The Abyss

1989 Sci Fi

The crew of an experimental, high-tech submersible is called into action to investigate a mysterious nuclear submarine crash. A series of strange encounters leads the crew to suspect the accident was caused by an extraterrestrial craft, and that they may be participating in an encounter with an alien species. However, in order to make contact, they must not only brave the abyss, an exceedingly deep underwater canyon, but also deal with the violent actions of one of their own crew members, an increasingly paranoid Navy SEAL officer. Approved by director James Cameron, The Abyss: Special Edition is an extended director's cut of the 1989 underwater science fiction epic, reinstating nearly a half hour of footage removed from the original release under studio pressure. Much of the restored footage places the film's events in a grander political context, as the crew's mission becomes a factor in the dangerous escalation of nuclear tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The largest change involves the film's ending, which provides further information on the aliens' mission on Earth, bringing the film to closer to Cameron's intention: a modern remake of Robert Wise's The Day the Earth Stood Still. more..

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, Leo Burmester,Todd Graff

Reviews

  • Stupendously exciting and emotionally engulfing... With probing intelligence and passionate feeling, Cameron has raised the adventure film very close to the level of art.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 April 2013

  • Before this voyage plummets into Stevie Spielberg's locker, the human stuff is more than worth the descent.

    Desson Thomson - The Washington Post

    27 April 2013

  • Both Mastrantonio and Harris are terrific, never missing a beat, always convincing, even when playing the most extreme emotions.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • The Abyss ends with a whimper. But it starts out with a bang that lasts for an exciting hour and a half. And that's enough to make it worth taking the plunge.

    - Entertainment Weekly

    27 April 2013

  • If you end up cursing, try not to forget The Abyss' spectacular oil-rig collapse, a killer chase scene, two fine leads, and one Oscar-worthy "creature'' special effect midway through. Do forget the rest - unless you really dig Casper, the Friendly Ghost.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Effects, Visual Effects

    Academy Awards (1990)

  • Best Director

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1991)

  • Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases

    American Society of Cinematographers (1990)

     
  • Best DVD Menu Design

    DVD Exclusive Awards (2001)

  • Best Dramatic Presentation

    Hugo Awards (1990)