The Abyss (Special Edition) - Movie Review
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Chris Stuckmann reviews The Abyss (Special Edition), starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester, Todd Graff, Chris Elliott. Directed by James Cameron.
The fact that Cameron created practical underwater submersible chase scenes & even had them fight, in 1989 is mindblowing. Not enough people realize how enormous of a challenge it was. Today, they would have gone straight to weightless CGI creation.
There are several documentaries about the "troubled" shoot here on YT. It's frankly a miracle that most of the crew, including the actors did not just quit on the spot at any time. I understand why they don't want to talk about it.
@@Jonteponte71indeed. The production of this movie is even more fascinating than the movie itself. And I loved the movie
The value he puts on human lives is exceptionally low… actors can thank cgi for their lives. 😂
@iwanvickery6547 Hey, Kate Winslet getting hypothermia on the set of Titanic because she didn't want a wetsuit was her own fault.
@@iwanvickery6547 I'd love most 'actors' these days getting Cameron's real water treatment.
Ed Harris' scene trying to bring us wife back to life. ALWAYS makes me cry. Phenomenal performance. Also love the music for this movie.
Unsexiest nude
Yeah, Dwayne Johnson attempted to re-create this scene in "San Andreas." Pathetically weak and obvious attempt that failed in every possible way.
ME Mastrantonio got hit in the face over and over again while lying on a freezing floor with her shirt ripped off, leading to her running away and crying "We're not animals!" I've also remembered that scene forever, but now I'm starting to think I owe her a little more credit for the whole thing. 😀
Dude! I thought I was the only one! I would sit and watch a mediocre blockbuster and then just think of this scene and tear up!
Ed Harris is an amazing actor
This movie's effects walked so that the ones in Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park could run. I see absolutely no problem with that.
Wonder if the guy who directed the Avatar movies gives credit to the Abyss in pioneering photoreal CGI?
@@JasonOrtiz-ye1dothe director of Terminator 2 should be ashamed for ripping of the water being.
@@hansandersson5638 I am pretty sure that the director of The Abyss sued the director of T2 over said effects.
@@hansandersson5638lol😂
@@JasonOrtiz-ye1do😂
I'll never forget seeing this in theaters. When Lindsay said, "You're a stronger swimmer. I die, you carry me over and bring me back," I don't think I started breathing again until Ed Harris does exactly that. A brilliant film.
Amazing that after 34 years, underwater filming still hasn’t surpassed this
That's because underwater filming isn't filmed underwater anymore, it's all characters in front of a green screen with CGI underwater.
Avatar the way of water was shot underwater for real in a massive tank, also a little film called Titanic was shot in real water in a huge tank, no green or blue screens. Only Cameron will do this
Cameron surpassed himself with Avatar 2 imo
@@Gregbaltzerthat is a total cop out dude . Sad 😔
80s movies just hit different. They’re time capsules for us all to travel back to when cinema was treated with all the love and respect the medium deserves. 😊
And had a good soundtrack worth buying
This was 1990
Great time to live in USA 🇺🇸 everything has gone to shit now
and movies like this look better than movies today.
@@purefoldnz3070 why is that? What the fuck happened to this country man?
Went last night and was blown away by how claustrophobic it felt on a big screen. Was a great experience, yeah all of the usual "Cameron tropes" are on full display and personally I think the original theatrical version was better (less corny), but damn that CPR scene is one of the most intense moments ever put on film.
100% claustrophobic seeing it on the big screen.
How many time has the CPR scene appeared in other movies! And none as good!
The CPR scene is intense but for me, the emotional climax of the movie is when Bud and Lindsey slowly realize that one of them is going to drown
@@alanmoss3603S1 of Lost
The scene where Lindsey is trying to convince Bud about the alien lifeforms is one of the most beautifully written and acted scenes of James Cameron's career. I just love it.
YES. My favorite line of the movie is in that scene and is applicable to our world today as we examine our prejudices.
LINDSEY: Please. You have to trust me.
