The Abyss: Special Edition

December 11, 2004

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 171 min Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

DVD Quick Take

Widely regarded as the most difficult movie ever made, this is some of Jim Cameron’s best work even though it did not live up to expectations at the box office. This is a 2 DVD set and the second disc contains an absolute ton of extras mostly regarding the making of the movie. The making of the movie is just as fascinating as the story itself.

If you’re not familiar with this movie, it is about an underwater drilling platform set deep under the ocean that is sent to rescue a wrecked submarine. And it just wouldn’t be a movie if it all went smoothly now would it?

The DVD is excellent, especially considering the age of the movie. We really wish the video were widescreen enhanced, but it’s exceptional nonetheless. The sound does show it’s age, especially the musical score, but it is still better than the majority of new movies. And the use of the .1 channel for low frequency effects to enhanced the intensity of the movie is outstanding. The fact that despite being over 10 years old, the movie is THX certified should tell you alot about the attention paid to remastering this thing.

If you’re a fan of Cameron’s work, this one is an absolute must for any DVD collection. Even if you’ve seent he movie a million times, it’s worth getting your hands on this DVD set for all of the extras.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 5 Stars, Action, DVD, Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Beihn, PG-13, SciFi