Returning from duty with the Australian navy, John Ingram (Sam Neill) is surprised to be met by two policemen, who inform him of a car accident that has left his son dead and his wife, Rae (Nicole Kidman), injured. The grieving couple seeks refuge on their yacht, the Saracen. Out on the boat, the skies are sunny, the sea calm--but on the horizon is another vessel, the Orpheus. As John and Rae approach the ship, they find a lone survivor, Hughie Warriner (Billy Zane), who tells them that the other crew members have died of food poisoning. Leaving Rae behind with the sleeping Hughie, the suspicious John boards the Orpheus--only to be confronted with a horrifying situation.

Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce directs the film, based on a novel by Charles Williams, with great inventiveness--whether focusing on the tranquil water, the violent Hughie, the resourceful Sam, or the determined Rae with her luminous, translucent blue eyes. A suspenseful thriller reminiscent of Roman Polanski's KNIFE IN THE WATER, DEAD CALM is a chilling tale of trouble on the high seas.

When their intimate sailing vacation is interrupted by the suspicious appearance of a survivor from a sinking pleasure schooner, a husband and wife must use their wits to avoid the same fate.

Filmed at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Snap Case
Single Side - Single Layer
Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
Letterbox - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital Stereo - French
Dolby Surround - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Sam Neill: Australian actor, JURASSIC PARK, EVENT HORIZON
Nicole Kidman: Actress, TO DIE FOR
Billy Zane: American actor, TITANIC

Phillip Noyce: Australian Director

George Miller: Australian-born Director, Producer, Writer (MAD MAX, BABE)

"...A spare, smart, seductive piece of real movie making....[With] a superlative cast and enough tension to keep us all hyperventilating for hours..."
"...An undeniably effective thriller....[Kidman is] impressive..." -- Rating: B
"...Tautly directed....Well photographed..."