Now, I don’t think they mean us any harm.
I don’t know how I know that.
It’s just... a feeling.
BUD: Geez. I’m supposed to go on a feeling?
How can I go on a feeling?
You think Coffey’s gonna go on “a feeling”?
LINDSEY: Coffey looks, and he sees Russians.
He sees hate and fear.
You have to look
with better eyes than that.
Chills
It's perfection
Absolutely 💯 love that scene
There are so many scenes like that. Brilliant!
Great work Chris, crying here - I was 20yrs old & blown away. I'm 54 & think about this movie when I'm reminiscing about my younger life - the breathing fluid scene is incredible!
I saw this in theaters in 1989 and you can't begin to imagine what it was like for those of us still on a high from Aliens in 1986. And then the special edition was released on Laser Disc and we all fell in love with it all over again! The score from Silvestri is still breathtaking! It's one of Cameron's best!!
Always loved this movie. Technically, in this context, humans are the aliens. We were the outsiders in someone else's world.
Huh? It takes place on Earth.
@ddc2957 The original definition of alien simply means foreigner. The humans were foreigners in the abyss which was home to the undersea beings.
@@hedruum I had thought the aliens were from elsewhere, but just living down there at the time, or something? Haven't seen it for a while so can't quite recall.
Are they supposed to be native to the ocean? I had taken it they were alien visitors. I suppose the movie doesn’t specifically say does it?
@@ddc2957 I just assume that because there design seemed very much inspired by jellyfish like they evolved in the ocean.
I wish we got more unique films like this from Cameron. I think it's kind of sad that a huge part of his career has gone to two Avatar movies, with still more to come. It would be cool if he started doing different stuff again, but what can you do.
I agree. When responsible for certified classics like Terminate 2, Aliens, True Lies and The Abyss, the stars are the limit for a director like him. That being said, Avatar was earth shattering and it provided him with the biggest platform to spread his environmentalist views so good for him. Always curious what other original ideas we missed though
100% agree.
I saw this in the theater opening night. It blew me away and was truly an event. I miss when movies were events. When Batman and Jurassic came out, it was an event..not just a movie!
What about Dark Knight, Avengers, Force Awakens, No Way Home or Maverick?
@@coolnerdlll6053 and Barbie and Oppenheimer this year
@coolnerdlll6053 not the same...
@@adrianalmeida4381 not the same feeling, imo
Uhh there are event films every year. You just don’t go see them.
Saw the original in the theatre when it was released and was blown away. A visual masterpiece and an all around awesome movie.
I have never forgotten it since I saw it the first time! Specifically the drowning scene wich was seared into my brain of my young mind for years after...
Same here. The summer of '89 had Batman, Last Crusade and other biggies. Great year. The Abyss came out at the tail end and got a bit lost commercially, but those who saw it on a fk-off big screen... Cameron put you right in there. I felt in awe and danger the whole time.
It's kind of boring.
@@Jonteponte71The drowning scene always stuck with me. It blew my mind when South Park parodied that scene with Cartman trying to keep Kyle alive in an episode years later.
This movie looks even better now than in 1989 release. JC did an outstanding job on this restoration.
The scene of a man screaming at his ex-wife to fight against the end is the most powerful scene ever filmed, and what the woman went through to create it is criminal.
“I’m hurting, guys.” Damn did that hit hard. When a man who’s worked for years to reach 2M+ subs on a film channel, it sucks seeing the basis for said channel failing to do its part when you have someone as dedicated as Chris. Hope this year is an anomaly
This is my favorite movie. I went to see the Abyss special edition last night in an XD theater and it was amazing in 4k. It's hard to believe this was made in '89 and how much the practical effects, sets, and acting are so on point. Such a killer movie and full of original ideas. I got a poster too!
We got our posters too
I have such an abiding love for this movie, having grown up watching it with my dad! Dad passed away a year ago, and the scene where the alien plays back Bud's message to Lindsay always makes me think of him. It's such a beautiful moment of deep understanding and empathy, and it was Dad's favorite scene. I wish I'd known it was coming back to theaters because I would've loved to have seen it on the big screen
Sorry for your loss. Your dad had good tastes.
