Avatar 2 to Make Disney+ Splash

The highest-grossing movie ever to be released in NZ, Avatar: The Way of Water, will stream in 4K-UHD on Disney+ from June 7 — but there’s still no official word on when the 4K Blu-ray will surface.

The Disney+ debut will come six months after its theatrical launch, an absurdly long window in the streaming age when 45 days has become the norm.

It has been available to buy or rent digitally on other platforms since March but Disney hasn’t announced when you will be able to buy it on disc.

However, a Canadian distributor has revealed June 20 as the day the Blu-ray and 4K-UHD will be released in North America.

The NZ media release for the Disney+ premiere doesn’t list specs but FlatPanelsHD says it will stream in 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

There was no mention of an IMAX Enhanced version for Disney+. There is currently no option to experience it in HFR (High Frame Rate) at home, and the Disney+ premiere does not appear to include an HFR version either.

Here’s the NZ media release:

The wait is almost over! After a historic theatrical run, James Cameron’s global phenomenon Avatar: The Way of Water will debut June 7 on Disney+ and will include bonus content featuring filmmakers, cast and crew.

Avatar: The Way of Water debuted in theatres across Aotearoa on December 15, becoming the #1 film of all time at the local box office.

It is also the the third highest-grossing film of all time worldwide with nearly $2.32 billion at the box office.

Nominated for numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film also set a new benchmark for visual effects.

Produced by Cameron and his longtime partner Jon Landau, the 20th Century Studios-Lightstorm Entertainment production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis and Kate Winslet. Joining the illustrious adult cast are talented newcomers Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion.

The screenplay is by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver, with story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.

Avatar: The Way of Water reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally packed action adventure.

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, Avatar: The Way of Water launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.

All of this against the backdrop of the breathtaking seascapes of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures.

Avatar: The Way of Water is also available at Apple TV, Google Play and Microsoft Movies and TV Store.