'Avatar: Special Edition' DVD adds 16 minutes of footage

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As James Cameron's sci-fi epic Avatar returns to theaters this weekend for two weeks only, the 'special edition' will include more than eight minutes of new footage. Also announced, the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray Disc special editions due in November will contain a total of 16 extra minutes.

Originally released December 18, 2009, the film's 171-minute re-release features additional material integrated into the film every 15 minutes.

"There's a whole new scene that takes place in the (Na'vi) school, there's more night bioluminescence, there's new creatures, and there is a new action scene," producer Jon Landau told The Hollywood Reporter. There is also a Na'vi 'sex' scene.

In addition to the 800 US screenings in the US, Avatar: Special Edition will open on more than 1,000 screens in 14 countries, including the UK, Russia and Taiwan this week, and Japan in October. It should add millions to the all-time biggest $2.74 billion worldwide blockbuster.

The first DVD and Blu-ray Disc hit shelves last April, and the title remains the top-grossing disc of 2010. The new versions will include bonus features along with the additional footage to a new director's cut.

A 3D version of the disc will be available next year when more home systems are expected to have 3D home entertainment systems.

RC