Avatar Blu-ray Review
Remastered
Score: 85
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
Avatar's 3D Blu-ray impresses with sharp visuals and enhanced effects, though audio remains unchanged; a must-have for 3D enthusiasts.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 92
The remastered Blu-ray of "Avatar" impresses with its advanced 3D presentation, offering improved depth and dimensionality, meticulous detail, and vibrant colors. The disc leverages upgraded compression and fine-tuning, reaffirming its benchmark status for 3D films. This release is a visual spectacle worth experiencing for 3D enthusiasts.
Audio: 86
While the Blu-ray release of 'Avatar' lacks a Dolby Atmos track, its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix effectively delivers clear dialogue and immersive surround effects, particularly during action sequences and flight scenes, though some might miss the enhanced richness Atmos could have provided.
Extra: 77
The Avatar Blu-ray release impressively aggregates extensive extras, offering nearly four hours of insightful content, including an in-depth documentary, featurettes on production intricacies like performance capture and sound design, and cast interviews, all in high-definition quality.
Movie: 70
The remastered Blu-ray of James Cameron's "Avatar" enhances the visual depth and dimensionality that marked the film as a groundbreaking 3D experience. While the story remains simple and familiar, akin to classic sci-fi tales, the Blu-ray release brings technical excellence with 1080p 3D and high-frame rate scenes, maintaining the film’s luxurious universe-building.
Video: 92
The Blu-ray release of "Avatar" offers an impressive visual presentation, most notably in its 3D format, which utilizes AVC (2D) and MVC (3D) encoded 1080p transfers with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This version builds on the prior releases and offers incremental, yet significant improvements in spatial clarity. The remastered 3D transfer enhances depth and dimensionality from the onset, particularly in sequences showcasing flying scenes where improved depth of field and spatial relationships become evident. While the differences may not be monumental for all, enthusiasts of 3D will appreciate the enhanced detail and immersive experience delivered by this release.
Originally rendered in a 2K digital intermediate, the film has undergone a 4K upscale and remastering by Park Road Post Production under James Cameron’s supervision. This meticulous process results in rich detail and bold, vivid colors devoid of oversaturation. The 3D upgrade marginally surpasses the previous 2012 hybrid release, benefiting from advancements in compression technology and additional fine-tuning. Ghosting issues have been effectively mitigated, offering a clear and engaging viewing experience without eye strain. Critics note that the film’s visual presentation remains a benchmark for 3D quality, with breathtaking depth achieved through its thoughtful composition.
Overall, "Avatar" on Blu-ray represents a superior visual spectacle compared to earlier home releases. The intricate interplay of colors, contrasts, and depth makes it an indispensable upgrade for viewers maintaining a 3D setup at home. While not completely maximizing its potential with a two-disc BD-3D treatment akin to "The Way of Water," this edition remains an exceptional showcase for the film’s groundbreaking visual design.
Audio: 86
The Blu-ray release of "Avatar" presents a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, continuing its legacy from previous 2D and 3D editions. Although it lacks the more advanced Dolby Atmos featured in the 4K versions, this audio presentation remains engaging and high-quality. The omission of Atmos is somewhat disappointing, especially considering the release of "Avatar: The Way of Water" in 3D with a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 option. Nonetheless, the current mix delivers an immersive experience with clear dialogue and a dynamic use of surround channels. It achieves an enveloping soundscape that enhances action sequences, particularly flight scenes, despite not reaching the atmospheric depth that Atmos provides.
Surround activity is notably prominent, providing a seamless movement of sound throughout the room that bolsters the cinematic experience. The LFE channel contributes effectively to the low-end effects, though slightly subdued compared to ideal levels, still managing to emphasize explosions and crashes adequately. For those interested in stereo options, a Dolby Digital 2.0 track is available alongside a "Family Friendly" Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. This variety ensures flexibility in audio preferences while maintaining clarity and engagement.
