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[1.0] What are the different movie and TV versions?

===================================================

 

Each of the films has been produced in a variety of media. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather a resource for the versions that are commonly available.

 


 

[1.1] The Terminator

--------------------

The Terminator

(DVD)
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The Terminator: Lenticular Cover Version

(lenticular cover)
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The Terminator: Special Edition

(special edition)
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The Terminator: Blu-ray

(Blu-ray disc)
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Producer: John Daly and Derek Gibson (executive producers), and Gale Anne Hurd (producer)

Cinematography: Adam Greenberg

Production Design: James Cameron

Art Director: George Costello

Editing: Mark Goldblatt

Original Music: Brad Fiedel

Written by: Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron

Director: James Cameron

Released in North America: 26 October, 1984

 

For more information, see the Internet Movie Database.

 

There are two cuts of The Terminator. The first is the theatrical release, in pan-and-scan and widescreen versions, on VHS videocassette, laserdisc, and DVD (running time is 108 minutes). The second is the T1SE (see section 1.1.2), released on VHS videocassette, on DVD in 2001, and on Blu-ray disc in 2006.

 


 

[1.1.1] What scenes were cut from the T1 theatrical release?

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The following scenes were filmed, but cut from the theatrical release of T1:

Wholesome Sarah: a brief alternate introduction to Sarah at work

Wrong Sarah: a longer version of the killing of the first Sarah Connor, showing the T- 800 walking away from the house, not reacting at all to the horrified neighbours

Lt. Traxler's Arc: a bunch of brief scenes showing Vukovich and Traxler, amongst them the scene with Reese getting the gun

Sarah Fights Back: a long scene in which Sarah asks Reese if they can't attack the Cyberdyne building and ensure that the possible future never occurs. Reese declines, and Sarah reacts wildly

Making Bombs: while making bombs, Sarah and Reese discuss their life together

Tickling Reese: a post-coitus scene showing Sarah tickling Reese

The Factory: two removed scenes at the end, showing a technician finding a few parts of the remains of the T-800, and a longer version of the scene in which Sarah is placed in the ambulance, showing us that the factory is, in fact, Cyberdyne Systems

 

These scenes are available on the T1 Special Edition DVD (see section 1.1.2).

 


 

[1.1.2] What is the T1 Special Edition?

---------------------------------------

The Terminator Special Edition ("T1SE") DVD release has two altered scenes, at the request of Lightstorm Entertainment, supposedly to fix continuity slips in the original picture: a scene set in the future when a Terminator enters the rebel compound has been flipped on its vertical axis; the scene where the Terminator leaves the motel in L.A. has been cropped/reframed so that his feet are no longer visible (the original scene showed the Terminator wearing shoes instead of boots as previously seen). For more information on the T1SE, see the interview with Van Ling at DVDFile.com.

 

There are a number of "Easter eggs" (hidden features) on the T1SE DVD. Most of them are audio of brief interview segments accompanied by still shots of the interviewees (James Cameron, William Wisher, Mark Goldblatt, Michael Biehn, Brad Fiedel, Stan Winston, Gale Anne Hurd, and Gene Warren). It's unfortunate that these have been hidden, as they reveal a lot of interesting behind-the-scenes information and trivia on the making of T1.

 

All of the hidden features are selected randomly, so you must access them repeatedly until you can see them all. There are five Easter eggs hidden in each spot.

 

To access the hidden "Easter egg" features:

Insert the side of the DVD that contains the actual movie (not the supplements) and from the main menu, go to "Scene Selections." Select the chapter stops for chapters 13-16, and then highlight the "Main Menu" entry at the bottom of the screen. Now, press the down arrow key on your remote control to highlight a small block on the screen, then press enter to access five interview segments.

 

Do the same for the chapters 25-28 screen to see one of five interview segments with JC. Also, for chapters 29-32 there are four more interview segments with JC, as well as "Chrono-Surfing: A Brief History of Time Travel" written by Randall Frakes. This valuable article lists many time travel- related novels, short stories, TV episodes, and films.

 

More hidden features are in the "Special Features". Once there, highlight the "Resume Film" menu entry and then press the down arrow key on your remote control to highlight a small block at the top of the screen. Now, press enter and you will get to see one of five randomly chosen interview segments that are hidden here.

 

Next, select "DVD ROM Features". Then press the right arrow key on your remote twice to highlight a small block. Now press enter and you will get to see one of five randomly chosen interview segments.

