Deep
Blue Sea 4K (1999/Warner/MVD/Arrow 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray)
Picture:
A-
Sound: A-
Extras: B
Film: B
While
Jaws will always reign supreme in the sub genre of 'Killer
Shark Movies,' Deep Blue Sea (1999) certainly remains a
satisfying and memorable hit entry. Featuring a colorful cast, sharp
direction, and a memorable score by Trevor Rabin (of the band Yes,)
Deep Blue Sea has finally got a deluxe restoration in this
release on 4K UHD courtesy of Arrow Video. Having seen this film on
every format since its original release, it's a no brainer that this
is the best presentation on disc by a long shot.
The
film stars Saffron Burrows, Samuel L. Jackson, Thomas Jane, L.L. Cool
J., Stellan Skarsgard, and Michael Rapaport. The film is directed by
Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight,
Cliffhanger, and most recently The Strangers Chapter 1).
A
group of shark researchers on the undersea laboratory known as
Aquatia are testing killer sharks to develop a potential cure for
Alzheimer's disease. But as the trials prove successful, the sharks
get smarter and more lethal as a result. Soon, the test subjects
rebel on the scientists and attempt to flood the research facility,
sending the small group on a desperate fight for survival.
Deep
Blue Sea, now the first of a trilogy (which have been reviewed
elsewhere on this site and aren't necessarily recommendable), is a
fun and campy action flick. The film boasts one of Samuel L.
Jackson's most fun performances and his death sequence still remains
surprising and humorous all these years later. The digital effects
have not aged as well as other aspects of the film, but it adds a bit
to the charm. The film is a product of its time and a far superior
'Killer Shark' film when compared to the MEG franchise.
Deep
Blue Sea 4K is presented in 2160p
HEVC/H.265, 2.39 X 1, Dolby Vision/HDR (10; Ultra HD
Premium)-enhanced Ultra High Definition image and a lossless
audio track in English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
mixdown for older systems) and lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1
(48kHz, 24-bit). The director approved 4K transfer was sourced and
restored by Arrow Films and is very strong.
Special
Features
:
Brand
new audio commentary by screenwriter Duncan Kennedy
Brand
new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Rebekah McKendry
Archive
audio commentary by director Renny Harlin and star Samuel L. Jackson
From
the Frying Pan... into the Studio Tank, a new interview with
production designer William Sandell
Beneath
the Surface, a new visual essay by film critic Trace Thurman
When
Sharks Attack: The Making of Deep Blue Sea, an archive
featurette
The
Sharks of the Deep Blue Sea, another archive featurette
Deleted
scenes with optional audio commentary by director Renny Harlin
Original
Theatrical Trailer
Image
Gallery
Reversible
sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Preece
60-page
perfect bound collector's book containing new writing by film critics
Josh Hurtado, Jennie Kermode, and Murray Leeder, plus previously
unseen production art and designs
Double-sided
fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by
Luke Preece
and
Postcards from Aquatica
.
Deep
Blue Sea has a lot of fun and charm and is one the last no-holds
barred action movies from the 1990s. There have been many such
horror shark movies since, but this one sticks out as one with a
great cast and memorable blockbuster moments.
-
James Lockhart
