Before its release, many critics predicted that Titanic would be a huge box office disappointment, especially since it was the most expensive film ever made at the time. As we know, upon its release in 1997, Titanic became a box office sensation raking in $2,185,372,302 worldwide. It went on to garner eleven Academy Awards, including Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Visual Effects, Cinematography, Sound, Song, Music, Costumes, etc. And for awhile there, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing the film’s love theme, “My Heart Will Go On” sung by Celine Dion.

TitanicThe story begins in the present as Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton) is searching for the famed ‘Heart of the Ocean’ diamond lost with the sinking of the Titanic. While exploring the wreckage, he uncovers a well preserved sketch of a nude, young woman wearing the famous jewel. Thousands of Miles away, an elderly lady (Gloria Stuart) sees a news report about the discovery. She is quickly reminded of a time decades before, filled with love and tragedy, as a passenger on the Titanic. The elderly woman—Rose DeWitt is brought aboard Brock Lovett’s vessel to the story of her fateful 1912 journey.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jack, a poor American artist looking for a way back to his homeland. Having won his ticket during a game of poker, Jack makes it to the boat in the nick of time. When he rescues the lovely Rose from a suicide attempt, he is invited by Rose’s presumptuous fiancé, Cal Hockley (Billy Zane) to join them the following night for dinner. Longing glances across tables and flirting around the boat, eventually leads to Rose posing nude for Jack to draw her portrait and sweaty sex in a car. Despite Cal’s numerous underhanded attempts to separate them, Jack and Rose will stay together, no matter the cost, until the ship inevitably sinks.

The story isn’t particularly original—Romeo & Juliet get shipwrecked—and the script written by director James Cameron is uneven, but the film still works. Jack and Rose’s slow romance takes up the first half of the three hour running time, with the remainder being the non-stop action of the sinking. For 1997, the special effects are ground-breaking. James Cameron truly makes the legendary luxury liner come to life. A true master of the “Big Picture,” Cameron had a gimballed full-scale replica of the Titanic” docked in a man-made tank in Mexico. He really worked to make the disaster sequence exciting. My favorite moment is when that digital person falls and gets hit by the propeller on his way into the water. Cameron and his two co-editors deserve a lot of credit for putting together several moments of real suspense.

Titanic made Leonardo DiCaprio a bonafide mega-star. While he does an okay job playing the heroic Jack, his performance is more workman-like than spectacular. Meanwhile, Kate Winslet, whose early resume included such period pieces as Sense and Sensibility and Hamlet, clearly feels comfortable in her corset heavy wardrobe and possesses a spot on upper-crust American accent. Billy Zane is perfectly unlikable as the villain—callous, brutish and cruel—he drips bile from the moment he first appears on screen. The supporting cast, which includes Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Bernard Hill (as Titanic‘s captain), and David Warner (as Cal’s no-nonsense manservant), is faultless.

Presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, Paramount’s 1080p transfer looks as phenomenal as one might expect. The image is flawless and the colors vivid, with just a slight film grain. Much like Avatar, you won’t any better looking high definition titles out there.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack is wonderful. The track makes use of all five channels to create a truly immersive experience. Well balanced and natural, dialogue is clear and effects are strong. The sounds as the ship breaks apart are simply breathtaking. James Horner’s lovely score comes across magnificently.

English, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

Aside from the expected standard DVD and UV Digital Copy, we have been provided with a literal treasure trove of special features:

Disc One:

  • Audio Commentary: James Cameron (from 2005). He begins the track by discussing the opening titles and the making of the underwater footage. From there he discusses  the picture’s themes, the cast, the research and attention to detail in the film, minor inaccuracies, real Titanic history, the digital effects, the picture’s sets, and more.
  • Audio Commentary: Cast and Crew (from 2005). Executive Producer Rae Sanchini, Producer John Landau, Deep Dive Technology Coordinator Ralph White, Second Unit Director Steve Quale, Actor Bill Paxton, First Assistant Director Josh McLaglen, Re-Recording Mixer Gary Rydstrom, Art Director Martin Laing, Camera Operator/Steadicam Jimmy Muro, Actress Gloria Stuart, Actor Lewis Abernathy, Actress Kate Winslet, Actress Frances Fisher, Costume Designer Deborah Scott, 4-Ward/VFX Supervisor Robert Skotak, Actor Danny Nucci, Composer James Horner, Music Editor Joe Rand, Director of Photography Russell Carpenter, Actor Jonathan Hyde, Actor Jason Barry, Actor Billy Zane, Actress Kathy Bates, Production Designer Peter Lamont, Actor Victor Garber, Actor Bernard Hill, Etiquette Coach Lynne Hockney, Unit Production Manager Kevin De La Noy, Digital Domain-VFX Supervisor Rob Legato, Sound Designer/Re-Recording Mixer Christopher Boyes, Stunt Coordinator Simon Crane, Actress Jeanette Goldstein, Actor Ioan Gruffudd, Core Extra Ellen Mower, Core Extra Judy Prestininzi, and Actress Suzy Amis all contribute in some way, usually specific to their area of expertise or role in the film. Though most have been recorded individually and the track has been edited together after the fact, it’s a captivating listen that covers pretty much everything there is to discuss about the film. Music, sound effects, destroying the ship, plot points, themes, digital effects, the cast, etc.
  • Audio Commentary: Historians Don Lynch and Ken Marschall (from 2005). The Historians discuss the plot, performances, the film’s structure, costume accuracy, set details, prop specifics, the general history of the ship and the time of its one and only departure, filmmaking techniques, digital and model work and more.

