Avatar (Cameron, 2009)

[fizz]

1) What cinema did you watch Avatar in?
Ibn Batuta.

2) What *format* did you see it in: IMAX 3D, IMAX Digital 3D, Dolby 3D, RealD 3D, regular 2D screen with red/blue glasses?
IMAX 3D

3) How did the glasses feel on your face: weight, comfort?
Very comfortable and totally fit over the eye glasses I always wear.

4) At what point did you *forget* that there were glasses on your faces?
I think having watched quite a lot films in this cinema before it was like putting on a pair of glasses you've worn before and know how they feel on you. Therefore I forgot it almost instantly, though, like Shariq, I did take them off a couple of times to, as he put it, "air" my eyes and dissipate any moisture that might have built in but also because the shade of the glasses slightly darkened the colours on screen.

5) Did the 3D help the *story* or work against it?
Again, neither. It helped make some scenes (especially those that are used to explore the planet) more life like, but 3D isn't used in aid of the story (no objects coming into your face). Perhaps this is the evolving nature of 3D in cinema - that we have gotten over the novelty of it and can now finally use it as an aid to make the quality of the images we see more realistic. In that regard Cameron is certainly ahead of the curve, and perhaps the film is, as many claim it to be, ahead of its time.

[madali]

1) What cinema did you watch Avatar in?

Ibn Battuta

2) What *format* did you see it in: IMAX 3D, IMAX Digital 3D, Dolby 3D, RealD 3D, regular 2D screen with red/blue glasses?

IMAX 3D. I think.

3) How did the glasses feel on your face: weight, comfort?

Comfortable, but I brought the glasses I wear for work, its simple, thin framed. Last time I went to a 3D film and I had my thick-framed glasses (the Buddy Holly/Elvis Costallo kind) and it was very uncomfortable

4) At what point did you *forget* that there were glasses on your faces?

Generally early

5) Did the 3D help the *story* or work against it?

I think it did help the story, in terms of being immersed in the world.When the main character was watching the world around him in wonder, I could feel it to, because I was also in awe of the things around him. The 3D helped.

[ayaa1977]

Fox announced the estimate weekend box-office of $73 millions in the US, that makes it behind I am Legend as the second biggest December release. I am Legend back in 2007 opened with $77.2 millions. Avatar was expected to make around $80 millions but poor weather in the North East affected its attendance. Internationally, the film did extremely well. Fox estimated its tally at $159.18 millions, which makes for total worldwide weekend collection of $232 million. 

[madali]

I guess one of the stupid things about the film is that it has no really big name stars. If you want spend so much money, you better hire someone that can bring in the crowd automatically, and its not like the film really needed a specific cast member

[ayaa1977]

Well James Cameron's film were never really about big name actors. When Arnold started Terminator he was yet to be the biggest action star in the world. Aliens had Sigourney but again she was more famous for Ripely and she was not exactly a superstar. Terminator 2 was a sequel and it had to have Arnold back. Titanic made Leo and Kate super stars but they weren't before that. I guess True Lies was the only star vehicle in his resume. My point is, Avatar will float or sink for its own merits and not because of the lack or presence of a big name star.   

[sandeep]

judging by the opening weekend numbers, which are humungous, I think it will do well.

[ayaa1977]

It is not really humongous, stupid New Moon made in one day its weekend tally, but it is a very good opening.

[sandeep]

really?? gosh... but I guess Avatar will run for longer with the hype surrounding it, and the limited number of IMAX cinemas might have them full for a while.

[ayaa1977]

The weekend actuals came out and Avatar's weekend is up from the estimates by a healthy $4 millions, that makes its domestic weekend tally up to $77 millions. That's just a tad below the December record holder I am Legend which still hold the record with 77.2 millions.

people are packing the IMAX theatres everywhere, so my guess is the film will have a pretty good legs. This will emerge as a very good year for Fox, after Night at The Museum 2, Ice Age 3, X-Wolverine, and Taken all came out big hits earlier this year, and they still have Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 which is coming out Xmas weekend, and likely will be a big hit too.

[ayaa1977]

Animatedude, have you seen Avatar in Dana? If yes how was it there??

[shariqq]

It was Sam Worthington, although I saw it in IMAX Dubai...

[ayaa1977]

It was Sam Worthington, although I saw it in IMAX Dubai...

Thanks Shariq, I meant to say "how was it" but I made a typo. I wanted to know how was the experience in Dana Cinemas in Bahrain. 

[theoddball]

I guess one of the stupid things about the film is that it has no really big name stars. If you want spend so much money, you better hire someone that can bring in the crowd automatically, and its not like the film really needed a specific cast member.

The big name star that you're looking for is James Cameron himself.

[animatedude]

Animatedude, have you seen Avatar in Dana? If yes how was it there??

No not yet man...i need to catch up man,i still need to watch load of stuff in City Centre Cinema.but i think you have the chance to watch in 3D or without i think i i will watch it without.

[ayaa1977]

Avatar's second weekend box office is $75millions. That is just 2 millions less than the $77 millions of its first weekend. That is an unbelievable retain, and it is the second biggest second weekend just shy of The Dark Knight's $75.166 millions, and perhaps when the actuals numbers comes on Monday it will surpass it. This film will be a super duper hit and I really can't wait to see it.