The Abyss Domestic LD LaserDisc An adventure epic depicting a civilian deep-sea work team cooperating in the rescue of a stranded U.S. nuclear submarine. Although the focus of the story shifts somewhat with the appearance of an unknown life form in the middle part, the numerous mechanics, sets, and SFX, including the underwater base, which cost a fortune, are wonderful, and the realism of the underwater scenes actually filmed underwater is sufficient. A 1989 American science fiction film. This film has a 140-minute theatrical version and a 171-minute extended version. Directed by: James Cameron Screenplay by: James Cameron Produced by: Gale Anne Hurd Starring: Ed Harris Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio Michael Biehn Music by: Alan Silvestri Cinematography by: Mikael Salomon Edited by: Joel Goodman Conrad Buff Distributed by: 20th Century Fox Release: USA August 9, 1989 Japan March 10, 1990 Running time: 140 minutes (theatrical version) 171 minutes (extended version)