The Abyss (1989) 4K UHD Review | Disney | Absolutely Stunning, With One Problem… 

The Special Edition is an entirely OTHER film. The TRUE masterpiece, it's not just some "extended" version. And the only way to truly appreciate what the "Abyss" actually is!

Ken, you watched the wrong version dude! We tried to tell ya brother😉... This isn't just some regular extended version. The Special Edition cut IS the version that Cameron intended for audiences to see... not the theatrical cut (which was all hacked up just to allow for more screenings). You missed out on some pretty crucial context/storyline points that completely change the nature of the film's ending (and flesh out the characters more). As so many of us have said, the special edition really is the only version to watch. I wouldn't even watch the theatrical cut when it was available in HD on streaming... that's how significant the difference between the two cuts is. That said, I'm glad to hear you liked it. But I think you would've liked the film much more if you had gone with the special edition cut (which is about 2 hours and 43 minutes before the credits roll).

The longer version was cut down so there could be more showings daily in theater. Cameron removed an entire storyline. The director's cut is the one to watch. Mary was also In Scarface.

You should've gone straight for the extended version...

You need to see the extended version. It's a better version.

The Director's cut was supposed to be the Theatrical Cut. It is the REAL version. The reason it was not the theatrical version: 1) ILM could not finish the sfx for the finale scene in time for release 2) The Studio wanted a shorter version for more screeinings per day.

Hey Ken, glad you enjoyed it. Without a doubt this is the movie to show how bad a studio can ruin a movie by forcing the film to be shortened for theatrical release. I saw this in the theater and yes it was absolutely incredible to see on the big screen. I loved it right up until the end and it didn’t make any sense and I was actually upset and I would tell people go see it, but walk out five minutes before it ends. When the special edition cut was released on DVD and I think that’s the only way it was released on DVD the movie was instantly transformed from a 6.5 to an 8.5. I guarantee its love over the years is only because of the special edition cut, I think you did the right thing by watching the theatrical cut first although I did recommend in a prior comment to only watch the special edition but listen to me now and watch it right away as you’ll definitely want to comment on how much better the movie is than the theatrical release it’s almost a crime and I also guarantee that you’ll never watch the theatrical cut again. have a great one as always👍

You need to see directors cut for Michael's character

So funny, I have friends coming over to watch The Abyss this very night! Glad to see you loved it!

It's not being released here in the UK because of the a holes at the BBFC. That's why the price is so high at the moment. People are scalping them like crazy.

I LOVE The Abyss! It's my favorite Cameron movie and I hope I'll eventually be able to get this new version!

Since seeing the extended cut on dvd, I've never watched the theatrical cut again.

Great review Ken, thanks for sharing your view 👍

I also watched this for the first time on 4k but I watched the extended edition. I went straight to that version, due to the advice of tons of comments and other YT channels. I liked it a lot, btw. I did listen to the commentary on Aliens and James Cameron himself stated that the Special Edition for Aliens and Ext edition of the Abyss is the version that James Cameron wanted to be released but the studio made him cut it down to 2 hours 10 min, so that it could be run in theatres the maximum amount of showings. Some of those character gaps you mentioned may have been resolved by watching the longer full edition of 2:50.

I’m so glad to see someone review this who has never seen it. I thought I was the only person left on the planet who hadn’t seen it based on the hype this disc was getting. If it wasn’t for this 4K release I would have gone my entire life without seeing it. Anyway thanks for your honesty and great review as always.

Ken, I took a date to see The Abyss in the theater! I did not see the "Director's extended version" until it came to the DVD version. THAT is the BEST. Getting Aliens and True Lies on Sunday, finally.

My only real complaint with The Abyss are the military extras on the boat appear like cartoonish caricatures of what real soldiers would look like.

Watch the extended cut!! The entire point of the movie is missing from the theatrical cut. Seriously, it’s a whole other movie.

The Arrival!!!! I would like to see it done in 4k

Great review buddy. Gotta pick all 3 up. Also, continue to love the monitor image in the background

Please try and watch the extended to. Makes the film even better and the extra effects are awsome.

Directors Cut is the way to go with this story makes more sense and the ending is better

I saw The Abyss on the big screen and it looked fantastic! I need to watch it again to see about the smoothing faces issue! I will say I suspect they did go back to the camera negative for this movie and it's easily the best of the 4K's but yes not perfect!

