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3D DVD Release Dates: AVATAR and Other Movies

3D films such as the blockbuster movie AVATAR are continually gaining in popularity on the big screen, with fans looking forward to 3D DVD release dates in the future. Many people still prefer the sheer thrill and drama of viewing a 3D film in the theater. However, large screen televisions, home media rooms, and improvements in the state of the art of 3D technology have been steadily increasing the number of people who can’t wait to watch their favorite 3D film at home. Here's what to expect from 3D movies on DVD in the months ahead…

Guest post by Ty Wingfoot

AVATAR

The first version of the DVD is out, but the although no date has been officially set for its release on 3D DVD. It's likely it will happen in late 2010 as a bundle with 3D TVs or sometime in 2011. Because of the incredible popularity of this movie, many feel that AVATAR will help to blaze the way for the 3D DVD releases for home viewing.

Alice in Wonderland

Created from the combined forces of director Tim Burton and Walt Disney Pictures this is a movie many 3D fans are looking forward to bringing home. It was released on March 5, 2010 in theaters, and is scheduled to be released for home viewing on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 1, 2010. No date has been set for a full 3D home DVD release.

How to Train Your Dragon

This animated adventure comedy about wild dragons and Vikings is absolutely spectacular in 3D, and is a movie that adults and children alike will enjoy. Released in theaters on March 26, 2010, it is an action-packed film with some scary images, but nothing too shocking for children. It has not yet been scheduled for release on DVD, 3D or otherwise.

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 is due to be released in theaters on June 18, 2010 in 3D. In this latest continuation of the story of Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys, Andy is leaving for college, which results in the toys being placed at a daycare center. In this latest adventure, the toys develop a plan to return home. This movie has not get been scheduled for home DVD release.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I and Part II

With the theater release of Part I scheduled for November 19, 2010 and Part II tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2011, there has been speculation as to whether these last two Harry Potter episodes will have 3D footage. The latest word is that these two final films will indeed be released in 3D, which will make for a fitting and spectacular conclusion for this popular book and movie series.

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What 3D movie are you most looking forward to in the coming months? And how important is the 3D vs. 2D on DVD?

Final Chance to Win a Blu-Ray Player and AVATAR DVD - Don't Miss It!

It's true! We're still giving away more Blu-Ray players and Avatar DVDs. All you have to do is join the AVATAR Typepad Community, answer the weekly question below, and you'll be automatically entered to win a free Blu-Ray player and AVATAR Blu-Ray DVD.

We've had nine winners so far. Each week we pick new winners and this final week of the contest, there will be 3 winners this week.

Winners are chosen based on composition and originality of their answers to the question. The contest ends June 6 so be sure to answer for a chance to win. Prizes include a Panasonic Blu-Ray Disc Player and an AVATAR  Two-Disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo. You must be a member of the community and leave a comment on this blog post to participate.

Official Rules & Regulations of the “AVATAR Blu-Ray” Promotion

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Weekly Question - Answer to Win!

What character in AVATAR do you most relate to personally? Why?

New Technology in AVATAR - Performance Capture, Fusion Camera System, and Simul-Cam

James Cameron finally directed his dream film, AVATAR, after waiting almost 20 years for technology to advance. New technologies used in the film include CGI Performance Capture techniques for facial expressions, the Fusion Camera System for 3D filming, and the Simul-Cam for blending real-time shoots with CGI characters and environments.

Guest post by Brian Jones

It is being called a revolution of cinema: a technological wonder unlike any film before it. No doubt exists in anyone’s mind that James Cameron’s AVATAR was more than a movie – it was an event. AVATAR secured its place in film history because of Cameron’s patience and insistence on perfection. He had wanted to bring his idea to the silver screen for almost 20 years, but he simply did not see how the technology of the time could transfer his vision into the eyes of others. Cameron wanted the world to see AVATAR as he saw it, and he would settle for nothing less. As time progressed, so did the technology of cinema. Much of the new technology applied in the film AVATAR was invented strictly for this project, but that is not to say it won’t be used again. Here is a breakdown of the new technology applied in the film AVATAR:

Performance Capture
Computer generated imagery (CGI) was used throughout the making of AVATAR. Cameron was familiar with the technology of CGI since he had worked with it before in films such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day. AVATAR, however, was the first film to ever use CGI with a new technique Cameron calls image-based performance capture, or performance capture, for short. This technique required the actors in AVATAR to wear specially-designed headgear housing a camera. The camera recorded detailed facial movements of the actors and interwove them into the CGI characters. Performance capture gave the characters a realism that had never been achieved before.

