Avatar

James Cameron's new science fiction/fantasy movie, Avatar, promises to be one of the most innovative and ground-breaking films of all time.  Technological advances in computer imaging allowed Cameron to create a film where the line between reality and computer imaging is blurred.  Early trailers have movie goers excited.  If the man who created Terminator, revitalized the Alien franchise and brought the Titanic up from the depths holds true to form, Avatar should be phenomenal.

Equally innovative and ground-breaking is Mattel Toys' new Avatar action figures and vehicles.  The first thing that is different is the packaging.  Although the figures are bubble-packed, they are not the traditional bubble packs.  Bubble chambers holding the figures are set to the side of the card and protrude slightly in the back displaying the I-Tag.  The vehicles or steeds are fully-contained in illustrated boxes with full stats on the back.  They also contain I-Tags.

I-Tags are small rectangular I-Info components that when placed in front of a Webcam (after loading a software application) allow the viewers to control a 3D Avatar model on his or her computer screen.  It's like getting a real toy and virtual toy all in one package!  Cool!

Avatar action figures come in two sizes: 3 1/2 to 4 inches and 6 to 7 inches-give or take.  The Norm Spellman figure (like all Avatar figures) is highly-articulated (hard to believe with such a small figure), nicely detailed in paint application and sculpting and comes with a rifle that it easily holds in either hand.

The small Avatar Jake Scully figure is equally articulated and crafted, is multi-blue, comes with a spear and is slightly taller than its human counterpart.  The larger Jake Scully figure is dressed similarly (with more detail befitting its size) comes with a spear and is articulated even more.  Articulation points are nicely blended into the figure either in join creases or hidden by clothing folds.  Paint application is especially nice (no rough edges or slop over) as is the tight sculpting.

The Direhorse Avatar steed looks like a mix between a terrestrial horse, anteater and insect with its six legs.  Its a muscular beast in muted grays and mottled blue and it, like the Avatar humanoid figures, is highly-articulated right down to its haunches, torso, neck and legs.  It comes with a saddle that Avatar figures easily sit upon without falling off.

The RDA Grinder is a massive land vehicle with independent suspension, twin double wheels in front.  Sides are heavily armored and in the rear twin-tracks enable the vehicle to cross nearly any terrain.

The Grinder is equipped with an arsenal of weapons including missiles, chain gun and lots of armor.  Its driven much like a snowmobile with bike-like handles, has a single contoured seat, a minimal windshield and front-mounted engine.  Highly-manueverable, the Grinder is small but extremely tough and formidable.