• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

AVATAR - Sci-fi epic by James Cameron @ COMIC-CON

Status
Not open for further replies.
Just woke up.. sounds like the footage he screened delivered? I'll probably go to one of those 15 minute screenings in August if they have it here...
 
Costanza said:
Just woke up.. sounds like the footage he screened delivered? I'll probably go to one of those 15 minute screenings in August if they have it here...
Click to expand...
Yup, really the only catch sounds like you can still tell its CG.
But really, when can you NOT tell CG is CG?
 
SpeedingUptoStop said:
...which is why they will have free screenings of 15 minutes of the film nationwide.
Click to expand...

Unless that 15 minutes runs every half hour all day long and is advertised like a movie release, the main audience isn't going to know anything about it, and certainly they're not going to be able to get tickets for it considering most places that are lucky enough to have an Imax theatre are in a major metropolitian center, which won't have a problem filling 300 seats for one or two showings of the hardcore geeks. There's a trailer that day which might start the talking...but there's not shit coming out between early august and Avatar. Fox's schedule on this is going to go down in history of how NOT to publicize your movie.
 
Just got back from a long day at Comic-Con.

Consider this skeptic converted - Avatar looked absolutely stunning. As my friend described well, parts of the footage shown looked like an acid trip.

The colors were absolutely amazing. The 3D was not gimmicky in any way in the 20+ minutes they showed, and Pandora...wow. It's so nice to see an original big budgeted sci fi film. I can't wait.
 
jett said:
You read whatever the hell you want to read don't you? What has been said is that the scenes shown were mostly lit in a bright light, instead of atomspheric sci-fi darkness.
Click to expand...

This is true, but what footage WAS shown in atmospheric sci fi darkness (I'd wager at least a good 7 minutes) was, far and away, what got the most audible reaction from attendees. It was unreal.
 
So part 4 of those videos playing back now, it's the one where he mentions avatar day.
Pretty exciting!
 
Duderz said:
Just got back from a long day at Comic-Con.

Consider this skeptic converted - Avatar looked absolutely stunning. As my friend described well, parts of the footage shown looked like an acid trip.

The colors were absolutely amazing. The 3D was not gimmicky in any way in the 20+ minutes they showed, and Pandora...wow. It's so nice to see an original big budgeted sci fi film. I can't wait.
Click to expand...
Can you comment a bit more on the 3D?

From my experience with the technology so far, it's been either gimmicky, or just there. In the last case, I feel like it doesn't add or detract much from the movie, but since the ticket carries a higher price tag and those awful glasses are forced upon me, it ends up not being worth it. I'm afraid that Avatar might turn out like that.
 
Scullibundo said:
Ah good! We have a Gaffer who saw footage! Good to hear duder! Can you tell us what you remember the score being like for said scenes?
Click to expand...

Score did sound a bit like Princess Mononoke - I distinctly remember thinking how nice it sounded as I was watching it - but that was mostly in the night time scene. In all I believe they showed us....4 or 5 scenes total?

Can you comment a bit more on the 3D?

From my experience with the technology so far, it's been either gimmicky, or just there. In the last case, I feel like it doesn't add or detract much from the movie, but since the ticket carries a higher price tag and those awful glasses are forced upon me, it ends up not being worth it. I'm afraid that Avatar might turn out like that.
Click to expand...

To be honest, it wasn't the 3D that blew me away (although it was, easily, the best use I've ever seen), but the art direction...there really, truly isn't anything like Pandora, and the sheer amount of plant life and species shown was overwhelming. In fact, that's how my same friend described it as being! Although we did see a chase scene with an avatar being chased by a dragon-like creature (looked like the dinosaur that spits at you in Jurassic Park almost), which, of course, gave the 3D effects plenty to show off. Again though, nothing flying in your face or anything like that. Because Avatar is designed AROUND 3D, I don't think you'd want to see it any other way.

Again, the thing I get from this is simply how incredible the art direction is. My jaw literally dropped multiple times during the night scene. I can't stress that enough.
 
Zeliard said:
Jett am cry.
Click to expand...

Sorry jett, but it's true.

