Why does Avatar 2 look so real?

[@impatrickt]

hey avatar (and corridor digital) fans - that hand shot is both practical and CGI, as I mentioned in the video. Here’s the receipt. beforesandafters.com/2022/12/21/why-the-cg-water-in-the-way-of-water-looks-so-good/

[@Polymind]

Does glowing fishes = lamp ?

[@impatrickt]

@@Polymind maybe

[@Polymind]

Organic lamps

[@deadpoet566]

Lamps supremacy

[@jesserochon3103]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. These are not animated movies. They are performance capture movies. Real 3d space with real actors, skinned over in hyper real CGI. There was not one moment where my brain pulled me out of the movie. Everything looked that damn real. Incredible what Cameron and team have achieved.

[@joemama7134]

It took James Cameron and the whole crew 13 years to travel to Pandora and learn the Navi’s native language, also cast some real Navi people. That’s why it’s so real. Man, the dedication!

[@tischvier3880]

6 years to fly there and shoot on Location on Pandora for a year and then fly back 6 years

[@zackhickey4922]

@@tischvier3880 25 years ago that would've been more realistic than shooting this movie with CGI

[@djdravax5412]

So much dedication to everything except the sequels story that had to much made up stuff that didn't coincide with the original. They had 13 years yet still Grace somehow had a daughter despite being dead, and Quaritch had a son in which we didn't know about, nor that he had a wife. It's like a 8 year was telling their parent what to put in the story while reading them a book and they were like "Oh mommy add in that Grace had a daughter and Quaritch has a son" and the mom is telling them that Grace wasn't pregnant and Quaritch was single and the kid said "just add them in anyway".

[@BongRip]

@@zackhickey4922 no it wouldn’t have, the cgi would be just as unrealistic as flying there for real

[@florenciahoracio8517]

​@@djdravax5412 kinda, but about the grace thing; it doesn't matter that she was dead because her avatar body was the one pregnant, so when she died her avatar body didn't, is just exist in one of those capsules, they even wonder who could the father be and they will probably explore that in other movies. And the general doesn't have a wife (i think) they said he was a baby when the general died, so he had him in Pandora and probably didn't have an strict relationship with the mother

[@aryantejasva4413]

I guess the main thing that seperates this movie from the original visually was the close ups .The close up shots in this movie were incredible. Whenever anyone was interacting with tulkun you could literally feel the skin texture of tulkun. In the scene with Ronal and Tulkun, the eye of Tulkun looked way too much real. They really nailed the cgi skin. Just amazing.

[@connor56347]

The blending of the live action elements (specifically real people) and the CG environments also looked much better. The original still had that greenscreen look to it whenever the non CG characters were shown in the full CG backdrops. They also only had one real scene with a Navi interacting with a normal scale person whereas in this it was happening constantly which is incredibly difficult to pull off.

[@iandeming]

Totally agreed! The closeups were insane

[@roger72715]

I concur

[@work90]

I disagree. The close ups in the 1st were still on par. It's only tha far away shots whenever the navi grouped together that looks a bit wonky

[@zero-vi6gl]

@@work90 no the Hammer thing looked like a ps1 game

[@idgaf4184]

The CGI is so good that it doesn’t feel like CGI when I watch the movie. It felt like the place was real and the characters are real. It felt normal but that’s because it’s SO DAMN GOOD. Idk how to explain it in words tbh. Truly revolutionary

[@psychoblack1411]

its easy to hide cgi in a movie that is all cgi lol

[@Zatheyll]

@@psychoblack1411 That's not the point people are making. The movie didn't LOOK like CGI. None of it. Watching it, it felt like you were actually there, that all of it was real, and filmed on site. It didn't feel like you were watching a fully "CGI" movie. None of it looked like CGI in the first place. You can't "hide" CGI among CGI when none of it looks like CGI to begin with.

[@psychoblack1411]

@@Zatheyll not saying its not good ..im saying good cgi is still a cgi animation x no matter how well of a job they did at making it look real and animating the cgi..looking real and a being real are two very different things. avatar is an animation because all the visuals are animated graphics placed over motion capture locators to make the animations look more natural.

[@311kratos]

@@psychoblack1411 what's your point exactly? You're just stating the obvious while the original comment is complementing how good the CGI is. It's actually beyond good it's years ahead of its time.

[@psychoblack1411]

@@311kratos just compliment the movie as a whole then because everything in it was cgi.

[@ZachACameraGuy]

The fact that these actors and actresses can ACT so emotionally in a completely "empty" environment is impressive to say the least

[@nelsonminator]

It's called acting. You use your imagination. People that need envirioments and other actors to play a scene are reactors.

[@fellowdanbarber3323]

What do you think happens at auditions and script readings? 🤦🏻‍♂️ 😂

[@Lunar_h1]

That's my first thought always literally it's like you have to feel those from you within that's impressive.

[@csd7663]

@@nelsonminator you're so cool

[@csd7663]

@@fellowdanbarber3323 you're so cool

[@Speedytrip]

I typically spot CGI from a mile away, and I watched Avatar yesterday and it's simply amazing. The creativity, the physics, the attention to detail, the movements of all the characters and animals, the water, the lighting, reflections, the sound, etc, simply insane. Some movies don't look too great 1-2 decades later, this movie will look just as beautiful 50 years from now.

[@TheeeDanielR]

Looks better in 3D imax HFT!

[@Speedytrip]

@@TheeeDanielR I'm sure it does! Even in good old plain 3D it was spectacular :)

[@rainedans8684]

damn, now I'm curious

[@spiritseas]

it’s confusing to me how people are saying this because in the trailer, and that’s all i’ve seen, the movements and everything looks so unnatural and so fake. is the official trailer looking way different than the real movie?… if it’s not i don’t know how anyone can be saying how real the movie looks.

[@Speedytrip]

@@spiritseas I had the same impression from the trailer, the hair didnt look great underwater….but the movie was perfect.

