James Cameron

Ed Harris

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Michael Biehn

Leo Burmester

Todd Graff

John Bedford Lloyd

Kimberly Scott

Chris Elliott

J.C. Quinn

Pierce Oliver Brewer, Jr.

George Robert Klek

Christopher Murphy

Adam Nelson

Dick Warlock

Jimmie Ray Weeks

J. Kenneth Campbell

Peter Ratray

Michael Beach

Ken Jenkins

Michael Chapman

William Wisher

Wendy Gordon

Paula Cross

Emily Yancy

Joe Farago

Marcus K. Mukai

Thomas F. Duffy

Chris Anastasio

Tom Isbell

Mikhail Gorbachev

Frank Lloyd

Gale Anne Hurd

Van Ling

Howard E. Smith

Joel Goodman

Conrad Buff IV

Steven Quale

Mikael Salomon

Leslie Dilley

Joseph C. Nemec III

Russell Christian

Dan Webster

Ron Cobb

Peter Childs

Anne Kuljian

Thomas P. Wilkins

Andrew Precht

Gershon Ginsburg

Diana Shornstein

Hoyt Yeatman

Steve Johnson

Ned Gorman

Walt Conti

Leslie Huntley

Laura Buff

Jeff Burks

John Bruno

Dennis Muren

Wilson Tang

Julia Gibson

Alan Silvestri

Joseph T. Sabella

John Roesch

Blake Leyh

Dody Dorn

Greg Orloff

Don J. Bassman

Kevin F. Cleary

Kevin E. Carpenter

Richard Overton

Stuart Copely

Robert Renga

Carolyn Tapp

Kevin Bartnof

Marilyn Graf

Deborah Everton

Kathryn Fenton

20th Century Fox

Pacific Western

A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.

Thriller

Adventure

Action

Science Fiction

The Abyss

Visual effects champion Todd Vaziri talks about his passion for cataloguing the art form he loves, the anxiety of choosing four favorites, and why blockbuster Hollywood filmmaking doesn’t have to be brain-dead drivel.

VFX champ Todd Vaziri on his passion for cataloguing and the anxiety of picking faves.