@@kevineckelkamp Thank you, and yes he did. He really loved sci-fi!
Beautiful.
The scene of Ed Harris trying to save Mary Elizabeth Mastriantonio is the absolute peak of film making. That scene hits so god damn hard. When I was young and watched it I said "Wow", now that I'm older and married I literally choked up watching it in the theatre. It's a masterpiece of acting.
I love this film! Saw it in theaters when it came out, and it's about time we're getting the bluray release, along with True Lies, in March '24. From an online article I read months back, this was one of the reasons why she refuses to talk about this movie along with Harris. Apparently, she wasn't informed that her top was going to be exposed on film, and that she had to lay on a very hard, cold metal floor that hurt her back, while Harris was performing the cpr. And I just read from another article this morning, Harris almost died twice during the underwater scenes because the 'safety' divers were incompetent in their jobs making sure the actors were good to go. But I agree, it was a very powerful and emotional scene!
@@MrRoda8143It wasn't so much that the safety divers were incompetent as much as they were far away when he was running out of air. I've heard the same story about a regulator being shoved in someone's mouth upside down -- once regarding James Cameron and the other regarding Ed Harris. Who knows whether it happened to both or just one, but it's a mistake that is understandable.
@@Proximityillusions Tell that to Ed Harris lol.
@@MrRoda8143Nah, I don't think I will. After 35 years his memory of the incidents may be fuzzy.
@@Proximityillusions lol, somehow, I don't think he's forgotten traumatic memories of that film, despite it being 35 years ago. There's a reason or two as to why he refuses to ever talk about it. Trying to suppress it, maybe, but forget about them? He'll carry it to the grave with him
Absolutely love this film and I’m glad it’s finally getting recognized again! The CGI is groundbreaking, but the practical effects are incredible and give it such a realism along with a great story and characters.
I’ve heard many stories that this movie was a living hell for the actors to make, but gotta say the finished results were very impressive
The 4k restoration was absolutely stunning. The charity, the contrast and the skin tones of everyone felt like an original print in 1989, yet even cleaner without any of the slight mismatches I remember from then. The undeerwater model work is seem-less. What a big screen experience, wow.
Speaking of clarity, The Abyss re-release would've looked like the Terminator 2 re-release and its crappy DNR. But thank goodness DNR technology has gotten so much better today. And The Abyss was living proof.
Sad that True Lies looks like sh*t because they used IA and make the character look like wax scultures😂.
@@jackelrikuroso3945 Aliens , The Abyss and True Lies were all done using AI
I was 17 in 1989 and worked as a ticket taker in a theater the summer this came out. We always go to see it the night before due to the fact the projectionist had to check the print to make sure there was no damage or imperfections. I remember vividly getting to sit in the balcony of the movie theater and witness this one for the first time. Its burned into my memory. Such a great film and under appreciated in the shadow of all of Cameron's other works. That summer will always live in my memory. Batman, Abyss, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The 3 months I worked at the theater I got to experience those films and it was a very special time.
Agreed! My favorite summer of movies! Saw all those in the theater! Lethal Weapon 2 also! Though I was obsessed with Batman, I saw it 5 days in a row
I was 13. Great time period to be a teenager going to movies!
Everyone should watch the behind the scenes footage for this incredible movie. It's absolutely mind blowing how much work they put into this!
As a kid, this movies DVD menu blew my mind. We went from VHS and rewinding, to an interactive menu with a water tentacle exploring the TV screen
I love this movie. My mom saw it first when I was a kid, and she sat me down to watch it with her, and we have watched it together many times since. Absolutely beautiful, magical, and mysterious.
I remember seeing this when my parents rented it, think I was 11 or 12. Took movies a long time back then to get to rental stores. The effects in the movie blew me away, and that was on a 30'ish inch tube TV on VHS. I will definitely be checking this out when it's released on 4k. Thanks Chris!