[@LFPAnimations]

I work in VFX and I wanted to clarify a point you made about the tech being available to all filmmakers. Often the difference between good CGI and great CGI isn't the actual technology, it is the artistry. Sure, they have some proprietary tools that make this stuff work, but for the most part motion capture is a standard in the industry and has been used on A LOT of movies. You can even do a basic version of it using an iphone's Lidar camera. The difference between a small to medium budget production and a James Cameron production is that he is bringing the best team in the world forward. 90% of motion capture needs to be cleaned up by an artist. For any given shot there are hundreds of creative decisions that must be made which directly impact how realistic it feels to an audience. These decisions are not trivial and require a lot of experience to master. The genius of James Cameron is how he utilizes it and how he picks his team. It is also in the absolute magic that Weta FX has cultivated at their studio. If you gave an indie filmmaker access to all the tools that Cameron and Weta FX used on Avatar, they wouldn't even be able to use them.

[@impatrickt]

For sure. Just like how we all have cameras that can make a movie on us at all times. It didn’t turn everyone into Stanley Kubrick.

[@LFPAnimations]

@@impatrickt Not to berate my point too much here, but it is closer to having access to a camera without a crew of 1000 extras to film lawrence of arabia. Avatar took thousands of artists and it is because each discipline within 3D animation and VFX takes years to get good at. That being said, filmmakers can still create some incredible things with a couple people and blender and it is really cool we are living in a time where anybody can use these tools.

[@starspangledboobear7055]

As a motion editor artist dealing with facial performance capture on a daily basis, my mind was simply blown when I watched The Way Of Water. The facial animation in this film is _insanely_ good and I feel like the people that will appreciate it the most are those within the VFX industry, as only they know what a tremendous team effort goes into creating such an amazing animation.

[@xGaLoSx]

I don't think there's any director out there that's working at Camerons level right now. I'd love to give the guy an IQ test.

[@tr3c00l91]

On top of talent I'd say the biggest factor in VFX is time (& money). James Cameron gets an absolutely incredible amount of time to finish his projects. In the last few years all the projects I worked on never get enough time to make it believable. There is always the last 10% that are missing. Especially with Marvel movies but also with many other IPs. My 2 cents from a VFX artists stand point.

[@kagithkagith]

I couldn't stop staring at the Na'vi in this film because their faces looked incredibly real. Not all actors have the best range in terms of facial performances, but a few standouts like Zoe Saldana and Kate Winslet really draw you in with just their faces at times. It puts Thanos CGI to shame (in the best way possible)

[@janmajer4662]

Don't forget Sigourney Weaver

[@Jaimyx77]

I agree to this! Amen! 🥺

[@rexibhazoboa7097]

I was hoping he would mention Alita’s CGI. That certainly holds up to this

[@3n3j0t4]

@@AnywhereMiami chronically online neckbeard

[@lanalan4157]

Thanos looked way more real...avatars look plastic

[@Navi_Silver]

I don't care about what people say when they tell that the scenario is basic, unoriginal. The film itself is freaking great and I can say the 13 years of wait well worth it. A movie doesn't necessarily need the best scenario possible ever to be enjoyable. Still looking forward for what's coming up.

[@TulkunRider]

The story was fine.. Those who are complaining about it are idiots, with the same logic every superhero movie is basic. There is a bad guy. A good guy. The hero beads the bad guy and saves the world.

[@theunwantedson]

its just start 3 more to go waiting for next part

[@LunarXZ_]

@@TulkunRider yeah… and that’s why mcu movies get criticized so much because it’s true

[@wilma7612]

The story isnt even finished yet

[@Yousuckdeeznuts]

Yes exactly.

[@andril210]

to me, the best thing about the movie is how the human kid interact with every un real things and still keeps smooth and real, haven't seen much people talking about it

[@lovingbritt]

so true his performance was amazing as well!!

[@fase1doughnut]

I was thinking about that during the movie, it’s a very clever way to show off just how believable the CG is that you don’t question it for a second

[@arjun-j2g9o]

@@fase1doughnut video games r doing these for decades so what's new

[@fase1doughnut]

@@arjun-j2g9o what? No they haven’t

[@lilstinker7361]

Tbh I kind of felt the human kid being in the same frame as the avatars really took me out of the experience because it made everything else look extremely CGI around him. It just broke the immersion I would feel every time I saw him. (You don't have to agree btw, just my personal experience)

[@loganastrup6870]

Avatar the Way Of Water was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the theater before. Loved the movie not just because of the CGI but because the story was more relatable and emotional this time. See it in IMAX 3D if you can

[@ViktorL595]

Already did and it was Awesome!

[@embryolk2770]

made me cry multiple times, I dont really care if people disliked it, I loved it.

[@goopie7393]

Yes and their family was so beautiful ❤

[@Denny_Boi]

I was also surprised how emotional and grounded it was.

[@LunarXZ_]

3D ruins movies

[@ArchThaBoss]

Visually speaking I’ve never seen anything like this in cinema. I’ve seen the movie twice. Hell he even nailed the Navi babies. I’ve NEVER seen a cgi baby that looked, moved, and felt real. The way hair reacts in water is insane. You can even see the color change when sunlight reflects off hair and it’s different for both races of aliens. There’s not a single point in the movie where it felt fake. I never once has to suspend my disbelief. I was all in from the first scene and fully immersed. I’m gonna go see it for a 3rd time on Tuesday

[@jackcapellini113]

@ArchThaBoss: I would say that the weakest CG element in the movie was the fire. It just looked a bit too saturated and blurry in some shots. But other than that, the movie looked phenomenal!!

[@srayj]

It’s funny, the babies still felt a bit uncanny valley to me, but definitely an improvement over creepy Twilight baby.

[@crumblebee6728]

How many cg babies have you seen?

[@braydynniewiadomski4006]

Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world to save mankind from death and hell and offer instead the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. He was buried for three days and rose from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures. Repent and believe on His name and you will be saved! God bless you and your family.

