Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good movie
  • A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore
  • Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama
  • A classic that deserves restoration.
  • Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy
 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
Starring: Robert Wagner , Terry Moore , Gilbert Roland , J. Carrol Naish , and Richard Boone
Director: Robert D. Webb
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Classic Sci-FiClassic Sci-Fi | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video
Scuba DivingScuba Diving | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
Boone, RichardBoone, Richard | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Graves, PeterGraves, Peter | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Moore, TerryMoore, Terry | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Naish, J CarrolNaish, J Carrol | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Novello, JayNovello, Jay | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Roland, GilbertRoland, Gilbert | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Wagenheim, CharlesWagenheim, Charles | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Wagner, RobertWagner, Robert | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Webb, Robert DWebb, Robert D | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition] Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition]
  2. Fire Down Below Fire Down Below
  3. Broken Lance Broken Lance
  4. Titanic Titanic
  5. The Frogmen The Frogmen

ASIN: B00008J2EJ
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Amazon.com

Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is a landmark, or rather watermark. The third ever CinemaScope production this was a prestige release, with Florida, Key West location Technicolor filming of never-before-achieved underwater cinematography, and four-channel stereo recording of a superlative Bernard Herrmann score. Even a still-impressive underwater battle with an octopus pre-dates the more famous giant squid of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). The humans aren't bad either, with a young Robert Wagner making a charismatic if ethnically unconvincing Greek lead as sponge fisherman Tony, and Terry Moore playing Juliet to his Romeo with real vivacity. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good movie.......2006-07-14

This movie has some beautiful underwater photography. If you are a Robert Wagner fan, this movie is a good one for you. The only problem I found is that it hasn't been closed captioned, and I am hearing imparied.

5 out of 5 stars A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore.......2006-06-06

I watched this movie and enjoyed it verfy much. In 1953 when I was still a young man I visited Tarpon Springs Florida Docks where there were many sponge warehouses. There was a classic boat floating off the dock. Seated on the dock surrounded by a half dozen young girls was Robert Wagner signing his autograph. At the time I didn't know him but I did say "Who in the world is this guy" He stared back at me and didn't say a word. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was shining in his eyes. I still remember those piercing eyes.
At that time I had a Pontiac Convertible and by chance in the back streets of Tarpon Springs came upon Terry Moore. She was driving a Jeep. I enjoyed playing with her following her in my car. It was an enjoyable experience which I will never forget.
My point is that most of the underwater scenes were made off Taron Springs a fact that very few people know.

4 out of 5 stars Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama.......2005-08-02

Directed by Robert D. Webb and released in 1953, this saga of competing sea sponge divers was noted for its drop-dead gorgeous cinematography and a brilliant score by composer Bernard Herrmann--and these remain the great assets of the film to this day.

The story is pure melodrama given an exotic twist. The Petrakis and Rhys families earn their livings by diving for sea sponges, but when the Rhys family, led by father Thomas (Richard Boone) resort to dirty tricks the Petrakis family, led by father Mike (Gilbert Roland) are forced to resort to risky dives at the dangerous 'Twelve Mile' reef; at the same time a love affair between son Tony Petrakis (Robert Wagner) and daughter Gwyneth Rhys (Terry Moore) further complicate the rivalry. Needless to say, tragedy results.

Both Wagner and Moore were considered rising stars when the film was made, and although Wagner makes for an unconvincing Greek both give enjoyable performances as the star-crossed lovers caught Romeo and Juliet fashion between battling families. Even so, the acting honors here go to Gilbert Roland and Richard Boone as the warring fathers with a special nod to Peter Graves as Arnold, an overly aggressive Rhys diver. Several notable character actors, including J. Carroll Nash, Jay Novello, and Harry Carey Jr. round out the cast.