 

Still more hidden features are in the "Languages" submenu. Go there and select the "Français" menu entry for "Spoken Language". Then, press the right arrow key to highlight a small block, which will show you one of five randomly chosen interview segments.

 


 

[1.1.3] What are some other alternate versions?
------------------------------------------------

The Terminator has been broadcast on TV in many countries. Often the film is edited for length and content. For more details on these alternate versions, see the Internet Movie Database.

 


 

[1.2] Terminator 2: Judgment Day
--------------------------------

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

(DVD)
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day

(Extreme DVD)
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day

(Ultimate Edition)
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day

(Blu-ray disc)
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Producers: Gale Anne Hurd and Mario Kassar (executive producers); James Cameron (producer); Stephanie Austin and B.J. Rack (co-producers)

Cinematography: Adam Greenberg

Production Design: Joseph Nemec III

Art Director: Joseph P. Lucky

Editing: Conrad Buff, Mark Goldblatt, and Richard A. Harris

Original Music: Brad Fiedel

Written by: James Cameron and William Wisher

Director: James Cameron

Released in North America: 3 July, 1991

 

For more information, see the Internet Movie Database.

 

There are three different cuts of T2:

• theatrical release (running time is 139 minutes)

• Special Edition (running time is 152 minutes)

• Ultimate Edition (running time is 156 minutes)

(For details on these latter two cuts, see sections 1.2.4 and 1.2.5.)

 

The movie has been released in a variety of media:

• Video CD format on 2 normal CD-ROMs with the video compressed in MPEG-1 format at a resolution of 352×240.

 

• The Terminator Collection SE laserdisc boxed set (with a hologram on the front) contains:

1. The Terminator: letterboxed theatrical release.

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day: letterboxed theatrical release.

3. A VHS tape with two documentaries: The Making of The Terminator and The Making of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and all of the trailers for both movies (one for T1 and three for T2).
Running time is 57 minutes.

4. A limited-edition 24-page book containing information/trivia about the making of the Terminator films as well as storyboards, drawings and other photographs.

 

• The Special Edition VHS set from Carolco Home Video, put together jointly by Carolco, Live Home Video, Showtime, Lightstorm Entertainment, and Pioneer. This set comes in a 1'×1'×1" black box with "SCHWARZENEGGER" and "TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY" in big red foil letters, and "SPECIAL EDITION" in blue lettering. The box contains two VHS cassettes:

1. The SE letterbox version of T2 with all but two scenes added.

2. The second cassette is the Special Edition Supplement. It contains a discussion of the deleted scenes with all the actors and JC. Following this 20-minute film are the omitted scenes (the alternate ending and the T-1000 searching young John Connor's bedroom), three trailers from the movie, and the trailer for the release of the special edition of the laserdisc.
Running time is approximately 40 minutes.

 

• a VHS "boxed set" of both films in pan-and-scan format in a silver box, containing:

1. The Terminator: theatrical release.

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day: theatrical release.

 

• a VHS "boxed set" of both films in letterbox format in a gold box, containing:

1. The Terminator: theatrical release.

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day: Special Edition (running time is about 152 minutes but the box incorrectly lists a running time of 139 minutes).

 

• a widescreen DVD, with production notes and theatrical trailers

 

• Artisan Entertainment (owned by Lions Gate Entertainment since 2003) produced the Ultimate Edition DVD, released August 29, 2000, which contains all three cuts of T2, plus many extra features. You can read the "production diary" at DVDreview.com. The 2006 Blu-ray disc seems to have the same content as this version.

 

• Artisan also produced the "Extreme DVD", released June 3, 2003, which contains new features not available on the Ultimate Edition DVD. See sections 1.2.5 and 1.2.6.

 


 

[1.2.1] Why were scenes cut out of T2?

--------------------------------------

Certain scenes were edited out of the theatrical release of T2. According to the Illustrated Screenplay, some scenes slowed the pace of the film; others repeated previously shown information; others were changed for dramatic effect. These scenes include Sarah opening up the Terminator's head and adjusting the CPU, Sarah's dream sequence with Kyle Reese, and the legendary alternate ending (see sections 1.2.2, 1.2.2.1, and 1.2.3 for more).

 

In the video accompanying the VHS SE set, Cameron explains that the scene with the T-1000 searching the room was a "classic example of underestimating the audience." He thought it wasn't necessary to have yet another scene explaining that the T-1000 "molecularly samples" everything it touches.

 

An interview with JC was shown on the TV special Secrets Revealed (hosted by William Devane!):

“Well, 'final cut' really doesn't change anything. You still have to do what's best for the film--and a lot of people have opinions about what's best for the film. And, as a responsible filmmaker, you have to listen to them.

