Because James Cameron really loves to make a huge pile of money even bigger, mega-hit Avatar is headed back into theaters in late August.
(More on Techland: Is James Cameron About To Piss Off All Of Hollywood?)
If you remember, Cameron and FOX were pretty peeved after Avatar was kicked off of screens to make way for Disney's Alice In Wonderland, reportedly costing the film millions in added revenue. Before Alice, Avatar was still dominating in 4,215 North American theaters, plus 197 IMAX theaters. But after Wonderland, Avatar's count dropped to 667 theaters, and just eight IMAX theaters. In March, it was rumored that some 40-extra minutes of footage could be added before Avatar 1.5 hit screens Aug. 27, but official word is that only around 8 minutes of new material has been tacked on.
(More on Techland: James Cameron Says Hollywood Doesn't Get Avatar's Success)
In the new trailer, I can see a few new images, mainly Jake Sully and Neytiri frolicking among some new Pandora plants and Jake taking a look inside a building. (The school? I'm only guessing.) That's great and all, but it doesn't give us what we really want. Bring on the Na'vi sex scene, Cameron.
(More on TIME: Avatar On DVD: Pandora's Skimpy Box)
 If you remember, Cameron and FOX were pretty peeved after Avatar was kicked off of screens to make [...]&srcURL=http://techland.com){kind=link}
I, for one, do not want more Avator, Na'vi sex scenes or no. I enjoyed the spectacle when I saw it on the big screen, but the breathtaking imagery was the only thing I liked. I don't have plans to see it again or to pick it up on DVD/Blu-ray.
captainnoble
Jul. 20, 2010 13:24pm
Proposition: The only people who are going to go see it in theaters again are Avatards.
The Avatards, however, have already see the original version of the movie a bajillion times.
Therefore, their only reason for attending will be to see the eight minutes of new footage.
Thus, I offer a better business plan: Theaters should only play the 8 minutes of new footage. The Avatards, being Avatards, will still pay admission. However, instead of only fitting in three or four showings per theater, they'll be able to fit in fifteen or twenty. More money all around.
tereglith
Jul. 20, 2010 14:18pm
Or he could figure "Heck, I've made more money than Goldman Sachs out of this puppy" and, just out of the goodness of his heart, post the additional 8 minutes on YouTube and let everyone watch 'em for free.
Right. Like that's gonna happen in my lifetime. 8^/
richardsrussell
Jul. 20, 2010 16:34pm