Here’s a list of the most downloaded films:

“Don’t worry, I will be back. Jim [Cameron] says no one ever dies in science fiction,” she says about her character, who fans will remember passed at the end of the first film. “He’s told me the stories for the next two movies and I have to say that they’re absolutely wonderful and there’s a real treat in store. Now we just have to make them.”

Avatar 2 and Avatar 3 will be shot back-to-back and appear in theaters possibly around December 2013 and 2014.

“I know he’s nutting out like a bible at the moment,” Worthington said, “[It’s] sort of like a precursor of Avatar 1, to just get himself back into the world and the mindset and the characters. Jim’s the person who will tell me when to show up,” he laughed. “I’ve talked to him, he’s told me what his plans for the story are, and it’s huge. It’s just monumental. But he’s not going to start until he raises the bar for himself, and he’s in no rush.”

Currently, the plan is to have Avatar 2 in theaters for December 2013, followed by Avatar 3 in December 2014. Worthington, who’s appearing in The Debt soon and Wrath of the Titans next year, can’t wait. He promises Cameron’s notoriously detailed behind-the-scenes approach will work wonders again.

“That’s how he works – it’s very detailed and very weighty,” he observed. “But the story arc is huge; I needed a break halfway through because I was exhausted. It was insane, but it’s amazing. It’s going to be amazing.”

Check it: A race of creatures known as the Scythe have become a plague in the universe. Cunning and powerful foes, they possess the ability to transform into anything from which they have consumed DNA. On a mission to stop the plague that her people unleashed, a beautiful alien named Ava has followed the Scythe to Earth.

Meanwhile, six college friends blowing off steam on a camping trip find themselves caught up in a cat and mouse hunt with the Scythe. Not knowing what to do or whom to trust, they struggle to protect themselves and keep it together. Reluctantly joining forces with Ava, they quickly learn what they are up against. Can they defeat the Scythe before it slaughters them one by one?

Some dude named Lewis Schoenbrun directs.

Source: Dread Central

He continues and talks about audience’s expectations since the first film was a rare billion dollar hit: “There’s always an expectation. I had to deal with that after ‘The Terminator’ back in 1984. All of a sudden I had a big hit movie and it was ‘what are you doing next?’ But my job is take the audience on a journey and entertain them,” he added. “The second I am sitting down writing, I just go to Pandora. I don’t think about that stuff, about standing on a red carpet. It has its own life, really. The characters have their own lives.”

Avatar 2 is scheduled for a December 2014 release date, followed by Avatar 3 in 2015.

The Film:

I find plenty of assurance in my personal stance that I’ll never go cave exploring. I’m not claustrophobic, but it’s the fact of what plays out in Sanctum that terrifies me: stupidity. These seemingly experts, with all of the tech and “years” of first-hand experience, are nothing more than archetypes for the Dead Teenager genre, a lifeless term Roger Ebert invented to explain teenagers doing stupid stuff that get them killed. Based on screenwriter Andrew Wight’s near-death experience of leading a diving expedition miles into a system of underwater caves, Sanctum showcases a lesson in what not to do in both real-life and in film.

James Cameron’s name is freely thrown around in the advertising, and it’s not just because he executive produced it, but it’s a child of his Avatar 3D technology. Sadly, director Alister Grierson isn’t James Cameron, as this is obvious. His framing of scenes is all off for 3D. Too many foreground images smash the frame together in an odd collision that doesn’t benefit from the low-lit film. Plus, he films Sanctum in a 80% mixture of close-ups and medium shots that don’t do the 3D justice, especially in IMAX. When we get a rare wide angle, the 3D flourishes.

But the 3D is really isn’t the problem, it’s the character (and lack thereof) development and dialogue. I’m sure the real story of Wight’s survival is interesting, the film just isn’t. The tension only comes as a by product to the dilemma: you’re trapped in a cave. Due to stupidity from the character’s actions and reactions, we get a brutal honesty of the calamity, the claustrophobia is real, the pain is to. With odd continuity errors, no sense of place, the film feels rushed and DTV. It’s not without some merits, but it’s few and far in between to fully care. It’s sad to say that about a “true story”, but Sanctum never rises to the surface. It panics and gasps for air.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Universal Home Entertainment offers up a decent HD release, although some of the issues aren’t really issues as they’re just the film’s intent that hasn’t translated to HD in a ‘wow’ type of way. Some grain, some noise, and some softness damper the transfer. Details remain pretty good though. The DTS track is pretty good, although the sound design isn’t as engrossing as I initially thought.  Nonetheless, on the audio side of things, it’s pretty good.