[@Kevinschart]

I just watched it. Sure I get that it's incredibly difficult to bring all this to the screen, but if the story and performances don't move me, what am I watching it for? Movie makers have conquered special effects. I don't watch movies now and say "WOW! How did they do that?!" because just about anything can be done now, as long as you have the budget. It's the exact same reason I'm done watching the marvel movies. Give me a compelling story or I'm not watching it in theatres. Avatar is dead to me.

[@Chronocrits]

Avatar 2 made me believe there were actual creatures and physical representations. It was a mesmerising experience.

[@psychoblack1411]

i feel like you need to watch some more animation movies if you enjoyed this one !

[@Chronocrits]

@@psychoblack1411 No, I watch plenty of animation films, thank you.

[@psychoblack1411]

@@Chronocrits and you've added one more animated movie to your list if you have seen avatar 2

[@cesruhf2605]

This movie is such a breath of fresh air even if people call it unoriginal story wise

[@ellie_olivia.]

Agree frr

[@NormanWasHere452]

Yh and for me I go to see this movie for the experience, to be taken to a different place not to watch an amazing script play out

[@ThelVadam7777]

Story doesn’t have to be insane to be a good movie

[@kevwoods2024]

James Cameron has taken a simple story and made it work. It’s truly wonderful to watch.

[@parrotplatoon5015]

​@@ThelVadam7777 Which is funny because most movies currently seem to have a very simple storyline, that way people don't have to think too hard and can just sit back and watch the spectacle, and people will be quick to call it a good movie. Then you have movies like Annihilation with a more complex story that seem to not perform as well.

[@PixlPlayer]

Watching this movie in 3D was an unparalleled movie-going experience. Fully engrossed for the entire 3 hour 10 minute runtime. I can’t wait to see it again.

[@wingedhussar1453]

We're u high

[@lux7459]

@@wingedhussar1453 geeked in the east

[@jay-ku2kv]

@@wingedhussar1453 my buddy was tryna grab the fish

[@Sofia8687]

@@jay-ku2kv same thing!

[@Mitksi]

it was great! everything looked so real, I understand that 3d movies in general get this a lot but with avatar I mean it. watching it in 3d felt like I was really there like it was a real experience like I could feel and taste the water. it was crazy!

[@lippi2171]

This is the most technologically advanced film I've ever seen, nothing even comes close visually. How good it looked and worked was just absurd. And I think it's because it was shot like a normal film: every motion, gesture and mimicry was real, even the camera work is real. Amazing film

[@estebansgiron]

I went to see it yesterday and I loved it. I've heard complaints from people about how the movie is too long and there are a bunch of unnecessary scenes, but I felt all these scene were there because James Cameron is really committed to immersion. The whole movie is just one big immersive experience alongside the Sully family. I genuinely can't wait to return to Pandora in the next films and see the technological achievements they will have for those.

[@DC-fi4kt]

It is long but It didnt feel long to me, at all.

[@indiansouls8357]

I totally agree with you 💯👍

[@roncheong4198]

i feel like peoples' attention spans are so short nowadays. you have long movies and you have short movies. It is what it is. who complains about a long movie? i want more value for my money if i'm paying movie prices.

[@Metzli]

I don't mind a long film but there should have been a break halfway :(

[@AdrienBurg]

I'm not sure there will be much technical differences among the next avatars since they have all been shot already

[@PorscheMonster]

The term "performance capture" is spot on and supports the premise that talented actors are still required for this hybrid form of filming. Great video... Thanks for breaking it down.

[@daxmj09]

The way they filmed Avatar 2 reminded me how video games were made. I specifically remember games like Assassin's Creed 4 and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) which utilized motion capture. Such an amazing way on how to utilize CGI especially on a movie

[@ktbeatty]

You're spot on. Even better comps would be Naughty Dog with say "Last of Us" or Santa Monica with "God of War." What Cameron is doing here is exactly how they made those games a decade ago. The only reason Avatar looks better is the static nature of film which allows them render each scene for hours while a game on a PlayStation has to deliver and render most of it real time.

[@dotinthedirt1]

this is exactly how I felt, there were so many times where it felt like I was watching a video game cutscene because in the new God of War the cutscenes are shot exactly the same as Avatar.

[@Moody1996]

Finally someone said it! The entire time I was thinking the movie looks like one incredible cut scene from a well developed video game.

[@DrJD123]

Pretty sure rockstar used a lot of motion/performance capture on Red Dead Redemption 2 as well.

[@austin_eguia]

James Cameron is the reason games record like that. His team invented the technology.

[@LiquidMarvel]

I love how he builds his worlds. Personally I hope they digitised the world to allow us all to explore Pandora via console, PC or VR

[@ConkerXk]

isn't some game coming next year or so?

[@lucasjohansson2158]

@@ConkerXk Yes, release date is sometime 2023

[@aquadavie2]

oh my gosh avatar would go so well with VR cause that's like that's basically what the humans do in the movie

[@juanisimo7]

It's great to see the bts comparisons and appreciate how well the CGI captured the facial expressions of the actors. I think it's the future, but it can coexist with the classic way of making movies.. And I think that the actors and all the people who work to make the best audiovisual experience deserve more respect and recognition.

[@WeCulture_]

There were moments in the movie where I was like “that’s such a beautiful scenery” then I realized it was all cgi lol. I honestly didn’t want the movie to end.

[@DirectorBongHts]

I was sitting in the movie theatre and one of the scenes where they were diving into the water. Right before the moment of impact I caught myself taking in a massive breath of air before blinking a few times and looking down at my feet. I have never been more immersed in any piece of media than I was when I saw that movie.

