Abyss, The: Special Edition (1989) (Uncut) [1988-85]
"Keep your pantyhose on!"
Viewed this last night. It's been years since last viewed.
Picture: 7.5 Pleasantly surprised by this LD, compared to the DVD it holds up well. Lots of greens blues and darker tones saturated most of the playing time so I didn't expect a very sharp or detailed image yet it still projected very well, noise was noticeable up close but not distracting. I'd rate it near DVD quality at 8 feet back from my seating position or slightly above average on PQ for LD.
Sound: 7.5 Audio was Dolby Stereo Surround, very active from start to finish, I selected Dolby + MV + THX on the Pioneer VSX 53 and cranked the DB up generously as normally required on non digital sources. The effects were quite detailed and crisp, not nearly as discrete as a 5.1 source would be but since my only DVD copy is also 2.0 Dolby I didn't see any advantage to view it and went with the Special Edition LD despite the numerous side changes.
Story 8 One of James Cameron's best films in my opinion, it's a shame this one hasn't gone Blu yet, I welcome a new transfer with an HD audio track.
Wow Factor 7.5 Front and back covers aren't especially art, that I could say. They look about average like Aliens. It's a box, 3 disc. The best feature here is the insert which is really outstanding. I would probably only rate this one a 6.5 or 7 without it. So make sure it's included before you buy. The box, 3 discs and inserts feels like you're getting a bargain and collectors set.
Overall 7.5 I think I may check out the AC3 Extended Edition, which I believe is the same cut as this SE. I would probably rate it around an 8 or 8.5 overall depending on the audio. Unless the Blu ray arrives shortly, which it could later this year.
Edit: added Wow Factor results.
they are about 80-90% correct from what i saw and what my camera gives.
A bit hot on some colours but that's down to the camera little faults, still not bad for cheap camera.