I saw this in the theater in 1989. I was 10 years old. To say that it blew me away is an understatement. Films like The Abyss, Back to the Future, Raiders, Star Wars, etc etc etc from that era are why I’m a film lover and why I still see films in theaters today.
I watched The Abyss at Whitestone Cinemas in the Bronx, NY in '89. Saw a YT video of the 80's and it had me in tears of joy because of all the excellent and memorable films and music that came out of the 80's. To me, that was when "hollywood" was at its peak in quality.
The 80’s were a great decade for cinema. The 90’s as well had some bangers.
Saw this as a kid and has always loved this movie ever since! I think its wonderful its finally being shown some love! Its a James Cameron film not a lot of people ever talk about and probably should talk about
Yesss! Thank you for reviewing this. It is an often-overlooked masterpiece.
I'll watch it today.
I had a chance to meet Michael Biehn at a Comicon a few years ago, and he will talk about The Abyss. He said he enjoyed the majority of his time making the movie. Ed Harris won’t talk about it as he had a REALLY rough go.
@@trhansen3244 Wait until the 4K version comes out on streaming on the 12th or the Blue-Ray UHD in March. The current version don’t look very good. The movie is in dark areas most of the time and the video compression of the DVD is terrible.
It is coming out on 4K and I've patiently waited for it. Aliens and True Lies will be on 4K early next year (I think March).
It's one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time. I saw it first when I was just a kid and I was blown away of how visually spectacular it is, but also the excellent performances by the entire cast, especially by Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Great classic!
I went to this release as well. The presentation was great on a massive screen with Dolby Atmos sound. Yet somehow there were still several people on their phones throughout. Movies in the cinema are the one time I get to not look at my phone constantly and it depresses me that someone would pay money to see this amazing film and not experience it properly.
I saw the theatrical version on tv when I was a kid, and by the end the movie was etched into my brain. An all-time great film.
I saw it yesterday in the theater. It was fantastic. As always. The 4K transfer look beautiful. The sound system was epic. And I still cannot make it through this movie without shedding a tear at the Love You Wife part. Bravo
Just watched this film again. Blown away. To me, it‘s a perfect blockbuster that hasn‘t aged a bit. If it was released today, critics would go crazy. Everything feels so crazy visceral. The water, the metal, everything is just palpable. Also loved the characters, the general atmosphere, the setting and machinery. What a phenomenal movie!
The Abyss is by far the BEST James Cameron film ever! No other is as strong dramatically or action wise. Also, the casting was incredible.
James Cameron should really make more movies that isn't Avatar. I personally really enjoy the Avatar movies and I watched Avatar 2 in theatres last year and it was a technical marvel. He clearly has a lot of passion for Avatar and it's all good but I'd love to see him make more movies like The Abyss or True Lies. He isn't just a great engineer, he's also a great storyteller, a great filmmaker.
He's talked about doing other things [like a film based on the book 'The Last Train to Hiroshima] but Avatar has take far long than he planned [after all, Avatar 2 arrived 8 years late] so that's the main reason. He wanted to direct Alita after the Avatar sequels were done but had to let Robert Rodriguez do it to get it made at all.
@@jamesatkinsonjawell he didn’t have to make 4 sequels to the first 1 lol
Saw this at my local Showcase with my dad when I was 14. Immediately went out and got the novelization(by Orson Scott Card!). One of my favorite movies of all time but only in my top 3 Cameron movies. James Cameron just makes good movies.
Haha, same here. T2 and Aliens are just so brilliant as well.
I've been waiting for you to do a review of this film Chris for so long!! It's one of my favorites from Cameron. I saw this in theaters in '89 and was mesmerized by what I was seeing.
Like you, me and my son went and saw the special edition 4K release last night in theaters, and was like watching it all over again.
Amazing filmmaking!!!
My son and I went last nite
Let's not forget the CPR scene where Ed Harris literally, screams Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio back to life! Some of the most powerful acting I've ever seen!