[@Terminoux]

Me too! I felt the tension of every scene and it really felt like I was there! I was so immersed to the point that my friend had to shake me a few times to get me to notice them XD But after we finished watching it, two of my friends think it's generic and boring and I was kinda disappointed that they didn't see the beautiful world building of this movie but well everyone has their own opinions so I have to respect that. Also props to the foley artists too for also making the sound effects sound so real coz man that was one heck of an experience! :D

[@Forfeitdemeanor]

Yeap. Trying to duck to see under the sea line lol

[@lidya_D23]

Also me,,,

[@tobz475]

Same, i was holding my breath especially when loak hunted by pandoran shark.

[@crazee4mm]

4 times (so far) in IMAX 3-D and it just keeps getting better each time. I am taking my friends to it just so I can make the excuse of seeing it again and again. Saw the original again a few months ago (thanks for re-releasing it in IMAX 3-D again!) and I was instantly transformed back into the world of Pandora again. These films are transcendent when watched BIG, in IMAX 3-D, and with a sound system that is loud but not overbearing. That perfect combination of exhibition technology combined with the technology that created this phenomenal masterpiece creates an immersive experience second to none offered in the cinema. Like the logo in the IMAX theater teases, "See a movie, or be part of one". With this one, you're a part of it. Thank you Mr. Cameron. I didn't think you could do it again, but you did!

[@zayxoxo]

you’re an absolute legend. i just watched it for the first time a few hours ago. i just have a question if you wouldn’t mind answering: which one did you enjoy more/think is better? the 1st, or the 2nd? or do you just enjoy the entire experience and rather not compare the two? (no wrong answer) thanks.

[@filipladan7756]

Sadly I didn't have that amazing of an experience with the 3D, mostly becuase it was very dark becuase there is no IMAX theater where I live, and for some reason it got blurry in some of the scenes (Or my eyesight is going). Either way, I will defently see it again without 3D or take a small trip to a city which has IMAX.

[@crazee4mm]

@@zayxoxo I thought the first one had more of a "wow" factor to it. The 2nd one, trod familiar territory for a while then blew me away once the film went underwater. As this was new to the series, the ocean scenes were amazing, completely believable, and immersive beyond my wildest expectations. These movies, when exhibited as intended, draw you in like a great book. It's a long, winding, beautiful adventure that allows the viewers the luxury of entering this world instead of just watching it as an outsider. It will be a sad day when this movie leaves my local IMAX theater (AMC at Universal Studios Hollywood) and becomes available only on TV. I will probably rewatch this on a weekly basis while it's in IMAX 3-D.

[@zayxoxo]

@@crazee4mm thank you for this reply, i really appreciate it. great outlook and great takes all around. cheers, i’m going to go watch the movie again this upcoming week.

[@Beelzebubby91]

@@filipladan7756 I saw it in regular 3D too and I think some pieces were blurry to make others “pop out”. Or maybe my glasses didn’t fit right, idk.

[@amanofnoreputation2164]

Cameron's CG is what people imagined CG would be like when it became a big thing in the 90's -- early 2000's. It always got better over time but never really floored people like it did when it was initially used and this huge possibility of what film could do seemed to be opening up. This is that possibility that was promised but so rarely delivered.

[@jesserochon3103]

The only time I can remember CGI flooring people (until Avatar took the world by storm) was the T-Rex in Jurassic Park. Most CGI looks crap to good but it just doesn't wow cuz it's just sorta there and still kinda looks like CGI. Like you can stick your finger through it. But some how Cameron and team have cracked the code. Everything in Avatar 2 looks somehow real and in the flesh. Insane.

[@MollyHJohns]

@@jesserochon3103 agree with the T-Rex. The super close up animatronic head though helped a lot more to solidify the realness of the animal. That movie was ahead of its time back then. Other production houses using heavy CGI today though just couldn't wait a decade to get into the current market, plus they're practically enslaving the crew, so they lose big time.

[@metoo3342]

@@jesserochon3103 the Jurassic world movies and transformers have exceptional cgi too

[@peterlenham3180]

@@jesserochon3103 Terminator 2 amazed people first. That film revolutionised CGI into what it is today.

[@peterlenham3180]

Terminator 2 revolutionised CGI into what it is today. That film had the very first early motion capture for a CGI character. Both Avatar films wouldn't be possible if it weren't for that film.

[@abthewatcher04]

While seeing the movie I went "Damn... this looks so real " countless times. For the most part I forgot about VFX/Animation and I was just in awe of how each shot of each person, object or scene looked so damn good 🤯

[@impatrickt]

same

[@Doty6String]

Visually arresting. The whole thing was just surreal. When Natiri came out from behind that tree in the beginning and I saw her face and eyes, it was just incredible.

[@j.u.c.o]

I was as blown away by the visuals of the 2nd as I was the first movie. I'm a graphic designer, not a video creator, but the attention to detail and overall level of textures & lighting to ne was a huge step. Truly impressive. I could hardly tell what was rendered vs live action.

[@wat7546]

It felt too real that I was constantly asking myself "how did they perfectly capture these scenes and why does it look so real?!!" It's mind boggling.

[@JacksonSchrenk]

One of the most immersive movies ever, definitely needs to be seen in theaters.

[@TheBleeedingOfMe]

It honestly might just be the best looking film of all time, Everything in that world felt so real and so organic it is just insane.

[@Dead4911]

It's visually fucking ugly though, and is just made to look like a blockbuster. The Cgi is about as good as a rockstar game, but I can't walk around as an avatar so that doesn't mean much, and the movie has no visual creativity.

[@TheBleeedingOfMe]

Clearly you have no idea what you're talking about, Look into the making of the film it literally is visually creative in its own nature.

[@ashwinnaidoo796]

@@Dead4911 huh?? This is potentially one of the most visually stunning and creative movies of all time

[@ZiaGameDev]

@@ashwinnaidoo796 they mustve went to see avatar 2 and accidentally watched a newer marvel movie instead. If so their description is spot on

[@jay-ku2kv]

@@Dead4911 you watched a rip off

[@RagingBrachy]

This is the BEST looking movie i have E V E R seen, it was downright beautiful!

