August 2000

The Abyss: Special Edition
Reviewed by Roger Kanno
DVD Format

Overall Enjoyment:
Picture Quality:
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Starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn

Directed by James Cameron

Theatrical Release: 1993
DVD Release: 2000
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround
Widescreen

The Abyss Special Edition is a two-disc set that includes the theatrical release of the film and a longer special edition. Both editions are contained on one disc and the second disc contains one of the most comprehensive collections of extras of any DVD release to date. This DVD is also one of the first to feature seamless branching, which either inserts the additional scenes required for the special edition or omits them for the theatrical version when selected from the top menu of the disc.

While the theatrical release of The Abyss was only a moderate success at the box office and was not well received by critics, the special edition is a totally different film. A total of 28 minutes of footage was added to the film, which includes a crucial subplot that adds much to the overall coherence of the film. A complex special effects shot that was never completed for the original film was also added after Industrial Light and Magic completed it using new computer imaging techniques perfected on Terminator 2. Most of the original cast returned to loop dialogue, as did many of the original crew to work on scenes that were never completed for the original release, including James Cameron who oversaw the entire project. Although the special edition received limited theatrical release, it was originally produced for a special edition laserdisc, boxed set.

The special edition of The Abyss is a far better film than the original theatrical release with a restored subplot that further explores the existence of the NTIs (non-terrestrial intelligence) and their purpose in the film. The relationship between Bud (Ed Harris) and his estranged wife, Lindsey (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) is also further explored, making the dynamic between them more meaningful. Harris is absolutely perfect in the role of Bud, the intense, head tool pusher of an underwater oil-drilling rig and Mastrantonio is equally convincing as the uptight designer of the rig. Although the special effects may seem hokey by today’s standards, there are some amazing underwater action scenes that were performed by the actors themselves and not by stunt personnel. Look for shots of the principal actors both with and without dive gear in some very complex and dangerous underwater sequences.

The picture quality of this disc is excellent even though it is not anamorphically enhanced. Most scenes, especially those that occur underwater, have a bit of a bluish hue (much like Terminator 2), but otherwise everything is nicely balanced. The picture is always sharp with small details well defined, such as the beads of water on the faces of the actors. The soundtrack is heavily weighted towards the front hemisphere with the rear channels used mainly for mono surround ambience. Even so, the auditory experience is extremely involving with excellent dynamics, a well recorded music score by Alan Silvestri, and enveloping surround effects, especially during the underwater sequences. Take for instance Chapter 36: Bud vs. Coffey where the character of the sound of clinking chains changes with the angle and location of the camera. Subtle cues such as dripping water also add to the atmospheric sound design. In the ensuing sub chase, the sound of rushing water and the whirring of electric motors are all around the listener and the crunching and grinding of metal is startlingly real.

The extras included on this DVD are mostly those that were created for the special edition laserdisc, which consist of several thousand images and pages of text covering almost every aspect of the production. This includes Cameron’s original story treatment, the final shooting script, all 773 storyboards, and countless other chapters dedicated to the technical and artistic aspects of the film. Some test and production video clips are included as well as trailers, production photographs, cast and crew biographies, and two documentaries. The longer of the two documentaries, "Under Pressure: Making The Abyss" contains fascinating interviews with the actors that provide insight into just how difficult a project The Abyss was to complete.

There is a real sense of compassion and humanity in the special edition of The Abyss that was missing in the theatrical release. It may be a little corny and heavy-handed, but it is a much more satisfying film in this form. I often regretted not purchasing the special edition laserdisc, but at a retail price of $100 it was a difficult decision to make. At a street price of around $25, the decision to buy The Abyss Special Edition on DVD is much easier.

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