Disc Two:

Documentaries:

  • Reflections on TITANIC (1080p, 1:03:47): A four-part feature that covers the making of the film. Cast and crew speak on setting the sinking of the ship against a classic romance. The feature also examines casting, DiCaprio’s and Winslet’s on-set friendship and their differing acting styles, the expansive sets and filming locations, the authenticity of the recreated ship, James Cameron’s dedication, and budgeting. The piece also examines the media scrutiny surrounding the film, critical reaction to the film, and the picture’s box office returns. The piece also extensively covers worldwide enthusiasm for the film, Leonardo DiCaprio’s sudden surge in popularity, the film’s themes, James Horner’s score and the impact of Celine Dion’s song, the picture’s legacy, and Titanic‘s place in popular culture. Next, there’s a look back at the picture’s award nominations and wins, Cameron’s “king of the world” Oscar comment, fan backlash after Titanic fever finally settled down, the rise in interest and intrigue in the real Titanic spurred on by the film, the picture’s influence today, and Cameron’s work after the film. The documentary ends with a look at the restoration and 3D conversion and the film’s 3D premiere.
  • TITANIC: The Final Word with James Cameron (1080p, 1:36:16): James Cameron and a collection of eight experts discuss what really happened to the RMS Titanic. The team includes Artist and Visual Historian Ken Marschall, RMS Titanic Inc.’s Director of Underwater Operations PH Nargeolet, RMS Titanic Inc.’s Director of Research Bill Sauder, Naval Systems Engineer Mark Stephenson, the Titanic Historical Society’s Chief Historian Don Lynch, W.H.O.I.’s Director of Special Projects David Gallo, Naval Architect Commander Jeffrey Stettler, and Naval Architect and Salvage Engineer Brian Thomas.

Deleted Scenes:

  • Deleted and Extended Scenes (1080p, 57:32): James Cameron Introduction, ‘I’ll Be the First,’ Rose Feels Trapped, Brock’s Dilemma/Rose Visits Third Class, Rose’s Dreams, ‘Come Josephine…,’ Extended Sneaking to First Class, Extended Escape from Lovejoy, A Kiss in the Boiler Room, Wireless Room/The Californian, ‘How ‘Bout a Little Ice?,’ Flirting with Ice, The First ‘S.O.S.,’ Ismay Panics, Molly Brown’s Rowing School, Irish Hospitality, Ida Straus Won’t Leave, Farewell to Helga, Boat Six Won’t Return, Release the Hounds, A Husband’s Letter, Jack and Lovejoy Fight, Guggenheim and Astor, ‘I’m Not Going,’ Cora’s Fate, Extended Jack and Rose in the Water, ‘Out of the Question,’ ‘How Dare You!,’ Chinese Man Rescue, Extended Carpathia Sequence, and Alternate Ending. With optional James Cameron commentary.

Production:

