Ghosts of the Abyss

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Ghosts of the Abyss

G

2003

1h 0m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

101 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Veteran filmmaker James Cameron delves into the inspiration for his film "Titanic" by traveling to the mammoth cruise liner's final resting spot. Accompanied by a team of historians and friend Bill Paxton, Cameron uses unprecedented technology to take the viewer on an unscripted tour of this famous wreckage. This look back through time allows audiences to see never-before-photographed images and understand more about what transpired on that fateful night.

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Critics Consensus

The underwater footage is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

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Alexander Walker

London Evening Standard

Cameron reconstructs life aboard in the shape of living tableaux of passengers and crew, seen in spectral mode, eating, drinking, dancing or promenading among the watery remnants of their vessel. It is done with finesse and, oddly, is deeply touching.

Jan 10, 2018

Full Review

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

If you see only one James Cameron-directed movie about theTitanic -and you should - see the one that doesn't star Kate and Leo.

Rated: B+

Sep 28, 2012

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Ted Shen

Chicago Reader

This hour-long feature, edited down from 900 hours of footage, is both a technical marvel and a heartfelt memorial to those who died when the ship sank in 1912.

Dec 11, 2009

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

It's in [the] moments where the ghost of a human touch lingers that the doc really comes alive.

Nov 18, 2023

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R.L. Shaffer

IGN DVD

A bit slow-going and strangely emotionless at times. But Bill Paxton's nervous expressions add humor, and the film's jaw-dropping glimpse at the Titanic are powerful, to say the least.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 26, 2012

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Jules Brenner

Cinema Signals

James Cameron's latest memorial to the spirit that exists mournfully and sadly in utter silence as the effects of time and salinity slowly and inexorably take their toll.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 15, 2012

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johann m

James Cameron and Bill Paxton, director and actor of the 1997 film Titanic, travel to the final undersea resting place of the ill-fated ship of dreams and reconstructs life aboard in the shape of living tableaux of passengers and crew, seen in spectral mode, eating, drinking, dancing or promenading among the watery remnants of their vessel. Very touching.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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ashley h

Ghosts of the Abyss is an amazing documentary. It is about James Cameron and Bill Paxton who travel to the final undersea resting place of the ill-fated ship of dreams, the Titanic. Bill Paxton did an awesome job narrating the film. James Cameron also did a great job directing the movie. I enjoyed it because of my interest in this magnificent ship.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Brilliantly made film with some excellent footage and great technology in use.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Audience Member

Really pointless didn't see or hear anything new complete waste of time easily could of been made and show at the end of the titanic movie in a 3 minute segment really was not needed

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Ghosts of The Abyss is an interesting continuation of James Cameron's exploration of the Titanic wreckage. Complete with Bill Paxton, this documentary feels like it would have been better suited as a special feature to compliment the 1997 movie. Although it's a bit lackluster for a feature film, it is a fascinating viewing experience. Many of the shots are breathtaking, especially when superimposed with CGI images of the original ship and passengers. There's a surreal feeling to this film, as the dates of this exploration overlapped with the events of September 11th, 2001. As the crew was focused on this historic tragedy, another one was taking place. I enjoyed this for what it is, but I can't give it a very high rating. Sadly, there's just not a whole lot to it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

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Audience Member

Definitely Worth The 3D Experience. It Is A Good Trip Deep Into The Atlantic Ocean & Resting Place Of This Ship, Which Never Completed It's Maiden Voyage.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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James Cameron

Director

James Cameron

Self

Bill Paxton

Self

James Cameron

Producer

Ed W. Marsh

Creative Producer

Chuck Comisky

Producer

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Synopsis

Veteran filmmaker James Cameron delves into the inspiration for his film "Titanic" by traveling to the mammoth cruise liner's final resting spot. Accompanied by a team of historians and friend Bill Paxton, Cameron uses unprecedented technology to take the viewer on an unscripted tour of this famous wreckage. This look back through time allows audiences to see never-before-photographed images and understand more about what transpired on that fateful night.

Director: James Cameron
Producer: James Cameron, Chuck Comisky, Gig Rackauskas, Janace Tashjian
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Walden Media, Earthship Productions, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 2003, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.0M
Runtime: 1h 0m
Aspect Ratio: IMAX (1.43:1)

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