Fusion Camera System
The Fusion Camera System (aka Sony Fusion 3D Camera System, Pace-Cameron System) developed by James Cameron and Vince Pace is the most elaborate and advanced camera system ever devised. The camera system was first presented at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention and trade show in 2007, although Cameron had used it previously on two documentaries: Aliens of the Deep and Ghosts of the Abyss. It consists of two Sony HDC-F950 HD cameras used in conjunction to create stereoscopic 3D images. A slightly modified version was used in the making of AVATAR to create realistic 3D images that seamlessly blended live action and CGI.

Simul-Cam and Virtual Camera
Simul-Cam and Virtual Camera are the latest achievements in motion capture technology and the source of much of AVATAR’s technical success. The integration of Simul-Cam and Virtual Camera with the Fusion Camera System is what allowed Cameron to blend the live-action parts of AVATAR with the CGI. These technologies allowed CGI characters and environments to be viewed through the Fusion Camera System’s eyepieces and monitors during live-action filming. This integration gave Cameron the freedom to direct the scene just as he would any “normal” live-action take. He could see exactly how the live actors and real scenery interacted with already-produced CGI characters and environments during real-time filming.

The new technology applied in the film AVATAR was responsible for making it a blockbuster, and it raised the bar forever on what audience members expect and demand from cinema.

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Has AVATAR raised your expectations for what to expect in great movies?

Tips for Making Your Own AVATAR Na'vi Cosplay Costumes

Na’vi Cosplay is just beginning. Now that the DVD is released, cosplayers can study the Na’vi of AVATAR. Certain basic items are needed for Na’vi cosplayers, and this article looks at what will be needed to get started. Very little is available commercially, and so cosplayers need to dive into original planning and creating. What are the basic necessities for Na’vi cosplay?

Guest post by Rebecca Scudder

Follow these helpful tips to create a realistic costume for any AVATAR event! For a good Na'vi cosplay, you need realistic looking Na'vi skin, a wig that resembles Na'vi hair, including the long queue braid, a face that has the broad nose, cat like ears and bare eyebrows of a Na'vi face, and the accouterments and accessories of a Na'vi. Follow this guide for more tips and advice.

Skin & Body

The Na'vi have medium blue skin with darker blue cat / zebra stripes, and tall slender bodies. Tights and a bodysuit of the right color are a possibility. Darker stripes can be added with a fabric marker or acrylic paint. Care should be taken not to make the strips too sharp or symmetrical in appearance.

The Na'vi have four fingers and four toes- the cause of their base eight numbering system. Since human feet are tender, some sort of soft shoe or sandal is probably a good idea, so feet are the last concern. If you use dyed, close-fitting gloves, you could open the pinkie and ring fingers of the gloves and sew them into one digit. While this would make the last finger a little thick, it is probably the most balanced approach and will give your hands the greatest freedom of movement and ability to grasp.

Hair

Wigs are available from several online costume sites. Look for wigs of long, dark hair with or without braids or dreadlocks, depending on the hairstyle you envision for your Na'vi. In the film, Na'vi wore their hair straight back from the forehead, not parted, but few wigs have this style. With multiple small braids this is not too much of a problem, but there may be some trial and error in getting the right look for Jake's single braid.

Ears

Jake’s hair style is also a problem for realistic ears. Ears that fit over human ears are not positioned correctly for the Na’vi face. With the braids that Neytiri wears, human ears are covered, and more realistic Na’vi ears can be positioned to emerge from the wig at the correct angle and site. Elf ears are a possibility, especially ones made from latex or a translucent material that can be tinted blue. Jake’s single braid and the modified mohawk braid on some warriors’ heads don’t allow human ears to be easily hidden, so most maskless attempts at ears for them put pointed ears onto human ears. This means they look odd- an issue for individual cosplayers to decide.

