Was 'The Abyss: Special Edition' finished to 35mm?

[BenjaminG]

Hi guys,

I've done some research on she subject but can't find an answer - I was hoping someone here might know the answer.

When James Cameron came to finish 'The Abyss' in 1992, was the special edition version printed to 35mm or was it only produced as a standard def master? There is information about limited 35mm engagement in NYC, but I guess this could have been from SD elements.

Anyone know? The answer could help inform if we will see the special edition when the film eventually comes to BD. Where's Van Ling when you need him?

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by BenjaminG

Hi guys,

I've done some research on she subject but can't find an answer - I was hoping someone here might know the answer.

When James Cameron came to finish 'The Abyss' in 1992, was the special edition version printed to 35mm or was it only produced as a standard def master? There is information about limited 35mm engagement in NYC, but I guess this could have been from SD elements.

Anyone know? The answer could help inform if we will see the special edition when the film eventually comes to BD. Where's Van Ling when you need him?

I saw the Special Edition in Los Angeles in Century City -- man was it 1992? As a young film brat, that was an amazing year....Blade Runner, The Exorcist down in Westwood The Abyss SE, Aladdin at the El Capitan. As far as I know, the theatrical presenatation of the SE of The Abyss is identical to the laserdisc SE, which was used for the non-anamorphic DVD release. I don't think Cameron would use those film prints, though. He'd probably use the original film neg, and possibly try and digitally correct the frame pops where the cuts were made for the original theatrical release.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Originally Posted by BenjaminG

Hi guys,

I've done some research on she subject but can't find an answer - I was hoping someone here might know the answer.

When James Cameron came to finish 'The Abyss' in 1992, was the special edition version printed to 35mm or was it only produced as a standard def master? There is information about limited 35mm engagement in NYC, but I guess this could have been from SD elements.

Anyone know? The answer could help inform if we will see the special edition when IF the film eventually comes to BD. Where's Van Ling when you need him?

Fixed it for you...

[SymbioticFunction]

Why wouldn't The Abyss come to blu-ray?

[Vandal Savage]

From what I've heard, The Abyss and True Lies are planned for blu-ray releases, but they're being held up because James Cameron is busy with the Avatar sequels.

I do remember a year or two ago, when Eliza Dushku was on The Nerdist, she mentioned that she recorded a commentary for True Lies.

[Stan of Vegas]

THE ABYSS was finished on film. James Cameron wanted that because the extended version of "Aliens" was only finished on video. At the time (1991) there was no way of projecting the extended version of "Aliens" witch is why the SE of "Aliens" was never shown theatrically prior to its home video release. (With todays technology that is no longer a problem) James Cameron wanted extended version of "The Abyss" to have a theatrical life. That is why it was finished on film.

[bigrob]

100% confirm it was printed to 35mm because I saw it a few years back in London

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Stan of Vegas

THE ABYSS was finished on film. James Cameron wanted that because the extended version of "Aliens" was only finished on video. At the time (1991) there was no way of projecting the extended version of "Aliens" witch is why the SE of "Aliens" was never shown theatrically prior to its home video release. (With todays technology that is no longer a problem) James Cameron wanted extended version of "The Abyss" to have a theatrical life. That is why it was finished on film.

I think there's a disclaimer of sorts (explanation is probably a better word) in the laserdisc liner notes for why there's a frame "skip" in-between the new footage and older cut of The Abyss SE...funny thing is, I didn't really notice it opening night of the SE's theatrical run, but if you point them out, then I'm looking for them, and sure enough, those tiny little blips are there...the result of the splices to add the new footage.

[BluCollector13]

Originally Posted by SymbioticFunction

Why wouldn't The Abyss come to blu-ray?

Because Cameron won't pull his dick out of "Avatar" for five minutes unless it involves "Titanic" or "Terminator".

[levcore]

Originally Posted by BluCollector13

Because Cameron won't pull his dick out of "Avatar" for five minutes unless it involves "Titanic" or "Terminator".

Or Alita or deep sea diving

[BluBonnet]

I also watched the SE when it was shown in Century City, it looked very much like 35mm film, indeed. The projection in that theater was quite crisp, too. I attended a weekday matinee, so there were only about three other people there.

[smd9]

Originally Posted by BluCollector13

Because Cameron won't pull his dick out of "Avatar" for five minutes unless it involves "Titanic" or "Terminator".

He recently confirmed in an interview with space.com that he just finished the transfer for the movie a couple months ago, so it should be getting a disc release soon.

[hanshotfirst1138]

Originally Posted by smd9

He recently confirmed in an interview with space.com that he just finished the transfer for the movie a couple months ago, so it should be getting a disc release soon.

I’ll believe it when I see it. Which will be never.

[EvaDK]

Originally Posted by BluCollector13

Because Cameron won't pull his dick out of "Avatar" for five minutes unless it involves "Titanic" or "Terminator".

Or a deep sea newly discovered historic ship wreck that needs to be explored.

[rubystone356]

I saw it at a Sacramento theatre back in 1992. it was awesome. yes just like the laser disc. The theatre has been long gone for a while. a nice little theater where it had one huge screen and two smaller ones.
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/4170
I also saw the original theatre version when it was released. I saw it many times.

Only saw the special edition once.

I believe the avatar sequel is about ocean related so a nice tie in with the abyss.. hopefully this year.

Jacob

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by BluCollector13

Because Cameron won't pull his dick out of "Avatar" for five minutes unless it involves "Titanic" or "Terminator".

And even then, he'll screw it up somehow......whether it's replacing the SFX or slathering the video with tons of DNR.

[rubystone356]

I think it will be more like Aliens then t2. remastered.

Jacob

[singhcr]

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

And even then, he'll screw it up somehow......whether it's replacing the SFX or slathering the video with tons of DNR.

Why not add NR to the audio too for kicks!

[OA-5599]

All of the recent chatter on movie news websites concerning Cameron's latest interview & his supposed approval of a recent HD transfer feels, to quote the great Yogi Berra, "like deja vu all over again!" Haven't we gone down this same road three or four times already? Cameron's claims that he's "prepping 'The Abyss' for HD/UHD home video release" are more akin to a curious meteorological event (one that occurs, like clockwork, every few years but is forgotten until the same pattern plays out again) than a genuine statement of intent or industry news.

At this point, I feel like a battered spouse..."James promised to do better this time. He really did! He's just under so much pressure with all the 'Avatar' sequels. You don't see how he treats 'The Abyss' when you're not around...he really cares! James LOVES 'The Abyss,' why would he lie? All the other times when he didn't do what he said he'd do were just a big misunderstanding. I never should have asked about it in the first place and caused all that trouble!"

[Moviefan2k4]

I've only seen The Abyss once, and it was the SE if I recall correctly...but it was on DVD. I wouldn't mind seeing it in a theater, because it was a fairly entertaining piece of cinema.