This week’s MSN DVD column is all about “Avatar” — and, more specifically, the process by which James Cameron wrestled his immersive 3D blockbuster into the world of home video. Yup, folks, this is what you get when an engineer gives a press conference.
That said, I can think of few more entertaining ways to spend an afternoon than sitting in a Hollywood mansion discussing aspect ratios and CG camera perspectives with the man who made “Aliens”, “The Abyss” and the only good “Terminator” movies …
Why is Avatar even being released bare-bones so soon? I swear I read someplace that Fox had no choice but to release the film on DVD/Blu-ray…but I can’t remember the reason. What’s the story, Norm?
I think it’s pretty clear. The movie’s theatrical run has petered out, and they don’t want there to be any gaps where they’re not getting your money.
I think they see it as keeping the brand relevant, but yeah, that’s probably it. With another six or seven months until the super-magic-lucky edition, this keeps the movie in circulation (and looking pretty great, I have to say) until the hype machine ramps up all over again just in time for Christmas.
Also, releasing it on disc now means Fox can put it into the pay-per-view rotation that much sooner. The longer the wait, the further everything else gets pushed back, too …