Original and CE openings
 

I've been thinking about this one for a while - but I think that the Collector's Edition extended version's opening is just missing something. It doesn't hit me hard emotionally in that same way that the original one does. It's just a little long, and I think the original one just has the different structure which is as much a part of its power as anything else, because it has become so strongly associated with all the emotion that we always feel with Avatar. The CE one was nice to see a few times because it was there, but it just feels too different to me.
What is your opinion on it? Do you prefer the original one as well?

Hmm, y'know I think I do like the original one more. The first time I saw it, I was thinking "Wow! No introduction or build-up, I'm already out in space over another world!" I liked that, and how there were really no discernible shots of Earth. It's actually kind of hard to say why I like it...I just do.

The next time I watch Avatar (which will be the first time in a long time) I think I'll be watching the original cut, with the original intro. :)

You could be right. There's a solid emotional punch to the original opening which isn't quite the same in the CE. I also think the bar scene really needs its deleted counterpart in the hunting party.

Original and CE openings
 

This is actually why reading is so great. It lets you picture what is happening rather than just flat out telling you with no room for creativity. The original opening lets you picture the state of earth (a topic I've seen many opinions on), but the CE gives you a little glimpse into the life of a human in the 22nd century.

I couldn't have watched the CE more than 3 times, I just prefer the original.

I actually prefer the CE one, but can understand why you guys dont. The beginning of the movie really doesnt hit me emotionally in either the original or the CE way, which may be why I prefer to actually see a glimpse of earth.

The original opening is still my favorite because it just feels right, not to say the CE opening is necessarily bad. But one small thing I would've like to seen kept in the original opening would be the few seconds of footage from the cockpit of the shuttle while in orbit. Gotta love the view of Pandora!

I have to say, the CE has some neat stuff in it that was interesting to see. But the original will remain my favorite. It has a special place in my heart that the others just can't seem to match.

I agree and prefer the original cut too. The CE is nice but it's just not the version that I saw for the first time that one May evening. I love the opening on the standard cut with the really hauntingly beautiful music and everybody already on their way to Pandora, it just works, can't really explain it :p

This. There are certain cuts that I like, but I feel that this opening should be one of the deleted scenes that are completed. It facilitate the immersion into the world of Avatar as much as the original. In fact, I think my favorite cut of the movie would be the original intro combined with CE.

I think my idea intro would have been the original one but with a few short(!) scenes from the CE version. The bar fight was not needed for example. But I liked the short shot of Jake in the wheelchair at the busy intersection. That scene transports just a glimpse of what is happening on Earth and leaves you to imagine the rest. It is filled with hints. I would have kept that one and maybe the shot where he looks at the monorails and large ads, but maybe not even that. The bar and appartment scenes were not really making it better.
I also think to start with Pandora in view is emotionally more intense and that the views of Earth should be more like short Flashbacks than full length scenes.

I like the snapshots of Earth in the CE - so useful for world-building and writing and getting a feel for Earth! - but the cutting and editing of the original is sharper, tighter, and it works a hell of a lot better for me, too. I like the parallels of the glowing blue on Earth and Pandora, but in the original, you are launched straight into the 'you're not in Kansas anymore' of it, which just works better.

As always, the original version will have it's sentimental value in my heart.
As for the other versions, I personally like the SE...because it starts right on Pandora from the get-go. Nothing against the other versions obviously!
The one advantage the CE has on the other versions though, is the scene when Grace gives Jake closure on what really happened at the school. :'( Such an emotional scene.

We're just talking about the different openings, Hunter, not the different versions as a whole :)

Oh wow, lol
That's embarassing

Well since I know the topic now, I gotta say I COULD do without the earth opening...
;)

Original opening for sure.

It just drops you in the middle of the action with no introduction, and leaves you to piece everything together as you go. No build up or downtime, and the atmosphere is set right away. One of my favorite scenes honestly :)