Face

The broad nose and the lack of eyebrows can be created with makeup, or a good quality mask. Recently fans have been auctioning their own designs for foam latex masks on eBay, with realistic features suitable for Na’vi cosplay. These have ears, or have ears that can also be purchased and put on the mask. Na’vi eyes are large and yellow gold, with a difference in size and spacing between AVATARs and true Na’vi. The only way to cosplay those eyes are contacts; good ones, which are expensive.

Clothing

Next is clothing, or the modicum of garments the Na’vi wear; basically a loincloth or apron that covers the frontal groin. Neytiri wears a sash at times, with a dangling end, and others wear what looks like a narrow suede apron. It looked like some of the warriors wore a sort of suede brief sometimes, but it was hard to tell because they were moving quickly in those scenes. Drapes vary in style and ornateness.

Jewelry

Most of what the Na’vi wear is decorative. They are not bothered by weather, at least where Jake is. They have braided leather loops and circles and swoops of cord; chokers of either glass or semi-precious stones; head pieces and pectorals with bone and tooth and horn ornaments; leather worked bracers and abdomen guards; and an amazing variety of beaded decorations. Other decorative items worn range from feathers to intricate ritual pieces. Artists, fans and cosplayers have started recreating items seen in the movies, and now that DVD and Blu-ray versions are available, so that the Na’vi are easier to study, an explosion of reproductions and inspired or original pieces will be available.

Weapons

The final item cosplayers need to consider is whether or how to reproduce the weapons shown. Cosplaying rules preclude working weapons, although plausible reproductions are used in costume masquerades and contests. Roleplayers may make more realistic reproductions, and there are always fans interested in accurate replicas. Beyond basic Na’vi cosplay, Pandora’s sky will be the limit for what you and others will make.

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Jewelry is often a favorite; what are the first items you will make for Na’vi cosplay?

Discover the Movie Sounds & Music of AVATAR

Every movie soundtrack helps make the finished product better. The music of AVATAR and the sounds of AVATAR are central to the movies’ feel, almost as much as the visual elements.

Guest post by Ty Wingfoot

Any movie experience would not be what it is without the music and sounds that are part of the film. The music of AVATAR and the movie sounds play an especially important role in the feel of this film because much it takes place in an alien jungle. You can’t just add in a cricket soundtrack with the occasional jungle bird thrown in, you have to create something all together new. You also can’t rely on some simple guitar or keyboard melody in the background either. For that true suspension of belief, that feeling you’ve been swept away to another world, you need a John Williams type, or in AVATAR’s case, a James Horner type score to match the feel of the film.

The Score

James Horner is responsible for the music in AVATAR. You might remember that he did the score for James Cameron’s Titanic, which is the best selling orchestral soundtrack of all time. Horner is known for Celtic music and electronic elements in his scores. Horner has also worked on several Star Trek scores and the music of other epic motion pictures like Enemy at the Gates, Troy and Willow.

While this score does sound similar to other scores he has done, what matters most is that the score fits the film, adds to the film and even all by itself is worth listening to as a soundtrack.

The Theme Song

The theme song to AVATAR, and the only song on the soundtrack not performed by James Horner, is I See You, sung by Leona Lewis. Leona is a Simon Cowell project who came to prominence through her appearance on the British show The X Factor. Leona’s music may be too sweet for some, but her style fits right in with the theme song and is a good choice for the music of AVATAR. James Horner and Simon Franglen did write the song for Lewis. They also wrote My Heart Will Go On for Celine Dion.

The Sound Effects

The AVATAR movie sounds were done so well that the film won a Golden Reel Award under the Best Sound Editing: Sound Effects and Foley, in a feature film category. AVATAR also won a Golden Reel award for Best Sound Editing: Music in a Feature Film.

The film required not only the standard machine gun type and space vehicle sound effects, but also sounds for the animals and the jungle noises that had to be created as entirely new and unique to represent an alien land. The Na’vi language was commissioned by Cameron and created as a separate, spoken language for the Na’vi people.

Sound effects aren’t something you can always create from scratch. In AVATAR, the effects were sometimes created by building upon existing animal sounds and other sound elements to achieve a completely new effect. For example, some of the sound effects may sound similar to Jurassic Park because some of the animals are dinosaur like.

