There are films that you simply have to see as a cinema lover. And then there are films that you don’t just want to delete from your viewing list, but would rather experience again and again. Preferably in the best cut version, of course. And of course in the best possible quality. Films like James Cameron’s timeless blockbusters.
Before three of the hit guarantor’s films – namely “Abyss – Abyss of Death”, “Aliens – The Return” and “True Lies” – celebrate their premiere on 4K Blu-ray on April 26, the biggest of his blockbusters (and the most successful film of all time to date) has already been released in the Ultimate Edition. Finally! “Avatar – Departure for Pandora“ has been available since March 22, 2024 in two limited collector’s editions, which Pandora fans will hardly be able to ignore. In both cases, however, you have to be quick. The Steel Book does on Amazon* Shortly after release it is no longer available at all, but at MediaMarkt you currently (still!) have the chance to do so…
… the 3-disc version in the Steelbook is an absolute must-have for all friends of the popular cans. The edition contains the starring Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and Co. not only in Ultra HD including HDR, expanded color space and improved surround sound (on 4K Blu-ray) and HD (on Blu-ray), but also more than three hours of bonus material beyond that. And fifteen years later they are still worth it. After all, the creation of the biggest cinema blockbuster of all time is almost as exciting as the film itself.
In celebration of the 4K upgrade that many fans of the film (such as the author of this article) wanted, a brand new design was also used, different from previous well-known home theater releases…
… and revives the fascination of Pandora in a similar way to the cinema revival in the autumn of 2023, in which the simply impressive, newly restored version celebrated its premiere. Now they are also available in a stylish steel housing for home use.
Steelbook collectors and 4K enthusiasts can’t go wrong with this new edition of “Avatar” – and should keep one thing in mind when purchasing: There’s also a collector’s edition that’s even more lavishly equipped.
Collector’s Edition: all three versions in 4K for the first time
For the Collector’s Edition the on Amazon*currently also out of stock (and still available at MediaMarkt), you will have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, but depending on where your priorities lie, this investment is definitely worth it. After all, here you understand it immediately four discs with almost ten hours of bonus material including brand new extras. But most importantly, for the first time ever, you can get all three movie versions in Ultra HD.
Finally, all three cuts from James Cameron’s $2.9 billion hit have been reunited – and better than ever before. In addition to the theatrical version, you can now watch “Avatar – Departure for Pandora.” for the first time also in the extended theatrical version (eight minutes longer) and in the extended version (16 minutes longer) in 4K (like the additional opening scene from which this article’s cover photo comes).
So it doesn’t matter whether you prefer the theatrical version, which is also impressive yet relatively clear with a running time of 162 minutes – or whether you, as a Pandora disciple, live by the motto more is more. From now on, you no longer have to make any compromises when it comes to image and sound quality!
Because one thing needs to be said at this point: Once you see the remastered version of the film in 4K, you will never want to experience The Journey to Pandora any other way. Even though it was of course also revised new 3D Blu-ray* has similarly strong arguments…
And if you don’t miss the opportunity to put the Steelbook and the Collector’s Edition in the digipak with slipcase on your shelf: No, there is no kink in the appearance – even though you get the impression for a moment when you see the two together Jewelry next to each other Viewed. Because both variants have more or less the same look, but only more or less. The Collector’s Edition stands out for its richer colors and a stronger high-gloss effect. What looks better in the end? Of course, as always, you decide for yourself…