Abyss, The

I've enjoyed this movie ever since it came out. I had a VHS copy, but was holding out for a high-definition release on Blu-Ray. Many years later, when I saw that it was coming on 4K, I knew I had to get it. I wasn't disappointed. The story revolves around a nuclear sub going down near one of the deepest trenches in the ocean. The Navy enlists the use of an experimental deep-sea oil drilling rig and crew to engage in a rescue/salvage operation. To complicate matters, a hurricane on the surface causes damage to the rig, isolation for the crew and the appearance of a mysterious alien presence from within the trench. The movie is a fantastic adventure with great Oscar-Winning effects and a really gripping story. While all accounts describe the filming process as extremely harrowing and difficult, the end product is really something to see. We also have great performances by Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio despite the challenges they had to face while filming the movie. I can watch this movie multiple times and with this new 4K remaster, it's even more enjoyable. There will probably be disagreements on the 4K remaster, but personally, I think they did a fantastic job. I've seen a review or two on-line saying that the DNR and smoothing makes the movie look too artificial. In my opinion, it looks extremely realistic. Everything is sharp and clear, and you feel like you're looking through a window into real events instead of watching a film. To me, that's what High Definition is supposed to be. Some film buffs like "grain" in their movies, but to each their own, I suppose. The package is nice. It contains 3 discs. First disc is the 4K copy with both Theatrical and Special Edition versions of the film. The second disc is Blu-Ray which again has both versions of the film. I'm very happy that you can see both versions of the film in both formats. Frequently on these 4K releases, that is not the case. Third disc is Blu-Ray with special features including new interviews and footage with director James Cameron as well as archived features from an earlier DVD release. I can't recommend this package enough. I know that there is already talk about how Cameron's other recent 4K releases are not as good. This one, however, is very much worth it. You won't be disappointed.

Another favorite

Reference quality

Great movie and condition as advertised.

While the "Most Popular" awards in Cameron's filmography undoubtedly go to Aliens and Terminator 2 (yes the Avatars and Titanic films may have made more money, but among his "Fans" Aliens and T2 are seen as more definitive) The Abyss may be his most Ambitions and most technically challenging film of his early era (yes Avatars and Titanic but again those two are a very different era in his film-making, and quite frankly less interesting). Narratively it is good solid Sci-Fi, with an underbaked final act, but the acting, cinematography, direction, and pacing are all above solid. The controversy on this new 4K release is that Cameron partnered with Peter Jackson's Park Road Post to apply AI technology to remaster the film for the new 4K digital master. True Lies, Titanic, Aliens, and this, all received this treatment. Apparently True Lies is a travesty, Aliens is a controversial transfer in the fanbase, and Titanic, I understand works fine. The Abyss transfer is, to my eyes, largely excellent. I saw the original and the Special Edition (both included) in 70MM Dolby THX on massive screens when they were released and this is as good an experience as those were (select the Special Edition). The one gripe/concern I'd make is that following industry trends (including, sadly, Ridley Scott) Cameron has chosen to push the "teal" range here. To be clear The Abyss has ALWAYS been a "Blue" movie (All Cameron from this era is), and prior Home Video releases have always been a bit too "purple". The issue is more noticeable in "stills" than in motion as the overall "blue" kinda overwhelms the teal, so ultimately it's minor, but still there. All things considered, an outstanding release of a LONG OVERDUE title.

Excellent movie!

One of my favorite movies - one you can watch over & over again & catch something you missed before. & now that it's out in 4k & i have a 4k tv & 4k dvd player with killer surround sound system - Pop a fresh batch of popcorn, sit back on the sofa & feels like i'm at the movies without having to dodge bubble gum on the floor!

Had glue on the spine. But the movie is amazing in 4k

Superbe

Looks great in 4k but you’ll need to adjust your TV settings as it has shadows in certain scenes. Always enjoyed this movie, especially the extended version.

He comprado esta película varias veces en el pasado en el formado DVD y no cumplia con las espectativas de que lo anuncian Widescreen y no es cierto. En esta ocasión lo compré en Blu Ray y 4K, y me encantó. Para mi es la mejor película de James Cameron, sobre todas las demas, aunque Aliens, Terminator son excelentes también, me quedo con ABYSS. Excelente historia y sobre todo en concepto de alienigenas abisales. Lo mejor de lo mejor.

I thought I'd been sold a pup at first with this , the disc arrived 5 days quicker than expected (excellent} but the cover had French titles & descriptions unlike the advertised item ( I assume it's a Canadian version). Amazon describe it as a two disc version but it does come with the 3rd extras disc. When I tried playing the 4K disc my machine (a panasonic UB400) displayed 'disc compatablity issues' and wouldn't play although the std blu-ray did. Having recently altered a few settings following a on-line tutorial I changed the 24p output from 4K to automatic & the 4K disc played perfectly.Picture quality & sound are excellent & it's been great watching a film I hadn't seen since the VHS days

私はよくUF0の観測で静岡市にある谷津山古墳にいきます。この古墳は標高100m以上あり駿河湾を航行している、地球深部探査船「ちきゅう」が良く見えます。先月私は三日続けて同じ夢をみました。その中でこの映画を見るように言われたような気がしたのですぐ購入して初めて鑑賞しました。地球の海には多くの「竜宮城」があり、少し前から多くのEさん達がこの竜宮城に避難して来ているそうです。太陽系で何か起きているようです。地球はいつでもその時々の宇宙の状態を投影しています。人間の心も影響を受けているようです(C国の皇帝も)。USAのPresident様たちにお願い、「海の平和を守ってください」と竜宮城の0T0姫さまが言っていました(「月の平和も・・・」とKAGUYA姫さまも言っていました)。・・・・HAL9000より