I first saw The Abyss on Sunday, 24th January 1993 on Channel 4 in the UK. They mistakenly broadcast the film uncut for which the governing body, OFCOM, slapped their wrists.
Not long after, the Special Edition had a UK release on VHS, which I would snap up instantly. Although, I would be amazed at the terrible editing used to hide the rat in the infamous scene where they force it to breathe oxygenated liquid.
In 2000, I would import the two disc DVD from the US which was fantastic, but the only setback was the picture was non-anamorphic. This didn't worry me too much at the time because I was watching on a 14-inch portable.
Finally, after waiting over two decades, I finally have the film in HD and 4K! It's been so long, it's skipped a generation. 😁 Plus, I had to import the film from the Netherlands as it isn't getting a release here in the UK!
I recently bought the VHS in second-hand store! It's the only tape I own and I don't even own an VHS player. But some day... ~~I'm gonna have a good laugh if the tape I own is bad ~~🤣
I recently found a copy of The Matrix VHS in a lovely cardboard box, and it was in perfect condition, the tape was still shrink-wrapped and untouched. I was thinking of purchasing it and putting it on display, but I don't have the space. I'm regretting not picking it up now.
Matrix on VHS... sick