"Avatar: Fire and Ashes," the third and latest film in the "Avatar" series directed by James Cameron, will be released simultaneously in Japan and the US on December 19th. In an age where various streaming services have become commonplace and it's now commonplace to watch movies on TV or smartphones at home, director Cameron spoke about the significance of seeing this film in the theater.
◇A deeply immersive experience where you engage with the film with your whole body in the theater
"Avatar: Fire and Ashes" is the third film in the series, following "Avatar" (2009) and "Avatar: Way of Water" (2022). Set on the mysterious planet Pandora, humanity, facing the threat of Earth's destruction, begins an invasion. Jake (Sam Worthington), a former Marine who infiltrates the planet as an Avatar, builds a family with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), a woman of Pandora's native Na'vi, and resolves to fight against humanity. However, Valan (Oona Chaplin), a member of the Ash tribe who hates Pandora, joins forces with humanity and seeks revenge. As the unknown truth of Pandora is revealed, the "battle of fire" begins... The film also stars Sigourney Weaver, Cliff Curtis, and Kate Winslet.
Director Cameron has previously said that the "Avatar" series was "made to be shown in cinemas." True to his words, the stunning visuals that evolve with each film are breathtakingly beautiful and have captivated audiences around the world. However, according to Director Cameron, the significance of watching the films in cinemas goes beyond just the ultimate "visual experience."
Director Cameron said, "In the old days, people had small televisions at home, but now we have big screens, high-definition 4K images, and great sound systems. But it's not about those things; what's important is the decision."
"When you decide to go see a movie, you're making a decision to dedicate an hour and a half, two and a half hours, or even three hours in the case of a film like this one. With streaming, you can pause the screen, switch between options, and do other things, and many films are fine in that format. But from the moment you make the decision to leave the house, get in your car, find a parking space, and invite your friends, the experience is on an entirely different level. By doing so, you can engage with the film with your whole body, immerse yourself more deeply in it, and have a deeper experience. I think that's what we still seek today," he says forcefully.
The first film, "Avatar," was 2 hours 42 minutes long, and the second, "Way of Water," was 3 hours 12 minutes long, but they still managed to rank first and third in box office revenues of all time worldwide, captivating the world. The act of "going to the cinema and immersing yourself in the story" means that you feel that the film is worth devoting that much time to.
◇The latest work will be "like a feast"
Cameron also expressed confidence about his latest film, "Fire and Ashes," which is over three hours long, saying, "With Avatar, we've already established a track record and proven ourselves. The audience knows it's going to be a treat. I think the excitement of waiting for it is also part of the meaning of seeing it in the cinema."
In the latest film, the series' first Na'vi villains, the Ash tribe and their leader Varan, stand in the way, and the "Battle of Fire" begins. Will Sally be able to protect her family and Pandora? We hope you will experience the deeper immersive experience that comes with making the decision to see the film in theaters.