 

“In the opening of the film, we see a playground after a nuclear war, where all the playground equipment has been burned and blackened. And then the ending was to show the 'alternate future' that came about as a result of the efforts of Sarah and John. And then when we put the movie together, and sat and watched it, it just felt a little too...'sweet.' It's essentially the movie of the script. But no movie is ever the movie of the script--the script is what you start with when you start the voyage, and when you end the voyage, you may be somewhere else.

 

“So we took the ending off and we went to the dark road, kind of going into darkness--the uncertain future...and that seemed to work better.

 

“We did screen it once, with the happier ending--because we had already raised the question to ourselves: 'Is this really the right thing?' And the audience seemed to concur. So we all looked at each other and went, 'Aha! See? Eh?' So we very quickly whipped together the alternate, which I'd already had in mind.

 

“Sometimes, in that pressure-cooker of finishing the picture, the most instinctive responses are the best. And that's really what happened there; it was just instinct.”

 


 

[1.2.2] What scenes were cut from the T2 theatrical release?

------------------------------------------------------------

The following are scenes that were cut from the theatrical release of T2. For scene numbers, I've followed the convention in the Illustrated Screenplay. (I've reduced this section from full-blown script to mere descriptions for a few reasons: it took too much space; the T2SE is widely available; and the Illustrated Screenplay contains full scripts.)

 

**** SPOILER WARNING ****

 

Scene 23: Pescadero
-------------------

In the hallway of the Pescadero Mental Institution. Dr. Silberman has just finished showing Sarah Connor to some other doctors. He asks Douglas and another unnamed attendant to make sure Sarah takes her Thorazine.

 

Theatrical release:
Cut to T-1000 patrol car pulling up at John's foster parents' home.

 

Special Edition:
Cut to Silberman walking away. Douglas and partner enter Connor's room.

 

Dougie and his partner administer Sarah her medication in their own (violent) way.
--Total time: 1:00

 

Scene 29: Dream sequence
------------------------

John Connor relates to his friend Tim how his mom is a loser. They ride off to spend the money. Cut to Terminator pulling up on his bike.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to Dr. Silberman and Sarah watching an old videotape of Sarah describing a recurring dream of nuclear Judgment Day.

 

Special Edition:
Cut to Sarah sitting on her bed in her cell.

 

Sarah has a fever dream of meeting Kyle, who gives her further inspiration. She follows him down the hall and finds herself looking into a playground, the Terminator by her side. Suddenly, a nuclear explosion hits, obliterating everything, and turning the Terminator into a smoking endoskeleton. Sarah then wakes up in her cell.
--Total time: 3:21

 

Scene 54: Max
-------------

At the house of John's foster parents, Janelle changes into the T-1000.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to officers showing Sarah pictures taken of Terminator at mall.

 

Special Edition:
Cut to T-1000 leaving John's foster parents' home. Kills the dog and reads "MAX" on its collar.
--Total time: 0:30

 

Scenes 56 and 56A: Room scan
----------------------------

T-1000 passes the bathroom where Janelle is lying dead in the shower. It searches John's room, touching everything gently with his fingertips. It touches a Public Enemy poster, rips it off the wall and finds a box with "Letters from Mom" written on it. It goes through a bunch of photos in the box.
--Total time: 1:25

 

Scenes 87 to 89C: Chip flip
---------------------------

At the abandoned garage. John asks the Terminator whether he can be more human.

 

Theatrical Release:
The Terminator tells John that his CPU is a neural net processor.

 

Special Edition:
Sarah and John "operate" on the Terminator, removing his CPU. Sarah wants to destroy it, but John asserts himself and stops her. They switch the CPU to "read-and-write" mode.
--Time of deleted scene: 0:10
--Time of added scenes: 3:32

 

Scenes 96A to 97: Learning to smile
-----------------------------------

Sarah, John, and "Uncle Bob" pull the station wagon into a gas station; steam is coming out of radiator.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to Sarah chewing on a burger, Terminator pouring water into the radiator.

 

Special Edition:
John tries to teach Terminator how to smile, with mixed results. Cut to Sarah chewing on a burger.
--Total time of added scenes: 1:17

 

Scene 99: Dyson at home
-----------------------

Terminator is telling Sarah about Dyson, who developed the Skynet technology.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to station wagon pulling up at Enrique's ranch.

