Deep Blue Sea 4K Review

In 1975, Steven Spielberg‘s Jaws released in cinemas and, to this day, remains the greatest shark film of all time. None have come close to suring that particular masterpiece and I think any director who attempts to make a shark film knows they simply can’t. What we get with each new effort though is plenty of fun and that was no different in 1999, when Deep Blue Sea released.

Arrow Films have worked wonders to release a 4K Blu-ray and the results are just as fun as the first time watching this blast of a film. You may wonder why a film like this needs a 4K release, yet the answers are there for all to see, as the water becomes crystal clear thanks to the enhanced image, and the sound captures every last chomp from the jaws of its antagonists. There’s also an array of special features to dive into that offer up such great insight to how the film came about. Physical releases are always such a joy to possess and the art of having a solid selection of special features is one that should never die.

As for the film itself, the simple premise of sharks feasting on the crew of an underwater research facility is elevated by the fact they’re increasing the size of the shark brains to feast more protein matter for their research, only making the sharks smarter in the process. It’s so dumb it’s brilliant, and so 90’s in the best way possible. The various encounters with sharks throughout keep the film thoroughly entertaining too, whether it’s LL Cool J‘s chef trying to escape his own oven before blowing a shark up to the words “You ate my bird“, or Samuel L Jackson‘s now infamous monologue at the very bottom of the facility. Honestly, that moment is simply perfect.

Renny Harlin knows his way around an action movie, his work on Die Hard 2 and The Long Kiss Goodnight some of my favourites to watch through my younger years, and he delivers again here. The action ramps up considerably and the finale is ridiculously bombastic, preceded by LL Cool J delivering the following prayer:

“Two sharks down, Lord! One demon fish to go! Can I get an Amen?”

If you’re still taking the film seriously by this point, you’re doing it wrong.

Everyone knows exactly the kind of film they’re starring in here and it helps events move along swimmingly. There’s Thomas Jane doing underwater acrobatics that defy the laws of physics, and of course LL Cool J living his best life as a chef out for vengeance in the name of his bird.

Deep Blue Sea is the best shark film since Jaws, that is quite simply the biggest compliment one can give this. This is a must own for anyone who is a fan of the film and perfect entertainment for night on the sofa.

Out now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray / Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, Samuel L Jackson, LL Cool J / Dir: Renny Harlin / Arrow Video / 15

4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negatives by Arrow Films approved by director Renny Harlin
• 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation
• Original DTS HD-MA 5.1 and Dolby Atmos audio options
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• 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, an archive featurette
• Deleted Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Renny Harlin
• Theatrical Trailer
• Image Gallery
• Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Preece
• 60-page perfect bound collectors 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
• Postcards from Aquatica