HIL: Todd Vaziri

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As a huge fan of Letterboxd, I’m so excited to share some of my favorite aquatic horror movies that helped influence the horror short <a href="https://boxd.it/HojG" rel="nofollow">DEEP END</a>. With summer in full swing, be sure to check out the short, as well as these other films that will make you think twice about taking a dip in the water…-Anthony<blockquote>Check out the list on Horrorville <a href="https://boxd.it/oCvie" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</blockquote>  <a href="https://boxd.it/2a5e" rel="nofollow">JAWS</a> (1975) My favorite movie of all time. I watch it at least once a year, every Fourth of July weekend. Anything you want to learn about filmmaking, you can learn from looking at the decisions made in this film -- there’s a proficiency that’s always in service of the story that rarely calls attention to itself. This is, and shall always remain, the ultimate summer movie.    <a href="https://boxd.it/1Kq6" rel="nofollow">“THE RAFT” CREEPSHOW 2</a> (1987) In this vignette adapted from a Stephen King story, teens venture out onto a remote lake and run into a blob-like creature that resembles an oil slick that then…well, go check it if you haven’t already. It’s ‘80s horror at its best, with incredible practical effects that still hold up. This movie is why I’ll never go swimming in a lake.    <a href="https://boxd.it/2a0o" rel="nofollow">POLTERGEIST</a> (1982) Horror pools don’t get much better than this. When Diane falls into the unfinished swimming pool and is assailed by skeletons and coffins emerging from the mud, she must claw her way out of a sopping wet nightmare. No moment is burned into my brain more than this one.   <a href="https://boxd.it/26mK" rel="nofollow">THE ABYSS</a> (1989) This movie showcases both the horror and the wonder of the deep ocean. The film is a technical marvel and -- like Jaws -- stories of its production are as interesting as the movie. While its pace can be laborious at times, it’s an intense experience that captures the anxiety and claustrophobia of the deep sea, demonstrating how it’s more alien to us than outer space.   <a href="https://boxd.it/1PVI" rel="nofollow">BURNT OFFERINGS</a> (1976) Pools are supposed to be a fun place for the family, right? Not in this film, where in a few unsettling moments that predate “The Shining,” a father who is under the influence of ghostly mischief turns into a wide-eyed lunatic and nearly drowns his own child. It’s especially spooky when he later has no recollection of his terrible acts.    <a href="https://boxd.it/20zI" rel="nofollow">ALIEN: RESURRECTION</a> (1997) Say what you will about the movie, but the scene where the Xenomorph is eerily swimming in silence through the sunken kitchen, using its tail to propel itself -- and then Ron Pearlman fires the slo-mo grenade gun…? Chef’s kiss.    <a href="https://boxd.it/Sr0" rel="nofollow">THE PROWLER</a> (1981) You’ll think again before taking a nightswim after watching this clever whodunit slasher with practical effects by Tom Savini. At one point, there’s a jump scare that culminates in a gnarly kill in a swimming pool where blood clouds the underwater light, making the water run red -- a forebear to the evocative bloody water imagery in “It Follows.”   <a href="https://boxd.it/1XiE" rel="nofollow">A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2</a> (1985) This movie is worth revisiting for its reemergence as a homoerotic cult classic, but if that’s not enough -- watch it for when Freddy Kreuger jumps out in the middle of a pool party and starts slicing and dicing teenagers. What better way for Freddy to announce himself than to ignite the waters into a blazing inferno?   <a href="https://boxd.it/iwYi" rel="nofollow">CRAWL</a> (2019) This is a lean and mean creature machine with a relentless pace and impressive, immersive VFX. Shooting in water is difficult, and I can only imagine what a technical nightmare this was, but it all pays off in a thrilling ride that’s worth your time.    <a href="https://boxd.it/1UXk" rel="nofollow">CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON</a> (1954). Part adventure movie, part horror film -- it’s an indelible classic and the first time (that I can remember) of feeling the primal horror of something you can’t see lurk beneath your feet. This movie lit the torch for underwater creature features so that Jaws could carry it.    While co-writer and producer Zachary Donohue shares a mutual love with the above mentioned films, two additional favorites of his are essential adds!    <a href="https://boxd.it/1KQ4" rel="nofollow">CARNIVAL OF SOULS</a> (1962) There’s a haunting shot of ‘The Man’ submerged in a small pool of water and his eyes suddenly snap open, peering straight into the camera. This has always been nightmare fuel, and helped inspire the design of the Sunken Man.    <a href="https://boxd.it/29Nu" rel="nofollow">THE SHINING</a> (1980) The unforgettable bathtub scene explores the idea of “haunted waters” having an almost magical trickster quality where something beautiful steps out of the tub, only to seconds later be revealed as a rotting, walking-dead creature. --- Anthony Sellitti is an LA based filmmaker and is currently a writer on Marvel’s forthcoming “X-MEN ‘97” Disney+ series. He co-wrote the spooky short with Zachary Donohue (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-den/" rel="nofollow">The Den</a>, The Unknowable). The two produced “Deep End” alongside fellow producer/director of photography Bernard Hunt (Killer Among Us, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-den/" rel="nofollow">The Den</a>).    Anthony Sellitti is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment. You can follow him on <a href="http://letterboxd.com/antsellitti" rel="nofollow">Letterboxd</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/antsellitti" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/antsellitti" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>. Zachary Donohue is represented by Entertainment 360. You can follow him on <a href="http://letterboxd.com/ZachDonohue" rel="nofollow">Letterboxd</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/zachary_donohue" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/donohuezach" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>.