Overall, while the Blu-ray foregoes the opportunity for a more enriched audio landscape through Dolby Atmos, it compensates with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 experience. The audio retains its power and adaptability through additional sound modes like DTS Neural:X that enhance broader receiver capabilities. This track may not achieve perfection but offers a respectable and immersive auditory experience worthy of James Cameron’s visual masterpiece.
Extras: 77
This Blu Ray release of "Avatar" offers an impressive array of extras, replicating the strategy seen in the 4K iterations. It complements the viewing experience with a dedicated bonus disc, brimming with insightful supplementary content. Notably, "Memories from Avatar" allows us to see producer Jon Landau with Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang sharing personal anecdotes from the production. In "Avatar: A Look Back," director James Cameron and several cast members reflect on the film's creation. The comprehensive documentary "Capturing Avatar" provides an exhaustive look into the production process. Additionally, the featurettes section offers a deep dive into various elements such as creature design, stunts, performance capture, and innovative camera technologies. Collectively, these features not only enhance the film's narrative but also provide an educational look at the artistry behind its making.
Extras included in this disc:
- Memories from Avatar: Cast conversations.
- Avatar: A Look Back: Cast and crew reflections.
- Capturing Avatar: Four-part historical documentary.
- Featurettes: Various production insights.
Movie: 70
The "Avatar" Blu-ray continues to captivate with its groundbreaking visuals and immersive storytelling, even years after its initial release. The 3D presentation, integral to the film's experience, remains a stunning showcase of James Cameron’s pioneering work in motion-capture filmmaking. This new remastered edition introduces subtle enhancements in depth and dimensionality, which will delight fans who have retained their 3D setups. Notably, this release includes a bonus disc previously available only with the 4K editions, offering a comprehensive collection of special features.
While the story of "Avatar" itself may hinge on familiar themes of corporate greed and cultural assimilation, reminiscent of classics like "Dances with Wolves" and "Apocalypse Now," it is the vibrant and meticulously crafted world of Pandora that elevates the film. Cameron’s creation is a fully realized universe, rich with imaginative flora and fauna that continually astound. The narrative follows Jake Sully's transformation from a marine paraplegic to a committed member of the Na’vi tribe, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Despite critiques of its simplistic dialogue and storytelling, "Avatar" draws viewers into its dramatic conflicts and epic scale.
With its multi-disc format, the Blu-ray offers various viewing options—from the original theatrical cut to extended editions—each capturing distinct narrative layers. The inclusion of high frame rate technology in certain scenes enhances the visual clarity and immersive potential of the film. Performances are compelling, with Sam Worthington leading as Jake Sully, supported by Zoe Saldana’s formidable portrayal of Neytiri. Though some characters adhere to archetypical roles, they effectively serve Cameron’s grand vision. Overall, this edition confirms "Avatar" not merely as a film but as an experience, one that retains its allure and promises enduring relevance through its innovative contributions to cinematic artistry.
Total: 85
The Blu-ray release of "Avatar" delivers a remarkable visual experience that elevates its standing as a must-have for 3D enthusiasts. The transfer boasts incredible clarity and depth, with reworked dimensional effects that enhance the grandiose vistas of Pandora, making them even more breathtaking than their theatrical release. While many admire the film's sprawling cinematography, this remastered version offers an impressive improvement over previous editions in terms of image sharpness and overall picture cleaniliness.
Despite these visual enhancements, potential buyers should note that the audio remains consistent with prior releases, utilizing the DTS-HD MA 5.1 format without any upgrades. Furthermore, while the package includes valuable special features that align with the 2023 2D remastered release, it does not offer the extended and special edition cuts that some fans may have hoped for.
In conclusion, the 3D Blu-ray of "Avatar" stands out as a significant offering for collectors and fans who continue to embrace 3D home entertainment. Its striking visuals and added bonus disc content render it a commendable acquisition. While an upgrade in audio would have been welcome, and the inclusion of extended cuts missed, the release undeniably captures the film's awe-inspiring essence, ensuring it remains a recommendable cornerstone in any 3D movie collection.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 100
Marty's review(s) of the older 3D versions is/are a good baseline for what to expect here, but I'd add that a lot of the flying material in particular offers improved depth of field and spatial relationships,...
