90s Action Fans Rejoice: Renny Harlin’s Classic Thrillers Get Epic 4K Makeover You Can’t Miss

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Discussing the action movies of the 1990s wouldn’t be complete without mentioning director Renny Harlin. He set the tone for the decade with “Die Hard 2,” and went on to create a string of action hits such as “Cliffhanger,” “Cutthroat Island,” “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” and “Deep Blue Sea” – all within a span of nine years. As technology continues to advance, especially in terms of film quality, Harlin’s films have experienced a resurgence in the 4K era.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly waiting for my favorite underrated action films to get the 4K treatment, and it seems like my patience has finally paid off! Over the past couple of years, classics like “Cliffhanger” and “Cutthroat Island” have received stunning 4K restorations and Steelbook releases. However, it appeared that director Jan de Bont’s true cult classics were taking their sweet time.

Luckily, the wait is over! The last month has been a dream come true for fans like me as Arrow Video has unleashed full 4K remasters and releases for not one, but two of my all-time favorites: “Deep Blue Sea” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight”. These underrated action masterpieces have never looked better!

Recently, Arrow has launched two 4K editions of the movies “Deep Blue Sea” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight”, with a gap of only a month between them. This unique pairing offers a compelling double feature that not only highlights the work of director Jan de Bont but also his collaborations with Samuel L. Jackson.

In 1996, I had the privilege of starring alongside Geena Davis in “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” a role that showcased some of the finest dialogue penned by screenwriter Shane Black. Fast forward to Harlin’s next project, the shark thriller “Deep Blue Sea,” where he once again welcomed me into his creative process and crafted one of the most indelible on-screen deaths of the entire decade for me.

[Order Your Copy of The Long Kiss Goodnight Here]

Despite being the second movie among the two to hit theaters in 1999, “Deep Blue Sea” was actually the first Harlin/Jackson double feature to receive a 4K release from Arrow. The distributor rolled out a special edition of the 4K version of “Deep Blue Sea” in March, with “The Long Kiss Goodnight” following closely behind about two weeks later. Both releases featured an array of special features, fresh artwork, and restorations that were personally approved by Harlin.

If you’ve ever purchased movies from Arrow Video, you’re aware that this company is renowned for creating top-notch productions. The Harlin films are no different in this regard. Cinema enthusiasts who enjoy either of these movies might want to take a look at the latest releases, as they are considered the ultimate versions to add to one’s collection.

Comparing the two films, I’d argue that “The Long Kiss Goodnight” is superior to “Deep Blue Sea,” in terms of both the movie and the quality of the 4K versions. Now don’t get me wrong, “Deep Blue Sea” had some impressive work done, but the film’s iconic special effects have become a challenge due to their aging, particularly the CGI which was groundbreaking in 1999. Unfortunately, these effects haven’t held up well over time. On the other hand, the restoration of “The Long Kiss Goodnight” has breathed fresh, vibrant life into every scene, and at times, this enhancement can even make the older visual effects stand out less favorably.

Viewing the image from Deep Blue Sea at a lower resolution, similar to VHS quality, makes it seem like the subpar CGI becomes less noticeable. The computer-generated sharks appear seamlessly integrated into the scene. However, with this restoration, they become strikingly apparent, highlighting the issues more distinctly.

[Order Your Copy of Deep Blue Sea Here]

It’s important to note that the quality or shortcomings in “Deep Blue Sea” aren’t due to the restoration process or Harlin’s work, but rather a reflection of the era it was made – the Y2K period. The unexpected use of cartoon sharks adds a touch of nostalgia that many fans adore, despite being out-of-place in the film.

The Long Kiss Goodnight doesn’t suffer from the same CGI problems. Instead, it’s a gripping, swift-moving thriller that looks spectacular in 4K resolution. Scenes such as Davis skating rapidly across a frozen lake and Jackson driving a car peppered with bullets directly towards an explosive truck stand out vividly on screen.

“Perhaps Harlin classics weren’t high on everyone’s list when contemplating 4K restorations among movie enthusiasts. However, the Arrow editions demonstrate the potential for revitalization in the ’90s era of moderately-budgeted action films. Movies that were a constant on cable TV throughout the decade are now being rejuvenated three decades later.

Both Deep Blue Sea and The Long Kiss Goodnight are available now from Arrow Video.

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2025-05-01 01:14