In about four days from know, you’ll be able to take another trip on James Cameron’s Titanic. The difference between this one and the one that came out in 1997? 3D.
Actually, that’s not quite right. While the “added dimension” is the most notable revision, thanks to the badassery of Neil deGrasse Tyson–the Internet’s current favorite super-genius–James Cameron has also included an additional alteration, one that makes the stars in movie match the time period. And no, I’m not talking about the Leonardo DiCaprio or Kate Winslet, either.
I’m talking about the massive balls of plasma that decorate the night sky.
Thanks to the suggestions of deGrasse Tyson, the star field Winslet’s character was looking at while drifting on her wooden floatation device, shortly after DiCaprio’s character sinks beneath the surface, now reflects the time period Cameron was aiming for. deGrasse Tyson, calling on his considerable knowledge of astrophysics, noticed the stars in Cameron’s orignal film did not match the actual star field on April 15, 1912 at 4:20 AM in the morning. And so, deGrasse Tyson emailed the director, informing him of the overlooked detail.
According to SlashFilm, deGrasse Tyson wasn’t necessarily “nice” when he told Cameron about the error, either:
Cameron described Tyson’s original message “quite snarky,” but conceded that the scientist had a point. “With my reputation as a perfectionist, I should have known that and I should have put the right star field in,” Cameron acknowledged. “So I said, ‘All right, send me the right stars for that exact time and I’ll put it in the movie.’”
One can imagine how being scolded by someone of deGrasse Tyson’s considerable intellect could be quite humbling. To celebrate the celestial alteration, here’s Celine Dion reminding everyone what her heart will do whenever she’s confronted by a sinking luxury liner and losing the one she loves:
This, apparently, was Cameron’s reaction after he got over deGrasse Tyson’s snarky email.