[@senshai1267]

Avatar 2 was a blast on IMAX ! The visuals were so crazy

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Avatar 2 was very real to me. More so than many "real" live action films. James Cameron said it in your edit, that he focuses on the actors' performances. With that focus, the characters come alive, making the rest of the image/scene more acceptable/believable. I think this technology is a good thing for the future of filmmaking. As virtual sets improve with technological growth, they become cheaper in costs. Just like digital cameras "democratized" filmmaking, because it made filmmaking more accessible to more people because the instantaneousness of digital capture eliminated the post production costs of processing and printing film. The digital format also makes VFX easier and cheaper. With movie theaters having to compete with streaming platforms, the effect of improving technology making filmmaking cheaper will hopefully lead to films that continue to premier in theaters and not just online. I will always want to see movies in a theater. There's no other experience like it.

[@sicurr1]

So, one of the first known "Performance Captures" that I know of was Gollum from the Lord of the Rings movies. Andy Serkis has basically been pioneering and fighting for this type of acting to be considered acting for years. A lot of his performances most people wouldn't even notice, so much so that he hasn't really earned an award for these performances because people thought it was just really good CGI and voice acting. He played Caesar in the planet of the apes films, King Kong, Supreme Leader Snoke, and various other characters. It's actually called CGI-Assisted Acting by many, however I do prefer Performance Capture by far as a name for this technique. James Cameron saw the potential in these techniques and the entire first movie was done this way as well. It's all quite fascinating.

[@Zoranurai13]

Everything looked so clean. Yes some of the moments due to the framerate looked a little game-y and some moments had a little bit of stutter. Overall though it looked like next gen cinema. The water scenes were mesmerizing

[@davadh]

Videogames will need another 20 years to render Avatar 2 in realtime

[@codedxxx]

25 - 40. There are still many tech demos from back in the day unachievable today.

[@tomgu2285]

Yep.

[@BlackEagle352]

Reason is because hardware vendors are gatekeepers.

[@Skrenja]

I disagree. I think around 10.

[@davadh]

@@Skrenja 😯

[@servancastillo986]

As an artist who works with storyboards, people need to thank artists, and respect what we do, because it doesn't come easy, it takes time, and passion, not the press of a button, contrary to what you(general sense) may believe, considering the AI art situation. Thank our artists who put blood, sweat and tears into what we do, because the end result, whether good or bad, we do, because we love what we do. The work is default, the journey there is love: that "talent and passion" means we love and think of doing it repetitively enough to do it forever, and we wake thinking about doing it, even the times when we are not.

[@MyleneBlanc]

And this right here is why I ALWAYS stay until the end of the credits, to respect all of the hard work that everyone put into making a movie and not just the actors and directors. Even if I won't remember the few names I glimpsed, I think its normal to give a little respect to people like you who make us dream and travel far away from our daily lives for a few hours.

[@servancastillo986]

@@MyleneBlanc bless, I stay for every movie and video game credits too. We all create experiences, and we inspire from each other. It is a beautiful ecosystem. Not often as respected. A lot of us don't expect the respect, since respect is an individual's choice, but when there are people such as yourself who do it in your own way, it means a lot and goes a long way. When I see comments that attack artists out of spite, it never is fun to read. It's like asking for world peace lol, but it's not gonna stop us from putting our best foot forward! Will still wake up loving to make art! So thank you! 🙏🏽

[@yoloactual6975]

Art is a labor of love. You do it because you are passionate about what you do. Demanding recognition and respect because people fail to do so is the opposite of what an artist actually is. Things like respect are earned, and if you dont have it, its because you didn't earn it. Now shut up and make me more pretty things to enjoy.

[@servancastillo986]

@@yoloactual6975 true that though haha, you are not wrong! XD

[@art_loverrrr]

@@yoloactual6975 as an artist and many artists I follow, we do not demand respect and recognition unless it’s earned. We do however feel the AI is stealing and taking away from actual lived artists. When we work hard on movies behind the scenes we don’t demand to be seen or we wouldn’t work behind the scenes. However asking to be acknowledged and be given credit isn’t unfair. The director and actors were not the only people who brought Avatar to life. Hundreds of artists did as well, they worked 80 plus hours didn’t get paid very well but still did it because it’s their passion they only ask that you occasionally acknowledge that movies like this wouldn’t be what they are without vfx artists, concept artists, story board artists and many more. So no we won’t just shut up and entertain you we also have a voice regardless if this is our passion or not. We are human beings and deserve respect just like anyone else. 😊

[@vancetamolang8494]

People say go to theatres to watch movies, this is one insanely good example of it. I was annoyed by the HFR and 3D glasses at first but once they got into the water, wow. My brain was totally tricked and only a few times did I notice the CGI-ness of it all. I thought uncanny valley would kick in but they captured the mouth movements so well and quite in-sync it was not off putting. Kudos to the entire cast and crew on this outstanding achievement.

[@matthewsengendo6302]

I think what makes Avatar 1&2 stand out is the imaginative mind that Jim has he projects himself into the world he shoots from the perspective of the audience that's what makes it feel surreal

[@CrazyNerdSarah]

I studied Motion/ Performance Capture in school and I think it’s definitely the best way animation/CG should progress toward. It’s cheaper because like you’d aid you aren’t on location or have to spend money on location, you can spend more time on setting up shots you want in the environment you want, and all you have to worry about for the most part is what the actors are doing on the screen. It’s such a fantastic and amazing way to do animation because you get real time movements on the characters without the constraints of the animators making those choices. Not that animators can’t do good jobs with that, but there’s something about the way actors move in a scene that makes it that much more real.

[@____Riley____]

As far as the term "performance capture" goes, that's been the correct term now for that technique for roughly a decade I would say. The first time I heard it being called that was by Andy Serkis after filming Dawn of the planet of the apes in around 2014. From memory he said before it was motion capture before when only the actor's body movements were being recorded live on set and it become performance capture when they started capturing the actor's face and body movements together with the addition of head rig.

