Paul W. S. Anderson's "Breakout" Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 2010)

This review is not a summary of the plot, or a critique of the Filmography, cast, acting, etc. This review points to the merits, uniqueness of the film, interesting background info, and my impressions.
Paul W. S. Anderson was offered to direct X-MEN, but he declined that offer in order to do "Event Horizon"- lucky for us! For me,the film was a groundbreaking confluence of space science, physics, science fiction, horror, and spirituality/religion- "good versus evil".
The film was originally 130 minutes in length, but the studio forced Anderson to cut it down to 96 minutes- something Anderson regrets to this day. The studio and Test audience runs of the 130 minute version proved too unnerving and disturbing as this version was much more graphic than the released version.
The film has developed somewhat of a cult status amongst its fans. Meanwhile, Anderson had promised to release a "Director's Cut" to include the 34 minutes worth of footage the studios forced him to cut; however, that footage was lost and only remains in lower quality video tape. Hence, no Director's Cut will ever be likely.
Despite the lost footage and Anderson having his Post-Production time cut from 6 to 4 weeks, the released version is very, very good. The movie is TRULY CREEPY; especially because of the story: It is seemingly quite plausible and,thus all the more frightening. I first experienced this film on DVD up-scaled at 1080i at home on my 46" home theater system, alone, in the dark, and very late at night. This movie continuously and reliably sent chills up and down my spine- thanks Anderson! If a Director's Cut had ever been released I can only imagine how delightfully unnerving and disturbing it would have been!
Just watched it on Blu-Ray...Awesome... Despite its 1997 release, on Blu-Ray the improved detail, color, and sound improvements make it look so good that it seems it could have been made recently! I had watched it last 2 years ago, yet watching it again still left me creeped out & disturbed for a good while! Event Horizon remains an excruciatingly unnerving, despairing, and frightening Masterpiece- LOVE IT!