All the more impressive when you learn he’s not actually looking at anyone, she had stormed off the set by then!
Great review. I went to the Radio City Music Hall East coast premiere back in 89'. Ed Harris and Michael Beign were there. Ran into Gregory Hines and he signed my "The Abyss" program (weird I know)... When the laserdisc came out and I got to see the Special Edition, it was incredible. I must say, I have seen the film at least 10 times including last night's screening. I cry like a baby several times. First, when she drowns... Again when he revives her... Again when he types "One way Trip... LOVE YOU WIFE"... MY GOD... Those moments are so real and absolutely incredible film making, acting and writing. Looking forward to the Digital release on December 12... Hopefully the MAKING OF hour long doc is there... It's as incredible as this classic film. Bravo! Cheers! Gator
I got to see this for the first time last night and my word the underwater sequences are insane! Only the big screen could truly do it justice!
"Knew this was a one way ticket but you know I had to come. Love you... wife."
That scene has always gotten to me. The ultimate measure of a loving sacrifice. The NTI's immediately recognized Bud's greatness, and that if any more like him exist out there, that perhaps all for humanity was not lost. When they replay his text display back to him, and Silvestri's chorus/score swells with the close up on "love you, wife", I can never hold back the tears. I adore that nod of respect that the elder NTI gives to Bud before fading away. Everything about this presentation reminded me at every turn as to why The Abyss is my personal favorite Cameron film.
I've lost count of the times I've watched this movie at home, but seeing it on the big screen for the first time was something different.
I actually got emotional during the leaking submersible scene, where Lindsey is telling Bud she must drown in order for them both to live😭.
Also, why does the free poster have Ed Harris looking like a young Jason Statham?
I saw it in ‘89 when I was 17 & still love it today. All the elements you touched on, are spot on. You get a claustrophobic feel and when I was at the theatre I saw it in, they turned the air on so high, it was freezing. It was supposed to I believe, give you the feeling of the deep dark cold sea. It was so intense then & I really didn’t know who would live or die in it, which brought you to the edge of your seat. It’s in my top 5 all time favorite Cameron films... I believe it’s never received the accolades it truly deserves.
This is James Cameron’s most underrated movie
The Abyss is not just one of the best films of the 80s but also one of the best experiences in the theater of all time. Awesome video and yes I also watch this flick every few years and it hits the same every time. A masterpiece.
Been waiting YEARS for the abyss special edition to be released on blu ray / 4k. This is a criminally underrated film and man seeing it in theaters last night was fantastic! Man did it look great in 4k! Ya some of the fx are dated now but some still really hold up! I cant believe what they were able to do back in 89 with the cgi water tentacle. Its insane!
I love that scene when Bud throws his ring in the toilet and immediately fishes for it after. His entire hand gets covered in blue goop and he never washes it the entire movie. It’s such a wonderful metaphor for his relationship and how he’s still willing to fight despite the mess.
The definition of a life-saving decision, going back for the ring.
It’s stained. It’s a chemical toilet. But it is brilliant.
I took two dates to see The Abyss opening day. So I saw it twice opening day. I loved seeing it again last night on the Dolby Cinema screen with many fans. I have the Laser Disc and DVD and look forward to James Cameron Appreciation Day when I can buy The Abyss, Aliens and True Lies on 4k in March. BTW I was working at a video store when The Abyss was released on VHS. It was a HUGE HIT. People loved it! Everyone had to see it!
The LD of "The Abyss" is an excellent example of the format, both visually and with the Dolby Stereo Surround!
@@kubrickenigma7977 My three favorite Laser Discs of all time: 1) The Abyss Special Edition. 2) Aliens Special Edition 3) Star Wars Trilogy: The Definitive Collection.
I had never seen this film before so when I saw it last night, I could not believe how great it was. The 4K picture was insane and the film is now definitely one of my favorite Cameron films. Loved your review and analysis!
I wish you review True Lies as well. The most underrated Cameron movie that needed recognition.
