The Abyss: What Version to Watch?

[Talleyrand]

I've never seen The Abyss. What version is better?

Thanks

[BagheeraMcGee]

Originally Posted by Talleyrand

I've never seen The Abyss. What version is better?

Thanks

Personally, the extended version wins by a landslide.

[Doctor Jack]

Extended hands down.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Extended

[Talleyrand]

Good to know thanks.

I'll probably watch both at some point anyways but better to go in to the better version.

[jsvg00]

I like the theatrical version. I prefer the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" storyline over "The Day the Earth Stood Still". The whole world on the brink of war felt tacked on and didn't ring true to me. Plus, we get to avoid some questionable CGI. Both versions are very good, probably a half star difference between the two. You should see both and be sure to watch the making of documentary which is equally riveting.

[Leonidas King]

^

I also like how

[Show spoiler]the aliens managed to have Direct TV underwater with a 50" screen monitor. Talk about being highly advanced.

[Ray Jackson]

It's stunning to me that this still isn't on blu-ray.

...of all the films.

[drush9999]

The Special Edition is James Cameron's preferred version anyway, so go with that.

[L-Rouge]

Directors edition (the extended version), builds the concept of the Alien and their agenda, the theatrical version doesn't quite deliver on "payload" promised in the build up.

I just prefer the additional scenes...why they were removed in the first place?

[Geoff D]

I don't think the ending works for either cut of the film, as the truncated theatrical doesn't make a massive amount of sense and the extended just isn't executed all that well (no spoilers, but it deflates the tension and claustrophobia and takes us away from our main characters right at the climax of the movie).

BUT I would still go with the extended cut for the extra character interactions, they're gold, GOLD I tells ya!!

[warrian]

Yeah, extended. It's not a slam dunk, but I think it presents the fairest way to truly judge the film.

Otherwise, if you're certain of watching both, go theatrical first then extended and experience them in the order most fans originally did.

But if it might only be one viewing, extended for sure.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by Talleyrand

I've never seen The Abyss. What version is better?

Thanks

The extended version is the original intent of the story, so that one is really the only choice. It is complete and has the original ending.

[Talleyrand]

Thanks for all the comments. Will watch Extended first.

Originally Posted by jsvg00

I like the theatrical version. I prefer the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" storyline over "The Day the Earth Stood Still".

Yeah, I always heard that one version was more sentimental, but I never remembered which one was which (having not seen either). I guess the extended is the less sentimental then, based on your comment, which means I will probably like it much more.

Originally Posted by L-Rouge

I just prefer the additional scenes...why they were removed in the first place?

In 1989, the idea of a theatrical film being longer than 130 minutes was unthinkable.

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by Talleyrand

I've never seen The Abyss. What version is better?

Thanks

I'd hold off until the Bluray is released. (which has been discussed for this year to some degree).

[aiman04]

The anamorphic version.

[drush9999]

There was a Region 6 anamorphic DVD of The Abyss with both versions. Think it's out of print now.

There's also a hack job using said DVD and a HD broadcast of the Theatrical Cut to create a HD Special Edition floating in the ether as well.

[Rodney-2187]

Originally Posted by Talleyrand

In 1989, the idea of a theatrical film being longer than 130 minutes was unthinkable.

I've read that explanation before but never understood it because I can think of SO MANY movies before then that are much longer.

[drush9999]

Yeah Oliver Stone and Kevin Costner films were always longer than that around then

[Zillamon51]

Like any movie, go in historical order. Watch the theatrical version first, like people did back in the day, and see how you like it. Then try the extended cut. It's likely you'll enjoy both versions, whereas if you watch the longer one, then go back, you may find the theatrical lacking. My way, you get two great movie nights, not just one. That's logic.