 

Special Edition:
Miles tells Tarissa about his new processor; she convinces him to spend some time with their two kids to Raging Waters.
--Total time of added scene: 2:20

 

Scenes A105 to A106: Salceda's Ranch
------------------------------------

Enrique shows Sarah the truck that needs a new starter.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to Arnold pulling dust cover off chain gun.

 

Special Edition:
Sarah tells Enrique to leave his ranch after they leave. As the Terminator selects weapons, John tells him about his life growing up.
--Total time of deleted scenes: 0:14
--Total time of added scenes: 1:44

 

Scene A123: John
----------------

John and Terminator are trying to prevent Sarah from killing Dyson.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to toy truck in Dyson's home.

 

Special Edition:
John tells the Terminator the importance of human feelings.
--Total time: 0:48

 

Scenes 148A to 148C: Sledgehammer
---------------------------------

T-1000 is at Dyson's home, hears that Sarah Conner is at Cyberdyne.

 

Theatrical Release:
Cut to police cars pulling up at Cyberdyne.

 

Special Edition:
Miles helps destroy everything in his lab, including smashing the neural net prototype with an axe.
--Total time: 0:30

 

Scenes 203A to 203C and 209A: T-1000 bugs

-----------------------------------------

After the T-1000 is shattered by the Terminator, we see that it's beginning to lose control of its morphing. Its hand takes on black and yellow stripes when it grabs a black and yellow striped railing, and its feet squish and morph into the steel floor pattern on each step.

 

When it morphs into Sarah Connor, John looks down and sees that the T-1000/Connor's feet have melded into the steel floor right before the real Connor begins blasting away at it.

 


 

[1.2.2.1] What is the alternate ending?

---------------------------------------

The alternate ending (known as the "Future Coda") was cut from the theatrical release of the film; it was released with the T2SE and T2UE cuts of T2. It is not edited into the T2SE cut, but is shown in a separate segment. The Future Coda is edited into the Ultimate Edition of the film.

 

JC explains why the Future Coda never made it into the theatrical release:

"But there was a sense that, why tie it up with a bow? If the future is changeable, then the battle is something that has to be fought continuously. And you can't do it with a single stroke. That it's the dualism, the dynamic between good and evil that's eternal."

 

Here is my transcript of the alternate ending, scene 215:

[After the Terminator sinks into the molten steel, Sarah holds John and looks into the camera. NOTE: This shot is common to both versions. What follows was cut from the theatrical release.]

 

Fade to shot of the sun. Begin voiceover as the camera pans down. It is Washington, DC; the capitol is in the background, as are several futuristic buildings. Pan down to long shot of a park with a fountain and a playground.

 

SARAH (V.O.)

August 29th, 1997 came and went. Nothing much happened. Michael Jackson turned forty. There was no "judgment day."

 

Cut to medium shot of a recreational area around the fountain. Pan down and across children in the playground to a well-dressed older woman speaking the narration into a small recording device.

 

SARAH

People went to work as they always do. Laughed. Complained. Watched TV. Made love. I wanted to run through the street yelling, to grab them all and say, "Every day from this day on is a gift. Use it well." Instead, I got drunk. That was thirty years ago. But the dark future which never came still exists for me. And it always will--like the traces of a dream.

 

Cut to a shot of an adult John Connor, pushing a little girl on a swing in the playground.

 

SARAH (V.O.)

John fights the war differently than it was foretold. Here, on the battlefield of the Senate, his weapons are common sense--

 

Cut to a closeup of Sarah, watching John and the little girl.

 

SARAH

--and hope.

 

Cut to a shot of the little girl running.

 

GIRL

Tie me, gramma! Tie me!

 

Cut to a medium shot of the girl climbing up onto the bench beside Sarah, who ties her granddaughters' shoe. Cut to a closeup of the little girl as she looks up at Sarah and giggles. Cut to a medium shot of the two.

 

SARAH

How's that?

 

Cut to a shot of the girl.

 

GIRL

Thank you, gramma.

 

Cut to a shot of the two; Sarah leans down and gives the girl a kiss. The girl runs back to the playground. Cut to a shot of the girl running into John's arms. The two embrace, then John helps her onto a slide.

 

SARAH (V.O.)

The luxury of hope was given to me by the Terminator. Because if a machine can learn the value of human life--

 

Cut to a shot of Sarah, smiling, watching the children.

 

SARAH (V.O.)

--maybe we can, too.

 

Fade to black.