AVATAR used Oscar winning mixer Christopher Boyes to create the unique sounds of AVATAR. Boyes worked on Titanic, Lord of the Rings and King Kong, just to name a few. Boyes didn’t just come on at the end in post-production, but worked in the actual sound effects throughout the filming of the move. In fact, James Cameron went back and filmed additional scenes after the sound effects were already introduced – many more scenes than Boyes had expected even though Cameron had told him…expect it.

In the end, the sound effects were integrated thoroughly into the film, and helped movie goers truly transport themselves to another time and place.

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What's your favorite thing about the music in Avatar? And how does it contribute to the experience of the film?

A Look At The Software Used In AVATAR

AVATAR is a film that was created by technically complex software. There were more than half a dozen pieces of software used in AVATAR. Several thousand shots were created with the software. Here's a look at the software used to make the movie.

Guest post by Ty Wingfoot

AVATAR is by far the most expensive, technically challenging and visually stunning film to date.

AVATAR has raised the bar on what is possible from an effects perspective and of course, most of the work and money was because of the software. Weta Digital is the New Zealand effects company that James Cameron used to bring AVATAR alive. Weta Digital also worked on other visually awesome films such as King Kong and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Weta Digital used more than just one software package. They used half a dozen pieces of software to make AVATAR, as well as some custom built software and applications of its own. Much of the work went into building the virtual world of Pandora, and Weta had to create a virtual camera for James Cameron to use to scout locations and film in the virtual world.

Here we take a look at the software that was used to make the movie.

RenderMan

One of the pieces of software used in AVATAR was Renderman, which is an application created and sold by Pixar. The software is used for rendering 3D animation and visual effects. According to Pixar, Renderman has been used on every visual effects Academy Award winner for the last 15 years. Renderman comes in several varieties from standard to RenderMan Studio and Renderman for Maya.

Zbrush

Zbrush is another piece of software used in AVATAR in the concept designs to do such things as create the look of the Na’vi people and the head of the Banshee. Xbrush is kind of like a digital sculpting tool that works in real time with 2D and 3D effects. Zbrush also lets you paint images with color, material and textures, and allows you to change the canvas. Zbrush is good for post-production work, but is more widely geared for pre-production to allow for the viewing of changes to models, props, sets and costumes quickly and easily.

Autodesk Maya and More

Autodesk Maya, often referred to as just Maya, is software that is used for 3D animation, 3D modeling, rendering and more. Maya was not the only Autodesk software used in AVATAR. According to the Autodesk website, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, Softimage, 3ds Max and Flame software were also used. These applications were used by fourteen different effects companies including Weta Digital in the making of the movie. MotionBuilder is what helped put the characters in the environment. According to James Cameron, “You're creating a kind of live video game of the performance of the scene."

Massive

Massive is software used in AVATAR to do things like create the ground cover. This allowed the effects team to grow plants from digital seeds and the forest to grow in real time. They grew big trees and then smaller trees. The big trees would affect the growth of the smaller trees and in the end, the environment simulated a real forest. Massive is traditionally used to generate and visualize crowd behavior. More specifically, Massive is used to control agents, which are characters who perform on their own.

Putting It All Together

The software and computer programs used to make AVATAR were more than just the sum of each part. It wasn’t just one software package used for one aspect and another program used for another aspect. Software was used for various parts and rolled into other aspects and programs were created within these programs to do just what was needed. All of the software used in AVATAR came together to create the world James Cameron wanted. Making a movie, especially a computer graphic intensive movie, has many steps and likely has used many applications along the way. There were probably lots of other software used in AVATAR in addition to the ones above, but not mentioned by the production team as they are considered basic tools of the trade or played smaller roles in the development of AVATAR. Sponsored by Panasonic VIERA. Return to the world of AVATAR in stunning full HD with the Panasonic VIERA HD TV.

What digital effects impressed you most in AVATAR?

Should You View AVATAR in IMAX 3D or RealD This Summer?

With AVATAR coming back to selected theaters this summer, many fans will face and important decision about where to see the 3D-film. Is it better to see the movie AVATAR in IMAX3D or RealD 3D? The differences between RealD 3D and IMAX 3D are not huge, but they are important.Here's what you need to know.