Although the cast is solid, the plot is more than a little predictable--but the chief thing is the photography and the score. REEF was among the earliest productions made in Cinemascope, and everyone concerned was determined to make it as visually attractive as possible. The result is some truly beautiful cinematography, particularly in reference to the film's many underwater scenes. The score by Bernard Herrmann, who would later be best known for his work on such Hitchcock films as VERTIGO, also captures the beauty of the sea to remarkable effect.

Unfortunately, REEF seems to have fallen into public domain, and there are numerous DVD and VHS releases on the market. In most cases they are abominable things: the cinemascope has been reduced to pan and scan, the colors are muddy, and the sound is poor. There are, however, at least a few available that give you some idea of what all the 1953 fuss was about. Although they are hardly renowned for the quality of their product, the Digiview Productions release is actually quite good; the Digital Gold release is also more than respectable.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

4 out of 5 stars A classic that deserves restoration........2005-05-04

I believe there are only two movies about sponges, and the other is a comedy, Spongebob Squarepants. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is the best serious movie about sponges. It's an adventure with spectacle, drama, romance, and enough suspense to keep you interested. Robert Wagner, in one of his earliest starring roles, is a Greek sponge fisherman working on his father's (Gilbert Roland) boat off the southwest coast of Florida. Peter Graves (Mission Impossible) pirates a boatload of their sponges and, to get even, Robert Wagner steals a dance with his girlfriend (Terry Moore), and that's when the action begins. Richard Boone (Hec Ramsey), as the girl's father, gets involved and soon lives are at stake. J. Carrol Naish and Harry Carey Jr. are also in the supporting cast.
Beneath the 12-Mile Reef got an Oscar nomination for spectacular underwater photography. The film is in Cinemascope and Technicolor, but unfortunately in this VHS version the colors are faded. This is supposed to be 100% correctible from the 3 technicolor black-and-white negatives, so hopefully the new DVDs being released will restore this classic adventure to it's original splendor.
Definitely a must for Robert Wagner fans, and worth a look if you like old color adventure films, oceanography (the antique diving suits are interesting), or Gilbert Roland.

4 out of 5 stars Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy.......2005-04-16

You'll notice that the online reviews tend to be for the movie ... the storyline, acting etc etc ... but without much to say about which version is best. Consequently, the same reviews appear in the listings for all DVD versions. This film seems to have fallen into the public domain and as a result there are quite a few DVDs out there from different manufacturers. I'm always uncertain about buying such discs because there's no telling what sort of quality print they were taken from. I got lucky. I bought the Digital Gold Collection version by Unicorn Video and it's a good, solid print. ASIN: B0000640V8. It is advertised as being digitally remastered and it shows. The print is as clean as can be expected for a non-studio release, the sound is just fine and it's shown in its full Cinemascope format. My only minor complaint is that the colour has a slightly washed out appearance which is instantly fixed by turning up the colour level on the TV set a few notches. I have no idea if the others on the market are equal to this but they certainly aren't likely to be much better. Get this version - you won't be disappointed.
Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition]
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Great Addition
  • Public service announcement
  • Breathtaking, enjoyable and cheerful!
  • Great Cinemascope
  • Still missing a critical piece of the film
 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition]
Director: A2ZCDS.com
Manufacturer: A2ZCDS.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
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ASIN: B0008D7G3S
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Product Description

Director Robert D. Webb shot this beautiful classic feature film in Tarpon Springs, Florida, along the sponge docks where the Greeks enjoy a historical heritage. The first film to include underwater scenes, the movie was an instant success. A2ZCDS have brought this old Hollywood Classic feature films on DVD. "In only their third ever production, Cinemascope undertook the challenge of including underwater scenes in this thrilling, historic movie from the A2ZCDS DVD treasure chest something that was never done successfully before. Directed by Robert D. Webb, this classic feature film centers on the fishing and commerce of sponges off the eastern coast of the United States. Webb uses the glorious world beneath the waves that few have imagined and fewer have set their eyes on as a fascinating backdrop for this offbeat narrative. He also showcases the intense rivalry between sponge farmers that at times cost men their lives. Shot off the gorgeous coast of Florida, the locations add a realistic touch to the narrative. The breathtaking underwater shots provide a welcome reprieve in this absorbing tale. Webb has also made clever use of romance to good effect. Robert Wagner, Terry Moore and Gilbert Roland bring the unusual narrative to life through some endearing performances, while a lively score and captivating dialogues hold the storyline together delightfully. Join the sponge divers as they sink beneath the surface of the Atlantic into a world that is bound to leave you spellbound!"