As a huge fan of Letterboxd, I’m so excited to share some of my favorite aquatic horror movies that helped influence the horror short <a href="https://boxd.it/HojG">DEEP END</a>. With summer in full swing, be sure to check out the short, as well as these other films that will make you think twice about taking a dip in the water…

-Anthony

<blockquote>Check out the list on Horrorville <a href="https://boxd.it/oCvie">here</a>.</blockquote>
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/2a5e">JAWS</a> (1975) My favorite movie of all time. I watch it at least once a year, every Fourth of July weekend. Anything you want to learn about filmmaking, you can learn from looking at the decisions made in this film -- there’s a proficiency that’s always in service of the story that rarely calls attention to itself. This is, and shall always remain, the ultimate summer movie. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/1Kq6">“THE RAFT” CREEPSHOW 2</a> (1987) In this vignette adapted from a Stephen King story, teens venture out onto a remote lake and run into a blob-like creature that resembles an oil slick that then…well, go check it if you haven’t already. It’s ‘80s horror at its best, with incredible practical effects that still hold up. This movie is why I’ll never go swimming in a lake. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/2a0o">POLTERGEIST</a> (1982) Horror pools don’t get much better than this. When Diane falls into the unfinished swimming pool and is assailed by skeletons and coffins emerging from the mud, she must claw her way out of a sopping wet nightmare. No moment is burned into my brain more than this one.
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/26mK">THE ABYSS</a> (1989) This movie showcases both the horror and the wonder of the deep ocean. The film is a technical marvel and -- like Jaws -- stories of its production are as interesting as the movie. While its pace can be laborious at times, it’s an intense experience that captures the anxiety and claustrophobia of the deep sea, demonstrating how it’s more alien to us than outer space.
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/1PVI">BURNT OFFERINGS</a> (1976) Pools are supposed to be a fun place for the family, right? Not in this film, where in a few unsettling moments that predate “The Shining,” a father who is under the influence of ghostly mischief turns into a wide-eyed lunatic and nearly drowns his own child. It’s especially spooky when he later has no recollection of his terrible acts. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/20zI">ALIEN: RESURRECTION</a> (1997) Say what you will about the movie, but the scene where the Xenomorph is eerily swimming in silence through the sunken kitchen, using its tail to propel itself -- and then Ron Pearlman fires the slo-mo grenade gun…? Chef’s kiss. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/Sr0">THE PROWLER</a> (1981) You’ll think again before taking a nightswim after watching this clever whodunit slasher with practical effects by Tom Savini. At one point, there’s a jump scare that culminates in a gnarly kill in a swimming pool where blood clouds the underwater light, making the water run red -- a forebear to the evocative bloody water imagery in “It Follows.”
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/1XiE">A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2</a> (1985) This movie is worth revisiting for its reemergence as a homoerotic cult classic, but if that’s not enough -- watch it for when Freddy Kreuger jumps out in the middle of a pool party and starts slicing and dicing teenagers. What better way for Freddy to announce himself than to ignite the waters into a blazing inferno?
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/iwYi">CRAWL</a> (2019) This is a lean and mean creature machine with a relentless pace and impressive, immersive VFX. Shooting in water is difficult, and I can only imagine what a technical nightmare this was, but it all pays off in a thrilling ride that’s worth your time. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/1UXk">CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON</a> (1954). Part adventure movie, part horror film -- it’s an indelible classic and the first time (that I can remember) of feeling the primal horror of something you can’t see lurk beneath your feet. This movie lit the torch for underwater creature features so that Jaws could carry it. 
 
While co-writer and producer Zachary Donohue shares a mutual love with the above mentioned films, two additional favorites of his are essential adds! 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/1KQ4">CARNIVAL OF SOULS</a> (1962) There’s a haunting shot of ‘The Man’ submerged in a small pool of water and his eyes suddenly snap open, peering straight into the camera. This has always been nightmare fuel, and helped inspire the design of the Sunken Man. 
 