I'm looking forward to seeing it. However in spite of pre ordering it before it came out Amazon tells me my copy could be here anytime between April and May. They really messed up the release. Did they think only 5 people would be interested in a film that really hasn't seen a proper release for 30 years? Crazy. The special edition is quite different. I saw the original when it came out in theaters and it was good. When I picked up the special laserdisc box set back in 93',which I still have,it raised the film in my eyes quite a bit. The ending alone really changes the mood of the film and there are too many character bits put back in the film to count. The DVD from 2001 was simply a transfer of the laserdisc. So seeing this now should be interesting in spite of Cameron using some wonky AI program for the master when they should be doing step by step with people to really make sure it's great.

Can't wait to get this on 4k, this was the movie that got me excited about movie sound and eventually home theater! The bass when I first saw it was awesome and truly immersive!!!

I hope 🤞 that Sanctum gets a 4K release! Kenny bro 😎

Thank you for being honest with story . I feel the same way . Visually it’s great but for me overall the movie is enjoyable / average.

tapped out at 3:20

I also think this is a great 4K. When I used to watch my DVD and dreamed about watching the movie in a higher resolution I couldn't have dreamed of a better picture. It also helps that we never saw the movie in high resolution in its grittier form. This way this version just feels right, even if the picture probably was altered quite a bit. But it's not the kind of restauration that takes you out of it constantly with ugly filters and such but instead it's very inoffensive and, most importantly, consistent.

I saw the digital version and really enjoyed it. I have the Special Edition DVD. But it's been more than 10 years that I saw this movie. The atmos is better than some recent productions and I really appreciate the restoration. I'm getting the disc 100% (as well as Aliens and Titanic)

I watched The Abyss on DVD back in the day. Remembered I liked it but didn't realise how great it was I watched the digital a few months back and was very impressed. Received 4k a few days ago, and omfg. Transfer was phenomenal. I like some grain but if Cameron did not think it needed it.. I mean it's Cameron .Dolby Atmos was the best out there. I watched special edition and seen theatre version Watch Special edition. You will never watch theatre version again A bit like LOTR. The Abyss is a masterpiece. Owning 4K disc a must

I picked this up on sunday. Have connections to a culture and music association that runs a local movie theatre, we're gonna have a private screening there 🤩😎

I've pre-ordered The Abyss and it arrives at my doorstep on Thursday next week 👊👊📽

I also watch theatrical cuts prior to directors cuts. After watching the special edition version of ‘The Abyss’ I had a much greater appreciation for the film. The docs on my old 2000 DVD also give weight to the sh!t-show the crew went thru to complete the movie. The deeper into the Abyss you go the more appreciation you have for it.

I also ordered it the day it came out and am still waiting for my order to ship. I just got True Lies last week. I can't wait to watch this in 4K. Love this movie.

It looks great above and below water. This and aliens look amazing.

Love The Abyss, in its Special Edition. Preachy as it is, we need to have this message of peace preached to us. I don't have the 4K yet, but I will.

Extended version of The Abyss is the one to watch to fully understand everything going on from the beginning sequence through to the end credits. The story is very relevant to today.

My copy is scheduled for the first week of April. True Lies arrived last Saturday and Aliens is scheduled to arrive next Monday.

I'm still waiting for mine

This is a fantastic movie! You should really check out the Special Edition Mid Level. It really fleshes out the characters and the story itself. One of Cameron's best. Perfect mix of drama, action and romance! I thought the transfer and Atmos track was very well done.

Yap. For me it will be ultra Epic. I had never saw abyss on DVD only on VHS

You are so right. The Abyss is James Cameron's Close Encounters of The Third Kind. The Special Edition is the best way to watch this underrated masterpiece

Do watch the Special Edition! It's not just a couple of additional extended scenes, it's a totally different experience. The theatrical cut didn't make much sense, especially as far as the aliens and their true intentions are concerned. The ending is mind blowing and gives the whole movie a deep meaning. I originally saw the theatrical cut in a movie theater and when the end credits started to roll I really asked myself what this was all about. The Special Edition is the one to see. Afterwards, you won't waste any time rewatching the theatrical cut again!

I wonder if it will go back in stock. The prices are high on eBay

Someday my copy will show up hopefully. Amazon now says between Apr 2 - Apr 10.