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Great Addition.......2007-03-14

This film was a great addition to my expanding collection. I have to agree with all the reviews below. A2ZCDS does the best job of any I have seen at preserving the integrity of these old movies on DVD. Their customer service is great also. I own at least 20 titles from A2ZCDS and I am happpy with the quality of all of them.

3 out of 5 stars Public service announcement.......2007-01-08

Note: This review refers to the A2ZCDS DVD version of "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef". Despite the amateurish package design (Terry Moore's first name is even spelled "Teny"!), this is a decent DVD. It's a "written" DVD, but really quite acceptable: from a nice print, with good color and sound (in stereo, too!). A2ZCDS calls it "Standard 4:3", but it IS properly letterboxed. The only real flaw is an audio glitch at 1:01:00 that renders one line of dialogue indecipherable.

The film itself has an innocent charm; sort of like a Disney live-action second feature of that era. It's sort of a cross between "The Toast of New Orleans" without the singing (but it does have J. Carroll Naish as the uncle!) and "Romeo and Juliet" with a happy ending. Maybe with a bit of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" thrown in, too: There's a phony giant octopus that moves more realistically than the one in the 1916 "20,000 Leagues" and better even, I think, than the squid in the Disney version.

And if you thought Terry Moore was cute in "Mighty Joe Young", you'll love her underwater.

3 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, enjoyable and cheerful!.......2006-12-18

The world beneath the sea is beautiful and dangerous... and the 12-Mile Reef was too dangerous and too beautiful... The deep you go, the more beautiful it was...

The title referred to the areas in which sponge divers ply their harvest frequently at the possibility of loosing their life... Their sponges vary greatly in shape, size and color... The more prized were found in the deep of the 12-Mile Reef... The sponge was valued for its size, woolly texture and irregular surface...

The film begins in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the West Coast of Florida where two families and two cultures are fighting for existence, and two kids are falling in love...

Tony (Robert Wagner) is a happy good-humored young Greek, honest, brave and noble... He wins the heart of Gwyneth and conquers by love her strong tough father...

Gilbert Roland, the father of Tony, is a strong Greek character ready to fight Peter Graves in any style... But he is a human being scared to death when he dives in the deep waters of the reef...

Terry Moore is the soft heart kid fascinated by the handsome Greek...

Richard Boone is the tough fisherman dedicated with his two sons to ambush and to steal the gatherings of others...

Peter Graves, star of the popular TV Series "Mission Impossible" much later, is the heavy fellow of the picture who beats Tony for conquering his love... He burns also his old boat and takes his valuable sponges...

"Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" is Fox's second CinemaScope production after "The Robe."

Shot on location in Key West and Tapon Springs, Florida, the film is enjoyable and cheerful, with breathtaking underwater photography, mysteriously frightening music, and menacing attack of an octopus...

5 out of 5 stars Great Cinemascope.......2006-11-27

Cinemascope is one of those long lost great film ideas. Started in the early 1950s it allowed people to see a wider part of the screen as it would virtually wrap around the audience giving them an almost 3d effect.

With the advent of multiplexes in the 70s and 80s and smaller screen sizes made Cinemasope obsolete. Many of these films were never released in their widescreen versions because VHS did not fully support widescreen showings of films.

DVD obviosly changed all that and it's nice to see this film back in its full widescreen mormat.

