The Abyss 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Ultimate Collector's Edition
Score: 89
from 6 reviewers
Review Date:
The Abyss 4K UHD Blu-ray is a visually striking restoration with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, finally offering a pristine home viewing experience despite some digital tinkering.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
DTS-HD MA
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 88
The Abyss' 4K UHD release is a masterful restoration with Dolby Vision and HDR10, maintaining its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Photochemical grain is reduced but present. Despite minimal grain and occasional digital imperfections, the stunning clarity, deep blacks, and enhanced color depth breathe new life into this underwater epic.
Audio: 91
The Abyss 4K UHD Blu-ray thoroughly impresses with a dynamic Dolby Atmos mix featuring immersive sound design, active surrounds, and strong LFE. Dialogue is clear, and Alan Silvestri’s score is well-integrated, providing a superb audio upgrade that's both subtle and bold.
Extra: 88
The Abyss's 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers both the Theatrical and extended Special Edition versions in stunning 4K with Atmos sound. The set includes highlights like a new 32-minute James Cameron interview, a 24-minute retrospective, and the original hour-long making-of documentary, all supplementing the archival extras.
Movie: 85
The Abyss remains a masterclass in underwater thrillers blending claustrophobic tension, groundbreaking practical effects, and heartfelt performances, presented in both its theatrical and superior Special Edition cuts, making this 4K UHD release a highly anticipated and essential upgrade for Cameron enthusiasts.
Video: 88
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The Abyss is presented in a 3840x2160/24p BT.2020 image with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1, employing HEVC (H.265) encoding. Graded for high dynamic range in both Dolby Vision and HDR10, the film benefits from meticulous restoration efforts. Director James Cameron has overseen this project, ensuring the colors remain faithful to the original while leveraging modern technology to enhance visual fidelity. Despite the grain reduction enabled by AI, the transfer maintains a balance between improved clarity and preserving the film's original look, offering exceptional detail even in the darkest shots. Practical setpieces and underwater sequences are impeccably presented, providing an immersive viewing experience.
The remastering process included building a new 4K Digital Intermediate from original camera negatives, further optimized using advanced deep-learning algorithms. This approach has successfully enhanced fine detail while reducing photochemical grain, albeit not entirely. The result is a clean image with pronounced fine details on faces and costumes, although some may notice minimal speckling. Specific scenes, notably underwater and in fluorescent lighting, exhibit a broader gamut of color tones, markedly improving upon previous releases. However, older CGI and composite effects occasionally show their age under the heightened resolution, which may slightly detract from otherwise stunning visuals.
Overall, The Abyss boasts remarkable video quality that evidences Cameron's commitment to revitalizing his classics. The HDR enhancement provides lush color reproduction and deep blacks, while maintaining natural flesh tones throughout the film. Despite sporadic issues with sharpening and grain management, this release stands as a definitive upgrade from prior formats, offering viewers an engaging and visually arresting rendition of this 1989 seminal sci-fi epic.
Audio: 91
The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of The Abyss is a phenomenal upgrade, offering a state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos track that immerses the listener in an expansive and detailed sound environment. The Atmos mix brings a dynamic and authentic auditory experience, enhanced by the superb sound design of Alan Silvestri's score, which resonates with emotive orchestral elements reminiscent of his work on Back to the Future and Predator. The track maintains a perfect balance, with clear and prioritized dialogue, robust LFE support during key moments such as the crane fall, and smooth directional effects that encapsulate the listener within the underwater world. Subtle height channels occasionally intensify the immersion, particularly when submersibles pass overhead.
The overall soundstage is lively and active, with surround channels profoundly contributing to the atmosphere. Water effects and ambient underwater sounds are prevalent, creating a continuous sonic presence that enhances the claustrophobic and tense environment of metal-walled compartments. The Atmos speakers deliver precise effects, from the flutters of mini-sub propellers to the clangs of construction equipment, all of which are disseminated across an object-based array that ensures a broad and enveloping auditory experience. Additionally, the low-frequency extension is solid, providing just the right amount of bass to support dramatic sequences without overwhelming the audio mix.
