Waterworld Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's newly released 3-disc Blu-ray set of Waterworld presents a stunning visual upgrade, benefiting from a 4K remaster that enhances all three versions of the film: the Theatrical Cut, the Extended TV Cut, and the Ulysses Cut. The core footage, remastered from the original 35mm camera negative in 4K, stands out for its impressive clarity and rich detail, maintained across the entire 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition presentation. This restoration, supervised by Director of Photography Dean Semler and completed with DaVinci Resolve and PF Clean software at Pinewood Studios Group, offers a notable improvement over previous editions. The previously pallid Universal release is eclipsed by Arrow's meticulous work, which brings forth more saturated colors, particularly in the blues, and stabilizes black levels for enhanced contrast and shadow definition.

The remaster preserves the filmic quality with a light grain structure while significantly reducing distracting elements such as speckling and print wear. Fine details are sharply defined, from facial features and makeup to costume textures and set designs. The iconic scenes feature much improved color fidelity, with greens appearing more vivid and surfaces emitting an authentic moldy texture due to the 4K scan's high fidelity. Despite minor variances in clarity and grain linked to certain sequences, such as optical dissolves, the overall presentation remains consistently superior.

As expected, additional footage in the Extended TV Cut and Ulysses Cut does not entirely match the remastered quality of the Theatrical Cut. While these segments are scanned in 4K from intermediary elements and generally in good condition, they are slightly softer with some unfinished effects. Nonetheless, their integration into the core footage is handled expertly, ensuring that even the supplementary content maintains an elevated standard. Collectively, Arrow Video's restoration makes Waterworld visually compelling, offering a comprehensive improvement worthy of its controversial pedigree.

The Blu-ray release of "Waterworld" by Arrow showcases a strong audio presentation across all three cuts of the film, featuring both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo tracks. While an immersive Atmos remix is missing, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers an impressively immersive experience. This track delivers deep LFE with precise panning right from the Universal masthead, adding a sense of realism to the numerous action sequences. The dynamic soundscape effectively utilizes rear and side channels, enveloping the viewer in the pervasive aquatic environment, particularly during the water-based action scenes where elements like jet-ski engines and trimarans add unique auditory dimensions.

Dialogue clarity remains unwavering across all versions, ensuring that spoken words are crisp and distinct even amidst roaring engines and explosive effects. James Newton Howard's score contributes significantly to the overall audio experience, demonstrating a wide dynamic range and subtle nuances when spread across the surround channels. However, some minor discrepancies in audio quality become apparent in the alternate cuts where additional footage sometimes experiences a slight drop in quality – most noticeable during extensions such as the Atoll attack.

Overall, the 5.1 track delivers a more encompassing and impactful experience compared to the 2.0 track, which while solid, lacks the same dynamic spread of sound elements. This disparity is especially evident in the intensified presence of sound effects and Howard’s score in the 5.1 mix compared to its stereo counterpart. Both tracks maintain high fidelity without disturbances like crackling or hissing, thereby presenting one of the most robust audio presentations of "Waterworld" on home video to date.

Arrow Video's Waterworld Blu-ray release offers an exemplary collection of bonus content that transforms it into a definitive edition for fans. The comprehensive extras package is headlined by the feature-length documentary Maelstrom: The Odyssey of Waterworld, providing an in-depth retrospective on the film’s troubled production with interviews from key crew members. Complementing this are shorter featurettes like Dances With Waves and Global Warnings, diving into the film's making and its genre context, respectively. Various image galleries and a collection of original promotional material enhance the visual journey. Exclusive to this release are two extended cuts, the TV Cut and the Ulysses Cut, adding significant narrative depth. The physical edition is further enriched with collector's items such as postcards, a fold-out poster, and a 60-page booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Maelstrom: The Odyssey of Waterworld: Exhaustive documentary exploring the film's production.
• Dances With Waves: Archival featurette on behind-the-scenes creation.
• Global Warnings: Examination of apocalyptic sci-fi films.
• Image Galleries: Extensive collection of conceptual art, production stills, and behind-the-scenes photos.
• Original Trailers: Teaser and theatrical trailer.
• TV Spots: Compilation of promotional spots.
• Waterworld TV Cut: Extended TV version with additional scenes.
• Waterworld Ulysses Cut: Uncensored extended cut.

Kevin Costner’s ambitious Waterworld, despite its initial critical and commercial challenges, offers a visually stunning post-apocalyptic narrative that captivates audiences with its unique premise. The film envisions a world where the polar ice caps have melted, rendering the Earth almost entirely oceanic. Costner stars as the Mariner, a genetically evolved human capable of underwater breathing, who becomes an unlikely protector for Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and her adopted daughter Enola (Tina Majorino). Their quest for the legendary "Dryland" puts them at odds with Dennis Hopper’s Deacon, leader of a marauding gang called the Smokers.

Waterworld's production is renowned for its difficulties—ballooning budgets, on-set conflicts, and logistical nightmares endemic to shooting on water. Despite these challenges, the result is an impressive spectacle akin to Mad Max’s dystopian lore transposed to a watery realm. Costner’s performance, while occasionally emotionally muted, pairs well with the film’s stunning practical effects, elaborate set designs, and dynamic stunt work. The exhaustive physicality of Costner's performance is particularly notable, enhancing the film’s tactile realism.

The new Arrow Video release enriches the viewing experience by including multiple cuts of the film, most notably the 178-minute Ulysses Cut. This version offers a deeper exploration of the Mariner's character and more expansive world-building. While the longer versions add valuable context and nuance, they sometimes disrupt the pacing found in the original theatrical release. Nonetheless, they further showcase the film's visual and technical accomplishments, solidifying Waterworld as a memorable, if flawed, cinematic endeavor. Dennis Hopper's over-the-top villainy and the meticulous craftsmanship behind the film's production design elevate Waterworld from its “Fishtar” infamy to a notable milestone in blockbuster cinema history.

Arrow Video's 3-disc Limited Edition release of "Waterworld" offers a definitive presentation of this once-underrated adventure film. Featuring a meticulous 4K restoration, the video quality is exceptional, showcasing the film's impressive production design and practical effects in remarkable detail. Audio quality is equally strong, providing an immersive experience that accentuates the film’s action set-pieces. Additionally, fans can explore three different cuts of the movie: the theatrical version, a broadcast cut, and the elusive extended Ulysses Cut. This comprehensive set also includes a new feature-length documentary that delves into the intriguing production history of this ambitious dystopian epic.

Supplemental features include a mix of new and archival content that enriches the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film. The packaging itself is handsomely designed, complete with a booklet, cards, and poster, making it a collector's item. These elements collectively make Arrow's release not only superior to any previous editions but also likely the most definitive version fans will see. Filled with lavish extras and unparalleled technical merits, it provides an all-encompassing experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Arrow Video’s Limited Edition release of "Waterworld" is a must-have for any collector or fan of the film. Despite its initial mixed reception, "Waterworld" has garnered a cult following, and this comprehensive edition serves as an excellent homage to its lasting impact. The fresh 4K restoration, enhanced audio, multiple cuts, and extensive bonus materials make this an upgrade well worth considering. Highly recommended.