<a href="https://boxd.it/29Nu">THE SHINING</a> (1980) The unforgettable bathtub scene explores the idea of “haunted waters” having an almost magical trickster quality where something beautiful steps out of the tub, only to seconds later be revealed as a rotting, walking-dead creature. 

---
Anthony Sellitti is an LA based filmmaker and is currently a writer on Marvel’s forthcoming “X-MEN ‘97” Disney+ series. He co-wrote the spooky short with Zachary Donohue (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-den/">The Den</a>, The Unknowable). The two produced “Deep End” alongside fellow producer/director of photography Bernard Hunt (Killer Among Us, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-den/">The Den</a>). 
 
Anthony Sellitti is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment. You can follow him on <a href="http://letterboxd.com/antsellitti">Letterboxd</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/antsellitti">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/antsellitti">Instagram</a>. 

Zachary Donohue is represented by Entertainment 360. You can follow him on <a href="http://letterboxd.com/ZachDonohue">Letterboxd</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/zachary_donohue">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/donohuezach">Instagram</a>.

‘Deep End’ Director Anthony Sellitti and Producer Zachary Donohue's Favorite Aquatic Horror Films

We watch movies to escape from reality. However, what do you when the movie you're watching is too realistic, as if you feel like you're experiencing the same actions and emotions the actors are onscreen? Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a terrible thing. Sure, you know that most movies are fiction and some slick directing helps tell the story. For the three films below, there's more to what you see onscreen that really helps enhance the movie-watching experience. <a href="https://boxd.it/29ro" rel="nofollow">Saving Private Ryan</a> (1998)War is not pretty. We've seen the classic, choppy black and white films all the way to today's videos on social media. That's real life. However, when you're watching a movie, you know you're going to watch a reenactment of a specific event. Since this is a Spielberg film, you know you're going to experience the real deal from the comfort of your couch.According to <a href="https://collider.com/is-saving-private-ryan-based-on-a-true-story/#:~:text=Spielberg%20went%20out%20of%20his,for%20the%20rigors%20of%20combat." rel="nofollow">Collider</a>, Steven Spielberg wanted to portray the Omaha Beach scene to be as realistic as possible. Not only did he recreate an almost-exact replica of Omaha Beach for the film's epic scene, he had the film's cast complete boot camp training in order to prepare them for their roles portraying soldiers of war.This scene, which takes you first-person to the trenches as soldiers dodge bullets and bombs, is intense and as realistic as it gets. You see soldiers experiencing their fate firsthand, with bullets whizzing by and bombs exploding at their every step. It's a very realistic scene, Spielberg's main intention, to showcase the events of war, which he successfully did throughout the film. This scene alone only prepares us for the rest of the film's portrayal of life at war and the bonds that are forged throughout. <a href="https://boxd.it/26EE" rel="nofollow">The Bourne Supremacy</a> (2004)Matt Damon as an action star? You'd think we were joking if we told you that, but it's true. Damon starred in three 'Bourne' films, including The Bourne Supremacy, the second of the trilogy.Like the first film, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-bourne-identity-2002/" rel="nofollow">The Bourne Identity</a>, there's plenty of action happening at all times and in different parts of the world. What changes here is the director's camerawork angle. We're used to seeing action from a far away, side point view. Not in this film. Here, we're treated to <a href="https://letterboxd.com/director/paul-greengrass/" rel="nofollow">Paul Greengrass</a>' fantastic, right-there-in-the-moment direction, allowing the audience to be a passenger next to Damon's Jason Bourne as he is driving and in pursuit from both police and an assassin. You can feel every turn the car makes and every side-swipe with cars nearby, as well as the tense underground tunnel scene that is a result of the two. Greengrass knows what the audience wants, and he is not afraid to go for it. His other directing features include two films that are based on real events that unfolded to many around the world on television (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/united-93/" rel="nofollow">United 93</a>) and in the early days of social media (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/captain-phillips/" rel="nofollow">Captain Phillips</a>). He's not afraid to take an approach in order for the audience to feel what the actors (who are portraying real life events) are going through. That's what filmmaking is all about - The excitement or fear, among other feelings, that were felt when these events were unfolding in real-time. <a href="https://boxd.it/26mK" rel="nofollow">The Abyss</a> (1988) James Cameron is one of the most well-respected filmmakers in history, and rightfully so. His work spans five-plus decades of extraordinary filmmaking, including films such as <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/aliens/" rel="nofollow">Aliens</a>, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/terminator-2-judgment-day/" rel="nofollow">Terminator 2: Judgement Day</a>, and <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/titanic-1997/" rel="nofollow">Titanic</a>. In a world that's very accepting of CGI and non-practical effects, Cameron has mastered the craft to ensure that his audience is going to be as immersed in the film as possible.While we can focus upon his 1998 epic <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/titanic-1997/" rel="nofollow">Titanic</a> and the measures he took to ensure that everything was made to scale (the ship, that is), The Abyss, Cameron's underwater sci-fi film, is one that takes the cake, especially for a film that relies very little on today's technology (because it wasn't available yet). Opting to not film on a designed set and because the film takes place mostly underwater in the ocean, the cast and crew were actually filming 30-plus feet below underwater. Dedicated to his craft, Cameron created a film full of action, love and an incredible world under the ocean, which feels like a rollercoaster ride you never want to get off of.<blockquote>For more information, visit the LG OLED Website <a href="https://linktr.ee/lg.oledtvs" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</blockquote>