This Dolby Atmos mix stands out for its high fidelity and slightly wider dynamic range compared to its digital counterpart. It features clean, clearly discernible dialogue throughout, supported by an active and immersive surround sound presentation. The included DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo mix caters to different audio preferences, although it may not match the depth and dynamics of the Atmos track. Overall, the audio upgrade for The Abyss on 4K UHD Blu-ray is nothing short of exceptional, delivering an immersive and impactful listening experience that significantly enhances the film's viewing experience.
Extra: 88
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Abyss" offers a robust collection of extras that will thoroughly satisfy fans and cinephiles alike. Besides housing both the Theatrical and Special Edition versions in 4K with Atmos on one disc, the package includes two additional Blu-ray discs for further bonus content. Viewers can delve into newly-produced interviews with James Cameron and key crew members, shedding fresh light on the film's legacy and production challenges. Additionally, the comprehensive archival material, originally from the 2000 DVD release, remains invaluable, covering an extensive range of subjects from the screenplay and design to sound and special effects. The supplements maintain their resolution from prior releases, ensuring a mix of nostalgic and substantive content that honors this sci-fi classic.
Extras included in this disc:
- Deep Dive: A Conversation with James Cameron: A vivid, 32-minute interview where Cameron reflects on his experiences making the film.
- The Legacy of The Abyss: A 24-minute feature with cast and crew discussing the enduring impact of the movie.
- Under Pressure: The Making of The Abyss: An hour-long documentary with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the original Laserdisc edition.
- Archives: A comprehensive collection of text and image galleries from the 2000 Special Edition DVD including development, storyboarding, production notes, and more.
Movie: 85
James Cameron's "The Abyss" is a captivating exploration of human nature, intertwining themes of conspiracy and the potential for benevolent alien life. The three-hour special edition is widely regarded as superior, as it delves deeper into character development and expands on the film’s thematic core. The plot begins with a nuclear submarine crash near a deep-sea trench, prompting an underwater drilling team, led by Bud Brigman (Ed Harris) and his estranged wife Lindsey (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), to embark on a high-stakes rescue mission. They are joined by a Navy SEAL team, commanded by Lt. Coffey (Michael Biehn), who has a hidden agenda involving nuclear warheads. As the crew navigates underwater survival, mistrust and Cold War paranoia fuel the escalating tension.
The film excels in creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where every scene is rife with tension—whether it's near-drownings, explosive mishaps, or chilling encounters with the unknown. The practical effects, such as the formidable miniatures and underwater set pieces, embolden the film's ambitious scope, while the pioneering CGI water tentacle remains iconic. Cinematography, score, and performances (especially by Harris and Biehn) combine to create moments of visceral thrill and suspense. Despite occasional melodramatic undertones in its narrative arc, the emotionally resonant storyline and its crystalline focus on human connection provide a compelling counterbalance.
The distinction between the theatrical and special editions of "The Abyss" primarily lies in the latter's enriched emotional payoff and expanded subplot that better elucidates the extraterrestrial element. By integrating these enhancements, Cameron crafts a visionary sci-fi epic that parallels "2001: A Space Odyssey" in its narrative ambition and thematic depth. Viewing this seminal work over three decades later evokes a nostalgic longing for an era of unparalleled practical effects mated with storytelling virtuosity. Despite its grueling production history, "The Abyss" stands as a unique spectacle of cinematic endeavor.
Total: 89
James Cameron’s "The Abyss," now available on 4K UHD Blu-ray, remains an epic and mesmerizing underwater thriller that has finally received the high-definition restoration it deserves. The release features both the theatrical and special edition cuts, offering substantial context and enhanced visual splendor. Cameron's affinity for deep-sea exploration is evident, adding a layer of authenticity to this gripping film. While some purists might struggle with the digital adjustments aimed at updating the film's visual appeal, the remarkable quality of the 4K restoration and the comprehensive archival supplements make this a must-have for fans.
