Blue People Take Over

If you haven't heard of the movie "Avatar," then you've been hiding under a rock. A big one. Avatar is breaking records financially and in popularity. As someone who hasn't seen this hugely-successful film yet, I have to ask, "What's with the blue people?" Or more specifically, "What do these blue people have that I don't?"

However, before the media goes and proclaims Avatar the #1-grossing film of all time (oops, too late), let's examine a few technical factors here:

• Ticket prices have increased. Dramatically. In 1929, the average movie ticket (with inflation accounted for) cost $4.32. Today's average movie ticket costs a whopping $7.20!
• Nearly every showing of Avatar is in 3D. It's practically impossible to see this film not in 3D, save those few theaters not yet set up with the proper equipment.
• The average 3D movie ticket price ranges from $10 (matinee) to $15. Ouch! This means fewer sold tickets generates a large chunk of cash anyway.

 So where does Avatar really rank? As of this post (updated 2/4/10): 21st place, all time, inflation adjusted. The real top ten films are:

1. Gone with the Wind
2. Star Wars [A New Hope]
3. The Sound of Music
4. E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial
5. The Ten Commandments
6. Titanic
7. Jaws
8. Doctor Zhivago
9. The Exhorcist
10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

While I'm sure Avatar is a good film, as I've been informed by a few particular friends, it's still not the number one film of all time.

And besides, those blue people are scaring me.