 


 

[1.2.3] Other cut scenes

------------------------

The Illustrated Screenplay also contains six omitted sequences that were not filmed, for various reasons noted below:

 

Extended Future War Sequence
----------------------------

These scenes show more of the fight against Skynet in the future. This sequence was deleted due to its prohibitive cost, and because it was deemed tangential to the story. Most significant are the scenes showing an adult John Connor sending Kyle Reese to the past.

 

Sarah's E.C.T. Sequence
-----------------------

This sequence was intended to illustrate the direness of Sarah's situation, which was adequately established with other scenes. I'm glad these scenes were cut: electroconvulsive shock therapy is only used as a treatment in extreme cases of depression--which Sarah clearly did not exhibit.

 

Missile Dream Sequence
----------------------

In an early draft, Sarah experiences two nuclear nightmares; this is the second. After falling asleep at Salceda's ranch, Sarah's dream of children playing in a park turns into a nightmare as underground silos open, and the missiles inside are launched. These scenes were cut because JC thought that a single nuclear nightmare was more powerful than two.

 

Salceda's Death Sequence
------------------------

Although the scenes in which the T-1000 goes to Salceda's ranch looking for John were scheduled for the first week of principal photography, they were not filmed because they were deemed redundant and costly. This sequence is notable for the scene in which the T-1000's head is blown off, the mouth gulps "like a gaffed fish," and the head is reabsorbed into the T-1000's body.

 

Gant Ranch Sequence
-------------------

Travis Gant is the "crazy ex-Green Beret" John refers to in the film. This sequence was rewritten and later comprised the Salceda ranch sequences. (Salceda's first incarnation was as one of Gant's men. The kewlest scene has Sarah proving to Gant that Terminator really exist, by taking a .45 automatic and shooting the Terminator in the head--twice! Terminator, unperturbed, responds to this rather rude treatment by saying, "No problemo."

 

Dyson's Vision Sequence
-----------------------

Miles Dyson's death was initially intended to be a bit more poetic. He has a vision of his family and knows that for them to have a chance at survival, he must destroy his life's work--and himself.

 


 

[1.2.4] What is the T2 Special Edition?

---------------------------------------

Although some scenes were cut from the theatrical release of T2, many were restored in the Special Edition ("T2SE"). These scenes are described in section 1.2.2. Two long scenes were not cut into the T2SE, but were included as supplements: One is the alternate ending "Future Coda" (scene 215; see section 1.2.2.1), the other is scenes 56/56A. The running time of the T2SE is 152 minutes.

 


 

[1.2.5] What is the T2 Ultimate Edition?

----------------------------------------

The Ultimate Edition ("T2UE") refers to a couple of things. It refers to a cut of the film that includes the alternate ending "Future Coda" and scenes 56/56A.

 

T2UE also refers to the T2 Ultimate Edition DVD, which contains the T2UE cut of the film, as well as the theatrical release and SE cuts. This DVD was produced by Artisan Entertainment (owned by Lions Gate Entertainment since 2003), and was released August 29, 2000. This disc contains all three cuts of the film, but the T2UE cut is hidden (a so-called "Easter egg").

 

To access the hidden "Easter egg" features:

Select "Special Edition" from the main menu. Highlight "Play Special Edition" and press 82997 on your remote. (You may have to press "Enter" after pressing each number. You'll notice, of course, that this special code is also the date of Judgment Day!) The words "The Future Is Not Set" will appear in the right hand portion of the setup screen and the left eye of the Terminator will light up. Now you can select "Play Extended Special Edition". Or select "Title 3" with your DVD player (scenes 56/56A are title 3, chapter 24; the Future Coda is title 3, chapter 78).

 

There is a second Easter egg. Insert side B (or disc 2). There are a few buttons hidden in the main menu. When you first start the DVD, it goes to a menu which displays the information programs, visual campaigns, and data hub. If you wait 30 seconds, things may happen randomly on the menu. A button may appear on the bottom left side of the menu that says "Join the Resistance"; this takes you to the same message on the CD-ROM button on side A (or disc 1). The other thing that may happen is that the same button appears, but with a sound effect; this takes you to a Swelltone trailer. The other thing that may happen is the T-1000's head appears in the middle of the screen and says "Get out", and blends back in with the menu.

 

The T2UE DVD may come on one (double-sided) DVD-18 (contains 18 Gb), or two (single-sided) DVD-9s (each contains 9 Gb); there is no difference in content between the two. The T2UE DVD comes in a brushed metal case. The T2UE DVD contains all three cuts of T2 in 16:9 widescreen. It is THX certified, with Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX, and DTS 5.1 ES sound formats.

