Obamas watch 'Avatar' with family and friends

The Obama family have joined the ranks of cinemagoers who've seen James Cameron's latest flick Avatar.

President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and their daughters, Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8, watched the digital 3-D version of the film on the morning of Dec 31 at a theatre near their Hawaii vacation home, reports the Politico.

The Obamas, accompanied by family members and close friends, watched the movie in complete privacy. One complex of the 10 movie theatres was reserved for them and the media was kept off.

It is believed the early morning screening of the film was specially held for the president's family.

The Obamas reached the mall to see the film shortly before 9.30am Hawaii time, while the first regular show of the movie was slated for 10.45am.

The first family left the mall after nearly three hours, through a side door at Borders bookstore.

People cheered from the cark park as Obama came out with Sasha and Malia.

Obama, who donned sunglasses, a dark blue short-sleeve shirt and brown slacks with his BlackBerry clipped onto his belt, waved at the crowd.

While Obama's friends Eric Whittaker and Marty Nesbitt were seen leaving, the first lady could not be spotted.