We watch movies to escape from reality. However, what do you when the movie you're watching is too realistic, as if you feel like you're experiencing the same actions and emotions the actors are onscreen? Keep in mind that this is not necessarily a terrible thing. Sure, you know that most movies are fiction and some slick directing helps tell the story. 

For the three films below, there's more to what you see onscreen that really helps enhance the movie-watching experience. 

<a href="https://boxd.it/29ro">Saving Private Ryan</a> (1998)

War is not pretty. We've seen the classic, choppy black and white films all the way to today's videos on social media. That's real life. However, when you're watching a movie, you know you're going to watch a reenactment of a specific event. Since this is a Spielberg film, you know you're going to experience the real deal from the comfort of your couch.

According to <a href="https://collider.com/is-saving-private-ryan-based-on-a-true-story/#:~:text=Spielberg%20went%20out%20of%20his,for%20the%20rigors%20of%20combat.">Collider</a>, Steven Spielberg wanted to portray the Omaha Beach scene to be as realistic as possible. Not only did he recreate an almost-exact replica of Omaha Beach for the film's epic scene, he had the film's cast complete boot camp training in order to prepare them for their roles portraying soldiers of war.

This scene, which takes you first-person to the trenches as soldiers dodge bullets and bombs, is intense and as realistic as it gets. You see soldiers experiencing their fate firsthand, with bullets whizzing by and bombs exploding at their every step. It's a very realistic scene, Spielberg's main intention, to showcase the events of war, which he successfully did throughout the film. This scene alone only prepares us for the rest of the film's portrayal of life at war and the bonds that are forged throughout. 


<a href="https://boxd.it/26EE">The Bourne Supremacy</a> (2004)

Matt Damon as an action star? You'd think we were joking if we told you that, but it's true. Damon starred in three 'Bourne' films, including The Bourne Supremacy, the second of the trilogy.

Like the first film, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/the-bourne-identity-2002/">The Bourne Identity</a>, there's plenty of action happening at all times and in different parts of the world. What changes here is the director's camerawork angle. We're used to seeing action from a far away, side point view. Not in this film. Here, we're treated to <a href="https://letterboxd.com/director/paul-greengrass/">Paul Greengrass</a>' fantastic, right-there-in-the-moment direction, allowing the audience to be a passenger next to Damon's Jason Bourne as he is driving and in pursuit from both police and an assassin. You can feel every turn the car makes and every side-swipe with cars nearby, as well as the tense underground tunnel scene that is a result of the two. 