Looking at the photoshops earlier in the thread, they're pretty close to the designs of the avatars - very flat noses, but the glitter wasn't hardly there until, again, the night scene. I'd explain more, but it may be spoiler? Who knows, they just picked random scenes from the movie so no one knew what was going on. :lol

EDIT: Just noticed your avatar, Zeliard. Terry Gilliam spoke after James Cameron promoting his movie (also looks amazing, BTW) and someone asked him about possibly doing the Rum Diaries. He went off about how it probably wouldn't happen, because even though he promised himself he'd drop acid after making Fear and Loathing, he still hasn't done it. :lol
 
Zeliard said:
Jett am cry.
Click to expand...
The movie won't be too bad in 2d.
I mean, I'm not rich. I have a 2 year old Sharp LCD.
Sure, I'll see it in the theater in 3D at least twice.. but I'm pretty certain when all is said and done with I'll see this movie more times in 2D than 3D.
 
Duderz said:
To be honest, it wasn't the 3D that blew me away (although it was, easily, the best use I've ever seen), but the art direction...there really, truly isn't anything like Pandora, and the sheer amount of plant life and species shown was overwhelming. In fact, that's how my same friend described it as being! Although we did see a chase scene with an avatar being chased by a dragon-like creature (looked like the dinosaur that spits at you in Jurassic Park almost), which, of course, gave the 3D effects plenty to show off. Again though, nothing flying in your face or anything like that. Because Avatar is designed AROUND 3D, I don't think you'd want to see it any other way.

Again, the thing I get from this is simply how incredible the art direction is. My jaw literally dropped multiple times during the night scene. I can't stress that enough.
Click to expand...
Awesome then. If the art and music is as good as it sounds, then I should be pleased (well, my eyes will be at least).
 
Saw the footage today and it was pretty good. The 3D element worked quite well but I got too hyped on the 3D stuff from what was being said. It was stated at some point that they were utilizing the 3D elements in a way that was different and new to take advantage of the medium. Although, to say it wasn't gimmicky just isn't true as there were a few spots that really shouted "Hey look, we're using 3D! Aren't we cool?!". Still it was well done and not really a complaint. Usage of 3D in the past has always been hit or miss with me and often I feel skeptical about shelling out the extra money for it. I would probably do it here though.

The one thing that did bug me was parts of the movie just looked completely CG and felt like I was watching a CG movie like Final Fantasy the Spirits Within rather than something like the Star Wars prequels that heavily used it. The motion capture, while good, was still a bit off so it really still made them feel like CG Other parts looked pretty good and looked lifeline but cuz of this, it felt a bit jarring like you were swapping between live action and CG

It's too bad that my wife nodded off halfway through but she really liked what she saw and thought the 3D was well done. Can't blame her though as she had a tough day as it's her first comic con , her first experienceing something like the chaos of the line and crowd of Hall H, her leg being sat on by a fat chick, and sitting in the hot sun for 3 hours to get in to this. The sun really drained her and now she's totally sunburnt. I feel bad I put her through that only for her to nod off halfway through the footage. Rough day for her first day ever at comic con.

PS Apparently the NeoGAF iPhone app didn't like this post as it didn't post for some reason. Had to jump on a laptop and retype it. ckohler, you listing out there? Any ideas?
 
Duderz said:
EDIT: Just noticed your avatar, Zeliard. Terry Gilliam spoke after James Cameron promoting his movie (also looks amazing, BTW) and someone asked him about possibly doing the Rum Diaries. He went off about how it probably wouldn't happen, because even though he promised himself he'd drop acid after making Fear and Loathing, he still hasn't done it. :lol
Click to expand...

Gilliam says he's never done acid? Pfft. :lol

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is something I'm looking forward to. Can't wait to see what they did with Heath Ledger's character, and Depp, Jude Law, etc taking over for him.

As far as The Rum Diary, it's already done! Well, it's in post-production, I believe. With Depp in the lead role with Bruce Robinson at the helm. Should be out next year. It'll be very interesting to see what Depp can do in that role (he's probably the only 40+ year old on the planet who can somewhat pull off playing someone basically half his age), and how exactly it's filmed.

/offtopic :D
 
Koodo said:
Can you comment a bit more on the 3D?

From my experience with the technology so far, it's been either gimmicky, or just there. In the last case, I feel like it doesn't add or detract much from the movie, but since the ticket carries a higher price tag and those awful glasses are forced upon me, it ends up not being worth it. I'm afraid that Avatar might turn out like that.
Click to expand...

It's not all gimmicky but it does have its moments. It is fairly well used in many spots. There was a chase scene where foreground objects would pass by in 3D that added some nice depth. It was definitely better than the normal usage of 3D but I'm not so sure it's groundbreaking usage like I was lead to believe it was going to be. This one felt pretty good though overall from what I saw and it surely wasn't optimal viewing as it was off to the side and looking up to a hanging screen than something directly in front of me.
 
