**
DVD Release
After an American submarine
loaded with nuclear weapons sinks, the crew of a nearby oil rig are hired to
help a group of US Navy SEALS track down the missing vessel and determine the
reasons for the sinking. It soon becomes apparent that the downing of the
submarine was more than just a result of human error…
I really like the ‘Theatrical Version’
(aka, the not-messed-around-with version) of The Abyss: it’s a feel good blockbuster with good characters, some
good set pieces, some witty one-liners and also (spoiler alert!) aliens. There
are good guys and bad guys trapped on an underwater oil rig, alone in the dark
as a hurricane rages on the surface. There’s also a big nuclear warhead – what’s
not to love?! Of course, all these elements are still in the ‘Special Edition’,
but they are somewhat diminished by a handful of unnecessary scenes, and an
absolute mess of an ending. Seriously, the ending on this version of the film
is pretty terrible, and completely ruins the previous sections. Similarly, the
added 24 minutes makes the film seem incredibly long, and you just end up
resenting James Cameron and everyone else involved for making you sit through
half of a good film, only to be rewarded with an absolute stinker of a
conclusion.
Of course, the ‘Theatrical Version’ is hardly
perfect, but you can forgive the cheesy quotes, over-dramatic music and other
missteps because the last twenty minutes isn’t such garbage as on display here.
If you want a good, easy-going film, watch the original version, and avoid the ‘Special
Edition’.
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