The new 4K presentation is a technical marvel—Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos elevate the viewing experience, providing vivid imagery and immersive sound. Although some viewers might find the digital enhancements somewhat jarring initially, particularly regarding grain reduction and sharpening, the overall quality is undeniable. This release not only breathes new life into the nearly 35-year-old classic but also enriches it with a near-complete archive of past special features and new content that deepens appreciation for the film's production and legacy.
The Abyss is one of James Cameron's finest films - often under-appreciated coming in the wake of his stunning The Terminator and tremendous Alien sequel, Aliens, and further undone somewhat by its ultimately all-consuming sci-fi fantasy bent which required a hell of a leap of faith from its audience, but it's a grand epic nevertheless, and a contender for one of the greatest underwater spectacles of all time, thankfully weighing in with a roster of characters that you actually care about on this deep sea survival voyage. one of the greatest underwater spectacles of all time It's hard not to be disappointed that you have to tread so cautiously around these new James Cameron 4K releases - fans have been waiting decades for them to hit the format, and now they're finally here, it's hard not to get drowned by the sea of criticism for what they didn't do right, particularly with Cameron's particular preponderance towards bleeding tech revisionism. Stripping all of that noise away though (somewhat literally), and, in the comfort of your own home, you're likely to find revisiting this 35 year old classic a tremendously enjoyable experience in glorious new 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Yes, it's not hard to see the strain around the edges; the digital tinkering working overtime to bring us an image that shouldn't look this 'perfect' in its new 2024-shaped look, but, however unfaithful it is, there's so much candy here, it's far easier just to sit back enjoy what we have got, finally. The Abyss comes to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray with 4K Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos from Disney, and is available now in the US. There will be no UK version available due to UK law. You may also like: Movies & TV Shows Review
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 80
Thankfully the fact 4K isn't region locked, and the ease of importing, leave this a less painful scenario but there's still some irony that one of the most anticipated 4K - and Blu-ray - releases of all...
Audio: 90
Effects are myriad, affording authenticity to every nuance, right from that tense opening disaster sequence (nods to Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1) to the build-up of pressure during a hull...
Extras: 80
The Abyss's US 4K disc includes only the most important extra feature - the superior, half-hour longer Special Edition Version, also in 4K with Atmos - with all of the remaining extras (along with a 1080p...
Movie: 90
The Abyss has wide-eyed wonder on its mind, and, after 35 years, it's hard to see it being this memorable any other way Back in the days when Cameron was still more than capable of painting involving characters...
Total: 90
Stripping all of that noise away though (somewhat literally), and, in the comfort of your own home, you're likely to find revisiting this 35 year old classic a tremendously enjoyable experience in glorious...
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 80
This presentation may indeed strike some as a potent example of Cameron's "revisionism", but divorced from that context, I found it rather beautifully detailed throughout for the most part, and the 4K...
Audio: 90
Water effects are of course a near constant, especially in the second half of the film, and swirling sonic activity is a regular presence in the surround channels....
Extras: 100
The NTI Ark Chapter 24: Editing, Sound, and Music Chapter 25: Publicity/Advertising/Marketing Chapter 26: The Restoration Chapter 27: Closing Commentary Chapter 28: Acknowledgments and Credits Additionally,...
Movie: 80
As a subcategory of that particular tendency, Cameron's "revisionism" isn't necessarily relegated to things like (to cite just one broad example not necessarily pertaining to this release) appearance changes...
Total: 100
The interesting thing about the two versions of The Abyss is that the Special Edition adds considerable length to an already lengthy viewing experience, but I'd argue actually does what it sets out to...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
The Abyss was shot by cinematographer Mikael Salomon (Band of Brothers, Backdraft) on 35 mm photochemical film (in Super-35 “common top” format, with a variety of Eastman EXR stocks, often at 100 ASA)...
