My expeience seeing Avatar at the IMAX in 3D for the first time.

[Ayn'at Alyara]

Hey, I know people have their first times and what it was like on these forums so I just wanted to share mine. Now I'm going to warn you I'm one of thoes peoples that likes to tell long stories (I'm a writer :P), so I'm going to try and keep it as short as possible without leaving out too much.

SO, After seeing the comerial I knew right away that I wanted to see this movie! I also knew that noone else would want to see it so I ended up going alone. 'Why would you want to see that?' 'It looks weird..' 'Why are they blue?' It took me 3 weeks to get a ticket because everytime I called they were sold out. 'Well this must be a good sign' I thought.

Finally when I got to the theater I sat by myself next to some random guy who started talking about the movie. He'd neve seen it but he was so sure that it would be great, it was an understatement to say he was excited. I just shrugged and said '..well it better be worth it..". At first it was alright but what caught my attention is when Jake is wheeling past one of the vehicles and it has a few bow and arrows in the tire. I just got this weird feeling that i can't explain (I probably sound crazy by now).

Then my eyes were really glued after Jake gets his brother Tommy's Avatar and starts running, it was an exhilerating feeling really. I felt like I was sucked into the movie! I was there I laughed when they laughed, I was excited when Jake was getting his first Ikran, I was there! The really crazy part is, I've NEVER cried in a movie..NEVER, I came close in I am legend when his dog died but that was it! During he destruction of hometree when the na'vi cried I cried like it was my own home they were destroying! (especially this one na'vi in particular that puts her hand over her mouth and Moa't), When Tsu'tey was whoopin *ss in the helicopter I clapped and cheered him on...then cried when he died. During the destruction of Hometree, I didn't even know I was crying until something wet hit my arm and my nose was clogged.

I was like 'No way...' Then for the first time while watching the movie I looked at the guy next to me and he had his hand over his mouth and his eyes were just as watery as mine. I didn't realise I was staring at him I guess I was just thinking 'wtf are we crying?' When he noticed I was watching him he turned around and I turned back to the screen. I guess he noticed I was crying and he patted my shoulder lightly and said. "It's ok...I get it." I didn't say anything just nodded my head and kept watching. I was so confused. 'Why are we crying?' 'Why do I feel weird for crying?' 'Shouldn't I feel weird?'

By the end of the movie I felt like my heart was ripped out! What just happened? The screen turned black?...the screen...it wasn't real..I'm back on earth. (lol I'm dramatic) I sat there contemplating life for about 8 minutes. 'Why do I feel so empty?' 'How could a movie do this to me?' Ok this is long enough cause I could go on forever. Last thing I wanna say though is, not a day goes by that I don't think about the bioluminescent forest, and how jealous I am that the Na'vi have such a kinship with not only each other but the planet itself! It saddens me thinking about it, especially the fact that noone I know personally feels the way I do, it's always 'Are you serious?' 'WHat's the big deal about these blue people?' and of course my absolute favorite "It's just a movie."

['itan Ateyo]

Thanks for sharing your experience

I always like to read people's experiences when they first saw Avatar. I am lucky enough to live within 15 minutes of an IMAX, so I didn't even think twice about seeing it in 3D on the big screen. I actually almost let the opportunity pass me by! I kept hearing how people were going to this movie and how IMAX was always sold out... Well I'm not one for the crowds (and I didn't know how awesome Avatar was at the time), so I waited them out and actually saw the movie torward the end of January (it was released in December in the US).

I thought the movie was beyond awesome. Right away, I knew it was unlike any other movie I had seen yet. It was yet another leap in the technology of film and I really felt immersed in the story (the IMAX 3D sure helped! :D). The sound of IMAX was also amazing and I could *feel* the action. When the movie ended and I saw those eyes... I sat there amazed at what I had just seen. I was sorry the adventure was already over. Under 3 hours was not enough... This then became the first move I ever saw multiple times in the move theaters. I went on to see it again in IMAX 3D. I then later saw the re-release when it came out.

I really wished I could be a part of that universe, and sought out others that felt the same. I eventually found my way here and became a lurker for a while. Finally I joined! Just a few minutes away from 1 year ago!

Avatar changed my life, and for the better. I have a new appreciation for the wonders we have here on Earth, and I try to take more opportunities to enjoy them.

[Ayn'at Alyara]

Yeah the re-release was pretty great and after seeing it the first time I had to go back the next day! lol I had a pretty good appreciation of the earth but Avatar really brought it out of me and makes me think twice about things now. Oh, and happy 1 year anniversary!

['itan Ateyo]

I think I kind of took nature for granted or was a bit indifferent before Avatar. It was just kind of something that was there... and I was more of an indoor, play-with-gadgets type person anyway. I still am, but I try to get out more often.

Before Avatar, I never craved to go out and hike for fun. I discovered I actually enjoyed it quite much, and even booked a trip just for that purpose last year. I had a great time and really got some moments alone in nature to take it all in. I am looking forward to taking another trip like that soon.

Oh, and thanks for the anniversary shout-out