Underwater! Blu-ray Review

"Underwater!" benefits immensely from Warner Archive Collection's meticulous Blu-ray release. RKO's pioneering production in the Superscope format is showcased in its authentic 2:1 aspect ratio, preserved through a striking 1080p transfer derived from a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative. The imagery is pristine, exhibiting a level of detail that may surpass initial theatrical presentations. Above-water scenes, captured in bright lighting, are particularly remarkable with textures and subtle details displayed with exemplary clarity. The Technicolor hues are well-saturated and consistently accurate, enhancing the film's visual appeal.

However, scenes shot underwater inevitably appear murkier compared to their above-ground counterparts. Yet, within this natural limitation, the image quality remains acceptable. The high bit-rate and careful encoding processes ensure the absence of noticeable banding or compression artifacts. This results in a very strong and stable image that withstands scrutiny without showing signs of overuse of digital noise reduction. Additionally, the 1080p transfer employs the AVC codec effectively, maintaining exceptional contrast and sharpness throughout the film's entirety. The meticulous preservation of the film is evident in its pristine condition, devoid of age-related scratches or dirt, making this Blu-ray presentation arguably the best "Underwater!" has ever looked.

The audio presentation of "Underwater!" on Blu-ray is preserved in its original mono form with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. The dialogue and main sound effects are primarily centered, showcasing the film's one-channel roots. The underwater speech, although largely unintelligible, occasionally offers a more spacious, echo-like quality. Notably, the score by Roy Webb, a prominent figure from RKO, is well-balanced, displaying a pleasing dynamic range despite some limitations on the high end.

The overall fidelity of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix is commendable. The integration of dialogue, music, and sound effects is skillful, maintaining clarity and balance throughout the film. The recurring musical motif of "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" might become repetitive for some listeners, but it is well woven into the score by Roy Webb. A standout moment in the audio mix is the forceful explosion midway through the film, which is rendered with impressive impact. Throughout the audio presentation, there are no detectable source defects, drop-outs, or sync issues, contributing to a high-quality sonic experience.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available and are formatted without ALL CAPS, aligning with the recent standards seen in Warner Archive Collection Blu-rays.

The Blu-ray release of "Underwater!" presents standard packaging with attractive, thematic cover art; however, it lacks any additional bonus features or supplementary content, despite suggestions in the liner notes. While some might find trailers online, collectors and enthusiasts will find the absence of extras disappointing, as no trailers, featurettes, commentaries, or documentaries are included to enhance the experience.

Extras included in this disc:

None: There are no extras included on this disc.

"Underwater!" (1955), directed by John Sturges, is an adventurous, albeit somewhat predictable, treasure-hunting film set against the exotic and visually appealing backdrops of Mexico and Hawaii. The movie showcases divers Johnny Gray (Richard Egan) and Dominic Quesada (Gilbert Roland) as they embark on a perilous quest to retrieve treasure from a sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon near Cuba's coast. The production's most notable aspect is its lush underwater cinematography, executed using a state-of-the-art underwater tank built for RKO Radio Pictures. Meanwhile, above-ground scenes benefit from scenic locations, enhancing the immersive quality.

Nonetheless, the plot lacks substantial depth and suspense, with most narrative twists telegraphed well in advance. The inclusion of Jane Russell as Johnny's wife Jane provides an opportunity for visual appeal rather than adding significant substance to the storyline. Unfortunately, the pacing suffers due to prolonged sequences, underdeveloped character motivations, and overly predictable outcomes. Richard Egan's frequent narration diminishes tension instead of driving the story forward.

Despite these narrative shortcomings, "Underwater!" does deliver occasional moments of genuine excitement, notably during confrontations with shark hunters turned pirates led by Rico Herrera (Joseph Calleia). A strong point in its favor is the remarkable restoration for the Blu-ray release, sourced from a recent 4K scan of the original camera negative. This stunning transfer, paired with a solid lossless audio track, ensures the film looks and sounds better than ever. However, the absence of supplemental material might deter those who are not already ardent fans of this mid-century adventure.

John Sturges' "Underwater!" is a visually striking film that unfortunately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. It primarily serves as a vehicle to showcase the leading lady in a swimsuit, offering limited substance beyond its attractive cinematography. Despite its predictable plot twists, which are easily anticipated from afar, the film possesses some modest entertainment value that might appeal to specific segments of the audience, particularly those who harbor nostalgia for the era or the film itself.

Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Underwater!" is notably enhanced by an impressive new 4K-sourced 1080p transfer and lossless audio, providing a crisp and clear viewing experience that surpasses previous editions. However, the absence of any bonus features diminishes the overall value of the release, leaving it feeling somewhat incomplete. This Blu-ray edition is ideal for dedicated fans of Sturges and the main cast who will appreciate the improved visual and audio quality despite the film's narrative shortcomings.

In conclusion, while "Underwater!" may not stand out as a stellar entry in any of the principal contributors' filmographies, its visual appeal and the quality of Warner Archive’s Blu-ray transfer make it worth considering for those with fond memories of the film. Potential viewers should temper their expectations regarding the storyline but can look forward to an aesthetically pleasing presentation. This Blu-ray release offers technical excellence but is hindered by a lack of supplemental content.