[@hglankshear]

I think its also very useful to remember the expertise and craftsmanship of the animators who worked hard to ensure that the intention and performance of the actors was reflected on their CG counterparts. Optical motion capture is getting very advanced, but for that extra realism and emphasis animation is still needed. Also motion capture requires a lot of animation cleanup and so I would take this into account when thinking about the performance quality.

[@maryfaceeggo]

Thank you I was looking for a comment like this. I think people really don't get that performance capture data acquired on set is LARGELY fixed, enhanced and altered by animators in post production, that the animators don't get nearly enough credit - I've worked on shots where we basically replace the actor neck down and people barely take note cause it's done well.

[@hglankshear]

@@maryfaceeggo definitely! Ive only had a little bit of experience with mocap cleanup but even from the small amount of experience I've had so far I've had to just delete certain channels from certain shots and just hand animate manually. Also problems caused by bones / joints being too long or too short creating posture problems gives me nightmares 😂 too much monkey butt. Sometimes it's sad considering that when work is done well in VFX, it goes unnoticed or is attributed to something else - like your shots where you animated from the neck down.

[@madmaxmedia]

I loved the point:counterpoint between Denis and James near the end about maintaining creativity vs. being able to focus only on the actors. Great sharing of different but equally valid perspectives.

[@TheOriginalDeckBoy]

Avatar 2 was far better than I expected and I couldn't believe they surpassed the 1st one in realism to such an extent

[@gromi233]

I watched it a couple of days ago on the 22nd. Must admit i sometimes struggled to feel like it's CG. It gave me a feeling that those characters actually exist and Pandora existed.. It was an interesting experience, where I felt similar was in The Warcraft movie.. the orcs felt real.

[@TheeeDanielR]

YESSSSS

[@charcboiylabagir7194]

i watched it last week and i’m still thinking about it. i recommend seeing it in 3D; it was INCREDIBLE. the visual and audio affects were so realistic and right in your face, it’s a gorgeous film. sadly haven’t been able to rewatch it anywhere but i guess i’ll wait a month or so

[@goveundorf7767]

crazy how many people don't realise how that is 90% artists work, doing movies far from our reality has always been possible and it's called animated movie this is just a really polished one with a lot of good references, animating and art is something everyone can learn but not everyone choose to live from it, let's get our crazy talented 3d artists some recognition

[@maryfaceeggo]

THANK YOU, as a VFX artist it really irritates me when people use the 'it's not CGI' as a selling point or for clickbait when frankly CGI is in so much of our movies today and while a successful blend is from good art directing, CGI is what elevates a lot of films today but most people don't notice the best CGI. Yes they have released articles and marketing using the behind the scenes film work as a selling point but frankly most people don't see the hundreds of iterations a shot goes through in post production with VFX Artists. This rhetoric really devalues our work.

[@El3mental1]

I had to see Avatar 2 for a second time just to admire the world again, watching for the little and everything and I was in constant awe for the second time too. This movie was beyond amazing.

[@cleanlens]

I cant understand why avatar got so much hate... also your channel is still underated

[@MollyHJohns]

Those people wanted to be spoonfed with both golden spoon and high quality food in it. Probably they think the food is meh despite already putting the golden spoon in their mouth. The spoon being the movie, and the food being the plot of it. So they still complained about not seeing anything special about the storytelling even though they're getting what they paid for with the new filming technology and perfect visual presentation. You just can't win with spoiled and privileged people that has time and money to enjoy entertainment today, but with less than zero appreciation of the hard work filmmakers do for their passion projects.

[@euanjones7117]

Watched today. Visuals were insane. The underwater stuff was breathtaking

[@thatBIGchicken]

I just want to appreciate your lighting and coloring, it’s honestly pretty impressive, it reminded me of Sicario

[@impatrickt]

one of my favourite movies. thank you!

[@joachimsjberg3571]

This is such a great platform. Finally someone who cares to explain in detail, rather than rushing from one thing to another. Keep it up!

[@impatrickt]

Thanks!

[@BestMentalism]

All of this technology was originally built for the movie Alita Battle Angel which is not well known but really awesome

[@tripledeluxeguy]

Cameron kind of has two advantages with his use case of performance capture, he has just been pandora and avatar for nearly two decades, his mind is on que for it. Second advantage is pretty simply, he is a workaholic and perfectionist, where before he does something he already knows what it will come out as, and what it will do for what he wants to accomplish. For Cameron being on set isn't a wow planning isn't translating, its a here's how what I want is what we're getting.

[@jc12szn]

Your production quality is insanely good

[@impatrickt]

Thanks Jöhn!

[@stuartmunro2474]

Cameron has managed to avoid the CGI weaknesses that plagued productions like The Hobbit, breaking immersion and enjoyment. Pandora feels real, it is a nice place to be, and as important as the storyline.

[@whalewatchersa]

I thought that 3D Imax was a tired medium so I nearly went to see this in 2D. I'm so glad I changed my mind. After 50 years of going to the cinema i'm pretty jaded, but this felt like a very exciting new experience. I'll go and see this again, I'm sure.

[@DespairMisery]

Watch it in 4D

[@neildevtech]

I first saw it in 2D, so now I'm going back to watch it in 3D since I saw how much I was missing out.

[@80sShred]

I hate 3D. It isn't designed for 3D from the start. Which means most of the things in the foreground are out of focus. So off putting. For 3D to work, everything needs to be in focus, so I can look where ever I want and its in focus.

[@andrikh4982]

@80sShred Bruh what you on about, this movie was literally filmed with imax 3D cameras...

