On the occasion of the re-release of James Cameron’s science fiction blockbuster Avatar this coming Friday, a new featurette has been produced that provides an inside look at the film’s influence from the perspective of the film’s actors and crew. In the special, Cameron reflects on the 2009 original, which is still the highest-grossing picture of all time, and its impact on moviegoers. The filmmaker has stated that what the audience saw in Avatar was a universe they could never have imagined come to life before their eyes.
Sam Worthington, who portrays Jake Sully, Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri, and Michelle Rodriguez all join in the short to discuss the film’s enduring appeal and the universal themes it explores.
Actress Sigourney Weaver, who plays Dr Grace Augustine, gushes about the film’s vision and world-building, saying that it made the most of the 3D format. Even the film’s antagonist, Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), agrees with the film’s theme that nature is beautiful and should be preserved. Avatar’s return to theatres, at a time when climate change and other ecological challenges are receiving increased attention and discussion, may serve to remind viewers of the wonders of the natural world.
The cast members make an appearance in the featurette, and the film’s most memorable sequences, which have been restored in 4K high dynamic range, are also showcased. Later this week, cinemas will once again play Avatar, but this time with the improved, spectacular 4K visual quality that will allow viewers to see Pandora as never before. In 2009, when the original Avatar was released, it broke all box office records by becoming the first picture to earn over $2 billion worldwide. Its innovative use of 3D filming technology and its extremely realistic and immersive universe won the picture widespread acclaim. Critics panned Avatar for relying too heavily on formulaic plot elements, but viewers couldn’t resist the movie’s jaw-dropping visuals.
It is uncertain if people would go back to the cinemas to watch the film again. If the trailer is any indication, though, Avatar has to be watched on a massive screen. After 13 years, Avatar’s sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, has finally been released, promising to take viewers on a brand new adventure on Pandora as it delves into the planet’s aquatic depths. On December 16th, the film will debut in cinemas.
This Friday, the original Avatar will return to theatres while fans wait for the long-awaited sequel.