Thanks for reviewing this Chris, makes me even more excited to see this Friday night, then of course 12th March. James Cameron you made my Christmas!
Also Chris I can’t wait for your Best Buy video, I feel your pain as here in Australia Disney cancelled physical media altogether ending with Guardians of the Galaxy 3. That of course means that Aliens, The Abyss, True Lies and Titanic on 4K Blu-Ray will not be happening here. Still extremely excited to be buying them from overseas anyway.
Never stop supporting Physical media. 💯📀💿
Saw this last night at our local theater and got the same poster (loved seeing you hold it up). The Abyss was the first movie I ever bought with my own money -- a beat up used rental VHS from an independent video store where I eventually worked myself 20 years later. Such an underrated film -- I'd argue it may be Cameron's masterpiece.
My wife and I actually ended up having a double feature yesterday, first Godzilla Minus One (our third time watching it, we brought another friend) and then the Abyss. The two played so well back-to-back, as they both exemplify character-driven genre filmmaking that is both harrowing and life-affirming. (They also both happen to use the pressure of the deep ocean as a major plot device)
A great day at the movies.
Had the pleasure to see it in the theater December 6th. A 34 year old film was still better than anything else the theater was showing.
I love The Abyss. It litterally affected my career choise. I know it got por reviews back in 1989, but I love it. The drama between Bud and Lindsey, the power struggle between Bud and Coffey, all the great dialogue and acting and the non stop escalation of tension! It's great!
I saw this film last night on a big screen also! This movie has always been amazing and criminally underrated. Glad it's getting a 4k release and I got to see this on the big screen. Movie is amazing!
I also saw it in theaters last night, and it was amazing. I've probably seen it half a dozen times on VHS and DVD, and this 4K restoration was phenomenal. Its probably one of the best action films set underwater. And the special effects are so good. Cameron and his team used every trick in the book (new and old) to get these amazing visuals: miniatures, stop motion, groundbreaking CGI, blue screen/chroma effect, puppetry, and most importantly, an entire set for the rig that was built and placed inside a tank that held 7.5 MILLION gallons of water.
I never got a chance at all to see The Abyss and I’ve always wanted to, and now that I saw the movie for the first time in a theater, it’s now one of my favorites.
So bummed I missed the Re-release. The Abyss has been a favorite since childhood and has always felt like an under appreciated masterpiece. So excited to pick up the 4K Blu-ray.
This movie displays fantastic technical expertise for the time it came out. I think it mostly stands up well for present day viewing as well. I also appreciate the amount of painstaking effort that went into its production, which is legendary.
The acting was beyond good Lindsey and Bud, the best dual in cinema history... I just watched it tonight and was really happy James Cameron movies are just at another level
The Abyss is the first example of a movie which have knockoffs released to theaters *before* its own release. Yes, I'm of the opinion that the movies Leviathan and Deep Star Six were produced simply to capitalize on the knowledge that James Cameron was making an underwater adventure movie. After he'd done Aliens, of course, and it was probably assumed it would be horror movies as the knockoffs ended up being.
Glad you mentioned the rip offs! Leviathan is notable for the cast [including Peter Weller] but it's a 'poor mans' version compared to The Abyss.
I initially saw this movie on VHS on a small CRT tube tv and tv speaker and it inspired me to go into science. From the liquid breathing rat to bringing a dead, drowned person back to life it left a HUGE impression on me. To see it on the big screen with big sound was a real treat. I had chills!
Great review Chris. Yes, it's definitely a masterpiece (esp. the longer cut) and I'm glad you brought up Best Buy. I feel exactly the same way.
what is going on with Best Buy?
@@harrybeanbag8106they're giving up on physical media soon
@@harrybeanbag8106 Sometime next year, probably sometime in the first quarter, they're going to quit carrying discs completely.
This film was ahead of its time. It doesn’t get the credit it deserves.
Just watched it recently and it still has the same effect it did when it first came out.
A true Masterpiece from one of the greatest filmmakers that ever lived.