 

Aside from the three cuts of T2, the T2UE DVD also includes:

• commentary by cast and crew

• "The Making of T2," "T2: More Than Meets the Eye," and "The Making of T2: 3-D: Breaking the Screen Barrier" documentaries

• supplmental materials which cover all aspects of production, including make-up, visual effects, marketing, etc.

• teasers, trailers, screenplay, 700+ storyboards

• DVD-ROM feature allow you to watch the movie and simultaneously view storyboards

 


 

[1.2.6] What is the T2 Extreme DVD?

-----------------------------------

T2 Extreme DVD ("T2ED", not "Extreme Edition") was produced by Artisan Entertainment (owned by Lions Gate Entertainment since 2003), and was released June 3, 2003. This two-disc set features:

• audio commentary by James Cameron and William Wisher

• a new frame-by-frame digital restoration and 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer downconverted from a new hi-def master (for more information on the T2ED mastering process, see: www.thx.com/t2/)

• an interactive mode that takes viewers behind the process of how the pioneering digital effects of the film were made

• other documentaries and featurettes on various aspects of the film

• ROM extras, including a software tool that allows users to morph their digital images into a T-800 or T-1000 Terminator

 

This DVD contains the T2SE cut of the film, the theatrical release, as well as the "Extended Special Edition" (which includes scenes 56 and 56A, and the "Future Coda" alternate ending (scene 215; see section 1.2.2.1). The latter two cuts are hidden as "Easter eggs".

 

To access the hidden "Easter egg" features:

Insert the first disc of the set. On the disc's Main Menu, just wait. After the menu cycles a few times, the Terminator endoskeleton will suddenly appear on the screen and check you out (this also occurs on the second disc).

 

On the Main Menu, highlight the "Sensory Control" menu entry. Press the right arrow key on your remote control five times. "The Future Is Not Set" will appear on the screen in red letters. You have now switched the disc to play the Theatrical Cut of the movie, which is otherwise accessible only as a high- definition presentation as a DVD-ROM feature. Note that the interactive mode and the commentary track will not work in this presentation mode.

 

Go to "Sensory Control" and then enter "Interactive Mode". Press the down arrow five times. A section of the screen will turn red under the word "methodologies". Press Enter and you now have access to all 104 behind-the- scenes clips, storyboards, and two deleted scenes: "T-1000 Searches John's Room" and "Future Coda".

 

Insert the second DVD in the player. Highlight the "High Definition" menu entry and press the up arrow key on your remote control. This will highlight part of the DVD icon and give you access to the DVD production credits for this release.

 

Highlight the "DVD ROM" menu entry and then press the left arrow key. This will highlight a box in the lower left corner of the screen. Press enter and you will now get to see a trailer for the Terminator 2: Ultimate Edition DVD release.

 

Select the "DVD ROM" menu entry and press the up arrow key on your remote control twice to highlight the pool of blood on the floor. Press enter and you will get to see "The Worst That Can Happen."

 


 

[1.2.7] What are some other alternate versions?

-----------------------------------------------

T2 has been broadcast on TV in many countries. Often the film is edited for length and content. For more details on some of these alternate versions, see the Internet Movie Database.

 


 

[1.3] Terminator 2: 3-D (a.k.a. T2 3-D: Battle Across Time)

-----------------------------------------------------------

T2: 3-D is a sequel (of sorts) to T2 with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong, titled Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time. This attraction is at Universal Studios Orlando (since 1996), Universal Studios Hollywood (since 1999), and Universal Studios Japan (since 2001).

Producers: Andrew Millstein and Scott Ross (executive producers), Chuck Comisky (producer), and Jessica Huebner (associate producer)
Cinematography: Peter Anderson (3-D), Russell Carpenter (live-action), and Russ Lyster (effects)
Production Design: John Muto
Film Editing: Allen Cappuccilli, Shannon Leigh Olds, and David de Vos
Original Music: Brad Fiedel
Written by: James Cameron, Gary Goddard, and Adam Bezark (check out his website at www.bezark.com!)
Directors: John Bruno, James Cameron, and Stan Winston
 

From Gamefan magazine:

THE ATTRACTION

  • The 3-D film utilized in the attraction is approximately 10 minutes long and was directed by Terminator creator and director James Cameron.
  • The 10-minute film features all-new footage shot exclusively for the Terminator 2 - 3-D attraction. Production took place in a deserted steel mill in Fontana, California, taking over two weeks of all-night shooting.
  • Computer graphics house Digital Domain, whose special effects work can be seen in Jurassic Park and Apollo 13, created all of the digital composite imagery in the film.

