Futuristic 3-D fantasy an instant hit

Avatar is winning high praise for the realism of its computer-generated special effects. Photo / Supplied

If you believe the hype, Avatar is going to change the face of movie-making.

And Kiwis among the first to see the film rate it very highly.

"It's so full on," says Vinay Nand.

"Very, very cool - the special effects, the digital effects and graphics are fantastic."

Mr Nand was at SkyCity Cinema in central Auckland for one of the first screenings of the James Cameron-directed blockbuster this week.

"The greatness of the film was also captured through the smaller details throughout the movie," he said.

"The dots on their noses and when they walk on the terrain and how that lights up? Amazing."

Cameron has a fondness for huge budgets. He spent millions on Titanic, but was rewarded with 11 Oscars.

Avatar, the most expensive movie in history, is a computer-effects-heavy 3-D space fantasy, set 125 years in the future.

The revolutionary technology came from Weta Digital and is predicted to change the way movies are made.

At SkyCity, praise was high.

John Zhang said the film was "perfect" with colourful and vibrant scenes bringing a new dimension.

Student Victoria Fitisemanu praised its realism.

"It was so believable. Like you were part of the movie. It was such a high standard."

Friends Alexis Tupa'i and Brenda Seuamuli said they would recommend Avatar to others.

Asked if the M-rated film would be too scary for children, both women agreed that youngsters were likely to be more entertained than afraid.