Because this was only the second or third film to use Cinemascope it is fairly short on plot and focuses more on showing the beautiful images of the Florida reef - so that people would get the full effect of the process (the closest thing we have today are IMAX features.)

The plot that exists is fine however - even if it is a traditional boy meets girl from the wrong social circle and spends the rest of the movie trying to win her heart and overcome the social obstacles that have been put in place.

The highlight of the movie is the beautiful underwater footage of the reef and the fish - in some ways this is close to a Discovery Channel feature.

The director manages to edit the film in a way that it never seems to be boring and the restoration process has left the colars sharp and crisp.

This is a great example of a long lost cinema style.

3 out of 5 stars Still missing a critical piece of the film.......2006-08-26

I've written a review on other versions of this DVD, so I will confine my comments to what I know is missing. The scene where Tony's father forces Arnold to eat the cigar is still missing from this version. I don't know if that portion of the original was lost, or what happened, but I do miss it. So, I'm sorry for all you folks out there that want to see the whole movie, you still can't see it all with this one. I'll let others speak to the audio and video quality, I know and want to see the whole movie!
Into the Deep Vol. 2 Double Feature Beneath the 12 Mile Reef/The Treasure of Jamaica Reef
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Into the Deep Vol. 2 Double Feature Beneath the 12 Mile Reef/The Treasure of Jamaica Reef

    Manufacturer: Bentwood Home Video
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GenresGenres | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
    DVDs Under $7.49DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    Product Features:
    • Special Double Feature Into the Deep Vol.2
    • Beneath the 12 Mile Reef/ The Treasure of Jamaica Reef.
    • Feature programs.
    • Interactive Menus.
    • Scene Access. WideScreen edition.

    ASIN: B000PEFTIO

    Product Description

    Double Feature Into the Deep Vol.2 Beneath the 12 Mile Reef/ The Treasure of Jamaica Reef. Feature programs. Interactive Menus. Scene Access.
    Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Good movie
    • A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore
    • Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama
    • A classic that deserves restoration.
    • Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy
    		 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
    Starring: Robert Wagner , Terry Moore , Gilbert Roland , J. Carrol Naish , and Richard Boone
    Director: Robert D. Webb
    Manufacturer: Good Times Video
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
    ClassicsClassics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
    RomanceRomance | Love & Romance | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
    Star-Crossed LoversStar-Crossed Lovers | Love & Romance | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
    AdventureAdventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
    DramaDrama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
    Classic Sci-FiClassic Sci-Fi | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video
    Scuba DivingScuba Diving | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
    Boone, RichardBoone, Richard | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Graves, PeterGraves, Peter | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Moore, TerryMoore, Terry | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Naish, J CarrolNaish, J Carrol | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Novello, JayNovello, Jay | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Roland, GilbertRoland, Gilbert | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Wagenheim, CharlesWagenheim, Charles | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Wagner, RobertWagner, Robert | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Webb, Robert DWebb, Robert D | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    4-for-3 Action & Adventure4-for-3 Action & Adventure | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
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    DVDs Under $7.49DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    All DealsAll Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    Love & RomanceLove & Romance | Drama | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    GeneralGeneral | Kids & Family | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
    ( B )( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition] Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) DVD [Remastered Edition]
    2. Fire Down Below Fire Down Below
    3. Broken Lance Broken Lance
    4. Titanic Titanic
    5. The Frogmen The Frogmen

    ASIN: B00005OSKK
    Release Date: 2003-08-05

    Amazon.com

    Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is a landmark, or rather watermark. The third ever CinemaScope production this was a prestige release, with Florida, Key West location Technicolor filming of never-before-achieved underwater cinematography, and four-channel stereo recording of a superlative Bernard Herrmann score. Even a still-impressive underwater battle with an octopus pre-dates the more famous giant squid of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). The humans aren't bad either, with a young Robert Wagner making a charismatic if ethnically unconvincing Greek lead as sponge fisherman Tony, and Terry Moore playing Juliet to his Romeo with real vivacity. --Gary S. Dalkin

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Good movie.......2006-07-14

    This movie has some beautiful underwater photography. If you are a Robert Wagner fan, this movie is a good one for you. The only problem I found is that it hasn't been closed captioned, and I am hearing imparied.