THE FILM PROJECTION SYSTEM

  • Three-dimensional images are projected on three separate screens, in a way never seen before, surrounding guests with 180 degrees of in-your-face excitement.
  • Each of the three projection screens located within the attraction measure 23 feet high by 50 feet long.
  • Six fully automated 70mm film projectors are required to create the 3-D images that will reach off the screen and into the audience.

THE AUDIO SYSTEM

  • The Terminator 2 - 3-D attraction features a state-of-the-art sound system created by Soundelux that pumps a total of 45,620 Watts through 141 speakers. it is the most technically advanced system in the world and serves as a showplace for audiophiles across the globe.
  • All processing gear for the attraction's audio system are found within one master computer system. All connections and configurations are made on-screen utilizing computer software that has never been seen before.
  • The audio computer system allows audio engineers to modify and construct new audio configurations simply by drawing them on a computer screen instead of the time-consuming re-wiring required by a conventional system.

THE T2 3-D CINEBOTIC FIGURES

  • Originally, Universal Studios planned to feature in the attraction the T-800 chrome endoskeletons seen in the Terminator 2 motion picture. However, after consulting with director James Cameron, they discovered that the T-800s come from the future (around 2029) and therefore could not exist in the attraction in the present day. As a result, Cameron designed, exclusively for this attraction, the T-70 robot, a totally new, more primitive series of the mechanical soldier.

The following is a spoiler for T2: 3-D. DON'T read it if you don't want to know what happens!

 

**** SPOILER WARNING ****

Summary written by Dave Harling <dave.harling@ingram.com>:

The audience [is invited] to a presentation of future technology by the Cyberdyne Corporation; creators of the present T-70s and future creator of Skynet. Unfortunately, half-way through the presentation, they are sabotaged (live) by Sarah and John Connor, who inform us of the future doom Cyberdyne will unknowingly bring to the world. The audience is soon joined by the T-1000 as well as Arnold's T-800 on stage via motorcycle. The T-800 grabs John and exits the stage via a 3-D time portal, quickly pursued by the T-1000. From there it is all 3-D movie magic in which the T-800 and John Connor must defeat Skynet, which is guarded by the powerful T-1,000,000.

**** END OF SPOILER ****

 

For more information, see the Internet Movie Database, read the Wired magazine interview with JC in issue 4.04, or see Inside Universal.

 

 

[1.3.1] How is the Hollywood version of T2: 3-D different from the Florida version?

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The story and script are virtually identical. The 3-D film itself is exactly the same.

 

The biggest changes are in the building that houses the attraction. While the USF show building was hidden behind an existing "Hollywood" facade (which received a minor upgrade for the attraction), the situation at USH was different. The Hollywood show is built atop a seven-story parking structure, in an expansion area that once held "Fievel's Playland." An entire new structure was designed and built from scratch to house the queue, pre-show, main show, retail and a new restaurant. It's an avant-garde modern design that represents both the colors and forms of the Terminator movies. The paint scheme resembles a pixellated computer screen; the pattern was actually derived from a still frame from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Curving silver walls rise above the main building, suggesting "morphing" mimetic pollyalloys. A front wall suggests the original Cyberdyne headquarters, and a big "T2/3D" logo that juts out of the facade at an angle recalls the T-1000's motorcycle exploding from the Cyberdyne window.

 

Interesting structural note: The attraction features a number of elements that require a "basement" (for lifts, trap doors, robot pits, etc.) In Florida, this was accomplished by simply digging a little. At USH, however, it's on top of a parking lot--so if they dig, they'll hit somebody's Taurus! Instead, the entire theater is elevated about one-half story above the deck. The audience walks up a long ramp as they approach the pre-show, until they're six or seven feet above grade. They ramp down again as they exit the theater.

 

Now to the attraction itself...

 

The queue is perhaps the most different: it's housed in a sheltered outdoor area (as opposed to USF's air-conditioned indoor queue, necessary due to Florida's heat). Guests can watch the same introductory Cyberdyne video; they re-shot the elements that simulate guests standing in line. There are also eight new satirical Cyberdyne "product" posters, featuring Cyberdyne's horrific new technologies for home, business and military applications. These include "Cyberdyne DraftBoy," a system for identifying great video game players during childhood and passing their personal information on to the Department of Defense for future recruitment; and "Cyberdyne KidCollar," a low- voltage child restraint system for the home...