Saw it for the first time last night and was blown away. I was in the same boat wondering how the hell they shot certain scenes. Although I think you're dismissing the actors criticisms way too easily. When we mistreat actors and put them in unfair conditions we get strikes like we currently just had, and productions shut down which is bad for everyone. I'm not saying Cameron put anyone in harms way but no movie is worth putting actors in danger or awful conditions for extended periods of time. Making great films is difficult but we shouldn't throw actors well-being aside to make them.
To his credit, Cameron has stated in recent years that he acting in a 'autocratic' way was the wrong approach [he said he tries to find his 'inner Ron Howard'-a director known for happy sets] and wouldn't act like that now. Kate Winslet was very quite vocal at disliking his behaviour on Titanic but reconciled with him to make Avatar 2.
He put everyone in harms way. All of their lives were in danger. He almost died himself.
@@bcbock That's pretty awful then, like I said I had only just seen it yesterday and hadn't looked into any of the history of the movie.
I'm a senior, I saw the original feature. I spent 12 years in Hollywood, I can really appreciate what James accomplished. Can't wait to see the new release. I cried too, they could have passed around two boxes of tissues like in "Ghost".
I sooo love this movie, I seen this on day one & this screening was just as beautiful as I saw it on August 8th, 1989. Just remember, without this movie, we would never have T-2, Jurassic Park, & Avatar.
If are referring to the CG, we would still have those Films. The CG might have been groundbreaking, but it wasn't unique to this Film, other Films had already used CG during the 80s.
I saw the 4k showing in my area, and have hung the poster in my movie room. What stood out to me was the tight feel created by the enclosed sets, the frictioned banter of the motley cast, and the metallic reverb in the sound design. Everything had "weight" to it.
2023 and people still say "nucular".
great film. Camerons best in my view
Owned the silver case special edition DVD and watched so many, many times- not seeing it in the theaters, as I was only 13. Had the absolute privilege to finally view it on the big screen IN DOLBY, last night. It was majestic. Only bummer was the long shots with special effects were VERY muddy looking when the rest of the film looked incredible. Fairly certain, with AI processing, they could process up the detail on those rare shots to match the rest of the film.
This review made me pull out my old dvd copy of the Abyss to watch tonight. Haven’t rewatched this masterpiece in years! Keep up with the great reviews Chris!
The Abyss was filmed here in South Carolina about an hour from where I live, in a small city called Gaffney. I have never seen the abandoned nuclear plant as I think it has since been demolished.
I saw the Special Edition in the early 90’s at a Seattle film festival. The audience was enraptured. Glued to the screen. As Bud fell into the abyss, and fell and fell and fell, with his only connection to everything above being Lindsey’s voice . . . At a certain point he slowly writes onto the keyboard strapped to his forearm that after all the darkness, he’s now starting to see some kind of light. Lindsey leans forward and says “What kind of light, Bud?” And someone in the theatre shouted out “Bud Light!!!” The place roared with laughter. Priceless moment.
Christmas is coming early thanks to James Cameron. The days of waiting for digital, 4K, and Blu-Ray releases of The Abyss and True Lies are finally over!!
Definitely one of my childhood favorites! Born in 1982 and raised with a television and VHS as the perfect nanny 😛Always loves Ed Harris too, underrated actor imho
I'm so happy this one is finally available. Definitely one of Cameron's best.
I was absolutely captivated and in awe with this movie as a kid, especially with the ending. Gives you a sense of hope. Still love it as an adult.
This was truly ahead of it's time back in the day. I still remember first seeing it at theaters back in the 80's, and me, my friends and family, were all blown away by the scope of it.
The ending left me wanting a bit, but not bad. Watched it over and over through the years.
The actor that plays Lindsey in the movie got mad at Cameron when he kept asking for more takes of her drowning scene. She said she had to lay on the hard cold ground wet and get physically beat on by Ed. She said she will never work with Cameron again.
Beyond Titanic or even Avatar this is still my favorite James Cameron movies. Some of Ed Harris's best performances with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as his wife in the drowning scene.