    5 out of 5 stars A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore.......2006-06-06

    I watched this movie and enjoyed it verfy much. In 1953 when I was still a young man I visited Tarpon Springs Florida Docks where there were many sponge warehouses. There was a classic boat floating off the dock. Seated on the dock surrounded by a half dozen young girls was Robert Wagner signing his autograph. At the time I didn't know him but I did say "Who in the world is this guy" He stared back at me and didn't say a word. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was shining in his eyes. I still remember those piercing eyes.
    At that time I had a Pontiac Convertible and by chance in the back streets of Tarpon Springs came upon Terry Moore. She was driving a Jeep. I enjoyed playing with her following her in my car. It was an enjoyable experience which I will never forget.
    My point is that most of the underwater scenes were made off Taron Springs a fact that very few people know.

    4 out of 5 stars Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama.......2005-08-02

    Directed by Robert D. Webb and released in 1953, this saga of competing sea sponge divers was noted for its drop-dead gorgeous cinematography and a brilliant score by composer Bernard Herrmann--and these remain the great assets of the film to this day.

    The story is pure melodrama given an exotic twist. The Petrakis and Rhys families earn their livings by diving for sea sponges, but when the Rhys family, led by father Thomas (Richard Boone) resort to dirty tricks the Petrakis family, led by father Mike (Gilbert Roland) are forced to resort to risky dives at the dangerous 'Twelve Mile' reef; at the same time a love affair between son Tony Petrakis (Robert Wagner) and daughter Gwyneth Rhys (Terry Moore) further complicate the rivalry. Needless to say, tragedy results.

    Both Wagner and Moore were considered rising stars when the film was made, and although Wagner makes for an unconvincing Greek both give enjoyable performances as the star-crossed lovers caught Romeo and Juliet fashion between battling families. Even so, the acting honors here go to Gilbert Roland and Richard Boone as the warring fathers with a special nod to Peter Graves as Arnold, an overly aggressive Rhys diver. Several notable character actors, including J. Carroll Nash, Jay Novello, and Harry Carey Jr. round out the cast.

    Although the cast is solid, the plot is more than a little predictable--but the chief thing is the photography and the score. REEF was among the earliest productions made in Cinemascope, and everyone concerned was determined to make it as visually attractive as possible. The result is some truly beautiful cinematography, particularly in reference to the film's many underwater scenes. The score by Bernard Herrmann, who would later be best known for his work on such Hitchcock films as VERTIGO, also captures the beauty of the sea to remarkable effect.

    Unfortunately, REEF seems to have fallen into public domain, and there are numerous DVD and VHS releases on the market. In most cases they are abominable things: the cinemascope has been reduced to pan and scan, the colors are muddy, and the sound is poor. There are, however, at least a few available that give you some idea of what all the 1953 fuss was about. Although they are hardly renowned for the quality of their product, the Digiview Productions release is actually quite good; the Digital Gold release is also more than respectable.

