Avatar Extended Collector's Edition 3-Disc Blu-ray Set Features: Theatrical, Re-Release, and the Extended Editions are included in this set. Codec / Resolution: MPEG-4 AVC / 1080p Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Region: Region A This Release: November 16, 2010 MPAA Rating: PG-13 / Unrated Running Time (Extended Version): 178 mins Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 MSRP: $54.99 Current Price: Check Price / Purchase
Pros
Reference-quality video
Colors really pop and explode with visual eye-candy
The DTS-HD Master 5.1 soundtrack does pretty well in delivering effects
Animation with foreground actors is seemless
A cohesive story with a lot of potential to expand
A repeatable movie experience
Cons / Disadvantages
None observed
Noteworthy Observations
Packaging could be a little better to allow for easier removal of discs — as this movie is worthy of watching many times over
AUDIO
VIDEO
CONTENT
EXTRAS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLUS
Audio
Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition is presented with a DTS-HD Master 5.1 soundtrack (4133Kbps (48kHz/24-bit)). Some might say this should have been tracked in 7.1, but I think this would be more apt for a discussion. I thought the soundtrack did just fine.
Video
Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition looks absolutely amazing in its 1920x1080 pixel presentation (1.78:1). The bitrates are all over the place, and this is a good thing. The bitrates jump to the 40's and even near 50 Mbps in some sequences where it is required (technically, even near 60 Mbps for a few quick scenes). Some titles I've seen a cap on maximum video data rates, but I don't see it here. Avatar's video has free reigns to go wherever it needs to.
Content
Avatar has an environmental message, but doesn't go completely Tree-Hugging on us. Basically put, life is connected, and if you screw around with it...it will fight back. No matter what planet you're on.
The Extras
The extras on Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition are numerous, in high-def, and have a lot of information about the film. It's also worth digging around in the Archives area, as there are some rewarding images there.
Conclusion
This particular edition of Avatar is the edition to put in your Blu-ray collection. With colors exploding all over the screen, and a nice soundtrack as well, Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition gets a solid HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLUS.
If you need something to jumpstart your High-Def Experience...this is the title to get. Avatar also gets a DigitalDingus Reference Title designation.
