The Terminator Anthology

'The Terminator' 1080p/MPEG-2/1.85:1. (2.5/5 stars). "While this transfer may have been acceptable in 2006, it certainly has not aged well and is average at best. Though many of the issues discussed may be a result of the film's low budget roots and intended gritty look, the fact of the matter is this just isn't a very good video presentation. This classic film deserves so much better, so instead of simply repackaging the same lackluster disc over and over again, it might be a worthy investment to actually remaster the video and give customers something of actual value."

'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' 1080p/VC-1/2.35:1. (4/5 stars). "T2 looks very good on Blu-ray. Shot in James Cameron's beloved Super35 process, 'T2' has always looked a little grainy, and there is some here, but overall the source is cleaner than past DVD and LaserDisc versions, with no irritating blemishes or speckles. Most aspects of this presentation are just as good as before -- great blacks, clean and consistent contrast (aside from the Sarah Connor apocalyptic sequences, which are intentionally blown-out) and strong visible detail. Close-ups are particularly impressive, and though not dripping with depth, the image does exhibit a frequent dimensional effect, particularly on darker interiors."

'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 1080p/VC-1/2.40:1. (4/5 stars). "The print is in great shape, with no visible blemishes, speckles or other anomalies to report. Blacks are perfect, and contrast natural and consistent. Color reproduction is quite nice, with a rich palette of hues that appears stable and free of noise. However, due to some uses of filtering (such as during the truck chase, which is supposed to take place at dawn but was clearly shot during the day) fleshtones sometimes render a bit on the red side (though perhaps this is intentional). As far as detail, daylight scenes are usually excellent, with that impressive sense of three-dimensionality that I've come to love about high-def." [NOTE: because the 1080i error has been corrected, we matched the star rating, and hyperlinked, to the 2006 HD-DVD release of the film, since they are the same transfer.]

'Terminator Salvation' 1080p/VC-1/2.40:1. (4.5/5 stars) "Practically flawless. The source is terrific, completely devoid of dirt, debris, and other imperfections. As one would expect from this type of movie, the picture has a very washed-out palette primarily consisting of various shades of browns and grays to replicate the bleak futuristic world of tomorrow. There's a mild to medium grain presence for a gritty film-like appearance, and although grain levels do become heavier in poorly lit areas like the tunnels and sewers, it's never a distraction and really suits the mood of the film. The sense of depth is also pleasing and detailing is fantastic. Everything looks grungy and is caked with dust and grime. Facial close-ups reveal pores, stubble, and other fine intricate details with incredible distinction. The texturing on clothing and weathered remnants of civilized life is outstanding. I did spot the occasional scene having a slight softness and black level down to about 98 percent, but both of these instances were minimal at best in an otherwise stellar transfer."

'The Terminator' (1.5/5 stars).

Again, supplements are replicated from previous Blu-ray releases. Though sparse, there is some fairly interesting stuff here, but it's unlikely fans of the film haven't already seen or heard the content countless times before. All of the features are provided in standard definition with Dolby Digital stereo tracks and no subtitle options.

• Creating The Terminator: Visual Effects and Music (SD, 13 min) - This is a brief, but fairly interesting look at the making of the film's special effects, focusing on the scenes set in the future and the tanker truck explosion near the climax of the movie. Interviews with the visual effects crew and behind-the-scenes footage is included detailing how miniatures and forced perspective were used in the process. The music of the film is also touched upon, including an interview with the composer.
  
• The Making of The Terminator: A Retrospective (SD, 21 min) - This is a look back at the production of the movie and mainly consists of a conversation between director James Cameron and star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Topics touched upon include the inspiration for the story, casting, crafting the character of The Terminator once Arnold was brought on board, Stan Winston's fantastic make-up and effects, and the success which led to the second film. Though nothing groundbreaking, fans of the film who somehow haven't already seen this feature will definitely want to check it out.
  
• Terminated Scenes (SD) - Seven deleted scenes are included here. Most are quick and disposable, but there are a few worthy bits of development between characters and several hints and setups of plotlines to come.
  
• Previews (HD) - Previews for 'S.W.A.T.', 'Underworld: Evolution', and 'XXX' are provided in 1080p with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks.
  

'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' (2/5 stars).

Oh, and a note to Lionsgate and any future producer of a 'T2' special edition: can we please stop with the overdone menus and endless THX and DTS logos!? This damn disc not only takes forever to "load confidential Skynet information" before booting up, but the menus are ludicrously arcane with their cluttered graphics and weirdly-labeled subsections... and that's before you start the movie, after which you have to sit through another endless series of logos. I found it all supremely annoying.

