EXCLUSIVE: As if Twentieth Century Fox and James Cameron haven’t made enough money off this movie… It was always the director’s intention to create the “ultimate box set” that went deeper into the filmmaker process and the Avatar journey for fans. I understand he was very involved with every aspect of the development of this Avatar Extended Collector’s Edition, even coming to the lot with his producing partner Jon Landau a few weeks ago to thank the entire home entertainment team that worked on it. The Collector’s set includes the film’s 3 versions — the original theatrical release, the re-release, and the extended special that is 16 minutes longer than the original. “As Jim describes it, you pop the disc in and immediately see something new – as the movie with begins on Earth with Jake,” an insider tells me. The Avatar Extended Collector’s Edition will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD everywhere in the United States and Canada on November 16th. International release dates and product information may vary by market:

LOS ANGELES, CA. (October 5th, 2010) – Director James Cameron is unlocking the secrets of Pandora and taking fans on a guided tour of his vision with the highly anticipated release of AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD releasing November 16th in North America and rolling out internationally from November 15th. These exclusive Extended Collector’s Editions come with iconic, collectible packaging to get fans to experience Pandora like never before. With three versions of the film, AVATAR fans will get an all-new extended cut of the film and hours of never-before seen material including over 45 minutes of amazing deleted scenes!

“I told our team — let’s do the ultimate box set of Avatar, with everything in it the fans could possibly want. There’s an extended length cut that’s sixteen minutes longer, plus documentaries, behind the scenes featurettes, artwork and over 45 minutes of deleted scenes. Everything worth putting into a special edition is in this set,” said James Cameron.

The three-disc AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and Theatrical Special Edition Re-Release DVD will both feature the original theatrical release, a special edition re-release, family audio track with all objectionable language removed and new collector’s extended cut with sixteen more minutes including an exclusive alternate opening Earth scene. Viewers will journey to the depths of Pandora with filmmakers during “Capturing Avatar“ an in-depth feature length documentary covering the 16 year filmmaker journey including all new interviews with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew exploring James Cameron’s unique vision for the film seen by more than 310 million people worldwide. The Oscar and Golden Globe winning epic is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over $2.7 billion in worldwide box office. It is also the top-selling Blu-ray disc of all time.

The AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition Blu-ray will also have even more bonus material and interactive viewing. Through the unparalleled, interactive technology of Blu-ray, fans can dive further into the world of the Na’vi and experience the #1 international sensation from behind the scenes, with a “master class” on the production of the film. Leveraging the interactivity of Blu-ray, viewers can experience the full film in three stages of production: Performance Capture, Template (1990’s video game version) and Final as well as a composite of all stages in “Pandora’s Box”. This will be supported with interviews by Jim Cameron and the filmmakers and serve as a “master class” on the making of AVATAR.

AVATAR Extended Collection’s Edition: 3-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray:
Disc One
· Original Theatrical Version
· Special Edition Re-Release
· Collector’s Extended Cut
16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Family Audio Track (All Objectionable Language Removed)
· Original Theatrical Release
· Special Edition Re-release

Disc Two
· “Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew
· Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes
· Production Materials

Disc Three
· Open “Pandora’s Box” and go deeper into the filmmaker process
· Interactive Scene Deconstruction: Explore the various stages of production through 3 different viewing modes
· Production Shorts: 17 featurettes covering performance capture, scoring the film, 3D fusion camera, stunts and much more
· Avatar Archives including original scriptment, 300 page screenplay and the extensive Pandorapedia
· BD-live Portal with additional bonus materials

AVATAR Collector’s Edition: 3-Disc Special Edition DVD:
Disc One
· Original Theatrical Version
· Special Edition Re-release
· Collector’s Extended Cut
16 more minutes and exclusive alternate opening

Disc Two
· Original Theatrical Version
· Special Edition Re-release
· Collector’s Extended Cut

Disc Three
· “Capturing Avatar“ An in-depth feature length documentary with James Cameron, Jon Landau and cast and crew
· Deleted Scenes – including over 45 minutes of new never-before-seen deleted scenes

AVATAR Extended Collector’s Edition will be available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD everywhere in the United States and Canada on November 16th. International release dates and product information may vary by market. Please contact your local Twentieth Century Fox office to confirm country specific information.

Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.