Waterworld (1995) 4K UltraHD Review

Kevin Costner's 1995 film Waterworld is famous for its budget, production issues and many versions. The film was panned by critics, but loved by fans. It is hard to believe this film is coming on its 30th anniversary.  Now Arrow Video is giving Waterworld the UltraHD release a film this ambitious deserves.

Waterworld takes place in a world where the melted polar ice caps, have caused most of the globe is underwater. Some humans have survived, and even fewer gave adapted to the ocean developing gills. Notably a man known as the Mariner (Kevin Costner). He is a loner by nature.

There is a legend of a mythical Dryland that Smokers a band of pirates of sorts want to find. A young girl named Enola has a tattoo on her back that they believe is a map to the Dryland. They will stop at nothing to get the girl. It's up to the Mariner to protect the young girl and her guardian Helen.

When watching Waterworld admittedly there is a lot of stuff that doesn't make sense! But if you suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the ride, there is a lot of fun in this film.

Kevin Costner as Mariner and Dennis Hopper as the evil Deacon are the standouts in this film. But there is an amazing cast in this film. Tina Majorino as the young Enola is great, Jeanne Tripplehorn as the protective and sympathetic Helen was awesome. It was even cool to see Jack Black in this film.

Arrow Video as always goes above and beyond to bring the consumer the best possible product they can! This is what is included in this release.

DISC ONE THE THEATRICAL CUT

* High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the original theatrical cut

* Maelstrom: The Odyssey of Waterworld, an all-new, feature-length making-of documentary including extensive cast and crew interviews and behind the scenes footage 

* Dances With Waves, an original archival featurette capturing the film s production 

* Global Warnings, film critic Glenn Kenny explores the subgenre of ecologically themed end-of-the-world films 

* Production and promotional stills gallery 

* Visual effects stills gallery

 * Original trailers and TV spots

DISC TWO THE TV CUT

* High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the extended US TV cut, which runs over 40 minutes longer than the theatrical cut

DISC THREE THE ULYSSES CUT [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]

* High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the extended European Ulysses cut, which include previously censored shots and dialogue


I have to say the film looks and sounds stunning in 4k. With this transfer we see the texture of the boat, the signs of decay, the flesh tones, the deep blues of the water and the luscious greens of the plant life. Waterworld has never looked better!

The theatrical version is more for adults as it has profanity, sexual situations and violence. Where the TV version gives the viewer more story and is a cleaned up version making it a little more family friendly.

This is one amazing 4k release! After watching it again after all these years, now that am I older I think I can appreciate what director Kevin Reynolds was trying to do! He deserves a lot of credit for such an ambitious undertaking of a film.

Just like the previous Blu-ray this 4K is jammed with bonus feature and would take days to get through all the different movie cuts, documentaries and more. Just be aware there is no new features from the Blu-ray release, just a better picture in 4K. So depending on how much of a 4K fan you are you may or may not want to upgrade, if you already own the Arrow Video Blu-ray.

So If your a fan of Kevin Costner or if you love Waterworld. This 4K release is an absolute must add to your collection!  I highly recommend this one! Head over to Amazon and pick up your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The Arrow Video UltraHD of WaterWorld receives.....