Guest post by Ty Wingfoot

With the planned re-release of AVATAR in theatres this August, now might be the best time to decide if watching AVATAR in IMAX 3D or RealD 3D is the best way to go. With more 3D movies to come, including a sequel to AVATAR, knowing the best venue will improve your overall 3D experience in the future. AVATAR is more than just a CGI intensive movie: the movie was planned and created as a 3D experience. IMAX and RealD both have their advantages and their place, but as you will be investing your time and money into seeing this three hour flick, you need to consider which one to take advantage of, rather than just guessing.

IMAX 3D

IMAX has been around longer than RealD as a technology and venue to watch 3D films. Most major cities have at least one IMAX theater, but many smaller cities and other countries do not have IMAX theaters. Most IMAX locations, even though they may be in your area, may not be as conveniently located as your local theater. When deciding whether to watch AVATAR in IMAX 3D or RealD 3D you should decide what type of experience you want to have.

IMAX has a much bigger screen and the technology works to have more things pop off the screen, providing more of that ‘really cool’ experience. However, because of IMAX limitations, you may have to hold your head just right to get the best picture and some details can be lost in dark and fast action scenes. Most of the IMAX screens are analog, and only last year did they start using digital screens which are a good bit smaller than the analog screens. Because of the eye popping effects that IMAX 3D offers, it can be more taxing to watch. Watching the nearly three hour AVATAR in IMAX 3D may be a bit much for some people. If you really want the AVATAR extreme experience, IMAX is more likely to provide it. IMAX glasses are a bit more uncomfortable though.

RealD 3D

RealD 3D is the new kid on the block, but many theaters now have RealD 3D. If you live in a smaller town you probably only have one option, so choosing to watch AVATAR in IMAX 3D or RealD may have been settled for you. If you have a choice or are willing to drive for the best experience, you will want to consider that RealD 3D is crisper and better for seeing details and action than IMAX. The Real3D glasses are also nicer and fit well over regular eyeglasses. RealD 3D does still have realistic 3D effects, it just takes place more in the screen than off of it.

3D vs. 3D – Which One Is Best?

Whether you should watch AVATAR in IMAX 3D or RealD 3D largely depends on what you expect. If you have seen it one way and have the time and money, try it the other way. If you have yet to see AVATAR and just want to find out what it’s all about, go for the IMAX theater, as long as you don’t have any health conditions. If you are a highly detailed person, go for the RealD 3D, even if you have seen it before because you’ll likely see more details this time. And if you're worried that 3D might give you dizziness or vertigo, choose a seat as far in the back of the theater and as close to the center as possible to limit any queasiness you may experience during more 3D intensive scenes.

Sponsored by Panasonic VIERA. Return to the world of AVATAR in stunning full HD with the Panasonic VIERA HD TV.

Will you go to the theaters to see the re-release of AVATAR when it comes – or only if there is extra footage released?

Hosting an AVATAR Party? Tips for Creating Your Own AVATAR-Themed Party Decorations!

Learn how to create your own personalized AVATAR party decorations by following these step-by-step directions. Have fun hosting an AVATAR movie party for all your friends and wow them with these one-of-a-kind decorations. Directions for making an AVATAR pinata and creating a Pandora planet atmosphere are included.

Guest post by Donna Cosmato

Writer and director James Cameron’s Oscar-winning film AVATAR the Movie was released on DVD in April 2010. Here is a guide to creating AVATAR party decorations that will have friends calling you “the AVATAR host” of the year. From creating a Pandora rain-forest effect to decorating tables and cakes, these party decorations and tips are perfect for creating a movie party ‘hit’.

Re-creating Pandora in Homes

The key to creating the look and feel of this fictional planet is a focus on the same elements used in the movie. Stark contrasts of black, cobalt or royal blue, and silver combined with lush plant life work best. Decorate with hanging baskets and planters of green foliage and use either living or artificial plants. Put some plants on pedestals and others on the floor – the idea is to stagger the heights to create the illusion of a rain forest. Borrow some plants from friends and family if necessary, but do not be afraid of overdoing the greenery. Dust off the tabletop water fountains and use a sound machine or sound effects music as background, but keep it subtle.