Greengrass knows what the audience wants, and he is not afraid to go for it. His other directing features include two films that are based on real events that unfolded to many around the world on television (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/united-93/">United 93</a>) and in the early days of social media (<a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/captain-phillips/">Captain Phillips</a>). He's not afraid to take an approach in order for the audience to feel what the actors (who are portraying real life events) are going through. That's what filmmaking is all about - The excitement or fear, among other feelings, that were felt when these events were unfolding in real-time. 

<a href="https://boxd.it/26mK">The Abyss</a> (1988)
James Cameron is one of the most well-respected filmmakers in history, and rightfully so. His work spans five-plus decades of extraordinary filmmaking, including films such as <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/aliens/">Aliens</a>, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/terminator-2-judgment-day/">Terminator 2: Judgement Day</a>, and <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/titanic-1997/">Titanic</a>. In a world that's very accepting of CGI and non-practical effects, Cameron has mastered the craft to ensure that his audience is going to be as immersed in the film as possible.

While we can focus upon his 1998 epic <a href="https://letterboxd.com/film/titanic-1997/">Titanic</a> and the measures he took to ensure that everything was made to scale (the ship, that is), The Abyss, Cameron's underwater sci-fi film, is one that takes the cake, especially for a film that relies very little on today's technology (because it wasn't available yet). 

Opting to not film on a designed set and because the film takes place mostly underwater in the ocean, the cast and crew were actually filming 30-plus feet below underwater. Dedicated to his craft, Cameron created a film full of action, love and an incredible world under the ocean, which feels like a rollercoaster ride you never want to get off of.

<blockquote>For more information, visit the LG OLED Website <a href="https://linktr.ee/lg.oledtvs">here</a>.</blockquote>

Is This Really a Movie? Here Are 3 Scenes From Movies That Feel Too Real

Danny, Proto, and Slim chat about James Cameron's <a href="https://boxd.it/26mK" rel="nofollow">The Abyss (1989) </a>.Other topics include having trouble finding a movie podcast, TROS, getting into Letterboxd, James Bond marathons, Obi-Wan being put on hiatus, working in a video store and shopping at Blockbuster, The Abyss (starting ~11:30), Letterboxd love (~50:30), and more. Next week, 1917 <a href="https://boxd.it/jj4y." rel="nofollow">boxd.it/jj4y.</a>You can also follow<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3VukCx4vhlILNV3JCnf8by" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://letterboxd.com/r0gue/" rel="nofollow">Danny</a>, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/protolexus/" rel="nofollow">Proto</a>, and <a href="https://letterboxd.com/slim/" rel="nofollow">Slim</a> on Letterboxd. Don't forget to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/70mmpod/" rel="nofollow">70mm on Instagram</a> to see Danny's artwork in its full glory. New episodes <a href="http://70mmpod.com/" rel="nofollow">every Monday</a>.Support the<a href="https://www.patreon.com/70mm" rel="nofollow"> 70mm Patreon</a> to join our Discord, have your own physical VHS Village membership card, listen to episodes before anyone else, get<a href="https://shop.vhsvillage.com/" rel="nofollow"> member-only discounts on prints</a>, and vote on future episodes!

Danny, Proto, and Slim chat about James Cameron's <a href="https://boxd.it/26mK">The Abyss (1989) </a>.

Other topics include having trouble finding a movie podcast, TROS, getting into Letterboxd, James Bond marathons, Obi-Wan being put on hiatus, working in a video store and shopping at Blockbuster, The Abyss (starting ~11:30), Letterboxd love (~50:30), and more. Next week, 1917 https://boxd.it/jj4y.