Commentary: Despite James Cameron’s name being plastered everywhere on the marketing campaign, he isn’t here on this track, that offers up plenty of solid information by Director Alister Grierson, co-writer/producer Andrew Wight and actor Rhys Wakefield.

Sanctum: The Real Story: This 45-minute HD documentary is arguably better than the film, as it covers the three stages of the story, production, and release of the hard movie to make.

Nullarbor Dreaming: Here’s a far more interesting look at what Sanctum was about, as this SD 22-year old documentary focuses on the cave divers and their troubles that loosely led to the film’s events. Runs 45-minutes are is nearly worth the price itself.

Deleted Scenes and a Trailer round out the extras.

The Film: Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

The Blu-ray: Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

From AP: “Sex and Zen — a remake of a 1991 Hong Kong movie by the same name — features full nudity and camouflaged lovemaking scenes but does not show actual sexual intercourse, as is common in pornographic films. The movie, which stars Japanese porn stars Hara Saori and Suo Yukiko and Hong Kong actress Vonnie Liu, tells the story of a sexually frustrated scholar in ancient China who loses himself in the harem of a duke he befriends.”

Seriously, dude. We need IMAX 3D pornos. Wanna stop downloading and illegal bootlegging? Offer boobies as big as the sky. Now that’s something I’ll pay $15 to see.

In the words of Wayne and Garth: Schwing!

Source: AP

Peep it here:

OFFICIAL SERIES SUMMARY FROM FOX:

From executive producers Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria and Aaron Kaplan comes an epic family adventure 85 million years in the making.

TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in doubt, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past.

When scientists at the FERMI Particle Accelerator unexpectedly discovered a fracture in time that made it possible to construct a portal into primeval history, the bold notion was born to resettle humanity in the past – a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time.

The series centers on the Shannon family as they join the Tenth Pilgrimage of settlers to Terra Nova, the first colony established in this beautiful yet forbidding land. JIM SHANNON (Jason O’Mara), a devoted father with a checkered past, guides his family through this new world of limitless beauty, mystery and terror. Jim’s wife, ELISABETH SHANNON (Shelley Conn), is a trauma surgeon and the newest addition to TERRA NOVA’s medical team. JOSH SHANNON (Landon Liboiron) is their 17-year-old son who is angry to leave life as he knows it behind; upon arriving at the settlement, he finds himself instantly drawn to the beautiful and rule-breaking SKYE (Allison Miller). MADDY SHANNON (Naomi Scott), Josh’s endearingly awkward 15-year-old sister, hopes TERRA NOVA will give her a new chance to reinvent herself. Although Elisabeth’s medical training secured the family a spot on the pilgrimage, a secret involving their five-year-old daughter, ZOE (Alana Mansour), soon endangers their place in this utopia.

Upon the Shannon’s arrival, they are introduced to COMMANDER NATHANIEL TAYLOR (Stephen Lang), the charismatic and heroic first pioneer and leader of the settlement. Taylor, along with his right-hand man, GUZMAN (Mido Hamada), warn the travelers that while Terra Nova is a place of new opportunities and fresh beginnings, all is not as idyllic as it initially appears. Along with blue skies, towering waterfalls and lush vegetation, the surrounding terrain is teeming with danger – and not just of the man-eating dinosaur variety. There is also a splinter colony of renegades led by the battle-hardened MIRA (Christine Adams), who is vehemently opposed to Taylor and his leadership.

Even more threatening than what lies outside the protective walls of the colony is the chilling possibility that something sinister is happening inside Terra Nova. The Shannons will come to suspect that not everyone on this mission has the same idea of how to best save mankind; in fact, there may be forces intent on destroying this new world before it even begins.

TERRA NOVA is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment DreamWorks Television and Kapital Entertainment. Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, Brannon Braga, René Echevarria, Jon Cassar, Aaron Kaplan, Katherine Pope, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Craig Silverstein and Kelly Marcel serve as executive producers. Alex Graves serves as executive producer and directed the series preview.

Source: CBM

He said: “For ‘Avatar 2,’ what I’m most interested in is getting theaters to up their light level. And we want to shoot the movie at 48 or maybe even 60 frames a second, and display it at that speed, which will eliminate a lot of the motion artifacts that I think are causing some people problems.”