Drape blue and black crepe paper streamers around the room and tables, and use lots of silvery Mylar balloons for an alien planet effect. Keep lighting low or use low-wattage bulbs or tea lights. The atmosphere should be somewhat eerie and extraterrestrial.

Make an AVATAR Piñata

This inexpensive but impressive piñata can be completed in less than an hour and requires just a few supplies. To find a printable AVATAR image, simply type the words “free AVATAR the movie pics” into any search engine, and choose an image.

Supplies list:

· Paper grocery bag

· AVATAR image or picture

· Newspaper

· Black and blue tissue paper

· Stapler

· Rubber cement

· Small candies or toys

· String or cord

Here are easy step-by-step directions:

1. Open the bag and place the candies or toys inside.

2. Staple the bag, and then decorate it with the tissue paper.

3. Glue the picture to the front of the bag, and then affix cord to the top as a hanger.

Here are some other suggestions for inexpensive AVATAR-themed party decorations:

· Cover a table with a black table cloth, and then add a cobalt blue table runner. Sprinkle silver confetti on the runner and add blue and black individual wrapped candies. Set a black bowl full of deep blue and silver balls in the center. (Hint: raid the Christmas tree decorations.)

· Serve blue gelatin desserts, blue-tinged drinks, and chocolate cake decorated with AVATAR edible cake images.

· Make AVATAR posters with poster board. Draw images of AVATAR characters like Corporal Jake Sully or Neytiri, or use free images from the Internet.

· Buy cheap paper products in black, blue, and silver and use them as table decorations.

Following some or all of these great tips for AVATAR-theme party decorations is one key element of hosting a movie night party – buying a copy of the movie is the other. Dress in native garb and encourage friends to dress in Na’vi costume and the decorations are complete.

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Who would you most want to invite to an AVATAR party?

Top Sites to Buy AVATAR Na’vi Costumes

If you are considering whether to buy an AVATAR Na’vi costume, check this list of sites where you can find the most complete choices. Take a sneak peek at the costumes for the AVATAR Na’vi - licensed costumes due out in September 2010. You can also consider whether you want to buy original designs by artists and fans, sold on eBay. We also look at sites that have the accessories and details to make your costumes complete.

Guest post by Rebecca Scudder

AVATAR Na'vi costumes are predicted to be among the most popular costumes this Halloween, according to almost every costume site online. 20th Century Fox has officially licensed costumes, but currently very few pictures are available. Costume stores are advising people to preorder to get a costume in time, and say the costumes may not be available until late September. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have to live without your AVATAR costume this year, though. There are several good places where you can find AVATAR Na’vi costumes.

One of the best places to buy a variety of AVATAR costume items is eBay, since they have commercial storefronts like Costumes2U. On this site you can find great fan-made original AVATAR costume items.   Licensed AVATAR costumes are also sold on this site. Judging from the licensed costume images, they are basically body suits. This means you should plan on finding separate masks, makeup and wigs.

REEL MAGIK FX on eBay offers detailed parts for an AVATAR Na’vi face. This site has foam latex Na’vi masks, Na’vi ears, and the special makeup needed for foam latex for sale. They come unpainted. This looks like an original design, so there will not be many Na’vi AVATARs with the exact same costume.

Costumesupercenter.com will sell licensed costumes when they are in stock, but they currently have no costume images available. They are taking emails for notification when the costumes are ready. They also carry makeup and such items as elf ears that you could paint blue.

Costumekingdom.com will sell licensed costumes once available. In the meantime, they have a great element that would work for Na’vi hair - the Corpse Bride wig.

Bestcostumesite.com has a listing for AVATAR in their licensed themes, and no pictures. They do have some neat wigs that could be incorporated into your costume. Their long brown hippie wig with braids and beads, and their Rasta wig with a strong resemblance to Na’vi hair.

Mrcostume.com also carries licensed AVATAR Na’vi costumes to buy- and they actually have a picture that shows people wearing the costumes. It is emphasized on the site that fans should buy their AVATAR costumes as soon as possible, because they are anticipating high demand.

The site that seemed largest was buycostumes.com, where they had a variety of items which could be used as part of a Na’vi costume. Unlike any other site I found, buycostume.com carries a set of realistic blue hands, for Dr. Manhattan. One detail missing from the AVATAR costumes that have been pictured is a lack of the tails found on every Na’vi. buycostumes.com carries an inexpensive tail for the SophistiCats which could be covered with blue fabric.