• Audio Commentaries - Two "archival" tracks included. Director James Cameron recorded his first-ever audio commentary for the 'T2 Extreme Edition' DVD, along with co-writer William Wysher. It is a very strong effort indeed. Say what you want about the one-time "King of the World!", but he is a very intelligent, articulate, and passionate guy, and along with Wysher he imparts a great deal of detail on all aspects of the film's development, production and release. He explains every technical decision, as well as maintaining consistent story points with the first film with Wisher. Definitely a must listen.
  
  The second track is just as good, though 'just" an assemblage of audio interview extracts (meaning the participants do not address directly what is onscreen). However, with 26 members of the cast and crew of 'T2' on board and all the major players are represented -- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, and most of the main technical team -- how could it not succeed? I really like these compiled, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink tracks, because they are so informative and no one person gets to dominate. So I'm afraid that along with the Cameron and Wysher track, you're going to have to watch 'T2' yet again.
  
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 6 minutes) - As this disc provides both the extended and theatrical versions of 'T2,' there are only two deleted scenes properly presented. One is a short bit with the T-1000 searching John Connor's bedroom, and the other the much-maligned alternate ending, featuring Linda Hamilton in hilariously bad old-age make-up spouting a feel-good monologue about hope and tranquility. The scenes look great, though, as they are presented in full 1080p/VC-1 video.
  
• Theatrical Trailers (HD) - Three trailers are included plus a couple of extra previews. We get the film's teaser and two theatrical trailers. Also here is a video promo for the 'T2' special edition DVD, and the 'T2' THX logo that seems to be so beloved by fans. All of the clips have been mastered in 1080p/VC-1 video and looks quite good.
  

'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (3/5 stars).

Mirroring the previous HD DVD and standard-def DVD releases of 'Terminator 3,' Warner has ported over the same basic package of extras for the Blu-ray. It's not a bad assortment (particularly the copious number of commentaries), but it’s starting to feel a bit dated.

• Audio Commentaries - A whopping three are included: a solo track with director Jonathan Mostow, a second track with Mostow and cast Arnold Schwarzenegger, Claire Danes, Nick Stahl and Kristanna Loken, and a third (which did not appear on the standard-def DVD release) with Mostow again, joined by screenwriters John Brancato and Michael Ferris, director of photography Don Burgess, and production designer Jeff Mann. Mostow introduces both "group" tracks, which are an amalgam of the actors and crew, all recorded in different cities and edited together. I actually like these patchwork commentaries, since they’re usually stuffed with information and don't suffer from long gaps of silence. In any case, the cast track is the highlight, as they’re all much more forthright than they are on the dull video extras. It is positively surreal to hear Governor Schwarzenegger talk like the action star he once was -- although his initial, endless ramblings about his naked body are somewhat creepy. Danes and Stahl also have a sense of humor about tackling such a huge project and what they thought it might do to their careers at the time. Loken may have had the toughest job of all, making a leather-clad female terminator believable, but she handles it all with aplomb and is very engaging throughout. In fact, the cast track is so good that by the time we get to the other two tracks, they can't help but seem dull by comparison. There is a considerable amount of repetition in them, though Mostow certainly delves into all of the nuts and bolts production details that are completely lacking in the cast commentary. Of course, just how many commentaries you can sit through for one movie is up to you, but kudos to Warner nonetheless.
• TV Special: "HBO First Look" (SD, 24 minutes) - Your standard pre-release commercial. We don't learn anything we didn't already know after watching the flick, and typical of most on-set interviews, Mostow, Schwarzenegger, Stahl and Danes can't reveal too much about the plot, except for making the typical, "It's gonna be great!" comments.
  
• Featurette: "Dressed to Kill" (SD, 3 minutes) - A breezy look at how to costume a Terminator, and what to wear if you’re being chased by one. Fun, but too short.
  
• Featurette: "Toys in Action" (SD, 8 minutes) - This vignette pays a visit to artist Todd McFarlane and all his various Terminator-inspired toys that have come out over the years. Again, this one’s a bit short, and feels more like a commercial than a true featurette.
  
• Storyboards (SD, 4 minutes) - A montage of the film's climatic Terminator vs. Terminator duel, the entire sequence is shown as a side-by-side comparison between the storyboards and the final finished film, complete with soundtrack.
  
• "Sgt. Candy Scene" (SD, 3 minutes) - This is a total oddity -- a deleted comedy movie-within-a-movie scene that, frankly, made no sense to me.
  
• Theatrical Trailer (SD) - Rounding it all out is the film's original theatrical trailer, which like all the rest of the extras is in 480p/MPEG-2 video only.
  

'Terminator Salvation' (N/A).

See below. All 'Terminator Salvation' special features are exclusive to the Blu-ray.