I can’t EVER imagine watching on DVD again. I do have that DVD and it’s on my “to do” list to get that comparison vid up. Will be “soon….” But yeah - as so many are saying, watch the special edition. So much more there and you won’t find that “weird middle point” that you found in the theatrical. Always appreciate your thoughts my brother - glad you finally got this in to experience but be sure to go back one day and watch the way Cameron intended it to be.

I'm probably going to go ahead and order True lies off of Amazon in the next few weeks but I feel like I'll be lucky if I can buy the Abyss in the next month or two. I think you should do a second video with a Director's Cut review. I actually saw the DC for the first time in theaters last December.

Just a note, Ken, but descriptive audio is far from a commentary. It’s an audio track meant for the blind and those with vision challenges. It simply describes what is happening on screen when there isn’t dialogue. It’s much needed for the visually challenged, but again has nothing to do with a commentary.

I saw The Abyss in the cinema on release and the 1993 SE is the ONLY way to watch it since it was uodated. The Theatrical cut is vastly inferior. The new 4k disc is great and it's so good to once agin have it on my shelf.

Typically, I recommend watching theatrical cuts first, so I won't say you screwed up watching it first. I can't remember if I've watched the theatrical cut since my family rented it on VHS back in 1990, but I thought that was merely *pretty good*. I finally got to watch the Special Edition last week, and it is soooo much better than the theatrical cut! (ETA: I watched the 1080p blu-ray. The "newness" took some getting used to, but I thought it looked great. Most of the above water scenes didn't bother me, it could be a case like what I've heard about the True Lies blu-ray, that those scenes might translate better to 1080p than 4K.) Fun fact: Leo Burmester, who played "Catfish" De Vries, was from Louisville!

you sold!!!!!

I’m glad this is the one I pre ordered.

I loved the movie. I got my copy on eBay got 40 dollars. Cheaper on eBay than other sites! The special features are fun to watch!! Including how they made the movie!

The Super High Definition looks awesome. Can you believe James Cameron will turn age 70 this Summer ?

I’ll chime in on that the special edition is a much better version of the film, it just feel like the movie it was supposed to be and it explains a lot of the things you mentioned… oh and watch the “under pressure” documentary, it explains why no actors on the movie really wants to talk about it.

All four with Titanic are stunning to me. Hope James Cameron doesn’t screw up The Terminator like he did with T-2.

Ken I'm with you completely. Abyss is just waiting for more copies. Only a fool would buy a joke price edition

Alan Silvestri (BTTF, Predator) did the music.

Hallo The Abyss fans. Just a question. In USA or Europe. Preferably in EU - what languages are there on the discs. 4K and BR.

As many have said the extended version is actually the original theatrical version but was too thought to be to long so was cut down The theatrical version has vast chunks of character development and story line missing. Regarding the delivery problems. I have a theory. With it being not available in the UK all those who would have ordered locally switched to US sellers causing shortages. I ordered mine as soon as I found out and got mine within 3 days of US release.Qualitywise it's not the best 4k but is a lot better than the DVD The blu rays are region free nice bonus

Picture quality is amazing! What is not, is the menu that does not go away when paused and stays on screen for 4 seconds after pressing play. I cannot be the only one who LOATHES discs that they do this to! WHY?????

I'm a fan of Alien, but I've never seen Aliens. I'm looking forward to your review to see if that is a worthy sequel. Thank you. Happy Easter!

my 4k of all 3 Cameron movies was ordered on Disney Movie Club the week it came outing it arrived the following week, however they sent me a damaged slip covers for Aliens

Sucks this isn't coming to the uk.

I pre-ordered this on Amazon and still haven't gotten it yet.

This is the last movie of the new Cameron releases that I’m waiting for Amazon to ship. I really hope my copy is without scratches. I ordered the Ghostbusters 1&2 steelbook which had stacked discs. I sent it back twice because of scratches with playback issues and I just ended up getting 1&2 separately in regular cases. I don’t know why in the hell anyone would ship discs this way! Stop being so damn cheap! I’m just crossing my fingers. Thanks for the review. I loved this movie back in the day and I can’t wait to see it on 4k. 👍🏻

What’s the word on terminator and part 2?

I’ve seen both cuts. I was in one of the first audiences to see the Director’s Cut. I prefer it. Even though it is 40 minutes longer, it actually seems shorter. Generally, “extended editions” and “director’s cuts” are inferior…but that rule does not apply to Cameron’s films.