One of my all time favorites. I loved everybody in this. Mastrantonio, Biehn, and this was the first time I'd ever seen Ed Harris.
I remember my father taking me to see this one when I was 12. He collected me from school and we went straight to the showing. I am trying to remember now why we never took my brother. Great film. The special effects, for the time, blew my little 12 year old mind away. Couldn’t wait to get back to school and see my friends so I could describe what I’d seen. Although it was only in the 2000’s that I finally saw the extended cut on DVD with the whole tsunami that was missing from the theatrical release.
"Timeless" is overused, but that's exactly the quality that Cameron brings.
Whenever i look up when one of his films came out, i'm always amazed that it stands up so darn well after so much time
Hey Chris, really hope you do a review of Saltburn an experience that's hard to grapple with emotionally, but is not only enjoyable but has arguably some of the most beautiful cinematography of the year.
thanks for that quick nod to Michael Biehn, such an underrated actor
CLASSIC . Any sci-fi, horror, or all around movie buff that was a young kid on up back then has this in their collection. God that poster is even a bigtime classic
Saw it back in the day at the cinema.. a wonderful movie. For ages I had it on pan & scan VHS, then the widescreen Special Edition eventually appeared on VHS and non-anamorphic (wtf?) widescreen Special Edition DVD.. okay so it was an early(ish) release DVD, but how long we have waited for this to appear.. wow.
I absolutely love James Cameron. He's an inspiration on a different level, and his films feel like no others do. He's just that guy.
Same here. One of the best filmmakers within the last 40 years.
If this is the first time you've seen it , let alone the first time you've seen it in an actual cinema, then I am insanely jealous of you , John. Great review by the way. This film is a cinematic masterpiece in my humble opinion.
I think it's this particular movie where Cameron started focusing on a distinct "James Cameron Look" for his movies. Some shots look like they were filmed TODAY. Not all of them, nothing is ever purely timeless. But then he followed up with Terminator 2 and that movie almost CONSTANTLY looks like it was filmed recently. that's a THIRTY year old movie! What's funny too is james cameron doesn't seem to ever stick with just one cinematographer. some of them, he works with more than once, but for the most part, it looks like he either just picks whoever's available and good or the studio hires whoever they want and he just rolls with them like a champ. I don't wanna assume too much there 'cause I dunno for sure. I just think it's neat how cameron films from The Abyss onward look so good, and in such a distinct way. it's like a perfect middle ground between shooting for drama and shooting for vfx
if anyone is interested (and can find it) the Tie-in book for the movie was done by Orson Scott Card and the first few chapters are the main characters as children (1 person per chapter) so you learn how they grew up, what motivated them to become the adults in the film. It was super festinating that he spent all that time making the backstory for all of them so you can appreciate and love those characters even more
what you say about character and tension and stakes being key in horror even more than "monsters" is why I love the Blair Witch Project so much; it's some of the most realistically warm, charming, then hard and harrowing human drama I've ever seen on screen
My favorite scene in THE ABYSS: SPECIAL EDITION is where Bud, One Night and Hippy are singing to Linda Ronstadt as they're transporting the DeepCore rig along the ocean bottom. That scene felt spontaneous and human. I can see why it was edited for the theatrical version but I'm glad it was restored.
Yes. Narratively it was important because when you are going to show people in the extraordinary, you need to first show them in the ordinary. The special edition shows One Night as a trucker doing her daily. And with Bud and Hippie singing along, it shows their camaraderie and rapport. Bud is the boss, but he’s one of the guys.
I am so elated you are reviewing this movie. This is one of my most favorite movies that is so unseen and underrated by most.
I wish I had been close to a theater showing The Abyss Director's Cut, because I would have gone. I saw this film once in a theater in 1989, and when the Director's Cut DVD came out I bought it quickly because I knew there was so much missing from the theatrical edition. I've watched it again every few years since, and it never ceases to thrill. Now, the opportunity to get it on 4K will make this an insta-buy for me.