The world has been waiting for almost a decade for the sequel to James Cameron's groundbreaking 2009 film Avatar. ‘Avatar 2: The Way of Water’ made an enormous splash in the film industry, breaking countless records and solidifying the franchise's future. The film follows a similar formula to the first (albeit set in a much later time when Jake and Neytiri’s kids have grown up) by exploring new aspects of Pandora, such as the Metkayina clan and Tulkun farming. These topics are definitely interesting but the film’s highlight is undoubtedly the visuals.
James Cameron strove to once again wow audiences by innovating new technology for the best visual quality. One of the most significant of these advancements is the use of high frame rate (HFR) technology. Instead of just the standard 24 frames per second, Avatar 2 was shot and projected at both 24 and 48 frames per second. 48 frames per second creates a smoother and more fluid image and as such a majority of underwater and action scenes utilize this frame rate.
The film also pushed the boundaries of motion capture technology. The first film used motion capture to bring the blue-skinned Na'vi to life, but the sequel employs new Volumetric capture technology that allows for the creation of 3D models of actors and objects in real-time by using hundreds of cameras placed around the set. This process allows not just enhanced detail in the actors’ models, but also allows actors and Cameron himself to visualize their performance in real time. Cameron additionally greatly enhanced facial motion capture in order to be able to convey the actors performance rather than generated expressions.
Avatar 2 pioneered a new wave of underwater motion capture technology. Cameron developed a new system that uses a combination of specialized cameras, sensors, and markers to capture the actors' movements and facial expressions in real-time. The cameras are designed to work in low-light conditions, and the markers are specially designed to be visible even in murky water. The actors wear specialized suits that are designed to be buoyant but also allow them to move freely underwater.
One of the more chaotic aspects of filming underwater is the distortion caused by the water with bubbles from oxygen tanks or mere reflections of the camera rig. The bubbles conundrum was circumvented through the actors’ learning to hold their breath for extended periods of time. Kate Winslet even held her breath for 7 minutes, breaking the record for longest underwater breath hold by an actor on a set. Specialized white balls were put on the surface of water to prevent distortions from the set’s life.
All in all, Avatar 2: The Way of Water is an invaluable enhancement of motion capture technology as well as to the vast ocean that is cinema.
very interesting! 💕