Terminator 2: Judgment Day Blu-ray Review

Terminator 2: Judgment Day has been given a commendable yet not extraordinary Blu-ray release by Lionsgate. Presented in its theatrical cut, the 1080p high definition preservation acknowledges the film in its original 2.35:1 frame ratio. While it delivers an upgraded visual experience that supersedes all prior NTSC video editions, the presentation occasionally appears slightly washed out, particularly in terms of black levels. Despite this, there is an appreciable amount of detail throughout, from close-ups to distant shots, showcasing textures, fabrics, and the intricacies of the esteemed robotic creations by Stan Winston more discernibly than ever. The color reproduction is notably improved, with the blues emblematic of James Cameron's aesthetic markedly vibrant and flesh tones more accurately rendered, veering away from previous transfers' reddish bias.

However, it's important to contextualize this release within the Blu-ray format's early days and the Super35 filming process's inherent trade-offs. The Super35 method, used for its flexibility in image recomposing for video transfers at the expense of resolution and increased film grain, inevitably impacts the film's home video presentations. This Blu-ray edition manages to maintain a natural look without artificial enhancement, minimizing edge enhancement and halo artifacts visible in prior releases. The transfer is purportedly sourced from the same HD master used for the 2003 Extreme Edition DVD but surpasses it by offering a more stable and three-dimensional image. Despite minimal blemishes and visible grain—more pronounced due to the higher resolution of HD—this release stands as a testament to T2's enduring visual legacy.

Notwithstanding minor technical limitations and the broader issue of early generation Blu-ray players potentially affecting image quality, Lionsgate’s release represents a substantive step up in home video fidelity for this landmark film. It highlights a pivotal transition towards the next-gen HD formats, promising a significantly enhanced viewing experience with superior detail levels and color fidelity that honor Cameron’s vision more closely than any previous version. This Blu-ray edition of Terminator 2 does not claim perfection but rather offers an honest, improved representation that outlines the possibilities and limitations of transferring such an iconic film into the high-definition era.

The audio presentation of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" on Blu Ray, using a BD-25 disc, does not feature the coveted lossless audio track, leaving enthusiasts with a 1.5 Mbps DTS track and a Dolby Digital 5.1 track at 640 kbps. While the DTS track offers a satisfactory experience, its absence of a PCM or DTS HD MA track is notable, particularly for a film celebrated for its auditory prowess. This release reveals a preference for a natural-sounding mix over an aggressive one, aiming for realism in its soundscape. However, this approach results in a subdued experience in action sequences, a notable lack of deep bass, and an immersion level that doesn't significantly surpass the 2-disc Ultimate special edition DVD. The dialogue clarity stands out, alongside appreciable ambient sound work contributing to the film’s atmosphere. Yet, the presentation leans unexpectedly towards the front, hinting at missed opportunities for a more immersive auditory experience.

Echoing sentiments from prior releases, "T2" retains its hallmark excellent sound quality, albeit without offering an upgrade in audio formats to enthusiasts hoping for uncompressed or advanced lossless options. Recalling the original theatrical experience, the Blu Ray edition continues to awe with its sound design—aggressively utilizing rear channels for action sequences and atmospheric sounds alike, benefiting from the extra center channel in both EX and ES tracks. Despite not achieving the seamless soundfield panning found in more contemporary productions, the dynamic range impresses. Nevertheless, Brad Fiedel's score occasionally suffers from a harsh mix, detracting slightly from its overall impact. In essence, while this Blu Ray edition elicits nostalgic appreciation through its aggressive use of sound and meticulous sound design, the lack of audio format advancements leaves room for future enhancements that could further elevate the legendary status of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in the home theater arena.

This first Blu-ray release of 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' may seem sparse on extras, especially when compared to the multitude of versions previously unleashed upon fans. With only two audio commentary tracks featured, it might disappoint completists seeking the voluminous behind-the-scenes content typically associated with this cult classic. However, these commentaries are not to be underestimated. The first, with director James Cameron and co-writer William Wisher, recorded in 2003, dives deeply into the movie's creation, offering insightful, entertaining perspectives from two of its pivotal creators. The second commentary, a compiled track from 1993 featuring 26 cast and crew members, including main stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, provides a broad, engaging overview of the film's production. A nifty feature is the on-screen visualization of speakers' names, titles, and pictures during their commentary, enhancing the listening experience. While the absence of video-based extras is notable, these archival tracks alone offer a substantial dive into 'T2's' legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by James Cameron and William Wisher: A detailed discussion by the director and co-writer on the development, production, and release of the film.

