Avatar Remastered [DVD]

One of my all time favourite films.This version is pretty much the ultimate you could own, without the 3D.The only criticism I have is that I like to look after my Library of movies and that goes for the way I handle the discs.You DO NOT touch the underside of the disc AT ALL.The packaging is just cardboard sleeving and the only way to get the discs out is to grip them like holding a biscuit.Otherwise - Fantastic purchase.

Avatar is set in a future where Earth's resources have been ravished, the first world's increasing population of poor and disenfranchised cannot afford medical care, and the rich have expanded their quest for wealth to distant exoplanets. In this case it's the planet of Pandora, which harbours the (unfortunately somewhat naffly named) precious ore "unobtanium", worth millions of dollars a kilo. The ubiquitous "corporation" of dystopian science fiction old and new, is now on a mission to plunder Pandora's virgin jungle of its natural wealth at the expense of the natives and their sacred sites.Jake Sully is a former marine who lost his legs defending his country. After hisscientist twin brother dies, Jake's shared DNA means that he is recruited to replace him on Pandora, remotely operating a biological "avatar" that can live and breathe among the natives, gain their trust, and encourage them to clear out of their sacred forest so that the miners can move in.Now free from his crippling situation and able to run about the rain forest as an alien, Jake predictably turns native, and finally falls in love with a native princess. Now unwilling to destroy their civilisation for the sake of unobtanium, he faces the wrath of the army and the corporation that controls them, as they move in with their guns, bombs and mega-bulldozers.Avatar has been criticised somewhat in some quarters of the press for its plot being too basic, the storyline too simple and it's lack of any complexity and subtlety. That's as may be, but much as I enjoy complex and subtle science-fiction myself, I'm not sure there's any need for it within this story. Science Fiction writers famously use metaphor as a language of dissent parody and prediction, and much of the best of that came from an age when most first world citizens believed that their governments were the good guys, and largely trusted that what they did was generally for the best. Now in an age of global protest, and the first world's deep and increasing distrust of the powers that be, Avatar's metaphor is blunt, and in places contains clear and unashamed references to the manufacture of enemies and branding of them as hostile to get at their resources, and its unsubtle portrayal of the culture and plight of the natives as almost synonymous with Native Americans, Amazonian tribes and their like.From the plot to the production, and here Avatar comes into its own. While the flora and fauna of Pandora are a tad unimaginative (e.g suped-up dogs, luminous lemurs, armoured horses and dinosaurs, plus flying creatures straight out of one of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern books, they are wonderfully realised, and the epic scale of the giant living, breathing forest sunlit by day and luminous by night, is lovely.Avatar may be just a very pretty, oversimplified film having a pop at vast corporations' desire for greed above humanity and following a plot that often does happen in our world but featuring an ending that could never happen in reality. In reality poorly resourced minorities sitting on massive resources usually get a pretty good kicking, and cultures are decimated regardless of prayers to their deity. Hollywood however, can give it the finale we want, however unlikely achieved.Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching this spectacular film very much. The three versions (basic cinema/theatrical release, extended cut (extra 8 minutes) and extended collector's edition (extra 16 minutes) all begin on the first DVD and conclude on the second.

As an avid fan of James Cameron's Avatar, I can't help but express my unwavering admiration for this cinematic marvel. Released over a decade ago, the film continues to captivate audiences with its breathtaking visuals, compelling characters, and an immersive world that transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.One of the standout features of Avatar is undoubtedly its groundbreaking CGI. Even after all these years, the film's visual effects remain unparalleled, setting a standard that few have been able to match. Pandora, the lush and vibrant alien planet, is brought to life with such meticulous detail that every frame feels like a mesmerizing work of art. The attention to detail in the flora and fauna, coupled with the seamless integration of CGI and live-action, creates a visually stunning experience that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.The characters in Avatar are not just vessels for the story; they are richly developed, making it easy for the audience to connect with them emotionally. The journey of Jake Sully, portrayed with depth and sincerity by Sam Worthington, is both exhilarating and poignant. Neytiri, played by Zoe Saldana, is a formidable and empowering character who adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The film's ensemble cast, featuring Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang, further contributes to the film's overall brilliance.Beyond its technical achievements, Avatar's narrative explores themes of environmentalism, corporate greed, and the clash between civilizations. James Cameron masterfully weaves these elements into a compelling story that resonates on a deeper level, elevating the film beyond a mere visual spectacle.In conclusion, James Cameron's Avatar is a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Its unparalleled CGI, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narrative make it a film that continues to stand the test of time. As a devoted fan, I just had to get this Collectors Edition Blu-ray edition to add to my collection. The amount of bonus content you get is simply just worth it!