He also touched on how 3D can make some viewers feel sick: “People talk about feeling sick or something like that, and I think it’s because the image is strobing,. That’s a function of the 24 frame frame rate, which has actually got nothing to do with 3D. It’s just made more apparent because the 3D is otherwise such an enhanced, realistic image, that all of a sudden you’re aware of this funky strobing which you weren’t aware of.”

The latest project he had a hand in (as executive producer) Sanctum, also used 3D technology which he talked about: “Sanctum’ was a cookie-cutter of the camera technology we used on Avatar. It literally was, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, use it. But it will be in all of these different environments, water and all of that, where specific problems have to be solved that are external to the camera.”

Sanctum opens this coming Friday, and Avatar 2 aiming for a late 2014 release.

Source: Wall Street Journal

3D today

Recently, RealD 3D has been really revolutionizing the 3D process. I remember being highly skeptical of it, based on my previous 3D experiences. Anaglyph systems took the color out, leaving the image just red and green. Fortunately, RealD or Polarization systems leave the film much like a traditional 2D film. We have color, clarity, and above all, filmmakers have really embraced this format. Avatar and Alice in Wonderland have been gigantic successes, not only in terms of box office receipts but in fan acceptance.

Face it: 3D is here to stay and it’s here in our homes. Samsung and Panasonic has just released new 3D TV’s, a LED and a Plasma for consumer purchase. As skeptical as some still are on 3D in cinema, people are really apprehensive about 3D at home. Having tested out the Samsung 55″ LED 3D TV recently, I’m here to offer my opinions from a consumer standpoint.

Pros

Right off the bat, the Samsung model number UN55C7000WF is a superb set. You got your basics: 240 HZ, 1080p, ultra-slim design, and whether it’s a Blu-ray movie or HDTV, you’re treated to gorgeous colors and amazing HD. Well, duh, right? Samsung has quickly become the leader in HDTV’s and this is no different. But the added capabilities on 3D is this set’s calling card. Currently, the only 3D Blu-ray to test out is Monsters vs. Aliens. Seeing the film at the theaters in RealD 3D, I had a great resource to compare the home video version too, and in all honesty, it looks exactly like it did theatrically. The DreamWorks film is a superb launch title on 3D home video. I noticed nary an issue in the 3D. Dimensionality and objects looks superb in 3D. I think maybe it would have looked better if the store I was at dimmed the lights more, because darker is an ally to 3D, but the set accurately recreates the theatrical polarization system of 3D.

While you must buy a new Blu-ray player, as I tested it out on the new Samsung 3D Blu-ray player and have a HDMI cable with 1.4 abilities, I’m eager to see more. The TV itself has the ability to offer three modes of 3D. Currently planned are the World Cup televised on PPV in 3D and some cable/satellite companies are planning a slew of 3D only channels, so having a few different modes will help out. ESPN will broadcast 3D differently than say HBO. Also, the TV can take films that are not in 3D originally, and convert them to 3D. How does this work? Well, the set takes the image and adds background dimensionality to it. I tested out Pirates of the Caribbean and everything from the opening titles to when Jack Sparrow’s first appearance on the port offered some wow factor. I was pretty impressed with this gimmick. I think it’ll add some new flavor to old favorites.

All in all, first impressions of mine were high.

Cons

Looking at the market, the economy is still slow, but getting better, and new technology is always pricey. Granted this 3D is essentially a bonus to a great set, $3,000 is pretty steep now, especially if there’s currently only one title released and if you recently just bought a new set. Samsung is offering a free starter kit when you purchase the TV, that includes Monsters vs. Aliens 3D and two pairs of glasses. But remember, you need the new 3D Blu-ray player, so that’s another $400.

Blu-ray stumbled slightly out of the gate when it was launched, with high disc and player prices, making the average Joe a bit nervous to adopt. Not only that, but the economy crashed. 3D TV doesn’t have the competition like Blu-ray did against HD-DVD, but the economy and lack of titles hurt this launch. The glasses by themselves are pricey as well. Yes, they are just like the ones you get at the theater, but these are powered helping out to take full advantage of the 3D, so you can’t use the million you have sitting around. Not only that, but they are a tad fragile as the store I was at said they had three but two quickly broke (out of consumer negligence mostly).

