Digital Review The Abyss Digital UHD Review (1 Viewer)

[Todd Erwin]

How is it an Amazon screwup to have the best version of the movie in UHD? This seems like Amazon is the only one that’s doing it right and Disney and Apple have the screw up?

Or are you saying that Fox / Disney / James Cameron don’t want the SE in 4K?

It's an Amazon screw up because I don't think they were supposed to be selling that version individually, much like Amazon isn't supposed to be selling the Family Friendly Audio version of Avatar: The Way of Water as a stand-alone (but they are anyway).

 

[DaveF]

It's an Amazon screw up because I don't think they were supposed to be selling that version individually, much like Amazon isn't supposed to be selling the Family Friendly Audio version of Avatar: The Way of Water as a stand-alone (but they are anyway).

But it’s also a Disney screwup for not offering it on UHD at all?

I’m trying to understand what’s supposed to be for sale. And what the fix might be, if there is a fix. /)

 

[Todd Erwin]

But it’s also a Disney screwup for not offering it on UHD at all?

I’m trying to understand what’s supposed to be for sale. And what the fix might be, if there is a fix. /)

Yes, the studio messed up. I asked for a status today, and unfortunately, no resolution yet, and not likely until after the holidays.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

But it’s also a Disney screwup for not offering it on UHD at all?

I’m trying to understand what’s supposed to be for sale. And what the fix might be, if there is a fix. /)

For The Abyss, it is supposed to be one SKU. That single purchase is meant to contain the theatrical version in 4K UHD, and the special edition in 4K UHD, along with bonus features.

The most likely explanation is that Disney provided everything without the metadata coded properly for the retailers to understand what to do with it all.

The resolution will be for Disney to figure out where the mistake happened and contact each of the retailers and work with them to adjust their offerings until everyone has the proper configuration. But the people who would handle this on both sides are all about to have a week off for the holidays, so it’s probably not going to get resolved until January.

 

[Todd Erwin]

For The Abyss, it is supposed to be one SKU. That single purchase is meant to contain the theatrical version in 4K UHD, and the special edition in 4K UHD, along with bonus features.

The most likely explanation is that Disney provided everything without the metadata coded properly for the retailers to understand what to do with it all.

The resolution will be for Disney to figure out where the mistake happened and contact each of the retailers and work with them to adjust their offerings until everyone has the proper configuration. But the people who would handle this on both sides are all about to have a week off for the holidays, so it’s probably not going to get resolved until January.

The same with Avatar: Collector's Edition and Aliens.

 

[Neil S. Bulk]

Yes, the studio messed up. A asked for a status today, and unfortunately, no resolution yet, and not likely until after the holidays.

 

[Mark Booth]

The Abyss on iTunes contains the SE in HD/5.1.

When I purchased The Abyss on iTunes a week ago Tuesday, there were no extras nor SE version attached. Yes, it changed sometime in the last week (extras and SE in HD showed up) but it wasn't there when I purchased it.

Mark

 

[Tino]

When I purchased The Abyss on iTunes a week ago Tuesday, there were no extras nor SE version attached. Yes, it changed sometime in the last week (extras and SE in HD showed up) but it wasn't there when I purchased it.

Mark

Me either. But I know it would soon. I think they showed up 2 days later.

 

[Mark Booth]

FWIW, Apple approved my refund for the purchase of The Abyss digital. When I look at the film in the iTunes Store on my computer, it now shows that it is available for me to purchase. However, it is STILL shown as a title I own in my iTunes Library (including on my Apple TV 4K).

I have not tried to play it. I'll see if it disappears from the Library soon.

Mark

 

[Michael Osadciw]

Is no one concerned about this film's altered colour palette to match that of modern films? Cyan?
Revisionism vs. restoration?

 

[Worth]

Is no one concerned about this film's altered colour palette to match that of modern films? Cyan?
Revisionism vs. restoration?

Well, it’s Cameron, so revisionism is going to win out.

 

[Tino]

Is no one concerned about this film's altered colour palette to match that of modern films? Cyan?
Revisionism vs. restoration?

Nope.

 

[Tino]

Is no one concerned about this film's altered colour palette to match that of modern films? Cyan?
Revisionism vs. restoration?

Seriously tho I don’t notice any drastic changes. I honestly think it looks awesome. Sorry.

 

[Robert Saccone]

Seriously tho I don’t notice any drastic changes. I honestly think it looks awesome. Sorry.

Same here. Looks great.

 

[Nathan_H]

I take it this is still an issue (SE is still only showing up in SDR/1080p)? May convince me to wait to pick it up until the disk is released, I guess (since I assume the SE will be in HDR/4k on the disk).

A bumpy rollout but I am sincerely glad these are coming out, even if a little strangely.

Now it's baffling that the "Special Edition" is only HD and 5.1 on all of the Movies Anywhere vendors but I'm hoping that is rectified.

The Abyss on iTunes contains the SE in HD/5.1.

The screwup is that one singular purchase is supposed to include access to both the theatrical and special edition versions of the film, with both versions provided in 4K UHD. It’s not supposed to be separate SKUs for each version. Amazon is offering an incorrect product configuration by selling the special edition independently of the theatrical version rather than offering them together in one purchase with both in 4K.

It appears that no retailer has gotten it right yet, which as Todd has pointed out, is likely because Disney (having not handled a similar digital release before) hasn’t properly formatted their metadata or provided the deliverables in a way that the storefronts understood how to market them.

 

[Bartman]

I take it this is still an issue (SE is still only showing up in SDR/1080p)? May convince me to wait to pick it up until the disk is released, I guess (since I assume the SE will be in HDR/4k on the disk).

A bumpy rollout but I am sincerely glad these are coming out, even if a little strangely.

I noticed that, too. At least the purchase price has come down from $20 to $10. I'm going to hold out as long as necessary, I want to rent a 4K SE with extras from ATV+. Otherwise I'll wait for a Blu-ray in March!

 

[Todd Erwin]

I take it this is still an issue (SE is still only showing up in SDR/1080p)? May convince me to wait to pick it up until the disk is released, I guess (since I assume the SE will be in HDR/4k on the disk).

A bumpy rollout but I am sincerely glad these are coming out, even if a little strangely.

I noticed that, too. At least the purchase price has come down from $20 to $10. I'm going to hold out as long as necessary, I want to rent a 4K SE with extras from ATV+. Otherwise I'll wait for a Blu-ray in March!

Highly recommend contacting Disney and letting them know.

 

[Nathan_H]

What is the best way to submit feedback?

 

[Todd Erwin]

What is the best way to submit feedback?

Either complete the form at http://www.disneystudioshelp.com/contact-dch.html or call 800-723-4763, and politely explain how disappointed you are that the additional (and preferred) cuts of most of these films are only available as special features in HD and that you were led to believe from the marketing materials that those cuts would be included in 4K. They are passing these on to upper management. You may also want to consider requesting a refund from the retailer you purchased these from if you are completely dissatisfied, as that also sends a message to both the retailer and the studio when they see sudden returns/refunds.

 

[Nathan_H]

Either complete the form at http://www.disneystudioshelp.com/contact-dch.html or call 800-723-4763, and politely explain how disappointed you are that the additional (and preferred) cuts of most of these films are only available as special features in HD and that you were led to believe from the marketing materials that those cuts would be included in 4K. They are passing these on to upper management. You may also want to consider requesting a refund from the retailer you purchased these from if you are completely dissatisfied, as that also sends a message to both the retailer and the studio when they see sudden returns/refunds.

Fantastic. Will do. Thanks.