The first Avatar 2 (The Way of Water) trailer has finally been released (we’ve been waiting for it since 2014:-)). The feedback is mixed. At first glimpse, we were very disappointed, as the ‘look & feel’ of the trailer reminds a commercial for a video game and is less related to a motion picture. Almost 100% of the trailer is CGI and barely ‘real’ footage is being noticed. However, the audiences need to take a few factors into consideration. Here are our thoughts.

Avatar 2 trailer released (finally!)

The Avatar 2 which is named ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ trailer has been released. This is one of the most anticipated trailers ever, as we’ve been waiting for it since 2014. Many of the cinephiles claim that the buzz has faded. For instance, young moviegoers do not even know what is Avatar. This fictional and highly detailed world created by James Cameron touches the hearts of those who fall in love with this big-screen fantasy. However, the new generation of moviegoers is far from being excited. When the trailer was screened before Dr. Strange, this crowd was totally apathetic to the big blue folks (Na’vi). However, for us, the old people, watching the trailer feels pretty exciting. And that is why the mixed opinions. Check it out below:

Feedback and opinions

Many were very disappointed with the ‘look & feel’ of the trailer. Some audience said that the trailer looks like a commercial for a video game. Some complained about the lack of a minimal story in the trailer. Others commented that it seems inferior to MCU. Anyway, we have seen it on YouTube. At first glimpse, it was nothing to be excited about. Almost 100% CGI, almost zero live-action, the animation looks primitive and obsolete and absent of dramaturgy. Nevertheless, all this feedback is irrelevant. Avatar 2 needs to be seen on a very specific medium, and that media is definitely not YouTube.

Avatar 2 was created (ONLY) for IMAX 3D

For all those who are complaining (justifiably) about the trailer, here’s a quick explanation about the Avatar 2 project, and why you should watch it only on a 3D IMAX. First, you have to understand that filming Avatar 2 has required a very complicated underwater set, requiring years of technological research and months of training actors to hold their breath for lengths of a couple of minutes. Director James Cameron said that the production has engineered a way to accurately record the actors’ tiniest movements and expressions while submerged. Much of the performance-capture filming took place in a 900,000-gallon tank (built specifically for the sequels), which can imitate the ocean’s kinetics. (Read- Avatar 2: New Images Show New Dimensions of Underwater Cinematography). Furthermore, Cameron stated that he had to wait for the 3D technology to evolve further in order to capture Avatar 2. “We want to take you to Pandora and feel it, smell it, so you can go in a real journey, and 3D imaging helps with that…People want to go to the cinema and have a full experience, not 90%, but 100%.” he added (Read: Avatar’s James Cameron Explains the Necessity of Shooting in 3D). Hence, in order to immerse yourself into Avatar 2 and beyond, you must watch it in 3D in an IMAX theater and not less than that.

Closing thoughts

As explained, we watched the trailer on YouTube. At first, we were disappointed. YouTube makes it look dull and superficial. However, we need to think about it as a ‘technological-oriented and innovative motion picture project’. Thus, the viewing platform is crucial. To sum it up, don’t bother watching Avatar on a conventional screen. For this film, Go IMAX 3D or Go Home. Have you watched the trailer? Let’s know your thoughts.