  • Behind the Scenes (480p):
  • Deep Dive (1:05): Cameron discusses practice model work utilized to ensure a better finished deep dive sequence.
  • Upside Down Wreck Miniature (1:07): More information on the miniature work used in making the opening scenes and the rationale behind filming the models upside down.
  • Escondido Underwater Set (1:08): The construction of portions of a life-sized recreation of the sunken vessel.
  • Two Roses (1:08): Gloria Stuart discusses getting to know Kate Winslet, while Winslet lauds’ Stuart’s work, life, and their time together.
  • Sinking Simulation (0:54): The purpose behind showing a digital recreation of the ship’s sinking early in the movie.
  • 1912 Morph Transition VFX (1:04): The process of making the morph from the sunken ship as it was in 1997 to a shot of the vessel afloat in 1912.
  • Southampton Flop (1:24): The complex process of recreating a scene being necessarily filmed backwards.
  • View from the Pub VFX (0:53): Digitally recreating the ship and dock as seen from the pub in which Jack wins his tickets.
  • Leaving Port VFX (0:46): Another glimpse into a digital shot, this one covering the ship’s departure from Southampton.
  • Melting Pot (0:57): Historian Don Lynch and others discuss the diverse collection of extras as seen in the film.
  • The Millionaire’s Suite (1:06): Lynch and others speak on the contrast between the ship’s different accommodations.
  • The Engine Room (1:22): A brief but detailed look at the making and photographing of the ship’s engine room.
  • Titanic at Sea (0:58): Making the flyby shots of the ship out at sea.
  • Digital People (0:55): Using motion capture to aid in the creation of digital characters for the ship.
  • The Million Dollar Shot (2:17): Making the “King of the World!” shot.
  • The Big Exterior Ship Set (1:00): Building a nearly accurate-sized Titanic.
  • Rose Suicide (1:15): Behind-the-scenes of the making of this crucial scene.
  • Big Ship Set VFX (0:37): Making use of models, small video cameras, and digital effects to envision shots.
  • Tux Story (0:55): A look at the scene in which Molly Brown lends a tuxedo to Jack Dawson.
  • The Grand Staircase (1:07): Constructing one of the film’s centerpiece sets.
  • Costume Design (1:03): A short look at the importance of using authentic costumes.
  • First Class Dining Shot (1:08): Building an accurate reproduction of the ship’s large dining area, including the use of authentic carpeting and silverware.
  • The Dinner Shoot (0:56): The arduous process of shooting the complex dinner scene.
  • Third Class Party (1:16): Winslet discusses making this scene, intercut with behind-the-scenes footage of scene rehearsals.
  • A Woman’s Place (1:23): A discussion of the history of women’s period clothes and the place of young women in the era of Titanic.
  • The Etiquette Kid (1:26): “Tea Room Girl” Ellie Bensinger and Etiquette Coach Lynne Hockney star in a brief dinner table mother-daughter etiquette demonstration.
  • The Boiler Room (0:50): The the making of the boiler room scenes, including the use of mirrors to give the illusion of a larger set.
  • Flooding Hold Miniature (0:28): Making one of the more challenging flooding/destruction scenes.
  • Iceberg/Deck VFX (1:02): The multilayered process of creating the crash effect as it’s seen from the top of the deck.
  • Boiler Room Flooding (0:42): Shooting one of the film’s critical scenes.
  • First Class Lounge Miniature (0:44): Making this room at 1/4 scale and filming full-size against a green screen.
  • Construction Timelapse (480p, 4:20): A quick look at the making of the ship, doing “in 100 days with 500 workers what it took 14,000 men over three years to accomplish…sort of.” With optional Ed Marsh commentary.
  • Deep Dive Presentation Narrated by James Cameron (480p, 15:30): A tour of the wreckage of the Titanic and shooting it with a 35mm camera.
  • $200,000,001: A Ship’s Odyssey (The TITANIC Crew Video) (480p, 17:52): A humorous, extended montage of behind-the-scenes footage. Essentially, a very long gag reel.
  • Videomatics(480p):
    • Videomatics Introduction (1:08): An overview of the importance of pre-visualization and the process of making use of it for a film of this scope.
    • Sinking Sequence (1:27): A raw look at the final pre-visualization model work for and video recording of the final ship sinking sequence, which is highly reflective of the finished product, completed nearly two years later.
    • Deep Dive (0:51): Another behind-the-scenes look at the importance of pre-visualization, this time focusing on the detailed planning for photographing the deep dive shots with the greatest precision and efficiency possible.
    • Visual Effects(480p):
      • VFX Shot Breakdown: “Engine Room” (2:22): A collection of images and video clips that capture the process of creating the engine room visuals, including the use of miniatures and the importance of scale.
      • VFX How-To For “I’m Flying” (1:41): More work with miniatures, digital effects, composites, and actors in the making of one of the film’s signature scenes.
      • VFX How-To For “First Class Lounge” (1:56): Another look at constructing the lounge in miniature and filming actors against a green screen.
      • Titanic Sinking Simulation (2:03): A digital depiction of how and why the ship sunk following the iceberg collision and the taking on of water.

      Archives:

      • Music Video (480p, 4:46): “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
      • Trailers (480p/1080p): Teaser Trailer: Concept Artwork (480p, 1:50), Theatrical Trailer 2 (1080p, 4:15), Theatrical Trailer 3 (1080p, 2:32), International Trailer (1080p, 1:06), 2012 Release Trailer (1080p, 2:11), and 2012 Release Trailer 3D (1080p 3D, 2:09).
      • TV Spots (480p): Destiny (0:20) Opposite Worlds (0:34), Know the Legend (0:20), Nothing You Expect (0:35), Heart Will Go On (1:04), See it Again (0:19), and Honored (0:20).
      • Still Galleries (1080p):
      • ‘Titanic’ Scriptment by James Cameron: A reproduction of his script.
      • Storyboard Sequences: Mir Sequence, Southampton Departure, Ode to Titanic, Pre-Collision Scenes, Iceberg Collision, Loading Lifeboats/Panic, Final Sinking Sequence, Aftermath and Rescue, and Final Shot.
      • Production Artwork: Production Paintings by Tom Lay, Costume Design Art by David Le Vey, and Wreck Sketches by James Cameron.
      • Photographs: Douglas Kirkland’s Gallery, Billy Zane’s Photography, Deep Dive, Escondido, Halifax, Rosarito, Model Shop, Russell Carpenter’s Polaroid Trail, and Core Extras’ Scrapbook.
      • Ken Marschall’s Painting Gallery: Artwork which inspired Cameron’s vision for the film. From the Madison Press Book “Titanic: An Illustrated History.”
      • Concept Posters and One Sheets: From both the 1997 and 2012 releases.