‘DeepStar Six’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Taurean Blacque, Nancy Everhard, Greg Evigan, Miguel Ferrer, Matt McCoy, Nia Peeples, Cindy Pickett, Marius Weyers | Written by Lewis Abernathy, Geof Miller | Directed by Sean S. Cunningham
In 1989 James Cameron brought the world the underwater sci-fi thriller The Abyss, which would prove to be a box office hit. But before film fans took the journey into “The Abyss,” there was a chance to dive into the deep with another sci-fi adventure entitled DeepStar Six.
DeepStar Six was brought to the world by the creator of Friday the 13th, producer/director Sean S. Cunningham. Now, thanks to the good folks at Kino Lorber Studio Classics, this monster creature feature has been restored and released on Blu-ray just in time for the Halloween season.
Far below the surface of the unforgiving sea, the daring crew of DeepStar Six are explorers in a forbidding world of impenetrable darkness and unimaginable pressure. They have invaded the icy fathoms into which no human has ever ventured. Their mission is to establish a top secret Navy base on the ocean floor. But something’s down there and the crew of DeepStar Six are about to make a startling discovery—there’s no escape from the terror of the deep. DeepStar Six will plunge you into the depths of fear… save your last breath… to scream.
Granted, DeepStar Six is not The Abyss, but it is wildly entertaining. The practical effects give this film a real feel that you can never get with CGI. The cast is filled with familiar faces that give this film a familiarity – including Taurean Blacque (Hill Street Blues), Nancy Everhard (The Punisher), Greg Evigan (B.J. and the Bear), Miguel Ferrer (RoboCop), Matt McCoy (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle), Nia Peeples (North Shore), Cindy Pickett (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and Marius Weyers (The Gods Must Be Crazy).
DeepStar Six has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The Blu-ray audio options are English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, with optional English subtitles. This transfer isn’t just any transfer; it uses a new master supplied by StudioCanal, which is based on 4K scans of the original camera negative.
With Kino Lorber using this new 4k scan, what results is a crisp and clean, gorgeous-looking film on Blu-ray. This new 4k scan transports this film from the late 1980s into the 2020s with no signs of age whatsoever. I am pleased to say that while watching this film I didn’t see a scratch, speck, or any kind of digital artefact. The film looks simply amazing!
Now, in addition to a wonderful new 4k scan with a flawless looking transfer, Kino Lorber added some great bonus features to this disc. Take a look at what is included:
Special Features:
- NEW Audio Commentary by Horror-Fix.com’s James G. Chandler and Ash Hamilton
- Audio Commentary with Director Sean S. Cunningham and Visual Effects Supervisor James Isaac
- Audio Commentary with Screenwriters Lewis Abernathy and Geof Miller
- Isolated Score Selections and Audio Interview with Composer Harry Manfredini
- From the Deep: Interviews with Creature Effects & Special Make-up Designer Mark Shostrom, Creature Supervisor Greg Nicotero and Creature Artist Robert Kurtzman
- The Survivors: Interviews with Actors Greg Evigan and Nancy Everhard
- Water Damage: Interview with Stunt Coordinator Kane Hodder
- Original EPK
- Extended Vintage Interview Clips
- Behind-the-Scenes Footage
- Image Gallery
- Theatrical Trailer and TV Spot
Kino Lorber ported over archival bonus features to add with the new ones and I really enjoyed the bonus interviews! All these bonus features make this Blu-ray release a wonderful upgrade for those who own previous iterations. If you love creature features of the 1980s as much as I do, Kino Lorber’s DeepStar Six Blu-ray will definitely be on your list as a must-own.
***** 5/5
DeepStar Six was released in the US yesterday, courtesy of Kino Lorber.
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