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When will The Abyss get some Blu-ray love? Or at least some respect?

#1
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10/24/09 at 12:21pm
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I am well past the time of waiting for one of my favorite fllms to be released in an anamorphic DVD (Even though the umpteenth packaged version still claims to have one, it does not). 

I got a wee bit excited when I saw it was appearing on one of my HBO HD Channels.  Sweet!  I didn't know if it would be the better special edition or if it would be in its proper aspect ratio of 2.35:1 instead of HBO filling the widescreen frame of 1.78:1 as they are want to do, but I had my hopes up.  All for nought.  HBO-HD broacast the theatrical cut in 3x4 FULLSCREEN!  1.33:1!   I was appalled.  I could not watch it.

Any rumors at all of the Special Edition of The Abyss getting the Blu-ray treatment it deserves?

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#2
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10/24/09 at 12:27pm
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Cameron needs to OK a transfer so I'd guess it's at least a year away (and even that probably assumes that he wants to get right to it after he's done with Avatar and its related press and the foreign release, etc.).
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#3
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10/24/09 at 1:20pm
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This would be my first and only BD "immediate buy" if it came out, I've been waiting for a good DVD version for so long. I don't care about Star Wars or LotR or whatever the hordes are still clamoring for now. Based on what we've seen, I can only assume this movie is not nearly as popular as I think it is... Let's not kid ourselves that Cameron "does" the transfer. And that he couldn't find a couple hours here and there to approve/critique what his minions did. There must be other reasons, and I have to suspect that the cost-effectiveness equation is unbalanced and makes this still a low "priority".
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#4
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10/24/09 at 1:32pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigF View Post

Let's not kid ourselves that Cameron "does" the transfer. And that he couldn't find a couple hours here and there to approve/critique what his minions did.
 


That's always been the reason that I've seen cited up to and including a few months ago when Van Ling said it yet again over in the Insiders section. Of course, Cameron could find time if he wanted to or delegate it to someone else but apparently he wants to make the final call on the transfer himself and he wants to work on new stuff rather than look at his old work. Unfortunately, that means nothing happens with the movie.
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#5
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10/24/09 at 5:32pm
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Yes, I've seen it said many times over the years. Still, I don't believe Cameron actually does the grunt work on it. Clearly though, Cameron has enough power/control/respect/etc. that he gets to call the shots. But again, I suspect the real reason is it's just not worth it $$-wise, otherwise a way would be found. Just re-scan the damn thing for HD (I hope anamorphic is understood!) and throw it out there. I'd buy! I mean, we don't really need more "director intervention" (did he not think anamorphic was a good idea?) like for the early DVD releases of his films, and he did find time for those and subsequent releases, apparently. I'm still following the money...
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#6
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10/24/09 at 6:17pm
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I would also get the abyss on HD or even a proper widescreen version. I believe that van ling has stated that there is a HD version already made.. been sitting on the shelf for a while.

Jacob

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Philips 47pfl7403D/F7 Onkyo 605 7.1 Receiver Aiwa Speakers and Sub woofer Panasonic 80 Blu ray  Toshiba bdx2000 Sony PlayStation 3 Blu ray Direct TV in HD with DVR

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#7
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10/25/09 at 12:47am
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If it's *just* the $$$, how much are we talking about?

If it's just the $$$, I'd think True Lies would've gotten the needed treatment by now probably well ahead of The Abyss.   I'd think more people are waiting for (or not waiting, but would just buy anyway) True Lies than The Abyss though I could certainly be wrong there.

I also like The Abyss for the most part myself, but honestly, I find *both* versions deeply flawed.  I'll probably need to give it a rent to refamiliarize myself when the BD eventually arrives -- maybe I'll see it differently at that point (and not hate the rather abrupt and contrived ending, which really ruined it for me).

_Man_

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#8
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10/25/09 at 3:45am
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It's not just The Abyss, he hasn't found time to approve any of his older titles which are being worked on. Both Terminator films (and I'm sure True Lies as well) could've been out in decent releases, only Cameron was busy.

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#9
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10/25/09 at 6:55am
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Yeah, Cameron's real busy directing a movie every 10 years.  Hard for me to believe the movie isn't somewhat popular since FOX keeps re-releasing the non-anamorphic DVD every few years.  

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#10
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10/25/09 at 7:11am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric Easton View Post

Yeah, Cameron's real busy directing a movie every 10 years.  Hard for me to believe the movie isn't somewhat popular since FOX keeps re-releasing the non-anamorphic DVD every few years.  
 


I know the common misconception is that Cameron has done nothing since Titanic but he has been working consistently (just not on features). He's made three documentaries, created a TV show and has been working on Avatar since 2005.

As for the popularity of The Abyss and True Lies, they're clearly popular but the lack of a re-release only shows that Fox chooses to wait for Cameron to OK the transfer.
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#11
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10/25/09 at 9:09am
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None of this bodes well for the transfer on Aliens, that is if the Quadrology ever gets released on BD.


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