Yes, I’m jumping on the fanboy bandwagon for a day and adding my blog to the list of a hundred others that discuss hot new movies.  But for good reason.

On Thursday, I finally gave in to my nagging desire to see Avatar.  I first heard about the movie last year from a friend in the film industry before the trailers hit the Internet.  I was psyched by the concept, and awaiting the first footage with more than the usual amounts of anticipation.  Typically, though, I don’t see movies alone.  So I was going to have to wait until next week to see the movie.

What can I say.  About 8pm Thursday night my resolve finally gave out and I booked my ticket to the opening show.  I was not disappointed.

I once compared advertising to a drive-by blow job.  It comes from way out in left field, hooks your attention and builds anticipation, and then suddenly exits, forcing you to search for what comes next.  The advertising campaign for Avatar fit this bill perfectly.  Something completely unexpected, just enough visual interest to catch your attention, and then breadcrumbs directing you to various websites, video games, and social media resources with more information.

The marketing team behind the movie built up our expectations flawlessly.  And the minds responsible for the film delivered.

For just under 3 hours, I was transported to a surreal world on another plant and driven through a story so rich that I found myself still watching the credits several minutes after the film ended.  I wasn’t alone, either.

While this isn’t the most appropriate place for me to get in to a discussion about the movie (and I don’t want to give away spoilers for those of you left to see it), I do want to reflect on the brilliance that was their marketing campaign.  James Cameron’s team told us months ago that they were bringing a revolutionary product to the market.  They spiced the market with tidbits of information about the product to keep our breath bated.  Then they gave us exactly what they said they would.

Marketing 101: Find out what people don’t know they really want.  Tell them you’re going to give it to them.  Then give it to them.

I have no doubts that this film will be one of the more financially successful ones of the year, allowing me to confidently await the sequels Cameron has promised.  Though I’d still like the opportunity to discuss with some of you why I think the story paired with the ingenious cinematic effects will make it such a success.  Feel free to drop me a line or comment on Facebook if you’ve seen the film, but please don’t spoil it for the people who haven’t.