Avatar: Collector’s Vault 3D is more than a book. Sure, it’s classed as a book but the hardback comes in a cardboard box sleeve, comes with 3D glasses, comes with pull-outs and cards. It is a fully 3D book; not just because you can use the glasses to turn the pictures into semi-3D images but because of the tactile emersion the collector’s item allows.
Quite simply, the Avatar: Collector’s Vault 3D is the perfect Christmas present for the true blood Avatar fans. It’s also a perfect Christmas present for people who really did 3D and for collectors.
One of the challenges in this review was selecting a pair of photographs that did the Vault experience justice. Every turn of the page is a feast of eye candy – just as the Avatar film itself is. A possible negative is that the book’s strength is so full on that moderate Avatar fans might well be overwhelmed by the offering and find themselves unable to appreciate all the details in the book.
Avatar is a great choice for a book like this. It’s hard to think of another movie that would adapt to the “Collector’s Vault” experience so well. I have to say that I think the sort of 3D, pull out and card experience the book offers suits itself very well to computer game walkthrough guides. It’s not just because of the details but because the Vault offers a hands-on experience that “traditional books” simply can’t do. A game guide in the “Collector’s Vault” style would help bring the game to life. The Avatar: Collector’s Vault certainly does a good job of bringing the movie to life.
The contents of the book are powerful in their simplicity. We have pictures from Avatar; the film and the surrounds. This is a visual treat except when it is also a hands-on treat in the form of pull-out cards. This isn’t the book for you if you want to deep dive into the technical details of how the film was made, the thoughts of the actors or James Cameron.
The 3D glasses are worth a mention in this review too. They’re not swanky electronic glasses that come with some of the early 3D TVs. They are red and green lens. However, they’re nothing like the throwaway paper glasses that some cinemas give out, are far more solid and feel far more sturdy. I’ve no problem with them at all except I had to take my reading glasses off to really use them. This made looking at the book for too long rather awkward – but then I continue to refuse evil contact lens so I’ll take these issues on the chin.
All in all, I really enjoyed flicking through the Avatar: Collector’s Vault 3D. It’s an impressive collection. I’m absolutely certain it’ll make a perfect present for many Avatar fans this year.
Disclaimer: Geek Native’s copy of the Avatar: Collector’s Vault 3D was provided for the purposes of review. No money exchanged hands.
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