Audio: 100
Both Marty and Casey gave top marks to this track in their reviews that I've linked to above, but I'm docking this release a point for the omission of what is obviously an available Atmos track (if indeed...
Extras: 80
As mentioned above, this release duplicates the strategy of the 4K releases of both Avatar films by offering a bonus disc which contains the following supplemental material: Memories from Avatar (HD; 21:20)...
Movie: 80
In both cases, Marty gave top notch marks to both the 2D and 3D presentations, which may beg the question as to what kind of "new, improved" qualities this remastered release may offer....
Total: 70
I'm "that guy" who always has to have the latest tech, and so I've long had (and tried to "curate") 3D equipment, though kind of hilariously I never got that original Panasonic bundle for Avatar, waiting...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
Thanks to the new remaster work we saw on IMAX screens for a limited run, this first film in James Cameron’s intergalactic odyssey looks cleaner and clearer, and I dare say they greatly improved the sense...
Audio: 80
The soundscape is still very large feeling giving those surround channels plenty of work - especially for the flight scenes and the big action setpieces....
Extras: 80
Featurettes - (HD 1:31:51 Total) Sculpting Avatar Creating the Banshee Creating the Thanator The Amp Suit Flying Vehicles Na’vi...
Movie: 60
The two extended versions help fill some narrative gaps and do play better overall, but they don’t help the fact Avatar feels more like a proof-of-concept that Cameron’s crazy ideas could work rather than...
Total: 80
The image looks sharper and cleaner than before, but it appears they also slightly reworked some of the depth and dimension work so some of those big beautiful glory shots are even more impactful....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 90
As expected, the 3D on this new disc is marginally better than the previous hybrid 2D/3D release from 2012, mostly due to both advances in compression and the additional fine tuning James Cameron and Park...
Audio: 90
A stereo option is provided in Dolby Digital 2.0, and a “Family Friendly” mix in Dolby Digital 5.1....
Extras: 80
Featurettes (1080p; 91:51): A total of seventeen are included, viewable individually or as one long string with a Play All option, that cover everything from sculpting figures, designing creatures, stunts,...
Movie: 80
It is a complete world, filled with thrills and chills, many of them captured in superbly directed and acted scenes from the evocative first night Jake spends on Pandora complete with its coyote-like monsters...
Total: 90
The nice bonus here is that the 3D release is no longer a barebones disc, including the same special features disc found on the recent 2023 remastered 2D release....
Director: James Cameron
Actors: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
PlotIn the mid-22nd century, humanity is mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on Pandora, a lush and Earth-like moon of the gas giant Polyphemus in the Alpha Centauri star system. The planet's atmosphere is toxic to humans, necessitating the use of "avatars," genetically engineered human-Na'vi hybrids that are remotely controlled by mentally linked human operators. Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine, is recruited to join the Avatar Program after his twin brother's untimely death. Given the opportunity to walk again through his avatar, Jake accepts the mission to infiltrate and spy on the indigenous Na’vi in order to help the corporation force them to relocate and make way for the mining operations.
As Jake's avatar is embraced by the native Na'vi tribe, he begins to appreciate the rich and vibrant culture of this alien society and the deep spiritual connection they share with their environment—particularly the sacred Tree of Souls. The Na’vi are led by the wise and stern Eytukan, the chief of the tribe, and his daughter Neytiri, a skilled and fierce warrior, takes on the task to teach Jake their ways. During his immersive training in their world, Jake grows increasingly sympathetic to the Na’vi's plight, finding himself emotionally and ethically torn between the military-industrial interests he was sent to assist and the alien culture that has accepted him as their own.
Writers: James Cameron
Release Date: 18 Dec 2009
Runtime: 162 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish