This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray release from Arrow Video will be available for purchase (www.arrowvideo.com – www.facebook.com/ArrowVideo/) on January 22nd.
Back in 1995 there was a lot of press about the sci-fi action/adventure flick Waterworld, which had become the most expensive film ever made. Filming on water and the epic scope of the project inflated the price tag to $175 million dollars, an unheard of figure at the time. Reaction to the finished feature was lukewarm at best, but over the years the movie has generated a following and plenty of defenders. Arrow Video have gone above and beyond to present an incredible package that will greatly impress fans and provide some insight into how things got… well… so expensive.
Set in the future, the world has been turned into a strange and unique post-apocalyptic landscape. Due to the negligent actions of humanity, the polar ice caps have melted, leaving the planet submerged. A mutant man with fish gills and webbed feet called the Mariner (Kevin Costner) sails the endless seas on an impressively large ship. While visiting a floating atoll, he meets shopkeeper Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and a girl (Tina Majorino) believed to have a map to the fabled “Dryland” tattooed on her. Soon, the location is attacked by Smokers, a group of violent pirates led by the Deacon (Dennis Hopper). It is revealed they want that drawing on the girl, and will take it at any cost.
Whatever one might say of the final product, every dollar spent is visible onscreen. The movie offers only the basics in terms of characters, but it is truly a spectacle. There are massive sailboats and floating barges filling the screen, followed at every turn by a chaotic action and enormous explosions. The rusty sets and boats certainly wow, from the massive stadium sized atoll seen early in the feature to the Mariner’s craft, a huge trimaran often filmed with wide shots, speeding into the open water with only the movie’s lead visible.
Frankly, nothing like this had ever been witnessed before and much of it predated digital effects. The floating apparatuses are all real, reportedly built by a talented team of professionals. Director Kevin Reynolds (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) and the producers made a wise decision in hiring cinematographer Dean Semler (The Road Warrior aka Mad Max 2, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Dances with Wolves, Apocalypto). He certainly knows how to shoot wastelands both on land and in the water, and his camerawork and lighting is spectacular.
Co-star Dennis Hopper also makes a great foil for the Maniner, pulling out all the stops as a darkly humorous psychopath who always has an amusing comment or reaction to the events surrounding him. The actor is always entertaining to watch and it’s unfortunate the movie doesn’t feature even more of him. And the themes have aged well thanks to the movie’s ecological slant, which is still (and perhaps even more) relevant today than during its original release.
Of course, the criticisms leveled at the movie during its initial release aren’t unfounded either. The theatrical cut certainly feels choppy and there’s little onscreen chemistry between the Mariner and Helen. In fact, there’s so much screaming and bickering between the two of them that it becomes off-putting, making it all the harder to believe that they could suddenly develop feelings for each other later. Some of their arguments seem particularly ridiculous given the circumstances and as a result, viewers won’t be overly invested in their plight.
The movie does become increasingly silly as it progresses, with an extra melee after the climax involving the Deacon that feels like it was tacked on at the last minute. And given the dark tone and end-of-the-world scenario presented, the flick is also backed by a somewhat inappropriate, up-tempo score. Still, the movie looks remarkable and there’s enough pop to the proceedings to provide action fans a good supply of thrills.
Arrow Video should be applauded for going all out and presenting three versions of the flick on two Blu-rays. The first bonus is the extended “TV Cut” that contains nearly 40 extra minutes of added scenes and alternate footage. Since it originally aired on television, it does remove some of the more graphic moments as well as nudity (and a condensed version of the Mariner filtering and re-purposing his own urine to drink). Not every bit of extra material is essential. Still, it does contain more character development that actually helps the picture. The shorter version may emphasize conflict between the Mariner and Helen, but there are a quieter moments in the longer cut that soften the hero and define his character arc more clearly (in the theatrical version, his change in attitude comes too quickly and with less-than-ample motivation).
The ending is also extended, with a very effective little reveal at the end that would also have benefited the theatrical release. Perhaps the most impressive feature on this “Limited Edition” is the “European Ulysses Cut”. Originally compiled by fans of the movie, it’s essentially the lengthier TV version with the violence and skin re-inserted into the film. While it is a bit longer than it needs to be, this is probably the most complete and best edition of the film.
All three versions have been given new 4K transfers that look stunning. Everything appears incredibly sharp, allowing all of the film’s incredible practical elements to shine. This includes the massive and striking atoll set. The crazy stunt work also stands out, with characters swinging on ropes around their boats. Jet skis are frequently propelled into the air and blown up, hurtling stunt performers into the sky. All of it looks remarkably dangerous and the clarity of the image only highlights all of the great technical skills on display.
In addition to the three cuts, this release includes other noteworthy extras. There’s an intriguing featurette with a movie critic examining the ecological themes of Waterworld and giving a general overview of disaster films. There is also a featurette on the making of the movie and publicity materials (including an early teaser made before the film had even finished shooting).
Another superb bonus in this Limited Edition is the inclusion of a new, feature-length documentary Maelstrom: The Odyssey of Waterworld, which chronicles the production and its release. Most of the crew (including director Kevin Reynolds) share their memories and how they reacted the many difficulties experienced. In the process, some fascinating details are revealed. Peter Rader, who wrote the first several screenplay drafts, states the concept came about after meeting an associate of Roger Corman, who asked him to create a Mad Max rip-off. Ultimately, his enthusiasm for sailing resulted in the backdrop for Waterworld. As time passed, bigger Hollywood studios and stars became involved and the script evolved into a studio tent-pole release.
Naturally, many of the participants blame the press for exaggerating the on-set problems and ruining its chances for success. I suppose these articles may not have made life any easier for those involved. Still, the crew readily admit the production extended months longer than intended, went $75 million dollars over-budget, underwent numerous, last-minute rewrites to try and fix story problems, and had its director eventually quit (the film was completed by star Costner and studio heads). While one does feel sympathy for them, the trials described are actually the definition of a troubled production. Regardless of how viewers interpret the stories, the conflicts relayed are fascinating to hear. This is a terrific little documentary.
While Waterworld itself may have something of a notorious reputation, no one can say that the Arrow Video 2-disc “Limited Edition” of the film isn’t phenomenal, presenting three remarkable cuts in stunning 4K, along with a wealth of truly informative bonuses. Even those who may not be the movie’s biggest fans will be impressed by the stunts and action featured, as well as being intrigued by the background information presented in this package. As such, I highly recommended this release.