    GFT, Amazon Reviewer

    4 out of 5 stars A classic that deserves restoration........2005-05-04

    I believe there are only two movies about sponges, and the other is a comedy, Spongebob Squarepants. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is the best serious movie about sponges. It's an adventure with spectacle, drama, romance, and enough suspense to keep you interested. Robert Wagner, in one of his earliest starring roles, is a Greek sponge fisherman working on his father's (Gilbert Roland) boat off the southwest coast of Florida. Peter Graves (Mission Impossible) pirates a boatload of their sponges and, to get even, Robert Wagner steals a dance with his girlfriend (Terry Moore), and that's when the action begins. Richard Boone (Hec Ramsey), as the girl's father, gets involved and soon lives are at stake. J. Carrol Naish and Harry Carey Jr. are also in the supporting cast.
    Beneath the 12-Mile Reef got an Oscar nomination for spectacular underwater photography. The film is in Cinemascope and Technicolor, but unfortunately in this VHS version the colors are faded. This is supposed to be 100% correctible from the 3 technicolor black-and-white negatives, so hopefully the new DVDs being released will restore this classic adventure to it's original splendor.
    Definitely a must for Robert Wagner fans, and worth a look if you like old color adventure films, oceanography (the antique diving suits are interesting), or Gilbert Roland.

    4 out of 5 stars Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy.......2005-04-16

    You'll notice that the online reviews tend to be for the movie ... the storyline, acting etc etc ... but without much to say about which version is best. Consequently, the same reviews appear in the listings for all DVD versions. This film seems to have fallen into the public domain and as a result there are quite a few DVDs out there from different manufacturers. I'm always uncertain about buying such discs because there's no telling what sort of quality print they were taken from. I got lucky. I bought the Digital Gold Collection version by Unicorn Video and it's a good, solid print. ASIN: B0000640V8. It is advertised as being digitally remastered and it shows. The print is as clean as can be expected for a non-studio release, the sound is just fine and it's shown in its full Cinemascope format. My only minor complaint is that the colour has a slightly washed out appearance which is instantly fixed by turning up the colour level on the TV set a few notches. I have no idea if the others on the market are equal to this but they certainly aren't likely to be much better. Get this version - you won't be disappointed.
    Beneath The 12 Mile Reef
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Beneath The 12 Mile Reef
      Starring: Robert Wagner; Terry Moore; Gilbert Roland; Richard Boone; Peter Graves
      Director: Robert D. Webb
      Manufacturer: Reel Enterprises
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

      GeneralGeneral | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
      ClassicsClassics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
      Webb, Robert DWebb, Robert D | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
      DVDs Under $9.99DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
      ( B )( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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      1. White Feather White Feather
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      ASIN: B000L42NN2
      Release Date: 2006-11-27

      Description

      Jealousy, tragedy and romance are involved in this movie about two rival groups of divers competing for sponge beds off the Florida Coast. Scenery outshines all. Excellent underwater photography. One of the first cinemascope films.
      Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
        Starring: Jacques Aubuchon , Richard Boone , Jr. Harry Carey , Angela Clarke , and Gloria Gordon
        Director: Robert D. Webb
        Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

        GeneralGeneral | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video
        GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
        RomanceRomance | Love & Romance | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
        Star-Crossed LoversStar-Crossed Lovers | Love & Romance | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
        AdventureAdventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
        DramaDrama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
        Classic Sci-FiClassic Sci-Fi | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video
        Scuba DivingScuba Diving | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
        Boone, RichardBoone, Richard | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Graves, PeterGraves, Peter | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Jackson, JonathanJackson, Jonathan | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Moore, TerryMoore, Terry | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Naish, J CarrolNaish, J Carrol | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Novello, JayNovello, Jay | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Roland, GilbertRoland, Gilbert | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Wagenheim, CharlesWagenheim, Charles | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Wagner, RobertWagner, Robert | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Webb, Robert DWebb, Robert D | ( W ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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        ASIN: B000AP04Z6
        Release Date: 2005-08-04
        Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Good movie
        • A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore
        • Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama
        • A classic that deserves restoration.
        • Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy
        		 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef
        Starring: Robert Wagner , Terry Moore , Gilbert Roland , J. Carrol Naish , and Richard Boone
        Director: Robert D. Webb
        Manufacturer: Sling Shot
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