Would love to see this. Amazon Pre-order no where to be found and ebay copies cheapest going for $70. Got to be kidding me

Madman 4k collector's set on pre order arrow 🏹 films 🎥 😊

It’s a lot better. I prefer the extended cut. Eventually you must see it. when I first saw the extended cut in the theater, my mind was blown. He is he’s also in Dominic and Eugene in a smaller role.

the shorter version was original distributed to cinemas as it could take more screenings, Cameron had to cut a lot of plot out, but he went back and produced the extended version as he wanted to fill out the film to the version he had intended. A shame you didnt watch it you might have had some more favourable comments. I suggest watch the longer version and do an update to this review. I personally can't go back and watch the theatrical release now I've seen the extended version.

The Abyss is my second favorite movie of all time just a little bit behind Heat. You definitely watched the wrong version as others say. You should watch it sooner rather than later and tell us your impressions. As for the Michael Biehn's character and his motivations I really don't understand at all why you are having problems with it. Even in the theatrical edition it's one of the most interesting things of this movie. Your taste in movies is very stange in my opinion Ken lol! It still blows my mind that you seem to like Eraser a little bit more than True Lies but to each his own. The Abyss is the best underwater movie of all time period. I am just glad you didn't say that you prefer Leviathan, Deep Star Six etc over it lol!

Red Planet- 4K- Tombstone- 4k

So disappointed with Amazon. My pre order Abyss has been pushed back twice and now it's saying end of April. My pre order of Wednesday has been pushed back to almost end of April. I think I'm going to try Walmart now for pre orders.

Us in Uk have to import from america or central europe ...but for me its the special edition all day long!

Ken I'm with yopu completely. Abyss is just waiting for more copies. Only a fool would buy a joke price edition

Explain to me why this is suddenly out of print? I had no idea it was a limited edition.

Man you didn’t recognize Mary from Scarface? Lol she was Gina, Tony’s sister, I always remember her from that first

I always watch the theatrical version of a movie if it's my first time as well. However, when you get around to watching director's cut of The Abyss, don't be surprised if you find yourself liking it more. But to be honest, The Abyss is not one of my favorite films either way. Maybe a 6 out of 10.

Not the theatrical cut :(

My order from DMC has finally shipped as of today, I’m glad this is the one that the best looking transfer of the Cameron trifecta as I call them.

Really happy to see you call out the gaseous imagery. I also thought the underwater footage looked rather palatable, but any time we're on the sub or above water, it has that same Cameron-ized veneer.

Ken fucked up. But we still love him.

Ken mentioned the 3 disc Abyss coming in a 2 disc case, leading to scratched discs. Would people care if the blu ray copy of the movie was not included? 4K players are cheap enough

This is the best 4k of the 3. Shame the others don't look the same

that why there is a directors cut duh

You did it wrong. Extended version is the only way to watch The Abyss. Don't watch theatrical version. Extended directors cut is recommended by James Cameron himself. His true vision.

Abyss and Aliens are stunning.

Yea my Aliens 4K disc was scratched and skips. Can’t even copy it. These companies are going downhill fast. Amazon, target, walmart, fed up with all of them

I pre ordered mine.

No directors cut = no opinion

The underwater scenes in my opinion are some of the best looking scenes in 4K history. Great Review.

Stocks are being received in a timely basis, don't be scammed guys, just be patient.

Too bad. The Abyss Special Edition is the only way it all makes sense to me. It doesn’t just expand some characters. It is a completely different film and far superior.

I watched Aliens and didnt think it was bad at all. I am no expert on how its suppost to look but to me it looked good. There were a couple scenes where the skin looks a little off but the space scenes looked amazing. I got Abyss but have not watched it yet.

I think you really haven't seen the film just watched it. Anyway, as someone who read the novelization as well the science is spot on. Bien is suffering from HPNS high pressure nervous syndrome. It's explained as they start the in the compression chamber but he's slowly losing his mind. It makes him more of a tragic villain, not a purely evil one. Again, watch the directors cut and try to watch it for real.

The theatrical cut was a travesty! It had no resemblance whatsoever to the book and ruined it for me when seen at cinema. Watch the extended cut to get the full story you won’t regret it! Take if from an old Brit movie fan who has this in my top 5 movies of all time! I’m jealous you’ve got it in the US as the woke idiots over here have banned it! Enjoy and keep up the good work.

Watch the extended cut and you'll never watch the theatrical version again... It was SOOOO much better