You can also follow<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3VukCx4vhlILNV3JCnf8by"> </a><a href="https://letterboxd.com/r0gue/">Danny</a>, <a href="https://letterboxd.com/protolexus/">Proto</a>, and <a href="https://letterboxd.com/slim/">Slim</a> on Letterboxd. Don't forget to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/70mmpod/">70mm on Instagram</a> to see Danny's artwork in its full glory. New episodes <a href="http://70mmpod.com/">every Monday</a>.

Support the<a href="https://www.patreon.com/70mm"> 70mm Patreon</a> to join our Discord, have your own physical VHS Village membership card, listen to episodes before anyone else, get<a href="https://shop.vhsvillage.com/"> member-only discounts on prints</a>, and vote on future episodes!

Pilot Episode: The Abyss (1989)

slim’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

The entire resuscitation scene is absolutely next level.Full review on our podcast: <a href="http://www.70mmpod.com" rel="nofollow">www.70mmpod.com</a>

Danny’s ★★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

Tune into the 70mm Podcast to listen to our in depth review and conversation about this film. You won't regret it.

protolexus’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Once again James Cameron takes you on a ride to an exotic locale, doing the seemingly impossible on screen. To me, Cameron makes some of the most entertaining and visually interesting films. This is now 30 years old and for the most part holds up very well.There is a lovely balance of interesting exotic tech mixed with the familiar that makes the world very believable. None of this felt like a set, down to the sound design and the characters awareness of their environment. However, the weakest spot to me is the score. It is downright horrendous. The military drum theme following around Lt. Coffey was terrible. And there is the gorgeous shot of Lindsey at the edge of the abyss, but it has some wonky 80's synth behind that ruin the moment.I haven't seen this in probably 15 years, but some scenes are so powerful that they were etched into my memory. Particularly the escaping the damaged pod, the resuscitation scene that follows, and the oxygenated water. I remember my mind being blown by that idea when I first saw it.There is some strange dialogue choices and could have been shortened for sure, but the set is so incredible and the world so interesting that I am glad that I could be there for so long.

Aaron Zani’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

Saw the extended edition in theaters - and what a wackadoo ending. Such a dud after a phenomenal movie.

𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗟 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Thomas’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

The DVD (because there’s no Bluray of this!) I rented from Videodrome was the special edition and ran nearly three hours — despite that runtime and some pieces that felt slow, I’m surprised at how much it actually earns that investment. I had never heard anything about it and it’s fascinating from the POV that truly only one insane filmmaker could have made this movie. Ed Harris is great. Can’t imagine the hellhole that would have been filming this thing after reading about it. The sea alien stuff feels almost tacked on in an odd way.<a href="https://boxd.it/hBEcY" rel="nofollow">Jim Cameron</a> | <a href="https://letterboxd.com/sorry_internet/tag/director/lists/" rel="nofollow">Directors</a>

Josh J’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Took me two days to finish—not ideal. There’s a few scenes that are truly spectacular, but at times I had to make sure I wasn’t falling asleep. A lot of water!

Justin Perez’s ★★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

That rat can act. *Special Edition

Paul’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

First time watching the Special Edition, and didn't care for it. There was just too much bloat of random scenes and bits, plus the ending was cringe. Shoutout to Dave and fellow VHS Villagers for another fun watch party!Special Edition - 3 Stars Theatrical Edition - 4 Stars

Paul’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Maybe the most undercooked James Cameron film in his career, the plot just has the weird instances of the creature not being the forefront of the story and was only convenient to have them when it was required, particularly the end. The plot felt more of being stuck on the ship and handling Michael Biehn and the nuclear warhead. Maybe these components were added in to shy away at the idea of being too close to an "Alien" like storyline.However, the experience of watching all the diving and water work was powerful, but I felt slightly guilty in being "entertained" knowing that the entire production was so troubled and physically and emotionally taxing. All the performances were great with highlights for Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.Should be noted that I watched the Theatrical Version. Perhaps the Extended Version dives into more of the creatures and character development.

