It was, I think, a single day showing (6 Dec) ahead of the (apparently long awaited) Blue Ray release.
I saw it in a theater, as a fan of the film since I was a kid, and loved it.
It was also kinda interesting to see it again in a theater.
- There’s a lot of “they don’t make them the way they used to” in this film. The actual quality emphasis on characters in combination with some SFF high-stakes plot line being the major example. Also all of the practical effects (obviously) really stood out as beautiful.
- There’s also a good deal of tropey-ness that stood out, a sort of background level of predictability with some cheesiness that dates the film.
- I think I saw a bunch of people learn to not go to the cinema as much anymore in real time. The crowd were mostly nerdy and slightly older types. Except for one group of people who seemed to be there for a retro laugh and probably hadn’t seen the film before. They laughed out loud at a number things that no one else found funny and kinda killed the vibe in the cinema. I saw a number of people looking over at them with frustration, including myself, and despite the pleasure I get from the big screen and the theater, I would have enjoyed it more at home with a good TV. Personally, I think the theater died a good deal that night for me and I don’t think I have much interest in seeing films with big audiences again … we’ll see.
Anyone else check it out or have thoughts about The Abyss?
The 4K remaster is of the Special Edition (longer version). From memory the theatrical version has less of the aliens but I cannot remember at all what the differences are … anyone remember?
There’s a book adaptation that (despite the author being a dick) is actually better than the movie, which is rare. Adaptations usually make too many compromises and/or unnecessary changes, regardless of it being book-to-movie or movie-to-book.
But in this case, you get a much deeper look into the staggers characters and the aliens as well. The extra material was a welcome addition, and was done in cooperation with Cameron, so there’s no conflicts with the film at all. Orson Scott Card was the hired hand for the book version.
I’m not knocking the movie at all though! One of the best sci-fi movies ever done imo. I just really enjoyed the extra character development and details, I feel they improved the story.
Ed Harris, though! His understated style works so well in the movie. My favorite role he’s done.
Yep, it’s one of the stand out aspects of the film. You’re there watching all of this underwater action but find yourself just caring about and paying attention to his character.