Review of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Special Edition)

Introduction

Terminator 2 : The Ultimate Edition DVD. Unless you`ve only just got into DVD or have been living under a rock for the last year or so, you will have heard of this DVD, all of the hype surrounding it, the problems coping with demand, the "I want 2xDVD-9s not a DVD-18" messages appearing all over the world. I gave into the hype months ago and pre-ordered my copy from Amazon. I received the 2xDVD-9 edition (although I didn`t really care which version it was).

As soon as the package arrived, you could tell this was something special. It arrived in different packaging, and it seemed to weigh a lot for a DVD. The aluminium case looks good on the shelf, but is a bit flimsy and some people`s have arrived with dents....

I`ve never had a copy of T2 before - I saw it at the cinema on the first day of release, and was blown away. I`ve not usually watched TV broadcasts of it, not sure why that is. But given the nature of the film I thought it would be a good candidate for DVD ownership.

There are 3 versions of the film on the DVD, the "normal" edition, a "special" edition and an "extended special edition". I watched the "extended special edition" first, as all the other editions are basically the same, with bits missed out.

Video

With 4 soundtracks accompanying the film (it was originally sugessted that the DTS version be put on a separate disc), you might expect the video quality to suffer. Not so. The visuals on this disc are stunning.

The menus are brilliant, a lot of work has gone into them. Even something as simple as selecting chapters has been spiced up with excellent menus.

The film itself is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is excellent. A very crisp transfer, deep blacks, wonderful clarity and no evidence of artefacts or compression problems. I think I spotted a scratch in one of the extra scenes in the "extended special edition" but blink and you`ll miss it.

One or two of the special effects do look a bit dated by today`s standards, but most still look excellent.

Definitely reference quality visuals.

Audio

I`ve already let slip that there are 4 audio tracks (3 film soundtracks and an audio commentary).

The stereo track is good, the Dolby Digital is better and the DTS is the best. This is surely the new reference disk for sound and great for demonstrations. From the purring of the motorbike in Chapter 6, to explosions, gun battles and more, this is stunning sound. Another example of the film sounding better at home than it did in the cinema. Even the THX dts trailer is good. Play it loud and blow yourself away.

If you don`t have DTS then you still get an excellent soundtrack, but DTS just has the edge.

Features

If you`ve read anything about this disc already you`ll know it`s stuffed to the gills with extra material. Three documentaries ("making of", one concentrating on the special editions and deleted scenes and one about the T2:3D theme park attraction). Incidentally, I`m reliably informed by friends that the T2:3D experience is very good indeed.

There`s an audio commentary (interviews with over 20 cast & crew spliced together) with some interesting information, about 8 or 9 trailers, including some Japanese trailers and teaser trailers. There are interview clips, scripts, storyboards and more.

There`s also the THX optimode feature with sound clips and "test cards" to make sure your TV is set up correctly.

An abundance of features and it will take you hours to get through it all. I`ve still not managed to look at all of the bits that I want to!

Conclusion

You`ve probably got the picture by now, this really is the Ultimate DVD. Stunning picture, stunning sound, amazing extras.

Three different versions of the film to choose from (the "extended special edition" is probably the weakest, and you can see why scenes were left out). The film itself is still as good as it was nine years ago. Sure there are plot holes, yes there are a few deficiencies in it, but there are many memorable scenes. The scene in the park when the nuclear blast hits has been burned on my brain for 9 years, very powerful.

If you liked the film, you really must own this disc. If you`re not lucky enough to have Region 1 playback, get down on your knees and pray that Kinowelt/Momentum can bring an identical DVD to Region 2 in the future.

I`m not one to dish out high marks left, right and centre. However, this DVD really deserves top marks.