Once licensed costumes are released to stores, the same costume will be available on most sites. There are slight price differences at different stores, so when you go to buy your costume, comparison shopping may save you some money. If you want to buy something different from the Na’vi AVATAR costume licensed by 20^th Century Fox, you will need to search a little harder. Since original designs by artists are already turning up on eBay, I expect you will have a good chance of finding an original costume.

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Jake, Neytiri, Mo'at… Which AVATAR costume would you consider?

AVATAR Party Tricks: Invitations That Look Like AVATAR Tickets

AVATAR invitation tickets are a great way to spread the word about any AVATAR-related party you plan on throwing for any of the special releases that will be occurring throughout 2010 and beyond. Or for that matter, anytime you want to have a viewing party, perhaps after you buy the 3D television you’ve been contemplating. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to do that using the templates that are available on the Web.

Guest post by Dan McGoldrick

AVATAR invitation tickets look like enlarged versions of movie tickets, only they contain the when and where details of the party you are throwing. These invitations are ideal if you’re throwing an AVATAR DVD home-viewing party, especially if you’re the first one of your friends to spring for a new 3D television. You would be sure to draw a crowd when the AVATAR DVD is released in 3D, and what better way to announce the party by sending out AVATAR invitation tickets. The hugely successful, and immensely popular movie, has sparked a rather dedicated following of people that may seek to throw a party with an AVATAR theme for any occasion though. If they don’t bring a ticket (that you took the time to make yourself) send them home, or at least out for more chips.

Since the movie has sparked a useful dialogue and awareness of environmental concerns and issues throughout the world, viewing and DVD-release parties can keep the protection of our own delicate ecosystems in the forefront of consciousness. Environmental groups might want to organize a charity event around it. The fact that art has imitated life, on some levels, in this truly unique cinematic experience, has helped to generate empathy and a call to action that is worth celebrating.

There are a few ways to make your invitations in the form of big AVATAR tickets to announce the details to your friends and family. If you do it yourself, all you will need is your computer connected to the internet, a printer, and some cardstock (Pandora blue is apropos), that you can pick up at any printing shop, Office Depot, or Staples. Of course, in the spirit of the movie, you’ll want to use recyclable card stock to print your AVATAR invitation tickets on, as well as recyclable envelopes.

Here’s Where and How to Make your own Invitations that Look like AVATAR Tickets

· An easy way to do this would be to use templates that are already in the form of ticket invitations, available at Microsoft Office Online.

· Once at the above link, peruse the ticket template options for use in the DTP software of Microsoft Publisher or Microsoft Word.

· Download one that you like into the program specified on the template.

· Manipulate the color schemes to match that of AVATAR. You can find examples all over the web, including the links below, which have printable, ready-made AVATAR tickets already designed.

· The font used for all things AVATAR is called “Papyrus,” so that is what you should set the text to which will announce all the details of the party in. This makes the ticket look authentic.

· Find some AVATAR clipart to upload onto your ticket template, if you’d like, and you’re ready to print once you proof all the details.

· Use some blue color stock and print the tickets according to the size instructions for the template you chose.

For those of you that know printing ready-made tickets (already designed by professional graphic artists) at home is still technically a do it yourself project, the following methods are for you. The first source for printable tickets is at Print My Party, and I think this is your easiest method. Once you’re on their website, you choose the color scheme, graphics, and fonts to your desired specifications. Then just type in the details for your specific event. The next day, they send you the finished project to your email address so you can proof it. Any revisions are free, and then you just print as many as you need. If you'd rather not use snail mail, they give you the option here to simply send your personalized AVATAR invitation to all your guests, via email.

Next, there are freelance graphic designers that do this project here on eBay, for a price. If you want to go that route, you submit your bid and then give all the details of your party and they customize them. They email you the proof and if you approve, print out as many of the personalized AVATAR invitation tickets as you need. There are a number of different ticket styles to choose from, and the level of detail is impressive. So there you have the means to make party invitations that look like AVATAR tickets, sure to be a big hit for any home-viewing or release party.

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Did you keep you AVATAR theater tickets? What do you plan do with them?