Blu-ray Review: Avatar

Avatar
Written & Directed by James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Laz Alonso, Wes Studi and CCH Pounder

Special Features:  NONE

First of all, unless Avatar is your favorite movie of all time and you just cannot wait to see it again and again and again then you shouldn't be buying this Blu-ray.

It's just not worth it.

You know the film, it's the highest grossing film of all time (kind of).  It's a 3-D extravaganza.

But is it really that great?

Technologically, it's unparalleled.  The 3D effects are jaw-dropping.  It's stunning to look at and a joy to behold.

Everything else about it is just mediocre.

You've heard it called a rehash of Dances with Wolves or Fern Gully which is true. There isn't an original thought in this movie. Prety bells and whistles mean nothing if there isn't a strong emotional core to grab ahold of. Instead, we get a retread story with one dimensional characters that aren't acted particularly well, with he exception of Zoe Saldana who was exceptional.

That's not to say it's a bad film, it isn't. It is still enjoyable, it's just near the bottom of my list of favorite James Cameron films and it was nowhere near my list of Best Films of 2009.

As for the Blu-ray? Well I'll say this. The film looks incredible on the format.  The colors explode off the screen and the picture is crystal clear.  It looks almost 3D even without the glasses.   The sound is perfectly done as well.  It's a completely immersive experience on Blu-ray.

The problem is that this is a blatant cash grab. It's a way to snatch hard earned dollars from cash strapped fans.  There are absolutely no special features on the set making it a (suggested) $40 movie.

If you love the film, fine spend your money.  Just do so knowing that in November there will be a 4 disc "Ultimate" edition that will probably include dozens of features. Most notably 40 -50 minutes of additional footage. This extended edition will be released in theaters as well.

Overall, Avatar looks great but it's all style no substance. You can spend the money for the bare bones edition or wait for the Ultimate set.  It's really up to you.

Avatar is available now.