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        Boone, RichardBoone, Richard | ( B ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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        Naish, J CarrolNaish, J Carrol | ( N ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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        Roland, GilbertRoland, Gilbert | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Wagenheim, CharlesWagenheim, Charles | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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        ASIN: 6304797567
        Release Date: 1999-06-01

        Amazon.com

        Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is a landmark, or rather watermark. The third ever CinemaScope production this was a prestige release, with Florida, Key West location Technicolor filming of never-before-achieved underwater cinematography, and four-channel stereo recording of a superlative Bernard Herrmann score. Even a still-impressive underwater battle with an octopus pre-dates the more famous giant squid of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954). The humans aren't bad either, with a young Robert Wagner making a charismatic if ethnically unconvincing Greek lead as sponge fisherman Tony, and Terry Moore playing Juliet to his Romeo with real vivacity. --Gary S. Dalkin

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars Good movie.......2006-07-14

        This movie has some beautiful underwater photography. If you are a Robert Wagner fan, this movie is a good one for you. The only problem I found is that it hasn't been closed captioned, and I am hearing imparied.

        5 out of 5 stars A live experience with Roberft Wagner and Terry Moore.......2006-06-06

        I watched this movie and enjoyed it verfy much. In 1953 when I was still a young man I visited Tarpon Springs Florida Docks where there were many sponge warehouses. There was a classic boat floating off the dock. Seated on the dock surrounded by a half dozen young girls was Robert Wagner signing his autograph. At the time I didn't know him but I did say "Who in the world is this guy" He stared back at me and didn't say a word. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was shining in his eyes. I still remember those piercing eyes.
        At that time I had a Pontiac Convertible and by chance in the back streets of Tarpon Springs came upon Terry Moore. She was driving a Jeep. I enjoyed playing with her following her in my car. It was an enjoyable experience which I will never forget.
        My point is that most of the underwater scenes were made off Taron Springs a fact that very few people know.

        4 out of 5 stars Memorable Cinematography, Score Enliven Melodrama.......2005-08-02

        Directed by Robert D. Webb and released in 1953, this saga of competing sea sponge divers was noted for its drop-dead gorgeous cinematography and a brilliant score by composer Bernard Herrmann--and these remain the great assets of the film to this day.

        The story is pure melodrama given an exotic twist. The Petrakis and Rhys families earn their livings by diving for sea sponges, but when the Rhys family, led by father Thomas (Richard Boone) resort to dirty tricks the Petrakis family, led by father Mike (Gilbert Roland) are forced to resort to risky dives at the dangerous 'Twelve Mile' reef; at the same time a love affair between son Tony Petrakis (Robert Wagner) and daughter Gwyneth Rhys (Terry Moore) further complicate the rivalry. Needless to say, tragedy results.

        Both Wagner and Moore were considered rising stars when the film was made, and although Wagner makes for an unconvincing Greek both give enjoyable performances as the star-crossed lovers caught Romeo and Juliet fashion between battling families. Even so, the acting honors here go to Gilbert Roland and Richard Boone as the warring fathers with a special nod to Peter Graves as Arnold, an overly aggressive Rhys diver. Several notable character actors, including J. Carroll Nash, Jay Novello, and Harry Carey Jr. round out the cast.

        Although the cast is solid, the plot is more than a little predictable--but the chief thing is the photography and the score. REEF was among the earliest productions made in Cinemascope, and everyone concerned was determined to make it as visually attractive as possible. The result is some truly beautiful cinematography, particularly in reference to the film's many underwater scenes. The score by Bernard Herrmann, who would later be best known for his work on such Hitchcock films as VERTIGO, also captures the beauty of the sea to remarkable effect.

        Unfortunately, REEF seems to have fallen into public domain, and there are numerous DVD and VHS releases on the market. In most cases they are abominable things: the cinemascope has been reduced to pan and scan, the colors are muddy, and the sound is poor. There are, however, at least a few available that give you some idea of what all the 1953 fuss was about. Although they are hardly renowned for the quality of their product, the Digiview Productions release is actually quite good; the Digital Gold release is also more than respectable.

