Terminator 2: Extreme Edition

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

By: The Dweeb

July 2003

DVD Features

Video: 2.35:1 Audio: Dolby Digital EX 5.1

Disc 1: Dolby Headphone Audio Track, All New Audio Commentary, Extreme Interactive Mode with Graphic Commentary and Rare Behind-the-Scenes Footage, THX Optimizer
Disc 2: No Feat But What We Make: An All New Documentary on the Role of “T2″ in the Evolution of Digital Effects and Modern Filmmaking, Featuring New Interviews With Prominent Filmmakers and Visual Effects Artists. T2: On The Set: Exclusive New Retrospective Montage of Life On the Set of the Greatest Action Movie Ever Made,

T2: High-Definition: The Complete Theatrical Version of the Film in Microsoft Windows Media 9 Series

Infiltration Unit Simulator and T2 FX Studio: Morph your imported images into a T-1000 or a T-800 Terminator Skynet Combat Chassis Designer Construct and Field-Test Your Own Ultimate Fighting Machine.

Theatrical release: 1991
DVD released on 6/3/2003 by Artisan
Running time of 152 minutes

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick

Director: James Cameron

Plot: Nearly 10 years have passed since Sarah Connor was targeted for termination by a cyborg from the future. Now her son, John, the future leader of the resistance, is the target for a newer, more deadly terminator. Once again, the resistance has managed to send a protector back to attempt to save John and his mother Sarah.

To borrow the now infamous line from the first installment, he is back. And in yet another package no less. Let’s see, we have original disc, the ultimate edition, and now the extreme edition (with 23% more terminator!). Ok, it may be more the 23% but you get the idea. This version of course has been timed with the summer release of T3: The Rise of the Cashmachine. All joking aside, this is actually a breakthrough release for the DVD format. Included in this set is the first high definition release of the theatrical cut, too bad this is so bleeding edge you need the latest in PC processing powers to watch it. Sadly, it won’t work on standard DVD players.
But, the normal disc included is nothing to sneeze at either. As it should be, the milestones this film achieves deserves the package included here. Only the best for Arnie and company. Hey, when you’re the first $100 million dollar movie and the first to use extensive CGI effects convincingly you better get some special editions, right? Or is it overkill?
I dunno, I really enjoy this flick. So much so, that on opening day way back in 91 I saw it twice. Either I was really bored or it is that awesome. For its time, it was awesome. I was completely blown away by the CGI magic. Way cool stuff, and its a kick ass Arnie movie to boot! OK, so its not the greatest, but its definitely one of the best action flicks ever to hit the big screen. Looking at it compared to some of today’s flicks, it can still hold its own. Some of the effects are still better than what some its lower budgeted films have put forth in recent times. Although some of the scenes did seem a bit dated.
As far as the rest of the film goes, its your standard action flick. Although the default playback here is the directors cut, which is a bit better and more informative than the theatrical in my opinion. There is a way to watch just the theatrical version on the normal disc via some cookies if that is your preference.
Gotta love Arnold in this one. Since he plays like a piece of wood anyway, it fits him like a glove. “Hasta la vista, Baby”. Yeah right. I always wondered why a sentient machine would program a robot with an Austrian Accent. But, as opposed to the first Terminator, he has a lot more personality. He’s actually pretty funny at times. This is probably one of his best roles he’s ever played I would say. Not going to win any Oscars anytime soon, but hey who’s looking for a dramatic art house Arnold film.
Technically, this has to be one of the best non digital based transfers I have seen so far. Wow, just look at the crisp picture and color. The detailing is outstanding and so is the sound. The bone crunching bass will surely make it onto the demo rotation. The mix is so detailed I could even distinguish the leather movement on the jackets. Pretty slick. Oh, Artisan even went all out and even has a kick butt new THX logo and opening title sequence. Nice!
Aside from the outstanding movie itself, there are also a bunch of extras, but not as many as on the Ultimate DVD. There are only 2 shorter more generalized documentaries and no trailers. There is also some DVD rom content as well. But, if you just want to watch the film itself without the fluff, this disc is for you.