TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Terminator 2 (or T2) is a 1991 American science-fiction action film co-written, produced and directed by James Cameron. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick, with Edward Furlong also in its principal cast as John Connor. It is the sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator, and the second installment in the Terminator franchise. Terminator 2 follows Sarah Connor (Hamilton) and her ten-year-old son John (Furlong) as they are pursued by a new, more advanced Terminator; the liquid metal, shapeshifting T-1000 (Patrick), sent back in time to kill John Connor and prevent him from becoming the leader of the human resistance. A second, less advanced Terminator (Schwarzenegger) is also sent back in time to protect John.

Purchase Terminator 2 Judgment Day on Ultra HD Blu-ray Today

Terminator 2 has always been considered one of the better sequels in all of Hollywood, and even fans on the Hi-Def Ninja forums have great affection for it as the more popular flick in the franchise. I personally have always liked both T1 and T2 equally and I’m also fond of Terminator Salvation while many aren’t. The latest installment, Terminator Genisys, was unfortunately atrocious. However, I mention my history and fanfare with the franchise in an effort to perhaps allow you to understand why I wouldn’t be as up in arms with the Judgment Day 4k release as I didn’t feel it was as bad as some other outlets are making it out to be.

VIDEO QUALITY: Much can be said of the video quality of this release. In regards to the blu-ray disc its the best version of itself on BD albeit perhaps still having room for improvement slightly if technically possible. So if you own any of the older versions as there were quite a few then this is an upgrade worthy of that if owning the first release ever, or not owning this film at all. The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc however definitely has some differences that have been stirring up some controversies in the geeky world that is the enthusiasts of home media. Terminator 2 Judgment Day is now presented in 4k resolution with HDR and it appears that while its still a great transfer it’s not THE ends all be all transfer that many are looking for. A lot will come down to preference tho as to whether you prefer more film grain or not and whether you feel the grain looks authentic or not. Seems to be some tone change as well and some scenes where Arnie’s face has put in place where it was a stunt double before. I think the biggest issue also lies in that the film is so iconic and widely considered the most popular of the franchise that fans are clamoring for the best version of itself. I’m not as picky as most and I didn’t find it as bad as some of the fanboys have called out, but it’s definitely not perfect.

AUDIO QUALITY: Smashing into your home theater or living room comes T2 with an english DTS 5.1 Master Audio track or a 7.1 German DTS Master Audio track if you know the language. Wonder what the backstory on that is and if a particular label financed a German 7.1 long ago now readily available for use in new editions etc. Interesting none the less. T2 Rocks your socks off with immersive audio and front and center channel heavy while the sub gets plenty of action.

SUPPLEMENTS:

The Special features bonus material is located on the accompanying Blu-ray disc, as well as the 3 cuts of the film

Audio Commentaries: Director James Cameron and co-writer William Wysher converse of the story and production.

Reprogramming: cast & crew interviews on the pop culture phenomenon that now is The Terminator franchise.

The Making of T2: Behind the scenes footage. (30 min. featurette)

Deleted Scene: two other scenes.

Trailers (HD)

About the author

is a pop culture fanatic who loves to collect things from films that leave a lasting impression on him. A big fan of such brands like SteelBook, Mondo, and Sideshow. Favorite films or franchises include Braveheart, HEAT, Book of Eli, Ip Man, Nolan's Batman, Everything Marvel, and practically anything Quentin Tarantino touches. Proudly owns The Notebook, drives 88 mph, and know's exactly what was in Marsellus Wallace's briefcase!