Avatar: Large Blue People Riding Even Bigger Birds Being Shot At By Cool Military VTOL’s
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 02:27PM 
Screenshots from the spectacular Avatar HD trailer
Avatar, the James Cameron $430 million film set in the year 2145 was more complicated than ‘large blue people riding even bigger birds being shot at by cool military VTOL’s’ - in fact a lot more complicated. But, fortunately it did have a storyline that was plenty easy to follow (unlike Transformers). And as is always the risk with films that have been called a ‘game-changer’, it’s hard for the actual event to live up to the hype.
The story is pretty predictable overall, but the computer graphics are indeed amazing. Especially if seen in 3D, where thankfully, that special affect is not abused for the sake of wild audience reaction. In fact, the 3D helps to sell the airborne action, of which there is quite a bit.
As these screenshots from the movie trailer show, there are definitely some flying machines in Avatar. The 10’ tall (and blue) Na’vi people sometimes ride the large Mountain Banshee’s which are sorta pterodactyl-like creatures that actually allow the Na’vi ‘pilot’ to connect via unique organic neuron plugs. This allows them to work together for some pretty spirited flying. The flying sequences with these birds are extremely well done. In fact, 98% of the ‘flying’ in Avatar gets an A rating from me for realism. This is an area in a film where when it’s done right, you don’t usually notice it all that much… but when it’s done wrong, you pretty much lose the whole story.
And then there’s the military flying machines, most of which are the smaller ‘ducted fan’ twin-rotored helicopters. These little guys are pretty stinkin’ cool, especially in the way that the rotor heads pivot for control. You get some close up views of the rotor inside the duct as well, which is really two counter-rotating 3-blade assemblies. I also noticed that some of these had the V-tail and others had a twin-fin on a horizontal stab arrangement.
Lastly, there where a couple really big ‘ships’ too. One can be seen in the second pic, and another is in the bottom pic right behind the smaller helo. Ultimately, the flying sequences made the movie enjoyable for me. Otherwise the story was a little too 'Dances With Wolves' familiar, and a few of the underlying themes were on the opposite end of my ideology... but I definitely recommend you experience Avatar.
Screenshots from the spectacular Avatar HD trailer
Reader Comments (2)
You are an odd guy. You need to think of better things to post. Uncle Martt think of things to post. If you need help call me.
Thanx little miss Madison for your input... now maybe you should go make your bed or feed the dog, or something : )