 

The pre-show is pretty much the same; the audience meets Kimberley Duncan, who's ickier than ever; and she shows the same corporate video. One scene featuring former Orlando Magic player, now L.A. Laker star, Shaquille O'Neal, was re- shot. He's ditched the Orlando blue-and-white uniform, and now sports Laker gold-and-blue.

 

The main theater itself is improved in subtle ways. The colors and finishes are all more refined, more corporate; a "portland cement" finish on the walls lends lends the room a cold, imposing feel. The lighting has also been tweaked, with new colors and looks, including a neat "blood-red" look behind the T-70 robots as they perform their target demonstration. Best of all, the soundtrack has been completely re-mixed by the amazing folks at Soundelux, resulting in crisper effects, better dialog legibility, and a much more exciting dynamic range.

 

There are other minor changes, but they're mostly behind the scenes. The projection and effects systems have all been bumped up a generation for better reliability. Also, the USH show features four T-70 robots instead of USF's six.

 

Exiting the theater, there's a much bigger, more "Terminator- like" retail area. There are two full-sized endoskeletons on display, plus some flying mini- hunters (from the 3-D movie).

 

The "CyberGrill" restaurant is a deco/chrome treat. There is some fun video footage of "antique" robotic and computer systems, set to big band swing tunes. (No Terminator clips, though.)

 

Finally, there's AquaZone, an outdoor plaza at the attraction's exit where kids can play in some wacky futuristic fountains while mom and dad have a drink and enjoy the view. The music here is a cosmopolitan mix of "watery" jazz, lounge music and movie soundtracks. (And if you listen carefully, you'll catch tracks from Titanic and The Abyss... Cameron's "water-themed" movies....)

 


 

[1.4] Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

----------------------------------------

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

(widescreen DVD)
order from
Amazon.com

 

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

(HD-DVD)
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Amazon.com

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

(full screen DVD)
order from
Amazon.com

 

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

(Blu-ray)
order from
Amazon.com

Producers: Moritz Borman, Guy East, Gale Anne Hurd, Nigel Sinclair (executive producers); Basil Iwanyk (co-executive producer); Mario Kassar, Hal Lieberman, Joel B. Michaels, Andrew G. Vajna, Colin Wilson (producers)

Cinematography: Don Burgess

Production Design: Jeff Mann

Art Directors: Shepherd Frankel, Beat Frutiger, Andrew Menzies, and Mark Zuelzke

Editing: Neil Travis, Nicolas De Toth (co-editor)

Written by: John Brancato, Michael Ferris, and Tedi Sarafian (story); John Brancato) and Michael Ferris (screenplay); Gale Anne Hurd and James Cameron (characters)

Director: Jonathan Mostow

Released in North America: 2 July, 2003

 

For more information, see the Internet Movie Database.

 

You can listen to interviews with some of the stars and filmmakers at the T3 Radio website.

 

You can buy merchandise at the T3 page of WBShop.com.

 

T3 was released on VHS video, and there are two versions of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines on DVD: one is the widescreen version, the other is the pan-and-scan version (so-called "full screen"). It was also released on HD-DVD disc in 2006, and Blu-ray in 2008.

 


 

[1.4.1] What scenes were cut from the T3 theatrical release?
-------------------------------------------------------------

There is one "deleted" scene that appears on the T3 DVD, known as the "Sgt Candy scene." Although details of the scene could be relayed here, the DVD is widely available. Plus, it would ruin the surprise of this goofy, silly scene. According to T3 director Jonathan Mostow, it was created especially for the T3 videogame, so it's not really a scene cut from the theatrical release of the film. Thank goodness for small favours.

 


 

[1.5] Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
----------------------------------------------

As cited in an article on Variety.com, Andrew G. Vajna and Mario Kassar's C2 Pictures is working with Warner Bros. TV and writer Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds) on the series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which debuted on the Fox television network on January 13, 2008.

 

The series takes place chronologically between T2 and T3, and balances action and family drama, focusing on Sarah's relationship with the teenage John Connor. Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger are not involved in this project. The series will have a link to what's being envisioned as a new feature trilogy. However, according to an interview with series producer/writer Josh Friedman at ign.com (spoiler warning), T:SCC takes place in an alternate timeline which differs from that in T3.

 

Sarah Connor is played by Lena Headey, John Connor is played by Thomas Dekker, Cameron Phillips is played by Summer Glau, Cromartie is played by Owain Yeoman and Garret Dillahunt, and FBI agent James Ellison is played by Richard T. Jones.

 

For more information, see Fox's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles web page, the official T:SCC Wiki, and the Internet Movie Database.

 

 

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