As if creating two of the largest grossing movies of all time weren’t enough, James Cameron still feels the need to suck the well dry.
Cameron gave “Avatar” fans around the world a low blow when the film was released on Blu-Ray and DVD on April 22 with no special features. That’s right, the most popular movie of all time was released to public with no additional footage, zero documentaries behind the making of the film that cost $237 million and no deleted scenes. Not a second of additional material.
Although “Avatar” reeled in more than $2 billion worldwide, Cameron decided to release a separate version of his flick in November titled “Avatar: The Ultimate Edition.”
Apparently, the world did not receive the memo.
On April 26, the Associated Press reported “Avatar” had sold just below seven million copies in just four days, gathering in $130 million. I understand he’s not forcing the public to purchase copies of the film, but it’s amazing to me that Cameron, who’s the highest grossing director of all time, would stoop to such a measly level.
As if Cameron’s greed hasn’t already hit the pinnacle, he plans on re-releasing “Titanic,” second behind “Avatar” for highest grossing movie of all time, in 3-D sometime in 2012.
I nearly made the mistake when I stopped at Target to purchase “Avatar” on Blu-Ray. While standing in line, I glanced at the back of the case and it failed to describe any special features with the disc. I’m not usually one to dive into the special features of movies, but I was generally interested in how Cameron put together the film that took more than a decade to finish.
When I found a lack of features, I placed the Blu-Ray back and headed to the exit.
If Cameron is going to try and swindle $19.99 from me after I spent $11 at the theatre a few months back, he’s going to lose a sale.
I’ll purchase the later edition that is released in November, but the fact that Cameron is successfully pulling a fast one on the same people who have aided his films in box office triumph is a shady venture. I’m sure most people who have already shelled out the money for the Blu-Ray/DVD will find themselves buying another version come November.
So, if you haven’t already, avoid purchasing the disc and wait six months for a more plentiful version.