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More than a century has passed since the “unsinkable” Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, but the tragic story of the luxurious ocean liner and its fate is one that still haunts anyone who hears it. And that’s what makes director James Cameron’s Ghosts of the Abyss such a fascinating journey.
In 1998, Cameron took home three Oscars for his epic historical drama, Titanic. But being inspired by the ship and its story obviously wasn’t enough for Cameron; he wanted to see it for himself.
In 2001, Cameron and Titanic actor Bill Paxton traveled deep into the Atlantic to visit the ship’s final resting place. They were able to examine the wreckage up close—and capture some remarkable footage—using robot cameras that were able to travel to places that no one had seen since April of 1912. The result is an eerie 3D documentary that allows viewers to explore the remains of the legendary ship, both inside and out.
Narrated by Paxton, Ghosts of the Abyss follows the director, the actor, and a team of scientists and other experts as they journey to the Titanic, traveling with the bots (nicknamed Jake and Elwood) through parts of the ship that, since the shipwreck, had previously been seen only in sketches and old photographs. The bots travel up and down the Grand Staircase, examine the stunning leaded glass windows (many of which are still intact), and visit the rooms of some of the ship’s most famous passengers.
Really, it’s no wonder that Cameron was able to create such a magnificent 3D marvel with 2009’s Avatar—because he had plenty of practice. Ghosts of the Abyss is a breathtaking documentary, with 3D footage that seems clearer and even more detailed than the average 3D release. If you watch it in a darkened room, you’ll often feel as though you’re really there, exploring the ship right along with the scientists and filmmakers.
This was clearly a life-changing expedition for Cameron and Paxton, who sometimes act like a couple of kids on their first trip to Disneyworld. And their enthusiasm is infectious. As the cameras travel deep inside the ship, you may find yourself oohing and ahhing right along with the awestruck crew in response to each new discovery.
Meanwhile, though Paxton’s narration—and his improvised antics—can sometimes feel either unnaturally silly or unnecessarily melodramatic, he helps to put things into perspective, pointing out the various landmarks (which are often dramatized and / or shown side-by-side with original photos) and adding parts of the ship’s story for added effect.
Though the original theatrical version of the film is just 60 minutes long, there’s so much to see here: old pictures, digital renderings, dramatizations, and sometimes parallel images from the two bots. And it all comes together in one eerily powerful documentary—one that you’ll have to watch more than once just to take it all in. So if you have a 3D Blu-ray player, don’t miss this breathtaking 3D Blu-ray release.
