The Abyss - Theatrical vs Special Edition

[crookeddy]

I recently watched both versions of James Cameron's The Abyss, and I was shocked to see the huge differences! In the theatrical edition, the whole point of the movie was edited out - it was just a sci-fi movie about first contact without much to say. The Special Edition was more of a hit you over the head with the lesson type of movie! It even featured an entirely different climax - of a much larger scale than anything in a theatrical. I don't think I've ever seen such wholesale changes between a "director's cut" and the original version.

So, which version do you prefer? I definitely go with the special edition, since it pumps up the scale of the movie, and gives a purpose to the events that we witnessed.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Special Edition.

 

[John Clark]

Special without a doubt for me.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Special -- the blu-ray is supposedly finally coming out this year.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=19501

 

[Ethros]

SE. I think I saw the Special Edition first, then took a look at the original ending. The whole contact with Ed Harris and the aliens was just weird without the context from the SE behind it

 

[Solariabsg25]

I love the Special Edition, even though some of the music is a bit jarring in places, as I think they couldn't get Alan Silvestri back as the footage was edited out before the score was completed. In the European release, they've still cut some of the footage of the rat being forced under water to demonstrate the liquid breathing system from the cinematic release, I dunno if that's the same in the States.

 

[Reverend]

I think this is one of those cases where one can safely say that the director's cut is *objectively* better. It's not even really a matter of opinion...unless you have some pathological distaste for movies over the 2.5hr mark or some-such.

 

[Richard Baker]

Without question the special edition is the better movie.
Happy to see it coming out on BluRay- a film like this needs a better picture than the upconverts perform IMO...

 

[Beagleman]

The SE, only ever saw the SE and liked that one a lot but I read about the differences.
So, what I'm saying is... I'm in no position to give an educated answer to the OP but did so anyway, plus I trust you guys.

 

[Hugo Rune]

Too much free time...