I think most estimates are around 250 Mil for production so…And a good chunk of change for the R and D. So i would guess about 150+ for marketing.
As are we! SO SAY WE ALL!
I thought it was OK, the graphics were certainly breathtaking, although in 2D I think I would have been less impressed. The acting was pretty good, which is testament to the animators as much as the cast. As for the story/editing, it could have been so much better, which was a shame really - as a result it won’t make my top ten of the year.
Welcome aboard, curtinparloe!! Now that you mention it. I think it’s time for a top ten films of the year thread.
Bwahaha, my mom texted me a few hours ago telling me that she and my sister just sat down to watch Avatar.
She texted me a little while ago with, “WOW!!!”
Me: “Heh, wasn’t it beautiful?”
Her: “WOW WOW WOW… WOW!”
Just got back from seeing in IMAX 3D with the family…
so amazing. breathtaking, incredible, unbelievable… there aren’t enough adjectives to describe how amazing this experience was. im going again tomorrow in regular 3d, unfortunately, but i can’t wait. the colors on that screen, the beauty of that world… one of the greatest movies i’ve ever seen. thank you james cameron for this masterpiece!
by the by—after seeing it in 3d - did anyone leave the theatre, look around and go “why doesn’t any of this look real?”
the real world sure looked drab and dreary after it.
the 3d really made you feel like you were there like nothing else has. it was used perfectly to surround you with the scene, rather then to have objects randomly pop out at you.
I saw it in 3D and was blown away. I thought it was so good. I kept forgetting it was CGI and bought it as real. Good film. I intend to see it again. Loved it !!
Been listening to the podcast for a year or so and have basically been lurking, but I felt the need to finally post on the board after seeing Avatar.
I was simply amazed and can not remember the last time I left the theater so excited after seeing a movie. Yes, the story wasn’t that original and it was very predictable but I simply didn’t care. It was just too pretty! The cg was impressive without being distracting and I kept forgetting that what I was seeing wasn’t real!
I have never paid to see a movie twice, but I can’t wait to go again.
I was fortunate to see Avatar last night. Like some of the other posters here, there were moments where I was misting up. The only phrase I can think of to describe this monumental film is “Achingly Beautiful”. I can forgive the somewhat standard storyline because this movie really does take you to another place and divorces you from reality for a time.
The only disappointment I am going to have is when I buy the blu-ray disc version. I fear it won’t do Mr. Cameron’s vision justice. Sigh… 
I saw it last night, completely blown away. I stepped out of the theatres thinking that I wanted to see it again. I so rarely do that…I really want to go see it again and soon
Havent seen the movie yet but I stumbled across this and a quick search didnt register it in this thread, thought Id post it since its pretty funny.
I think it ended better for the Na’vi than the Native Americans though. At least until the sequels… :rolleyes:
Edit: Avatar 2: The Search for Curly’s Unobtanium AKA The Accountants Strike Back
This is getting silly.
“Does ‘Avatar’ have a racist message?
Critics say film perpetuates idea of white hero saving primitive natives”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34805869/ns/entertainment-movies/
… still reminded her of Hollywood’s “Pocahontas” story — “the Indian woman leads the white man into the wilderness, and he learns the way of the people and becomes the savior.”
Granted I’m not Native American (who refers to them as Indians anymore?), and I did see the obvious parallels with American history (not specifically Pocahontas), but I think this is going a bit far.
Besdes,
What does it mean that in the final, sequel-begging scene, Sully abandons his human body and transforms into one of the Na’vi for good? Is Saldana’s Na’vi character the real heroine because she, not Sully, kills the arch-villain? Does it matter that many conservatives are riled by what they call liberal environmental and anti-military messages?
And, as Chuck said, “You’re missing the point!”
The film’s writer and director, James Cameron, says the real theme is about respecting others’ differences.
Writer/director Cameron, who is white, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that his film “asks us to open our eyes and truly see others, respecting them even though they are different, in the hope that we may find a way to prevent conflict and live more harmoniously on this world. I hardly think that is a racist message.”
Can’t people give Cameron the benefit of the doubt?
sigh
I blame Columbus…
The Director? I mean he did give us Home Alone but that does not mean he is evil. 
Not him. But, you have to admit, he had to have sold his sold to the devil for that movie to had made the money it did.
Little Dogma reference for ya.
I felt the message was-
The Navi respect and understand nature, and live in balance with it.
The humans only see the planet as a resource and not a home. They seek to beat nature into submission so they can exploit the planets resources and to Hell with the consequences.
Why do people need to read anything more into it? It is pretty straight forward, why make it political or a message about social injustice? Just enjoy the damn movie!
Not only is Avatar apparently racist, but now it’s anti Church. I may have to see this movie!
http://www.wusa9.com/news/living_green_now/story.aspx?storyid=95854&catid=175
Among other quotes,
“Avatar” has also drawn criticism that it is a rallying cry for eco-terrorism, particularly from bloggers like Dr. Richard Swier.
Come on…
While I like my electronics and technology, one could argue the human race would be better off if we were all “tree huggers.”
If I see something else I’d call silly (like someone asking for Na’vi to be added to the next census as a religion), I’m asking the planet to stop so I can get off.
Edit: I just checked and nothing on google yet, but I did see some of what conservatives are ranting about. Some are saying the movie is a parallel to Iraq and Vietnam, when it’s clearly (in my opinion) a parallel to European vs. Native American.
Most importantly, I believe I found the real reason Cameron made this movie.
Look how happy he looks! Add Michelle Rodriguez in there and I’ll rest my case. d: