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First Footage and Photos from Avatar Revealed at CinExpo!

by Alex Billington
June 23, 2009
Source: MarketSaw, UCSNord

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. Finally, after years of waiting, the first footage from James Cameron's Avatar was screened to public for the very first time in Amsterdam earlier today as part of the Cinema Expo International. While we weren't there in person, one of our good friends was, and so were plenty of others. This is what we've been waiting for because it's the first time we'll know whether or not it lives up to the hype. From what I've heard, it definitely does. "Beautiful!" "Stunning!" "Game-changing!" "Unlike anything ever seen!" Those are some of the responses from people leaving after the presentation.

These are some of the thoughts from UCSNord: "Footage from Avatar at #cinexpo was stunning, literally jawdropping. Amazing visuals unlike any before seen, with incredible detail." "CGI was photorealistic, characters look really real. Believe the hype, this movie will be massive!" James Cameron himself was there to present the footage along with his actors Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana and Stephen Lang. "Three years ago, I stood up here and said the 3-D renaissance is coming," Cameron said. "And from what we've seen in the business, we can now say it has arrived." I can't wait until December!

Those two photos below come from the Avatar after-party which included huge versions of this art, which look a bit like concept art, but you can judge for yourself. You can see a few more shots over on MarketSaw.

I won't be running all of this, so everyone can experience it on their own if they wish, but here's an excerpt from the footage description on MarketSaw: "What is most imporant about this movie: Everything lives and breathes. The tree in the scene with the sacred seeds glowed. Not the bast, but the tree underneath glowed like a living thing. Jake encounters plants which look like a kid's slide which shrink when he touches them. Little fireflies and birds fly through the shots without being there. You just take them as the world, like a dove in Central Park. It's not placed there, it lives there and just happens to be in the shot."

Word is that there was roughly 20 to 30 minutes of footage shown on the RealD XL Cinema System in 3D. Everyone who walked out was awe-struck, absolutely blown away by the footage. "The audience afterwards was stunned. Everyone just gasped, wondered and just couldn't believe what they saw." Sure, all of this is only building the hype even further, but it sounds like this is early proof that it definitely does live up to expectations. Especially considering these people are industry experts who work with movies all day long anyway - they were still blown away. "3D is here and here to stay," Cameron said in his introduction.

For those of you wondering when you'll get to see some actually footage from this, well, the place to be this July is in San Diego. I have it on good authority that some Avatar footage will be shown at Comic-Con!

Find more posts: Hype, Movie News, Opinions, Photos

47 Comments

Oh god I just came all over my shorts.

KenDoll on Jun 23, 2009

This is why Fox is screwing themselves by not having a trailer ready for Transformers 2. Not that it matters, but there is probably still a large majority of the population that has no idea about this movie and how epic it will be. I just hope Fox gets a trailer ready for Harry Potter. After Harry Potter, there really isn't a "must-see" film that will draw a mass crowd. And Harry Potter is in 3D in IMAX so it does make some sense to debut. They could also run a 2D trailer like there has been for Up, Ice Age 3, and Monsters vs Aliens.

notalent on Jun 23, 2009

Im really excited for this film, but not for the fact that 3D is supposedly here to stay. Thoughts?

A_well91 on Jun 23, 2009

3D can kiss my ass

teyhtr on Jun 23, 2009

That second picture is literally hair-raisingly beautiful.

Shane on Jun 23, 2009

#3 A - you say that becase you have not seen this footage. This WILL change the movie industry and it is truly amazing to see 3D done right instead for the effect of objects flying at your face. You do realize that MANY believed that sound was going to be a waste for the movie theatres, and same can be said for safety film(look it up), color images, digital sound, and digital cinema. THose resisiting innovation are blinded by bias supported by the failed attempt of the masses to acheive industry, emotional or personal change. Open your mind and attempt to realize the maybe, ust maybe, this film is NOT ABOUT 3D, but that the 3D ENHANCES the story not distracts from it. The images show yesterday would have COMPLETELY stood on their own without the 3D, but for the first time since some small parts of Beowulf, the 3D added to the movie-going experience, not distracted from it.

Dusty on Jun 23, 2009

Is it just me, or do you still think of Avatar: The Last Airbender each time you see the word Avatar even though Cameron's Avatar is so much different?

Alek on Jun 23, 2009

wow ...that's really cool and very beautiful .

led panel on Jun 23, 2009

sweet.

xerxex on Jun 23, 2009

My only problem, what is with all the 3-D hype? It seems like they made a decision and did not ask us they just assumed that the vast majority would absoutley love when the picture comes out and pops in our face, honestly it isn't that great. I perfer if they just keep using the same ole same ole and put two versions of a film in 3-D and in regular, like now and don't switch everything to 3-D, sorry I trolled this post but I wanted to say it!

Oblong on Jun 23, 2009

Lets hope this doesn't turn into another watchmen.... Lots of hype, a great concept but ultimatly falling short off all the hype.

ben on Jun 23, 2009

No chance of that happening. Looks sweet

Cat on Jun 24, 2009

Watchmen was great!

Xerxex on Jun 24, 2009

atleast a 10 sec teaser would have made my day

HellBoy on Jun 24, 2009

"This is the moment we all have been waiting for" No it´s not. We still haven´t seen one single shot from the movie. The shot of the spaceship above the planet looks impressive. If it´s from the film. The other shot in the jungle looks like a cartoon. Would it be so hard to release couple of screens from Avatar to give us who weren´t at the special event something to enjoy? Come on Fox. You can do it.

Martin on Jun 24, 2009

The first pic is very realistic looking amazing, the second has an almost animated look to it.

JimD on Jun 24, 2009

@Oblong This is not the typical "pop-out-of-the-screen" 3D. James uses stereocopic 3D camera which imitates the human's 2 eyes.

Arakai on Jun 24, 2009

A lot of you focus so much on the 3D factor. Its not just the 3D. His camera tech changes the way directors can implement high quality photorealistic CGI into their films.

JimD on Jun 24, 2009

#7 Me too roflmfao #13 Watchmen = one of the best movies ever, if understood correctly. lol.

danielvutran on Jun 24, 2009

I loved Lost in Space!

Angry Chief on Jun 24, 2009

One thing that sucks is if you're really into this whole new era of the Cinema Industry (I'm talking about 3D here) and you actually live in a crapola European Country where 3D we'll probably start being real in the year 2015. Goddamit! Why don't I live in the US. This way I could actually see this movie the way it's supposed to be seen. About the pictures. Rockin', right? Cameron was always a kind of industry pusher, he did it with T2, he did it with Titanic (*gulp*) and I guess he's going for a hat trick with Avatar. I'm psyched, yall. Now all I need is a real country, not some poor ass, tourist trap that is Portugal!

HuckPaletos on Jun 24, 2009

Looks like really good concept art, I like it, just have to wait and see, I'm sure it'll be different no matter what.

Crapola on Jun 24, 2009

Meh. Cameron is a hack.

Fingo on Jun 24, 2009

These dinosaurs complaining about 3d are the same one that didnt understand why movies need to have sound. All of these imbeciles want their silent films back im sure. Because after all, all new film technologies are just gimmicks!!!

9mm on Jun 24, 2009

im going to the bathroom to wack off...nah just playing...nice photos

Trey on Jun 24, 2009

I can't believe they're using Papyrus for the title font. LAME (Okay, it's slightly modified Papyrus, but Papyrus none the less.) Couldn't they spend a little extra on title design?

hbomb on Jun 24, 2009

looks amazing..................I want more

SHANEDAV on Jun 24, 2009

The photos are pretty nice, but I'm holding out judgement until I see the trailer.

Jay on Jun 24, 2009

Ha ha, Papyrus, jeez never spotted that, nice one Hbomb. Must've spent the whole budget before getting a designer in.

Crapola on Jun 24, 2009

I think I'm going to make an effort not too see anymore pictures, videos, trailers, etc. I want to be completely blown away.

Farris on Jun 24, 2009

looks great,but mr cameron, i want to see the trailer.

el jelipe on Jun 24, 2009

# 17 I assumed wronged, I figured he was going for pop out. Thanks for clearing that up, now I am offically sold!

Oblong on Jun 24, 2009

It's very pretty, but I don't see how that proves anything...

Rabican on Jun 24, 2009

#30 what have you seen that will spoil it? so far I've only seen crap that could be from a game. Sorry, until a trailer comes I'll stick by the fact this movie is nothing but hype. no one even knows anything about it and they're defending, it so funny. It's been nothing but standard concept art and now a "screenshot" that could be from Gatacca. lol

w00t!!! on Jun 24, 2009

while I think 3D is a great concept and the future of cinema, what happens when a movie goes to video? never see it in 3D again? is there technology out there for home theaters? and if so, how expensive is it. or will it be? how far away are we from 3D home theaters?

Bucker on Jun 24, 2009

I heard that along with the 3D glasses, audience members will be provided with a fresh pair of diapers when they enter the cinema to see Avatar.

Tomi on Jun 24, 2009

#23 explain yourself seriously, cause what you said is just so blatantly retarded its unbelievable

Cody on Jun 24, 2009

Pretty pictures don't make a good movie.

snickers on Jun 24, 2009

I HOPE THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND STORY MATCH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

janeorim on Jun 24, 2009

First off... these images are just PROMO IMAGES from the event. Not footage, please don't base your movie opinions on them folks. HuckPaletos #21.... don't worry your cinema's are responding.. DTS Digital Cinema/Datasat would love to talk with them further... Contact them directly, tell them they need to show Avatar as James requested it and I will find a program to get it into his auditoriums. .... hahaha(sales pitch) Alex knows how to get a hold of me. I can honestly tell you all to get off the whiny badwagon about the 2D vs. 3D conversations and wait till the trailer.. which I can damn near COMPLETELY guarantee that Jim will never allow online untill it can be shown in 3D as a film of this amazing beauty should be, as James intended it, and IN A THEATRE not online or through television. The segments shown at CinemaExpo were absolutely breathtaking. This will be a movie unlike any other in the techniques used, the BEAUTIFUL environments and the thrilling soundtrack. #39 - looks to be a complete story with thorough character development, conflict, and resolution, but that is only based on scenes that were available in the industry showing. So everyone waiting for a trailer and such before judgement .. good for you... keep going to 3D movies and sooner or later it should be in advance of one.... Cameron, you are amazing... thank you for that amazing treat at Cinema Expo... .The show has ended and now all of us can sleep with true pictures of Navi's jumping in our heads

Dusty on Jun 25, 2009

this move is going to be so over-hyped... no matter how good it is (the actual storytelling makes it good...not shitty 3-d) i'm one of the 3-d haters, but thats because its a gimmick...so called "2-D" is actually 3-d viewed on a flat surface. The 3-d that everyone thinks will be amazing in avatar is actually LESS realistic, because nothing POPS! out at u. i've seen 3-d movies and haven't been impressed, doubt this will be any better.

gary m on Jun 25, 2009

Awesome! Iron Jim is BACK! 😉

m4st4 on Jun 26, 2009

All you 3d cynics should just stay in your caves living in the past while the world leaves you behind. People like you were probably sceptical about the introduction of sound or colour on film! Don't say those are more fundamental aspects to recreating real-life on film - in case you haven't noticed, we live in a multi-dimensional universe, not a flat 2d one. The illusion of 3d is merely a step forward in the technology to creating a fully immersive experience. If you're a snob / ludite / cynic, then don't go to see it. Just don't bust other people's optimism (people who embrace new technology and help advance civilisation). Avatar in 3d? Bring it on!

rogue n josh on Jun 26, 2009

First i can't tell if this is cartoon or real people so can someone let me know.. And secondly all these people moaning about 3d what was the last film they saw in 3d? I watched my bloody valentine 3d and Journey to the center of the earth and thought they were rubbish, but i took my daughter to watch Monsters vs Aliens 3d and was amazed.. The difference from My bloody Valentine and Journey was massive.. I have been to watch coraline and again it was brill, I am now waiting to take my daughter to watch Ice age 3 3d.. There is a massive difference in films converted to 3d and films made in 3d and i mean massive..

James on Jul 9, 2009

ENTER jamescamerons.wikia.com!!

pancho on Jul 23, 2009

this moovie is highly donde estsea jummbi

pancho mcdoooby on Jan 5, 2010

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pancho mcdooby 3 of germany on Jan 5, 2010

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