I attended the 16 minute Avatar preview in Southern California. Going in with an open mind, I really didn’t know what to expect. So much hype has surrounded James Cameron’s movie that it’s difficult not to have high expectations. After getting burned on District 9, I was fully prepared for another colossal letdown.

I’ll cut to the chase: James Cameron delivered.

What’s With the 3D?

While I was impressed with the trailer that was released a few days prior, I did share some concern with others that the CG of the aliens may not have been up-to-snuff. I, and everyone else who judged the graphics based on the trailer….was wrong. There is one critical aspect missing in the trailer and it makes all of the difference: 3D.

I’ve seen a good number of 3D movies before, but I have never seen anything like Avatar. The sensation of depth and richness is stunning. What truly makes it work is Cameron’s direction. In most 3D movies, the director is quite content to poke things at the viewer. Any excuse to wave a broom-handle in your face is good enough. Cameron doesn’t resort to these tricks. Instead, he uses 3D as a new color for his visual palette. 3D is used in Avatar to service the movie instead of the movie servicing the 3D. It is this restraint that makes a huge difference.

Most 3D movies have this feeling of actually being 2D with occasional 3D objects thrown at the viewer. In this sense, 3D has always meant something is coming at you. Not so in Avatar. Instead of coming at you, Avatar invites you in. Unlike any 3D movie I have seen before, Avatar presents true depth, presenting several levels of perspective that just has to be seen to be appreciated.

This depth of perspective is what makes the CG work. It brings the images to life. It just isn’t possible to appreciate the CG in the trailer without the third-dimension.

The Uncanny Valley Explored

The “Uncanny Valley” is a term people use to describe what is essentially the Holy Grail of robotics and computer graphics: present an image of a human that is so convincing that you’re not sure if it’s real or fake.

Many attempts at conquering the Uncanny Valley have been attempted. Beowulf, by Robert Zemeckis, was the last notable effort, but it still failed. All of the human characters had soulless, zombie-like stares.

While I won’t say that James Cameron has fully explored the Uncanny Valley, he has elevated the art to new heights. I felt a connection with the humanoid aliens of Avatar that no other movie has delivered. More importantly, the performance of the actor is allowed to bleed through the CG, finally delivering characters that feel real, complete with subtle facial ticks that makes all of the difference.

What Sucked?

My only complaint is some of the dialog. It is typically “Cameron cornball”. Considering Avatar takes place in the 22^nd Century, I would hope the human race would have evolved some new sayings when facing off against an opponent other than, “Let’s dance, bitch.” When the drill sergeant tells his men the aliens, “…will eat your eyeballs like Jujubees,” I cringe inside. It seems like a misplaced reference. Then again, perhaps Jujubees will still be around in the 22^nd century.

Dialog has never been Cameron’s strong-suit and it appears nothing has changed.

Final Thoughts

After the showing, the audience clapped enthusiastically with a few voices shouting for another viewing. It was well-received. As we filtered out of the theater, you could hear all of the various conversations and everyone seemed duly impressed. It had met and exceeded the expectations of most, including one group of guys who went in fearing the worst.

Is Avatar a game-changer? It could be. My first thought after decompressing was yes, Cameron’s 3D technology is ready for any movie. It doesn’t need to be used solely for action, science-fiction or CG films. I could easily see myself watching There Will Be Blood in 3D and that is what Cameron is attempting to convey with Avatar. 3D is ready for any and all movies and will be well-served by the process. But, like any new tool, it is up to the wielder to show restraint in its use and implementation. In the hands of James Cameron, it works completely. Put these tool in the hands of Michael Bay and you’ll probably have a lot of fenders being thrown at you.

Congratulations to Mr. Cameron for delivering.