mosheal’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

jwhale’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Some of the moments in this movie are breathtaking (sorry). I was genuinely floored by the innovative filmmaking here. minus ⭐️ for that ending though

Kev’s ★★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Had the pleasure of seeing the new 4K remaster at the Museum of the Moving Image. FWIW, I think it looks incredible and do not care about scrubbed film grain or whatever. As far as I was concerned, there was enough texture for everybody, and the movie looked adequately “old.”Anyway, hey, who’s that dumbass who rated this 4 stars on my LB profile? Did that guy even see this movie? Jesus. The special edition is the real deal, absolutely amazing stuff. More spiritual than I was expecting Jim to go, in such a way where you can draw the direct parallels to another movie about going for a swim in the most roundabout way possible, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER. “Cried 3 times masterpiece etc etc”

Kev’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

<a href="https://youtu.be/dST8NNcVGnI" rel="nofollow">youtu.be/dST8NNcVGnI</a>

Ben’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Cam’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Emily’s ★★ diary entry for The Abyss

This is a good concept trapped in a generic movie. There is something viscerally terrifying about the deep ocean. And the model work is especially great. But this movie is plagued with a too-silly and generic script, full of wild tonal shifts. Apparently, if you slap and yell at your soon to be ex-wife a lot, she will come back from the dead.Also, apparently that scene with the rat was REAL, and Ed Harris nearly died trying to make this thing and punched James Cameron in the face. I can't say I blame him.

Sander’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

Sander’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

EwanS93’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

~ Special Edition ~I have wanted to see this for years and, for the most part, it didn't disappoint. It looks incredible - can we get a Blu-ray of this please? - and I can't wait to watch the 'making of' doc. Ed Harris is such a likeable hero and Cameron seems to brilliant at bringing a cast together that feel like they've been around each other for s long time (see Aliens). The big sequences are great and there are some interesting ideas floating around but the ending being spelt out so clearly is a real bummer (although I believe the opposite is true of the theatrical cut). A good film made epic-ly.

Lisa Fuller’s diary entry for The Abyss

Kate Rose’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

groogruxdave’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

The special edition certainly adds a lot, but not sure if it's needed, the theatrical run being prob slightly better overall in the end. The restoration though, looked crisp as hell. Lots of behind the scenes issues but man, Ed Harris crushed this! Forgot how wild certain scenes got. Am I getting a pet rat??? Stars be damned, still an amazing end to Decembers <a href="http://www.70mmpod.com" rel="nofollow">70mm</a> watchparties. Can't wait for 2024!!

Andy Stone’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

A first time watch from one of the greats. When we first started the movie, the quality looked just awful. Did a little research and found out that some streaming services still have a VHS rip as their copy. Finally rented it in 4K and I thought my body was going to ascend. Holy shit, this movie should be shown on repeat at Best Buys to sell televisions. Like many of Big Jim’s movies, it’s 10 stars of production with 2 stars of dialogue. Landing right at a solid 3.5 and a heart.

Mike Scott’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

remnant’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

mike’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Zach’s ★★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

1989!? Pretty much my main thought though the film, insane this was made considering all the practically effects used and how amazing it looked, must’ve been horrible on the actors to film though, looks grueling.

Andrew van der Bijl’s ★★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Jim knows, always has and always will. New 4K remaster is unbelievable

jasher’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Give us a spin-off starring Hippy and his rat please.

crash’s ★★★★ diary entry for The Abyss

Continuing my journey through Cameron's filmography. Is this the most impressive 4 star movie of all time? The way it was filmed is insane and was absolutely grueling for everyone involved. The only person crazy enough to even dream it up or attempt it, James Cameron, is possibly the only one capable of pulling it off.

Jonas Knutsson’s ★★★½ diary entry for The Abyss

Yeah why not mix aliens with armadeddon?90% of this looks incredible for being 1989. The other 10% looks really corny.

Jonas Knutsson’s ★★★ diary entry for The Abyss