How Avatar: The Way of Water Solved the Problem of Computer-Generated Water

Avatar: The Way of Water, the film that premiered on Friday, marked a turning point in the history of extravagant visual effects technology. The avant-garde, fantasy and adventure film seized the underwater motions with immense efficiency. 

The film has received widespread acclaim for its visual effects and sound design and provides a stunning big-screen experience. It has elevated the technical aspects of virtual cinema to another level. 

The first Avatar (2009), as helmed and written by James Cameron, extensively incorporated state-of-the-art special effects innovation, which permitted the actors to embody the 10 feet tall, spiky-eared, and blue-skinned aliens named Na'vi, who enjoyed living in a rainforest planet called Pandora.

In an effort to bring Pandora to life, it was necessary to "fix" the problem of how water splatters, trickles, sprays, and soaks surfaces. And over 1,600 different imitations for profound impacts were added, including the precise movements of waves on the ocean, ripples communicating with individuals and objects in the environment, the thin layer of water that slides down the skin, how hair behaves when it's wet, and the underwater light of refraction index. 

Out of 3240 visual effects shots, 2225 shots on which Weta worked included water. It is the biggest visual effects film that Weta FX, a special effects and prop company situated in Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand, has made so far. The estimated budget for Avatar: The Way of Water is $350 million to $400 million, the majority of which is used to make the movie a cinematic explosion.

The entire film consists of only two shots with no visual effects. The blockbuster sea scenes primarily consist of virtual illustrations. However, performance capture enabled them to appear authentic, demonstrating a substantial breakthrough in the technology. 

So immerse yourself in Pandora and its distinct wildlife in the world of Avatar—a visual exploration at its best!