Audio: 95
Subtle atmospherics surround the listener, with pleasing creation of unique sonic environments—critical to this film given how much of it takes place in tight spaces and metal-walled compartments....
Extras: 95
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Movie: 0
When the ballistic missile submarine USS Montana goes down on the edge of the Cayman Trough after encountering an unusual underwater object, the US Navy recruits the crew of the privately-owned Deepcore...
Total: 95
An underwater pressure cooker with a dash of Close Encounters of the Third Kind tossed in for good measure, James Cameron’s The Abyss—particularly its Special Edition version—is a very good and decidedly...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 80
Considering Abyss never left DVD, it’s a significant jump, although that’s the absolute minimum expected considering the gap in formats....
Audio: 80
Water swirls around the characters all the time, and even the smallest sound takes position, like someone fiddling with a dial or switch off to the left/right of the soundstage....
Extras: 80
From there, the other bonuses come from the earlier DVD release, including the wonderful hour-long making-of, followed by an archive loaded with goodies....
Movie: 80
It plays out as expected, where the two begin the film bitter and separated, but by the end, realize what they’ll lose when the other isn’t there anymore....
Total: 80
The Abyss has a frantic, breathless pace that places its characters amid otherworldly and Cold War terrors....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
Like True Lies, fans of The Abyss have been clamoring for something better than the non-anamorphic DVD released in 2000, and that was nothing more than a port of the same 1992 transfer created for Laserdisc,...
Audio: 100
Default audio on the UHD disc is a Dolby Atmos mix (with a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 core) for both cuts that sounds phenomenal, with a slightly wider dynamic range and better fidelity than the lossy Atmos track...
Extras: 80
The Restoration Chapter 27: Closing Commentary Chapter 28: Acknowledgements and Credits Digital Copy: A Movies Anywhere code is included to redeem a digital copy of the film in 4K and earn reward points...
Movie: 80
Up on the surface, a hurricane is about to wreak havoc while tensions between the US and Russia are at an all-time high, with the US suspecting it was the Russians who attacked the submarine, and when...
Total: 90
After decades of starts and stops, The Abyss has finally arrived on both HD and UHD physical media, and has never looked or sounded better, and seems to be the only assured way of having both cuts of the...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
The color palette remains faithful to it’s original release, but also richer, deeper and more lifelike than ever beforeFlesh Tones: Skin tone throughout looks right on the mark....
Audio: 100
Extras: 100
Legacy of The Abyss (24:39, HD) – Cast, crew and producers highlight the lasting legacy of the underrated film, in interviews collected over 10 years....
Movie: 100
The group soon finds themselves on a spectacular life-and-death odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, where they find a mysterious force that could either change the world — or destroy it....
Total: 100
There may be some complaints about grain reduction or sharpening tools used to AI the grit out of the look of the film, but you won’t hear that complaint for me....
Director: James Cameron
Actors: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn
PlotIn the midst of the Cold War, an American nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks near the Cayman Trough, one of the deepest parts of the ocean. In response, a civilian oil rig crew led by Virgil "Bud" Brigman is recruited by the Navy to assist in the rescue operation. Accompanied by Navy SEALs and Bud's estranged wife, Lindsey, a project engineer who designed the rig, the team descends into the depths aboard the undersea platform. Plagued by logistical and personal tensions, the group faces the daunting task of reaching the sunken submarine and searching for survivors, all while grappling with the unpredictable dangers of the deep sea.
As the team ventures further into the abyss, they encounter mysterious phenomena that challenge their understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants. Tensions reach a breaking point when the Navy SEALs' covert agenda surfaces, threatening not only the mission but also the crew's safety. Amidst the mounting crisis, the crew discovers an astonishing secret hidden in the depths, a discovery that could alter their mission and their lives forever. As they navigate through the challenges, their journey becomes not just a rescue mission, but also a profound exploration of the unknown and a test of human endurance and spirit.
Writers: James Cameron
Release Date: 09 Aug 1989
Runtime: 140 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English