Originally released in 2003 as a sixty minute 3D documentary, “Ghosts Of The Abyss” is finding its way to the blu-ray format. The movie is extended to 90 minutes in the 2D version, while 3D remains at 60 minutes. Directed by James Cameron (Titanic), he goes back to the ship 12,000 feet below sea level with actor Bill Paxton. Using 2 small subs and several Russian crew, they document what Titanic looks like present day. Using innovative cameras, the movie shows hard to get through places including small rooms and quarters. As the subs are traveling through the huge ship, it similtaneously has a CG display of what the ship looked like before it sank. Very cool decision to add this as it guides the viewers through the ship without getting lost.
The movie also talks about the ambiance of the ship and the lifeboat fiasco. It’s crazy how much thought they put into designing Titanic, yet never had a concrete plan if it sank. I guess the owners got a bit too cocky.
Ghosts Of The Abyss is a great documentary to one of the biggest tragedies of our time. This is a great companion piece to the Cameron movie, “Titanic.”
Visually, I didn’t expect much because it’s a documentary that’s 9 years old. The scenes with the Titanic are a bit soft because they had to use special cameras to deal with the water pressure but it’s better than I thought. Enough details can be seen that you always know what’s going on. Above the water scenes are really crisp and sharp. The DTS-HD track is fantastic. Plenty of environmental sound coming from the rears and front surround. Dialogue and narration is crisp and easy to hear.
There’s not much extras, several behind the scenes but at least one is a half hour documentary.
Overall, “Ghosts Of The Abyss” is an educational movie that is interesting and insightful.
Grade: A-
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