Now that 4K UHD discs are gaining popularity and the format is starting to mature a bit, it’s about time for Lionsgate to bring one of their top dogs to the format – Terminator 2 Judgment Day. Yea, you knew it would be here on UHD sooner or later, and you know you’re gonna buy this one. So is there really a need to go into depth and review it? Probably not – but I’m going to do it anyway!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 27 years (and if you have, please email me immediately, I’d love to hear all about your life), you have seen and most likely love the Terminator films. Well, at least the first two of the Terminator films.
Terminator 2 Judgment Day is without question one of the greatest sequels of all time. James Cameron absolutely nailed everything he set out to do in this film. Even now, almost 30 years later, it holds up as a badass action film with a still plausible and horrifying premise. Plus, you know, Arnie kicking ass.
After humanity was nearly wiped out by the machine uprising, a repurposed T-800 robot is sent back in time to protect John Connor – humanity’s leader and only hope – from being assassinated as a young teen by a more advanced T-1000 that has been sent back by the machines. (If that is not confusing enough, you should hear about John Connor’s origin story, but you’ll get the picture after watching the first two Terminator films).
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as The Terminator in this film, which is likely his most iconic role in an impressive career full of iconic roles. This entire film has him uttering is famous one-liners while outsmarting and outrunning the superior robot and protecting his man. Of course, John Connor is far from helpless, and his mother, Sarah Connor is also around to ensure that humanity gets it’s shot at survival.
Terminator 2 Judgment Day is overflowing with stylish scenes of death and destruction and includes some of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. It isn’t regarded as one of the best action flicks of all time for no reason. If you haven’t seen this movie, you need to get off your ass and make it happen. Just be sure to watch the original as well.
So, the real reason you are likely here is to find out if there is a good reason to upgrade your copy of Terminator 2 for the seventh time. This film has been released in pretty much every format that has been around since the 90s, including UMD for crying out loud. So, is it worth the upgrade?
Well, huge fans of the film are complaining left and right about some coloring changes on this disc, but to be honest, I am inclined to disagree. For a movie that has long since battled poor reviews for picture quality, I was very, very impressed throughout the entire film. Yes, the film grain is missing, and yes, colors are slightly different than you may remember. But the movie looks damn sharp on 4K and I am very comfortable in saying that this is the best that I’ve seen the movie look, and I’ve owned it in several formats.
Also to note, this is release has a Master Audio 5.1 LOSSLESS audio track, which, I believe is a first, and it sounds amazing. Terminator has always been really exciting to listen to, and it sounds amazing here as well. There is a great use of surround channels, and your subwoofer will be very happy as well.
Special Features:
The one major downside to this release of Terminator 2 is the lack of 4K special features. In fact, there aren’t even HD supplements on the same disc, the following are all on the Blu-ray that is included (including the different cuts of the film). You also get a UV copy of the film.
- Theatrical Version
- Special Edition Version
- Extended Special Edition Version
- T2: Reprogramming The Terminator
- The Making of T2
- Deleted Scenes
- Trailers
- 23 Members of Cast and Crew Commentary
- Director James Cameron and Co-Writer William Wisher Commentary
Terminator 2 Judgment Day Final Thoughts:
There are a few cases I can think of when it comes to this film. Either you already have this and love this movie, you don’t own it but love this movie, or (for some weird reason that I cannot imagine), you don’t love this movie. Not matter what bucket you find yourself in here, I suggest you pick up this release. It’s The Terminator for crying out loud. Out now and available from Amazon.
Note: This Blu-ray was sent to us for review. This has not affected our judgment or editorial process in any way. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this process.
