Amy Wang15 MINUTES OF AVATAR
August 22nd 2009 01:28
I was one of the lucky few who got to see a preview of Avatar today! 15 minutes of PURE HEAVEN. Four words. Out of this world. Literally! For those who are unaware of the Avatar phenomenon, it's the new film by James Cameron, the director of Titanic and Terminator. The film was conceived by Cameron 14 years ago, and was only able to translate it into film due to the development in film technology. The film can be viewed in 2D and 3D and in normal cinemas and the IMAX.
Today was Avatar day all around the world, and as the trailer was released, a few lucky people were also given the opportunity to see 15 minutes of selected footage from James Cameron to spread the word about how awesome this film actually looked. The confidence of James Cameron is admirable. After seeing the footage, he has a right to be.
The footage consisted of short scenes from the first half of the film, half of Sam Worthington's character turning into a Na'vi (one of the creatures from Pandora, a newly discovered planet in the future) and the second half of action sequences and reveals of the beautiful world of Pandora. The CGI firstly, as I'm sure most people expected was almost flawless. During the scenes where CGI characters stood alongside humans were done so perfectly, I could not tell one was computer generated. However, District 9 already broke that barrier so I guess I wasn't that shocked.
The action sequences were brilliantly choreographed, with very nice detailing on the creatures themselves and the 'wildlife' on planet Pandora. The planet Pandora was breathtakingly beautiful. The thing I most admired about the film however was its ability to really really transport you into this other world, in a completely believable fashion. I did not question or hesitate one bit as I watched and believed all 15 minutes of this film, feeling myself being surrounded with such beauty.
Now, the only disappointment was the 3D side of it. Ok, I'm not saying the 3D aspect wasn't done well. The only criticism though was that with some of the shots, I would've liked the camera to have further integrated the viewer into the action instead of just shooting it like an ordinary 2D action sequences. I'm sure I haven't seen enough to comment on this, but I hope the rest of the film really revolutionises 3D capture and angles.
I mean, in all honesty, the film is an epic. It'll make its money back guaranteed and I do believe it has broken conventions and cinematic technology and people will see it just for that. It looked like an unbelievable piece of cinema and I know I'll be at the very first screening hopefully at 12am on the 17th of December at IMAX Darling Harbour.
Peace.
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