“Deep Blue Sea” was a 1999 motion picture directed by Renny Harlin. Harlin is best known for directing the films “Cliffhanger” (1993), “Cutthroat Island” (1995), and “The Long Kiss Goodnight” (1996). He also somewhat recently directed the films “Exorcist: The Beginning” (2004), “The Bricklayer” (2023), and “The Strangers: Chapter 1” (2024).

Duncan Kennedy, Donna Powers, and Wayne Powers co-wrote the screenplay. Kennedy is known for writing the story for the film “The Piper” (2023). Donna & Wayne Powers are known for co-writing “Valentine” (2001) and the remake of “The Italian Job” (2003).

The story takes place on a research facility at sea, known as “Aquatica.” A group of scientists, led by “Dr. Susan McAlester” (Saffron Burrows), are trying to use DNA-altered shark brain tissue in an effort at attempting to cure Alzheimer’s. The company overseeing the project has become upset. This is because one of the sharks managed to get loose and caused some harm. So, they send in their guy (corporate executive), “Russell Franklin” (Samuel L. Jackson), to watch over the operation.

The scientists and staff on this research facility include “Carter Blake” (Thomas Jane). “Janice Higgins” (Jacqueline McKenzie). “Jim Whitlock” (Stellan Skarsgård). “Tom Scoggins” (Michael Rapaport). The radio operator is “Brenda Kerns” (Aida Turturro). The cook is “Sherman ‘Preacher’ Dudley” (LL Cool J).

These aren’t regular sharks. The manipulation of their brains has made these sharks significantly smarter. They don’t like being used as test subjects anymore. They’re ready to revolt. We have already seen this when a shark escapes early on. This escape got things to this level. A freak storm hits and causes even more chaos. The sharks are going to use this situation to their advantage.

Can the human staff of this facility manage to stay alive? Everything is coming down around them, and the sharks are left freely to swim through the corridors. This situation is dire and will perhaps get even more ugly. You find there’s a reason certain things can cross ethical boundaries. Even when done in the name of science, attempting to cure disease, they are not justified.

4K UHD Blu-ray Screenshots

Audio Quality

Physical Extras in this Limited Edition set include:

• Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Preece
• 60-page perfect bound collector’s book containing new writing by film critics Josh Hurtado, Jenniee 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”

The 4K UHD Blu-ray includes the following bonus materials:

• Audio Commentaries include:
  • Critic Audio Commentary features critic Rebekah McKendry. Recorded in 2024.
  • Screenwriter Audio Commentary features screenwriter Duncan Kennedy. Recorded in 2024.
  • Director Audio Commentary features director Renny Harlin and actor Samuel L. Jackson. This was recorded back in 1999.
• “From the Frying Pan into the Studio Tanks” (25 minutes, 8 seconds – HD). This is an interview with William Sandell, production designer. In his early days, he worked for Roger Corman. He attributes that experience to how he got his start in Hollywood. Sandell started out doing stunt work as well as production design. He also designs some very interesting sculptures.
• “Beneath the Surface” (19 minutes, 30 seconds – HD) is a visual essay by film critic Trace Thurman. This is good, but the critic has gone too deep into thought here, pun intended. That’s just my personal opinion, though. Still, it’s worth hearing if you are indeed a fan of the film.
• “When Sharks Attack” (15 minutes, 7 seconds – HD) is an archive featurette about the making of the film. It includes interviews with Renny Harlin (director), Samuel L. Jackson (“Russell Franklin”), Thomas Jane (“Carter Blake”), Saffron Burrows (“Dr. Susan McAlester”), Michael Rapaport (“Todd Scoggins”), Jacqueline McKenzie (“Janice Higgins”), and LL Cool J (“Preacher”). Also, Pete Romano (underwater director of photography), Damian Fitzpatrick (water & dive safety), and Stuart Cove (dive supervisor) are interviewed. Others interviewed include Walt Conti (shark effects supervisor), Akiva Goldsman (producer), Alan Riche (producer), Jeffrey A. Okun (visual effects supervisor), and Trevor Rabin (composer).
• “The Sharks of Deep Blue Sea” (8 minutes, 19 seconds – HD) is an archive featurette about the animatronic sharks. This features interviews with Renny Harlin (director), Alan Riche (producer), Jeffrey A. Okun (visual effects supervisor), Walt Conti (shark effects supervisor), Stellan Skarsgard (“Jim Whitlock”), and Jacqueline McKenzie (“Janice Higgins”).
• Deleted Scenes (8 minutes, 2 seconds – HD) feature optional audio commentary by director Renny Harlin. These look really bad in terms of video quality. I’m not even going to lie here, folks, but they’re worth watching if you enjoyed the film.
• Theatrical Trailer (2 minutes, 22 seconds – HD)
• Image Galleries include:
  • Posters & Stills (28 images – HD)
  • Production Art and Design (21 images – HD)

The bonus materials included here are equally as informative as they are entertaining. The audio commentary tracks are certainly worth listening to if you’re a fan of this movie. All of the newer (2024) extras that Arrow Video has put here are nice additions. The archive featurettes, deleted scenes, and trailer have been up-converted. They were originally from an SD (standard definition) source and are now 1080p HD (high definition). You get a total of 3 audio commentary tracks and roughly an hour and 18 minutes worth of bonus materials. Plus, you get a very impressive limited edition set with its physical extras.

Bonus Materials Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)