TIME Magazine Review of the new Avatar DVD

[Helicoradian]

There's no way to duplicate that intensity at home, with a much smaller image, and the ordinary interruptions of phone and email messages, of the ordinary importuning of kids and spouses. [...] Even a movie as powerful as Avatar can't work its spell on a distracted viewer. To stay with it requires an act of will, not the blessed passivity of a moviegoer.

Although the intensity of seeing Avatar at a large format cinema in 3d can't be replicated at home, it's a more personal experience IMO. Distractions can be a problem but they can also be avoided with a little preparation.

I was actually quite relieved after the first viewing. At the end when Jake opens his eyes as a true Na'vi, Avatar still had the same impact on me at home as it did in the theaters. Which is amazing considering I watched it on a 23" display in 2d. This means that it doesn't matter HOW you see it, just that you DO see it.