        GFT, Amazon Reviewer

        4 out of 5 stars A classic that deserves restoration........2005-05-04

        I believe there are only two movies about sponges, and the other is a comedy, Spongebob Squarepants. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef is the best serious movie about sponges. It's an adventure with spectacle, drama, romance, and enough suspense to keep you interested. Robert Wagner, in one of his earliest starring roles, is a Greek sponge fisherman working on his father's (Gilbert Roland) boat off the southwest coast of Florida. Peter Graves (Mission Impossible) pirates a boatload of their sponges and, to get even, Robert Wagner steals a dance with his girlfriend (Terry Moore), and that's when the action begins. Richard Boone (Hec Ramsey), as the girl's father, gets involved and soon lives are at stake. J. Carrol Naish and Harry Carey Jr. are also in the supporting cast.
        Beneath the 12-Mile Reef got an Oscar nomination for spectacular underwater photography. The film is in Cinemascope and Technicolor, but unfortunately in this VHS version the colors are faded. This is supposed to be 100% correctible from the 3 technicolor black-and-white negatives, so hopefully the new DVDs being released will restore this classic adventure to it's original splendor.
        Definitely a must for Robert Wagner fans, and worth a look if you like old color adventure films, oceanography (the antique diving suits are interesting), or Gilbert Roland.

        4 out of 5 stars Digital Gold Collection version is the one to buy.......2005-04-16

        You'll notice that the online reviews tend to be for the movie ... the storyline, acting etc etc ... but without much to say about which version is best. Consequently, the same reviews appear in the listings for all DVD versions. This film seems to have fallen into the public domain and as a result there are quite a few DVDs out there from different manufacturers. I'm always uncertain about buying such discs because there's no telling what sort of quality print they were taken from. I got lucky. I bought the Digital Gold Collection version by Unicorn Video and it's a good, solid print. ASIN: B0000640V8. It is advertised as being digitally remastered and it shows. The print is as clean as can be expected for a non-studio release, the sound is just fine and it's shown in its full Cinemascope format. My only minor complaint is that the colour has a slightly washed out appearance which is instantly fixed by turning up the colour level on the TV set a few notches. I have no idea if the others on the market are equal to this but they certainly aren't likely to be much better. Get this version - you won't be disappointed.
        Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Beneath the 12 Mile Reef

          ProductGroup: DVD
          Binding: DVD

          GenresGenres | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
          ASIN: B000V4XAVQ
          [6 MOVIE SET] When Women Lost Their Tails / Blitz (Senta Berger) / the Lady and the Highway Man (Hugh Grant) / Beneath the 12 Mile Reef (Robert Wagner) / Mesmerized (Jodie Foster) / Lovers and Liars (Goldie Hawn)
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		[6 MOVIE SET] When Women Lost Their Tails / Blitz (Senta Berger) / the Lady and the Highway Man (Hugh Grant) / Beneath the 12 Mile Reef (Robert Wagner) / Mesmerized (Jodie Foster) / Lovers and Liars (Goldie Hawn)

            ProductGroup: DVD
            Binding: DVD

            GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
            ASIN: B000DIN3V2
            Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
            Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
            • One of CINESCOPE's first
            		 Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
            Starring: Beneath the 12 Mile Reef
            Manufacturer: Lumivision
            ProductGroup: DVD
            Binding: DVD

            GeneralGeneral | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video
            ( B )( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
            ASIN: B0000067WT
            Release Date: 1998-01-06

            Customer Reviews:

            3 out of 5 stars One of CINESCOPE's first.......1999-02-04

            Greek sponge divers run afoul of Florida Key locals for poaching rights in this early Cinescope production featuring Robert Wagner and Terry Moore as the young Romeo and Juliet between the warring families. Noted mainly for its brilliant underwater photograghy and superb Bernard Herrmann score!

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