The Abyss (1989)

Fantasy Beneath the Ocean

This film opens with a submarine beneath the sea. It detects an unknown object speeding towards them. What could it be? The submarine strikes some rocks and sinks rapidly. Only a buoy marks the spot. There will be an investigation, and a civilian oil rig crew will try to rescue the USS Montana before the hurricane arrives in a few hours. The conversation introduces the people and shows their interactions. The deep diving ships locate the submarine and inspect it. Some enter the submarine to explore it. There are no survivors. One diver has a problem. A strange event occurs. The storm arrives, and mechanical troubles occur to create perils.

There is one disaster after another, and narrow escapes from floods. Will they survive in the cold when the oxygen runs low? Will a strange creature show up? Will the stress affect some of the people? Will we see more special effects? Will there be serious conflicts over their missions? What about pressure psychosis? There is drama from the personal conflicts and the machines. Who will be saved? Bud volunteers for a perilous mission. Will he be saved by a miracle? What about the remaining people?

This is a film that seem too disparate to make sense. A coherent script would make a better film.
October 29, 2008

A Claustraphobia Inducing Deep Sea Thriller - Now with Bonus Aliens!

Cameron's lovingly crafted underwater 'first-encounter' thriller has no shortage of watery mayhem, but the E.T. action is surprisingly sparse, especially given that Cameron also directed 'Aliens'.

Abyss is essentially a disaster film a la 'Apollo 13' or 'Poseidon' albeit under 3000 feet of water. The majority of the plot chronicles the struggles of Ed Harris and his crew of deep sea oil explorers to survive amidst the deteriorating condition of their rig. It doesn't help that their efforts are hampered by a half-crazed Navy Seal with a nuclear warhead. The aliens pop in every now and again, but you won't give them much thought as the suspense on board the rig reaches critical levels.

Sometimes corny, but more often touching, Abyss offers an exiting tale of survival with aliens tossed in for good measure. The ending, and its moralizing, comes from out of left field, but feels appropriate none the less.

The Special Collectors Edition (not just special edition) has even more extras and added footage, though it might not be worth the added price for casual fans.




October 9, 2008

This is how a DVD should be done

Wonderfully written. This was one of the first films that I remember thinking how a brilliant, imaginative script can make a film live to its infinite credit. The acting was well on par with a tremendous script. The extended version is much better than the theatrical release. This DVD takes full advantage of what DVDs are good for. Other producers should take what Gail Hurd & James Cameron did on this DVD as a template on how to do it right.

October 6, 2008

The Abyss

The vhs was in very good repair, and I usually do not do SiFi, but this had an auroa of kindness, (almost Christian) which would be an improvement in our sad world. There was much action and suspense as well
to keep all ages interested. I rate this 4 stars! September 15, 2008

DVD COLLECTION

Every time i see this movie on television i watch it. It doesnt matter at what part it is at or what time of day. I have to watch it. I think it is my favorite all time movie besides the Wizard of Oz. In all the years since it has come out on DVD, for some reason, i never thought of ordering it. Well, one night i am sitting in front of my tv and there is not a blasted thing to watch. The Abyss came to mind and as i went to my DVD collection it wasnt there. So, as always, when i really want something i went to my computer, Amazon, typed in The Abyss, and ordered it. Now i can watch it anytime i want. If you have never seen it,,,PLEASE DO,,,YOU WILL LOVE IT !!!! September 3, 2008

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