original release, this one included bonus features like 45 minutes worth of deleted scenes. While we wait for the Blu-ray 3D release to end its exclusivity with Panasonic, Cameron’s inviting fans of the movie to revisit Pandora by purchasing a new digital version of Avatar. This release is dubbed the “iTunes Extras Special Edition” and it comes with new, never-before-seen bonus material. Features include scene deconstruction, allowing viewers to interact with the performance capture and visual effects levels in 17 of the film’s scene; green screen x-ray gives viewers an interactive look through the visual effects levels to see the original green screen footage hiding behind certain scenes; it also comes with an original screenplay penned by Cameron, his scriptment, a gallery of 1,700 images, “and more.” Interested? Click over to iTunes, hand over $19.99 and immerse yourself in Pandora once more. At least until the 3D version comes out. Video promoting the new edition sits after the break. Continue reading New ‘Avatar’ special features come to iTunes →

Avatar Kinect gives you more control over your Xbox doppelganger

News, Technology, Video, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft has announced a new Kinect-specific update for Xbox 360 owners.  Here’s out the makers explain it: “With Avatar Kinect, you can control your avatar’s facial expression, head, and arm movements. As you talk, frown, smile, or scowl, your voice and facial expressions are enacted by your avatar, bringing your avatar to life!”  In other words, the update will give you a more detailed level of control over your avatar.  Right now the Kinect captures basic movements, such as arm flails, moving side-to-side, jumping, and ducking.  With Avatar Kinect, the sensor will be able to recognize a new slate of physical actions.  Microsoft is highlighting a virtual hangout where you can meet up with up to seven friends and converse with them using your avatars.  You’ll be able to select from 15 virtual environments.  Think of it as Wii’s Mii Plaza, except this space will allow for broader interaction (detailed avatar movements performed by you, voice support).  Avatar Kinect will hit Xbox 360s later this spring.  Look after the break to see it in action.

In related Kinect news… At CES 2011 Microsoft announced that they sold 8 million Kinect sensors worldwide during its first 60 days on the market; they sold 3 million more devices than they had predicted they would during that launch window.  More news… In a spring update, Hulu Plus will be joining Netflix, expanding users’ options when it comes to TV and movie content.  In addition, the two services will be Kinect-compatible.

[Via Xbox] Continue reading Avatar Kinect gives you more control over your Xbox doppelganger →

Avatar in 3D is stuck with Panasonic until 2012

Movies, News, , , , , , , , ,

I’ve got some bad news for you early adopter folks.  If you purchased a 3DTV recently in hopes to revel in everything Pandora has to offer in the comfort of your own living room, this won’t be happening until 2012. Earlier this month Panasonic became the exclusive seller of Avatar 3D on Blu-ray; if you want a 3D copy of the flick you must purchase a Panny VIERA 3DTV.  The exclusive deal was expected to end sometime next year, but the electronics manufacturer has confirmed that the deal will run through February 2012.  Happy bidding!

[Via Gizmodo]

You can get Avatar in 3D on Blu-ray …if you buy a Panasonic 3DTV

Movies, News, , , , ,

There have been so many versions of Avatar released into the market it’s hard to count them all.  But this latest edition is especially sweet.  Why?  Because it includes the 3D version of the highest grossing flick!  The only way to get it (for now) is to purchase a Panasonic VIERA 3DTV.  When you pick up a Panny set you can also get the “Panasonic 3D Full HD Ultimate Pack” which includes Avatar in 3D on Blu-ray and two pairs of rechargeable Panasonic 3D glasses.  If you happen to have purchased a VIERA 3DTV between between March 10 and November 30 you are eligible to receive a copy of Avatar in 3D via a mail-in request program (hope you saved the receipt!).  So if you’re in the market for a new HDTV, you should definitely consider a VIERA 3D set because you will be able to watch Avatar on it the way it was meant to be seen.  Expect the Panasonic-Avatar in 3D exclusivity to end and a standalone release in 2011.  Full PR after the break.

[Thanks, Kristen Sweeney] Continue reading You can get Avatar in 3D on Blu-ray …if you buy a Panasonic 3DTV →

James Cameron signs on for ‘Avatar 2’ & ‘3’ through the year 2015

Movies, News, , , , , ,

The highest grossing film of all time is getting the sequel and three-quel treatment within the next five years.  Today Twentieth Century Fox announced that visionary director James Cameron will take on Avatar 2 & 3 as his next two films.  Cameron will begin writing the script for the sequel “early next year” and production will begin “later in 2011.”  He may shoot the films back-to-back, but he will not make this decision until both scripts are finalized.  The sequel is targeted for a December 2014 release, and the third film will follow one year later in 2015.

Though Cameron was looking forward to shooting Cleopatra with Angelina Jolie in 2012, he is very excited to get the opportunity to plunge back into Pandora and consume himself with its inhabitants over the next five years.  “It is a rare and remarkable opportunity when a filmmaker gets to build a fantasy world, and watch it grow, with the resources and partnership of a global media company. AVATAR was conceived as an epic work of fantasy – a world that audiences could visit, across all media platforms, and this moment marks the launch of the next phase of that world. With two new films on the drawing boards, my company and I are embarking on an epic journey with our partners at Twentieth Century Fox. Our goal is to meet and exceed the global audience’s expectations for the richness of AVATAR’s visual world and the power of the storytelling. In the second and third films, which will be self contained stories that also fulfill a greater story arc, we will not back off the throttle of AVATAR’s visual and emotional horsepower, and will continue to explore its themes and characters, which touched the hearts of audiences in all cultures around the world. I’m looking forward to returning to Pandora, a world where our imaginations can run wild.”