Marty Chinn said:
It's not all gimmicky but it does have its moments. It is fairly well used in many spots. There was a chase scene where foreground objects would pass by in 3D that added some nice depth. It was definitely better than the normal usage of 3D but I'm not so sure it's groundbreaking usage like I was lead to believe it was going to be. This one felt pretty good though overall from what I saw and it surely wasn't optimal viewing as it was off to the side and looking up to a hanging screen than something directly in front of me.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I've never gotten the impression that the 3D itself was supposed to be groundbreaking, only done properly. Maybe I haven't been paying enough attention to the news, but I thought it was the CGI that was supposed to be groundbreaking.

Sounds like neither are, so whatever.
 
 
Truant said:
Hmm, I've never gotten the impression that the 3D itself was supposed to be groundbreaking, only done properly. Maybe I haven't been paying enough attention to the news, but I thought it was the CGI that was supposed to be groundbreaking.

Sounds like neither are, so whatever.
Click to expand...
I've always heard it being referred to as the movie that will put 3D on the map and make us all believers. I haven't ceased doubting that claim, even more so after today's impressions.

The early impressions of the technology from this movie are oddly reminiscent of UP, which did not convince me.
 
The idea was that 3D would stop being used as a gimmick. It would be taken seriously as a tool of immersion that wouldn't detract from the narrative by poking you in the face every two seconds.

Thanks a tonne for the impressions from those who went to the panel - though please be more careful with spoilers (descriptions of chase scenes, etc - anything to do with plot). :)
 
Here's an example of what I thought was a gimmicky moment. The main character walks forward then turns around to face the audience with a spear in his hands and waves it side to side on the screen. That was super gimmicky to me that shouted "Hey look, this is 3D!"
 
Smiles and Cries said:
are there any real clips in these I have seen nothing so far but damn fanboy yahooing and ass kissing hype
Click to expand...
Nope, just ass kissing and fanboy yahooing.
 
Scullibundo said:
Careful with the spoilers Marty. We don't want to hear what happens, only impressions. If you are unsure, spoiler-tag them.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty hardcore about spoilers even to the point where I didn't see a single second of footage for ep2 and ep3 and knew absolutely nothing about them until I sat in the theater but I would hardly call what I posted a spoiler.
 
Marty Chinn said:
I'm pretty hardcore about spoilers even to the point where I didn't see a single second of footage for ep2 and ep3 and knew absolutely nothing about them until I sat in the theater but I would hardly call what I posted a spoiler.
Click to expand...

I know, some just want to go in completely fresh. If you're unsure, just spoiler tag. No harm done.
 
Scullibundo said:
I know, some just want to go in completely fresh. If you're unsure, just spoiler tag. No harm done.
Click to expand...
If they want to go in completely fresh, they shouldn't be reading this thread. That's like me clicking on a Star Wars thread when I was trying to avoid info on Ep3. You just don't do it if you're being that hardcore about it. I can respect wanting to go in fresh and spoiler free but I still stand that hearing a guy wave a stick is not a spoiler. That would be like someone saying there is a spaceship in Star Wars.
 
WordAssassin said:
How is it that we got pictures from TRON Legacy WHILE the panel was still going, yet we have no images from Avatar even hours later?
Click to expand...
Maybe they caught everyone or some figured it wasn't worth missing 25 min of the movie.
 
WordAssassin said:
How is it that we got pictures from TRON Legacy WHILE the panel was still going, yet we have no images from Avatar even hours later?
Click to expand...
Space Marine Snipers in the rafters
Canine units patrolling the crowds
T800 guarding the doors
And a lost Robocop cosplayer confusing convention goers.
 
Fox marketing +1!

34nmckp.png


all according to keikaku
 
Marty Chinn said:
If they want to go in completely fresh, they shouldn't be reading this thread. That's like me clicking on a Star Wars thread when I was trying to avoid info on Ep3. You just don't do it if you're being that hardcore about it. I can respect wanting to go in fresh and spoiler free but I still stand that hearing a guy wave a stick is not a spoiler. That would be like someone saying there is a spaceship in Star Wars.
Click to expand...

The whole point of this thread is for people to be able to talk about it in a spoiler-free environment. Stated in the OP. I don't see why you're arguing something where the shouldn't be a problem.
 
Scullibundo said:
The whole point of this thread is for people to be able to talk about it in a spoiler-free environment. Stated in the OP. I don't see why you're arguing something where the shouldn't be a problem.
Click to expand...