[@80sShred]

@@andrikh4982 Yeah, but its filmed the same as a 2D movie, then the 3D cameras and computers Create the 3D effect. I don't like the technique. To be true 3D all parts of the screen should be in focus, which would mean all of the images than actual pop out at you, even if they are not the main focus of the scene, should still be in focus, that would be true 3D. Half the time you have multiple things at once flying out of the screen, some are part of physical props, overlayed with CGI, some are completely computer created, either way, nothing on the screen should be out of focus. To do that would probably cost even more money, as you would be essentially creating 2 films, one for 2D where its a normal set up with images that are in and out of focus, which is fine for 2D and one where everything is in focus for 3D. You get what I am saying?

[@maddys7281]

This movie transported me entirely to another world due to the visual aspects and music. After it was over I was like "oh yeah, that was a movie and Pandora is not real...". True escapism

[@hybrid2.031]

I watched the movie in 4d, it was absolutely amazing. I’d watch it again any day because it felt so real, especially with the 4d effects.

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

I'm beyond proud of these creators. So much effort and attention to detail has once again brought about this ethereal world 🌊💙

[@Devon7839]

I think one of the biggest takeaways is that this is only going to become more available to film makers as time goes on, like you said. As it is right now, someone with basic performance capture equipment can already produce something that looks better than say FF: The Spirits Within, on gaming hardware, in downright reasonable scene rendering times. I remember watching that movie and being blown away by how real it was, now James Cameron is setting the new standard... but again, eventually this level of production quality will become cheaper and more available. Cudoos to JC and honestly, I can't wait to see what he's able to do as this technology evolves. Uncanny valley, begone!

[@hj-redravenheng3822]

free totally - FF was way ahead for its time! Aki Ross and the doctor/professor were amazingly well animated (by hand I think)

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

You could probably get spirits within level of quality at faster than real time rendering these days.

[@brixn2302]

I think it's worth mentioning the motion capture of the videogame "The Last of Us". Those cutscenes were pretty awesome for the time it was released

[@impatrickt]

didn’t want to do a whole history lesson. I filmed a whole section on naughty dog and it was just dragging the video down.

[@maryfaceeggo]

Have a lot of friends at Weta that worked on the film and have been in film VFX myself for a couple of years. I think the intention with how he wanted to use CGI with the film plate (like that hands example) and clarity of vision is what truly made this film shine. Cameron had a clear pathway and an understanding of the VFX process many directors lack. If you have strong film data and references, you can make really great CGI, even if the entire shot is CGI. I think the VFX team needs way more credit than they get - performance capture tech is progressing sure but the work of cleaning up the data and then animating overtop and enhancing the performance is grueling and difficult work so frankly I think most of the credit should go to the incredible animators. The actors tend to be put on a pedestal whereas animators are just as responsible if not more for the incredible performance of these characters, especially the facial acting. Most of my friends were Lighting Artists and rendering all the caustics and water sounded like hell but the payoff was fantastic.

[@impatrickt]

very well said! I completely agree. thanks for sharing.

[@litjellyfish]

Yeah. I think he started out as model maker and fx maker right? And then a little bit by chance he got director job. I also think he did a lot of storyboards himself. He clearly has this unique combo of a great storyteller and director and also understanding the whole tech pipeline so to speak

[@joshuaj.chinda9873]

Cameron is a perfectionist who will do anything to make his vision viewable for an audience.

[@watcherofall11]

the real mind blower of watching the film is honestly just how in to the scene it can make you feel. the scenes immerse you into them. i remember the first time we saw the shark thing on screen and for a second i felt myself back playing subnautica below zero, i felt my own need to react to the scene like i would a video game. the scene had become so real that my brain had begun to process the moment by trying to figure out a plan of action.

[@lourencothomaz981]

CGI in cinema hadn't felt real to me in a while. This movie was great, cause the VFX were so flawless that I could just get immersed in the world and actually experience the story. Even though I didn't love the film narratively, it felt great watching a movie where CG images felt real to me, and not uncomfortable

[@Wildicon19]

The total emersion of Way of Water was experienced both in 3D, and 4DX! We had the full experience of the movie, and it was totally worth it! It was a welcome escape to another world!

[@tez1seven]

I literally forgot it was CGI during the movie where as in the first one it was a lot more obvious. Very impressive 👌

[@Julia-sw1tv]

And yet everyone is saying this movie sucks but I’m sorry this just proves it’s amazing. It was perfect and if anyone has issues with it you aren’t thinking deep enough

[@djdravax5412]

Don't have to think to hard after watching the original and knowing Grace wasn't pregnant, Quaritch didn't have a son and never sent his memories on a drive to be cloned. The visuals of the movie were great but the writers were amateurs that made things up without supporting plots in the original to back it up. The general even said in the movie that she was sending Quaritch out to kill the clan leader who was putting up resistance which was Jake and even though Jake passed clan leadership on and left, Quaritch went after him and pretty much said fuck the job I was sent here to do, the whole plot to push them back and stop them from resisting was thrown out the window like 30 minutes into the movie.

[@khendy01]

Really loved Avatar The Way of Water. Most scenes made my jaw dropped because of how realistic it looked. It was super real, my mom even asked me where they shot it cos it’s so beautiful and I had to explain it to her that the place isn’t real and it’s just cgi. 😂

[@stevenesbitt3528]

There was only one shot in the whole run time where the quality dipped enough for me to notice it, incredible really

[@41illusion]

I recommend seeing Avatar 2 in 3D with the High Frame Rate (HFR), and in IMAX too, if possible. The extra cost is beyond worth it. I've never had an experience at the theatres the way I did with Avatar 2. It's potentially the best integration of 3D in a film to date, and currently, the only one of its kind with such 3D.

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

IMAX 3D is the one for Avatar 2. It doesn't feel the same otherwise

[@Skrenja]

IMAX? Sure. HFR? Hell no. Movies should be 24p. Period.

[@DarkForcesStudio]

In the old days we said, "Wow! That's CGI". In 2022 we go, "Wow! That's real." What progress.