No Avatar (It’s a Panasonic exclusive until 2012). That’s what everyone is saying. Currently Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, along with the fore-mentioned Monsters vs. Aliens are possibly the only three titles we got in 2010. James Cameron at the Avatar official announcement party said this: “There just aren’t that many players and screens yet. We have more of a long-term strategy, in that area. But, I think it would be a shame to hold back the Blu-ray when people want it now, and I love it. I think it’s a great format.” He’s right. Currently, there’s about 25 titles released for 3D Blu-ray. We have two reviewed on the site.

The once lack of titles, the fragile glasses, and price are the early cons of what is essentially a superb idea and TV set. There wasn’t a chance for me to explore films like Freddy’s Dead that use the old Anaglyph 3D on its DVD or Coraline that uses an updated Anaglyph 3D on its Blu-ray, so I have no opinion on the use for films like those on this set.

To Home 3D or Not to Home 3D?

Again, Cameron said it best: “If you’re going to go 3D, go big. Get the biggest set you can, and then sit as close as you can stand. That’s my advice. Get the coffee table out of the way and slide the couch over, right in front of the TV.” I think if one understands 3D, which many don’t, the future is bright for this technology at home. People still think 3D must pop out at you to wow you, and with films like Up and Avatar, 3D has shown filmmakers and audiences that opening up an environment can be just as impressive as a pick-axe being thrown at you like in My Bloody Valentine. Also, some people can get 3D to work for them due to personal issues with their eyes. I read where having near perfect eyes, like 20/20, really benefit those over people who don’t in enjoying 3D.

But in all honestly, for the average Joe, 3D is here and while it’s a bit pricey out of the gate at launch, consider making your next TV purchase a 3D capable one. I know the Panasonic Plasma is getting some positive chatter, but the Samsung LED is just jaw-dropping gorgeous. Still, I say wait. Since players are new and $400 and the lack of live-action titles (although rumors of Avatar 3D Blu next year are swirling), waiting isn’t a bad option. Plus, once studios find a happy medium to releasing 3D and once sports and television programs jump on-board, 3D is here and it is no longer a gimmick.

In case the constant slew of 3D theatrical titles aren’t convincing you yet, let Killer Film say this: 2011 is the defining year for 3D and this new Samsung model is a prime example of why. Still not convinced? Read Consumer Reports thoughts here and if you have experienced 3D TV, tell us what you thought below!

Most Downloaded Movies on BitTorrent:

(2010 rank movie downloads; worldwide grosses)

1 Avatar 16,580,000 $2,779,551,867

2 Kick-Ass 11,400,000 $96,130,432

3 Inception 9,720,000 $825,408,570

4 Shutter Island 9,490,000 $294,803,014

5 Iron Man 2 8,810,000 $621,751,988

6 Clash of the Titans 8,040,000 $493,214,993

7 Green Zone 7,730,000 $94,875,650

8 Sherlock Holmes 7,160,000 $523,029,864

9 The Hurt Locker 6,850,000 $48,612,915

10 Salt 6,700,000 $175,190,850

Green Zone is the title that shocked me here. Oh well, hope those thousands of lazy tweens enjoyed a shaky-cam version of these awesome films.

“At the moment, [James Cameron]’s still writing what he calls ‘The Bible’ and detailing the world,” said Worthington in an interview. “Once he’s detailed the world – more so than it’s already detailed in his big brain, anyway – then he said he can write the script and we can go explore the world – things like going underwater…going in the floating mountains.”

Then he talks about his character and Neyriti: “I always joked and said that they were married and Jake Sully got lazy and Neytiri kicked his butt,” he said. “What’s the new dilemma? Is it just humans coming back, or is something even bigger that can threaten them, can threaten the world? We can look at our world again and see that we know we’re hurting the environment, and we know we can do things about it. But what else are we doing that’s wrong so it can reflect on our own life.”

More soon, especially when Cameron finishes the script. Thoughts?

So, now you don’t have to be this guy (here).

Experience The Avatar Wedding Extravaganza!

Or not. Metro.co.uk says one would-be bride stated “the Navi were a couple of forestry workers dressed up in long underwear dyed blue, wearing some very unconvincing masks. It was really pathetic.”

A Forestry Authority Spokesman retorted back to the bride: “We are not professional special effects experts, but we do our best. What we are really highlighting is the beauty of our landscape.”

Sometimes, I just shake my head at humanity.

Source: Comic Book Movie