The Terminator Blu-ray Review

The Terminator's Blu-ray video presentation, preserved in a 1.85:1 high definition 1080p format, invites mixed feelings concerning its visual fidelity. Notwithstanding the film's age, which exceeds two decades, expectations were set for a more pristine transfer. Unfortunately, the print utilized for this edition leaves much to be desired, suffering from noticeable blemishes including scratches and speckles throughout. While such defects are common in older films, they are particularly pronounced here, detracting from the overall viewing experience. Despite these setbacks, improvements over previous editions are evident, offering enhanced clarity that inadvertently emphasizes the dated nature of some special effects, rendering them even less convincing than they might have appeared originally.

The video quality does exceed that of recent DVD releases, showcasing a degree of sharpness and detail previously unseen. However, it is not without its flaws - particularly with black levels, which often veer towards dark gray rather than true black, compromising depth and contrast in certain scenes. This issue is not unique to The Terminator, as other titles, notably Broken Arrow, exhibit similar shortcomings. Yet, it's worth noting that within the constraints of the existing print's condition and the film's original production values, this release likely represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved regarding image quality.

In sum, while this Blu-ray edition of The Terminator may fall short of delivering a flawless video experience, it nevertheless marks a significant improvement over prior versions. The enhancement in clarity and detail alone makes it a valuable addition for fans and collectors alike. Given the technology and materials available, it is doubtful that The Terminator will receive a superior visual treatment in the foreseeable future, making this release the definitive viewing option despite its imperfections.

Experiencing "The Terminator" on Blu Ray with its uncompressed PCM 5.1 sound track is akin to rediscovering the film in an entirely new dimension. Despite countless viewings, the high definition audio brings a palpable clarity and depth, making a significant and noticeable difference that even those not particularly versed in audio technology can appreciate. The soundscape is rich and robust, engaging the listener with a continuous play of loud, dynamic effects that fully utilize the surround sound capabilities. Yet, it's worth noting that at moments, the dialogue struggles to assert itself amidst the cacophony of effects, sounding slightly subdued or forced.

The meticulous remix of the original monaural track into this expansive soundscape typically impresses, especially during the vivid depictions of future warfare. Being enveloped in these sequences showcases the expertise behind the audio mix, turning a simple viewing into an immersive aural experience. However, this remix does come with its caveats. The most significant drawbacks stem from the occasionally overzealous use of rear speakers for music playback, which detracts from the overall experience, and the notable absence of the revered original mono track. This exclusion is felt most keenly by purists and aficionados who value having both options available for comparison and historical appreciation.

While there is a unanimous appreciation for the leap in auditory experience provided by this Blu Ray edition, it brings to light a crucial balance that must be achieved. On one hand, there's the sheer exhilaration of being sonically thrust into the heart of "The Terminator's" action-packed narrative. On the other hand, a degree of finesse is sometimes lost, notably in music placement and dialogue clarity. Moreover, the creators' decision to forego including the original mono track somewhat dims the sheen of this otherwise stellar high-definition remix, presenting a missed opportunity to cater to a broader audience spectrum.

The extra features of "The Terminator" Blu-ray edition fall short of expectations for a film of its caliber, providing a meager selection that only partially satisfies fans' desire for an in-depth exploration. Starting with "Creating the Terminator: Visual Effects and Music," it offers a glimpse into the production's innovative efforts but leaves audiences wanting a fuller narrative that is available elsewhere. "Terminator: A Retrospective" provides an outdated yet mildly intriguing conversation between James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger, offering insights into the making and character development, but it hardly compensates for the overall lack of depth in the extras. The inclusion of "Terminated Scenes" adds value with cut content that hints at the sequel, yet, it's overshadowed by the inclusion of irrelevant 1080p trailers. Collectively, these extras do not meet the potential of what could have been an exemplary special edition, offering only a cursory glance at the film's celebrated legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Creating the Terminator: Visual Effects and Music: A brief overview showcasing the production of futuristic battle sequences and the film's music.
• Terminator: A Retrospective: An outdated discussion featuring James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger about the film's creation and characters.
• Terminated Scenes: A collection of seven short scenes omitted from the final cut, including a precursor to the sequel.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers for unrelated films (S.W.A.T., Underworld: Evolution, and xXx).

James Cameron's "The Terminator" emerges once again on Blu-ray, presenting an opportunity for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to witness the dawn of an era where Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger solidified themselves as titans of the film industry. This sci-fi/action landmark not only propelled its director and star into the limelight but also crafted two Hollywood legends through its compelling narrative, groundbreaking effects given its budget constraints, and pulsating action sequences. The Terminator's relentless pursuit, encapsulated by its inability to feel pity or remorse, mirrors the film's own relentless impact over the last quarter-century, carving its place in cinematic history with innovation and fine performances.

Set against the backdrop of 1984, the narrative intertwines Sarah Connor's (Linda Hamilton) ordinary world with the extraordinary terror of being hunted by an implacable machine from the future. This juxtaposition of everyday life against a backdrop of technological horror and rebellion amplifies the tension, making Sarah's journey profoundly relatable yet beautifully otherworldly. Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the Terminator remains iconic, blending his physicality with an understated menace that redefined cinema antagonists, while Michael Biehn's Kyle Reese embodies the desperate resilience of humanity. The film's mastery lies in Cameron's ability to leverage a relatively modest budget to create a visually captivating and emotionally engaging experience, enriched by memorable dialogue and a timeless score.

Although subsequent entries and technological advancements have expanded upon the universe Cameron introduced, "The Terminator" stands as a testament to storytelling and pioneering special effects that were ahead of its time. Even now, it resonates as a masterpiece of the genre, marrying action with a thought-provoking narrative that ponders the relationship between man and machine. Its availability on Blu-ray not only ensures that this seminal work continues to inspire and entertain but also reaffirms its deserved status amongst the pantheon of science fiction classics.

The Terminator" Blu-ray edition walks a fine line between technological advancement and nostalgic preservation, offering an enhanced audiovisual experience that may not fully justify its upgrade for every fan. The film itself remains a cornerstone of science fiction and action genres, with its relentless pace, innovative plot, and a depth of character that sets a high bar for its successors. While its effects might now seem dated, they underscore a time when storytelling and conceptual novelty were paramount. This Blu-ray edition brings into focus the dilemma of modernizing classics - it enhances the sound significantly with a PCM 5.1 soundtrack that's appealing to those with the equipment to fully appreciate it, yet it introduces a divide between purists who prefer the original mono and those open to the remixed version.

Visually, the Blu-ray offers a mixed bag. The image is unquestionably sharper and cleaner than its standard definition predecessor, yet the improvements are not so dramatic as to make the upgrade compulsory for all fans. Furthermore, the paucity of special features on this edition is a notable disappointment for a film of such iconic status. It seems like a missed opportunity to enrich viewers' understanding of and appreciation for the movie's groundbreaking contributions to cinema.

In conclusion, while the "The Terminator" Blu-ray edition offers undeniable audio improvements and a somewhat enhanced visual experience, it falls short of being an essential upgrade for all but the most technologically equipped or those yet to own the film in any home format. The potential for a more comprehensive future release lingers, but for now, this edition serves as a satisfactory interim option for enthusiasts eager to experience the movie with improved sound quality. Casual fans or purists might find the lack of substantial new content and the visual improvements insufficient reasons to invest, making it a cautious recommendation at best.