The Abyss and it's Alternate Ending

Chris has some thoughts on the extended ending for the James Cameron film The Abyss.

[ThatsASpaceStation]

Is there an Alternate Ending that you hate?

[thedaywerevolt]

Love the alternate ending because I understand Cold War history - and it's not like James Cameron went "back" to add this story, it was always there, and I appreciate it, because this movie was made in 1988, which was nearing the end of the Cold War. Yes, came out in 89, but if you know anything about the Cold War, it makes this alternate ending incredibly important to the overall storytelling. I think you may have missed a mark here

[AlexDiesTrying]

I just watched the short version and it feels completely crippled. I truly like the idea of humans having to finally grow up a little. It may not be the most realistic but it feels good. And without that sequence, the scene with Bud and the aliens feels very short, rushed.
There's definitely enough mystery left.
Hate it, don't watch it. No problem. Leave it for guys like me ( :

[danieltraner]

They didn't back off because of 'love'

They backed off because Bud's sacrifice moved them.

[LiberaceLizaATribute]

Thank you. I could not agree with you more. I loved the ongoing mystery of aliens in the abyss and didn’t need some heavy handed explanation. Hopefully the original theatrical release version still exists!

[mac]

I completely agree that the special edition ending isn't good. It's cheesy, too on-the-nose, and Alan Silvestri didn't write the score for it. It feels very out-of-place. So, the aliens don't want us to kill each other, but they're willing to kill every one of us to prove it?! Also, are we supposed to believe that the aliens didn't already know that love and sacrifice exists and that it does so between millions of people on Earth? The entire subplot about WWIII needs to be scrapped. A lot of the new footage which builds upon the characters is good, though.

[alexanderschoneberg]

Always funny how taste differs, i absolutly adore the alternte ending. May be because it was the version i originally saw first and the shortenend version always felt lacking to me. As for the "dickmove" i mean we are glady ignoring Climate Change... so a Alien Race making a "OR ELSE" flex does seem like something we actually would need to do more then talk.

[giobikefans]

I agree with you. I watched this as a kid. I think it is a much better movie with the mystery of the theatrical cut. It leaves the viewer to contemplate what we couldn't see.

[NDE]

I just saw the Special Edition 4k Restoration, 171 mins at a theatre, ans it was phenomenal! I didnt feel the time at all, and i much prefer the anti-nuke message.

[Blumoon_vii]

It was a great ending. I see many people disagree with u

[wreckingKREW]

I much prefer the original ending to the alternate.

Because, in my mind, a species that far more advanced than us wouldn't feel the need to threaten and scare us. They could show us a better way without traumatizing the entire planet like that. And knowing that they have the power to wipe us out in minutes, whenever they damn well feel like it, would traumatize the entire planet. Fatalism would rule, systems would break down, total anarchy.

[HBSaxMachine]

I agree with you. Was trying to put into words why I prefer the theatrical release but you hit the nail on the head

[Wolf_Dominic]

You know, it could just be because I saw this ending first, but personally, to me the movie feels so empty without it. I get it, the narrative in it is a bit much, but for me, it just feels so incomplete without it, and I honestly kinda like it, however ham fisted it may be.

[jezzalexander]

With you on this. Perfectly do-able as Special Edition but heavy on lecture - Theatrical Cut had more mystery and intimacy. I'd go the Theatrical 'Aliens' anytime over its expanded hoo-hah too.

[ImHereFastPerson]

I watched both versions on VHS, widescreen and fullscreen. Much preferred the extended cut every time even at 12 years old. In fact I’m not even sure if I watched the theatrical again after seeing the extended one.

[Mazito]

I also hate the special edition ending, it turns a great mysterious sci-fi movie into just a cheese Disney movie at the end. It's so stupid, ruined the movie for me, took all the suspense and mystery about the aliens off. Also this version is too long, the original has the perfect running time.

[padawanmage]

i can see where some didn't like the alternate ending as it basically sees the Cold War come to an abrupt halt.

[bummer]

By "alternate ending" I guess you mean "original, intended ending".

[NMAforever]

The alternate ending is the theatrical ending, actually. 😂

The original ending ALWAYS was intended to happen, and ILM was working on it but they weren't unable to finish it on time.

[Rocky-xxzg]

Your mistaken. It made the Movie a classic.