[@Samonti-ns6od]

Because it looks Almost Real..Lol I mean Unless Your eyes arw dommed

[@joshwagnerfilms]

This is super interesting. I didn't feel as immersed in the film as you are describing. Whenever Spider was with the Navi characters, I kept thinking, he looks more real than them and it pulled me out of the film. But I love the idea that this kind of technology allows a director to focus more on the actors. That is a super cool realization.

[@kwameoluwasomi]

There was a close up of Quaritch’s hand that looked so real I was convinced they just painted someone’s hand blue… turns out they actually did 😂

[@michelebaratt8403]

the scene when Quaritch crashes the skull, the hand looks a real hand also. Where did you read they painted a real hand in blue?

[@clintizzo7693]

I wouldn’t take what this video says as absolute truth. He wasn’t there and he should preface that this is his theory.

[@michelebaratt8403]

@@user-mAfuNqrSe020x the supervisor himself told that they used a real hand for that shot

[@AviPars]

Lol. 5 fingers ?

[@Hitmanzay]

This movie was insane i can't stress it enough, if you want a great visual experience you must see this! Even if you hate avatar just to see this in 3D will be worth the money I promise!

[@thewestkemosabe3326]

Camon, this technology has been used in story games for years now, I expected something else

[@JoshCameron]

I’m still yet to see this film, but dude you’ve got me so excited for it! Excellent insights as always mate ✌🏻

[@impatrickt]

try and check it out over the holidays!

[@impatrickt]

@@trollmeister69 i get a cheque personally from James Cameron. it's a great deal.

[@Emansky84]

we're excited for you!

[@dream.machine]

This IS the future of Filmmaking and even beyond! James Cameron and his crew worked so hard and they were and are devoted so much to making this the best experience, that it actually is the best experience. This movie 🎥 was possibly the best movie made so far. It just so complex and adventurous and detailed, it's hard to imagine other movies being created this way at least for now. The future would probably see this tech move directly into VR and you'd be able to interact with the characters. Not sure how many years in the future that would be, but it's just a concept and I read a prediction about movies being interactive like a game in the future. These are insane times for technology, it's only going to get more amazing and terrifying as we progress into the 21st Century.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Dude, you’re a viral sensation!! You’ve created an entire new KZbin niche and I’m here for it. 😎

[@pHixiq]

This movie was nothing short of amazing holy crap. If you can see it in IMAX...DO IT !!!!

[@Shannon_Vlogs]

I thought it was incredibly beautiful. I might actually go see it again. Thanks for the explainer!

[@clap2973]

I saw it last night and in 3D. And my god…it’s like I was there. I’m confident in saying it’s the most immersive movie I have ever seen. The 3d audio really helped too.

[@Victoura56]

When I left the theatre after watching Avatar, I forgot for a moment that it wasn’t ‘real’, that the Na’vi and Pandora didn’t exist. I was sad for a moment before I realised how much of an accomplishment it is that I had been completely convinced that what I had seen on screen was real and touchable. Maybe it’s just my wish for Pandora to exist getting the better of me, but the sheer quality and excellence of the technology used to make Avatar 2 is mind blowing.

[@user-ki6id4vt8u]

Pandorasaaaaaaaaaa

[@OfficialGamesky]

Excellent video, great explanation of the process but also great points as to why there are advantages to shooting this way in certain scenarios

[@impatrickt]

thanks man!

[@BlindMango]

This is exactly how they've been making video games for over the past decade now

[@eronic404]

I think the Planet Ape reboot serious also did this very well. I tend forget about how real the cgi for that movie was and how it made me forget the apes were cg characters. And they did a alot of performance capture on set too. But Avatar really did spark that wonder I had for CG since I was in middle school playing around with blender, the limitless potential of unleashing your imagination in cg is what makes it beautiful to me. Great movie to end off the year.

[@Jonny783]

Thanks for this video, it was very well done, informative and I love your awe at the whole process that went into making the movie because you capture how I felt discovering all this information as well, and I think moving towards a more CGI created worldscape mixed with live actors is an exciting future of filmmaking, when done so well like with the Avatar films. Excited for what's to come!

[@impatrickt]

Cheers Jonathan!

[@ethan8709]

Great video! As a cinephile myself, Avatar 2 really hit all the right spots as a mostly CGI movie. And I think many people like me are excited to see what directors and writers will explore next.

[@AlphaRedDeux]

I had to watch the movie twice cause the first time I watched it I was so perplexed by how absurdly realistic the movie looked that the entire time all I could hear was a voice in my head saying "How is this CGI?!"

[@rameshsharma4422]

Lol felt like a documentary.

[@SimonSlav-GameMakingJourney]

I'm just glad the film industry will flue the development of Unreal Engine

[@mickflury]

You should talk to someone who actually dose this. This tech is old and there is literally no difference in filming to the first one other than them realizing everyone and there mother uses mocap mixed with CG.

[@chriswhite3692]

Never been blown away by a movie's effects like I was with this. And they definitely improved the story from the original. Watch in 3D. It's a must

[@defiantaichi]

I loved the movie. I think its way better than the first one

[@impatrickt]

I agree

[@johnnazar180]

This movie imo was one of, if not THE most visually beautiful movie I've ever seen. Between the biology, environment and color pallete. Can't wait for more avatar movies.

[@CAPUCHAMAN]

Imma see this movie tomorrow

[@impatrickt]

let me know what you think of it!

[@drarunaj]

Avatar franchise is certainly a milestone in Modern cinema.

[@takoshihitsamaru4675]

James Cameron out here talking about Mo-cap like we're all new to it in 2022-23 hahahaha. I mean, the results for Way of Water are fuckin' outstanding, but I was a little shocked to see that it was just a typical Mo-cap session stretched out to be a feature-length film of over 3 hours. I'm a gamer, I'm very familiar with mo-cap.

[@SoumilSahu]

If the story was even a tenth as amazing as the visuals, this movie could've been one of the best things ever made

[@4jqxc]

Story was good. It's no Godfather part 2. But it worked well.