So we're not allowed to talk about the trailer when it comes out?
 
Saw this posted on IMDB :

mjmslg.jpg


Edit : And I understand that none of these are perfect, but they are the best we have to go by right now to get at least somewhat of an idea of what they look like.

I definitely think the image on the left is masculine, while the one on the right (That was made from the site) looks feminine.
 
Liara T'Soni said:
Saw this posted on IMDB :

mjmslg.jpg


Edit : And I understand that none of these are perfect, but they are the best we have to go by right now to get at least somewhat of an idea of what they look like.

I definitely think the image on the left is masculine, while the one on the right (That was made from the site) looks feminine.
Click to expand...

The first image is the mock-up. It has always looked masculine to me. The image on the right was taken from the official website.

Now, I just got to work. Where's my trailer???? Damn you, JC, you delay-Messiah. One whole month.
 
duckroll said:
So we're not allowed to talk about the trailer when it comes out?
Click to expand...

Don't get smart :P

They have just seen scenes that nobody else has. If Cameron decides to release a trailer with scenes in it, great, discuss it. Descriptions of scenes that we haven't seen yet should at least be tagged.

I'm sure had people posted entire spoilers of the Spider-Man 3 early preview scene, people in that thread would have gotten pissed as well way back when.
 
there only got reports, just like before comic-con, but the difference is that there are a shitload more now. i was hoping for maybe 30 seconds of footage, but eh, i'm pretty hyped again. shrug.
 
Jtwo said:
Yup, really the only catch sounds like you can still tell its CG.
But really, when can you NOT tell CG is CG?
Click to expand...

When it's actually good and not just to show off?

These impressions from the reasonable crowd sound rather sobering. Now it's only "evolutionary"? After all this hype, really? Still the same harsh cuts to CGI scenes? I knew something was off after these initial designs leaked. Even the few official shots from the set looked surprisingly mundane. The whole project took a huge hit for me, now I'll only expect your usual end of the year kind of blockbuster movie. Just nothing really new and certainly not something that deserves the hype GAF alone created.
 
Jean-Claude Picard said:
The whole project took a huge hit for me, now I'll only expect your usual end of the year kind of blockbuster movie. Just nothing really new and certainly not something that deserves the hype GAF alone created.
Click to expand...

My impression from the hype was the ground breaking stuff would be how the film would push 3D and the technology Cameron developed but now most of the impressions don't talk about the 3D and it seems to be about the quality of the CG. Maybe the camera system he used will be adopted by all the major directors and used in all the blockbusters to come, but when it comes to the quality of the CG, I can't see how it could affect future films when most wouldn't have the budget or be given the time to do the same.
 
SPOILER!!!

What the fuck, Sculli!? You ruined that part for me! I wanted to go in fresh! Forget a stick, that's a fucking Avatar picture!


FUCK






Kidding, of course. Though a pic is much worse than saying "a guy waving a spear."
 
Speaking of avatars, Sculli, bud and J-CP, thank you for proudly bearing those hot guys (Van Damme's age notwithstanding)... it makes me sweat when you guys post one after the other :)
 
The reaction thus far from the various blogs and websites has been really interesting.

Both AICN and the equally loved and hated Devin Farci from Chud seemed eager to see to film but gave slightly muted impressions.

Jeffrey Wells from Hollywood-elsewhere seemed to love it and he's not easily swayed.

I'm actually slightly relieved that some writers have given the footage a thumbs up but haven't gone totally overboard for it.

Nothing makes me more suspicious for a project that the mass drinking of Kool Aid among the press and fans.
 
BowieZ said:
Speaking of avatars, Sculli, bud and J-CP, thank you for proudly bearing those hot guys (Van Damme's age notwithstanding)... it makes me sweat when you guys post one after the other :)
Click to expand...

I posted just before Sculli, dude! What about MY avatar? :lol
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Hot Spot | Sci-fi Thriller Movie | Official Trailer
5
238
HAYA8U5A replied
James Cameron actually wrote Point Break
30
1K
jason10mm replied
Dune 2 is a masterclass sci fi film
33
994
IlGialloMondadori replied
James Cameron Speaks On Killing Off Central Characters in Alien 3
2
60
2K
CashPrizes replied
THR Director Roundtable: James Cameron, Ryan Coogler, Kathryn Bigelow, Yorgos Lanthimos + more
15
628
Days like these... replied
Top Bottom