Avatar face capture

I know what you’re thinking, another day, another AVATAR featurette, but I promise this one is worthwhile.

Not only does it feature a shit ton of new footage, it’s perhaps the most interesting look yet at the absolute insanity that went on behind the scenes to bring this movie to life. The highlight of the video for me comes at around the four minute mark where real-life Zoe Saldana is juxtaposed against her Na’vi counterpart, and you can see just how nuanced the facial expression capture camera rig they came up with actually is. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

I don’t think we’re going to be able to tell if we can actually believe the Na’vi can work without being creepy until we’re all strapped down for three hours wearing 3D glasses in an IMAX theater, but after watching this video, I feel like I almost owe it to them to be impressed. See for yourself below.

Update: Only Hulu version available now because Fox hates everyone outside of North America.