[Via Deadline]

Avatar “Extended Collector’s Edition” out on Blu-ray & DVD November 16, bonus features and all

Movies, News, , , , , , , , ,

On November 16 fans of the highest grossing movie ever will be treated to special editions of Avatar on Blu-ray and DVD.  You might be scratching your head thinking don’t I already own Avatar on Blu-ray (or DVD) already?  Let’s remove that confusion.  Avatar did release on both formats back in April; these versions, however, only included the original theatrical release.  No bonus footage, no nothing.  This second release, on the other hand, packs tons of bonus content and more.  The three-disc Avatar Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD (yeah, those are their official titles) will include the original theatrical version, the special edition re-release, and the collector’s extended cut that includes sixteen more minutes and an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene.  They will also include 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes.  Says director James Cameron: “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.”  Peek after the break for the official PR and to browse the bonus content in more detail.  And as for the 3D Blu-ray version?  That’s expected to release next year.

[Via Deadline]

Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon

Images, News, Technology, Video, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier this week at a company event in Japan, Nintendo revealed the release date and price of the Nintendo 3DS.  It will sell for ¥25,000 (about $299 USD) when it hits the Japanese market on February 26, 2011.  Not from Japan, huh?  Ninty only hinted at a US and Europe release date: March 2011; they did not disclose US pricing details, but several industry analysts are pegging a $249-$299 price point.  When it ships in Japan, the 3DS will be available in two color variants, aqua blue and cosmo black.  The portable game console will come bundled with a charging dock and a 2GB SD card.

At the company event Nintendo detailed a number of software enhancements.  The Mii Studio app magically transforms a still image of yourself (taken with one of the 3DS’ cameras) into a customizable Mii avatar.  The Mii Plaza app takes advantage of the 3DS’ ability to recognize other 3DS handhelds in close proximity.  Whether you’re actively playing a game or walking the streets with your 3DS in standby mode tucked away in a bag, the system will recognize and pull information from nearby 3DS users.  At any time you can hop into Mii Plaza to discover a growing community of Miis from all the 3DS owners you pass by throughout the day.  Similarly, a new wireless “tag mode” featured in the upcoming Super Streetfighter IV game will quietly seek out other 3DS owners to battle against.  A minigame will pit one of your in-game collectable action figures against a nearby opponent when your 3DS is in standyby mode; and standard wireless 3DS to 3DS battle royales with in-game characters is supported, too.  Other 3DS apps include a web browser, an ebook reader, notes, and support for augmented reality gaming.

Remaining loose ends.. The final 3DS hardware is very similar to what we saw at E3; the only noticable exterior change is that the analog nub no longer matches the handheld’s color scheme–it remains gray in each color variant.  The 3DS software lineup was shared in a brief video preview.  Upcoming titles include Animal Crossing 3DS, Mario Kart 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS, Paper Mario 3DS, Dead or Alive Dimensions, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries.  It’s also been reported that Game Boy & Game Boy Color games are coming to the 3DS’ virtual console store.  Look after the break to see the software lineup video in addition to demonstrations of Mii Studio, wireless “tag mode”, and a 3DS introductory video–all in Japanese, of course!

On a separate topic, Nintendo also used the company event to formally announce the Wii Remote Plus.  It had been rumored for some time, but now it’s official: the Wii MotionPlus accessory (that grants greater 1:1 motion capability) will soon come permanently built into a Wiimote.  Nintendo showed off the newly redesigned controller in four colors, white, black, light blue, and pink.  Launch date and price have not been disclosed for any country.  Check ’em out in the gallery below.

[Via Engadget, here, here & here; Joystiq]

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS to ship March 2011 in US, Wiimote with built-in MotionPlus coming soon →

Avatar is coming back to IMAX 3D for a limited two week run with new footage

Movies, News, , , , ,

Here’s what you need to know.  James Cameron’s epic Avatar is coming to back to theatres for a limited two week run from August 27 to September 10.  It will only be shown in IMAX 3D theatres and will include “eight minutes of additional, never before seen footage.”  So, if you haven’t seen the highest grossing movie of all time yet this is your chance to catch it the way it was meant to be seen–in IMAX 3D.  And if you have seen the movie and enjoyed it the first time around, you might be interested in kicking back a second time to catch the new bits of footage.  The movie looks fantastic in IMAX 3D because it was shot for that particular medium.  If you purchased the movie on DVD or Blu-ray and haven’t see it yet, hold off on that until you’ve seen it in 3D.  Trust me, it’s worth it.

[Via MarketWatch]

Avatar breaks Blu-ray sales records

Movies, News, , ,

Can’t say you’re surprised, can you?  Avatar quickly became the best selling Blu-ray of all time after just four days on store shelves.   2.7 million Blu-ray copies were sold in North America alone, smashing the previous record of 2.5 million units sold by The Dark Knight.  For a Blu-ray set that includes no extra features, I’d say this is quite the feat.  Click here for more information about the future releases (w/ extra features, 3D support, etc.).

[Via Engadget]