• Compiled Audio Commentary by Cast and Crew: Features insights from 26 cast and crew members, including lead actors Schwarzenegger and Hamilton, presented with on-screen identification for an easier follow.

"Terminator 2: Judgment Day" stands as a monumental sequel that doesn’t just progress the storyline introduced in its predecessor, but elevates the entire franchise to a new dimension. Unlike the original "The Terminator," which embraced its B-movie essence with a dark, more horror-like atmosphere, “T2” morphs these elements into a spectacular, effects-laden spectacle that James Cameron masterfully converts into a morality play encompassing family drama and fable-like qualities. The technical leap from its predecessor is marked by the groundbreaking CGI of the T-1000, a liquid metal cyborg portrayed by Robert Patrick, whose ability to morph and regenerate pushed the boundaries of visual effects during its release, despite some of the effects feeling slightly dated over time. The narrative cleverly refrains from regressing characters to their former states, instead opting for natural progression; Sarah Connor evolves into a combat-ready warrior, drastically transformed from the waitress we first met, while the Terminator shifts roles from hunter to protector, adding layers to Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic character.

The film's action sequences, combined with a compelling plot and strong characterization, particularly through Linda Hamilton’s striking transformation and Robert Patrick’s exceptional portrayal of the T-1000, provide a thought-provoking and exhilarating experience. Nevertheless, as groundbreaking and influential as it was, some viewers may find that the visual effects, once revolutionary, have aged; and the narrative premise, though expansive, introduces complexities and questions particularly surrounding the logic of time travel and the physical properties of the T-1000. Despite this, “T2” continues to be celebrated for its unparalleled blend of action, humor, and humanity. It challenges its characters and viewers alike with themes of self-sacrifice, revealing depths to Schwarzenegger’s T-800 character beyond its programming, which in turn humanizes the story at its core.

While “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” has garnered widespread acclaim, being hailed by many as one of the greatest sequels of all time, some believe it diverges too much from the gritty charm of the original. The sequel’s expansion into a grander scope—complete with a bombastic display of special effects and a deeper dive into its characters’ psyches—stands as both its strength and a point of contention for purists of the franchise. Its success lies not just in its high-octane action sequences but also in its exploration of maternal sacrifice and the potential for learning and growth beyond preprogrammed nature. Through this lens, “T2” not only redefined the action genre but also cemented its legacy as a cinematic venture that dared to explore, question, and ultimately transcend its own boundaries.

The Blu-ray release of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" brings a mixed bag of enhancements and disappointments to long-time fans and newcomers alike. This iconic action film, renowned for its groundbreaking effects and adrenaline-pumping storytelling, receives a visual upgrade that's undeniably impressive. The high-definition picture quality significantly outshines its standard DVD predecessors, presenting the film's technical and visual achievements in a light that befits its status. However, this release is marred by its adherence to only the theatrical version, omitting the extended cuts that many have come to prefer. Although this version holds a special place in many fans' hearts, the lack of version variety, alongside minimal extras, leaves something to be desired.

From a technical standpoint, the disc delivers fine quality but hints at potential untapped enhancements. The audio track, while clear, offers no notable improvement over previous releases, suggesting a missed opportunity to elevate the auditory experience to match the visual upgrade. The supplements included are satisfactory but lead one to ponder what else could have been incorporated given the film's rich history and impact on the genre. The decision by Lionsgate to limit the release in this manner hints at future re-releases, possibly with added content and improvements, making this edition feel somewhat provisional.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition of "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" primarily appeals to die-hard fans eager for a graphical enhancement or those new to the franchise who can overlook the absence of extended content and richer audio improvements. While it enhances the visual feast that is 'T2', it simultaneously underwhelms in its failure to comprehensively package the film's legacy. Considering its historical significance and impact, one can't help but hope for a definitive edition that fully embraces the technological and storytelling prowess 'T2' showcased, a hope that remains unfulfilled with this release.