The Terminator – 4K Blu-ray Review
Warner Bros. 1984
R | 1hrs 48 min | Sci-Fi | Fantasy | Action
Native 4K | 2160P | Dolby Vision | HDR10 | Dolby Atmos | Dolby TrueHD 7.1 | DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (mono)
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Staring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick, Earl Boen, Joe Morton
Directed by: James Cameron
Ratings & Reviews
Please see here for my comments on reviewing movies.
My ratings are simple being marked out of a maximum of 5+. My reviews are biased towards the technical production aspects of the film with brief comments about the story line. Extras, sorry, that’s just not my ‘bag’.
Not having immersive audio yet, what did the new 7.1 soundtrack sound like? Very good in all respects, and the AI processed 4K HDR10 video? Also very good.
Entertainment: 5
Video: 4+
Audio: 4+
Technical Review – Native 4K HDR10
Terminator was originally shot by Adam Greenberg on 35 mm photochemical film using Arriflex 35 BL, Arriflex 35 III and F
With the film shot in Super 35 and re-scanned at 4K, this 4K release has good overall image clarity with a good display of crisp, sharp detail, with refined texturing throughout. Objects, costumes, threads and facial close-ups provide very good detail and definition, from the costume fabrics and stitching to the various material finishes and sets. Facial pores, stubble, wrinkles, eyelashes, hair strands, sweat, facial grime and features are all accurately rendered without any undue exaggerations. CGI and special effects integration are not too stellar, for example; during the scenes where The Terminator repairs himself and during the ending factory sequences, but what would you expect for a 1984 movie re-scanned to 4K? Effects like explosions, flying objects and debris are all quite well integrated into the live action with few distractions.
Contrast balance was very good throughout, from the brilliant uncompressed whites of the daylight exterior shots, from fiery explosions and the dazzling specular highlights to the deep and inky blacks of the factory and night shots, that showed good low level and moderate shadow detail. In particular the specular highlights that add a beaming glow to clouds, the realistic sheen along many metallic surfaces and brilliant lightning strikes. All providing a very good dynamic contrast range and enhancing visibility of objects in both exterior and interior shots.
The color palette presents with a solid array of vibrant colors, from its teal and blue hues, to the brilliant primary and secondary colors of food models, various logos and clothing hues. Color fidelity is very good throughout with vivid and well saturated primaries and secondary’s, all having good color depth and density, hues are bold and vibrant. From the vibrant reds, blues, and fiery yellows and oranges to the food models brilliant yellows, the purple laser blasts and vegetation greens. Skin tones and facial complexions looking very natural throughout.
This video is very good on all fronts, providing several reference HDR10 moments.
Audio – Dolby TrueHD 7.1
The Terminator features a new English Dolby Atmos soundtrack that is a significant up-tick to the LPCM and Dolby Digital EX 5.1 mixes on my current copy. Defaulting to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 in my system this is a dynamic and occasionally aggressive mix with plenty of atmospheric effects, good channel separation and a solid bottom end with room shaking bass. The rear channels being used extensively to convey the atmospheres of various rooms and outdoor environments, supporting directional and atmospheric cues alike. The 4K disc also includes that original theatrical audio in DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono.
Compared to the original soundtrack this Atmos mix replaced more than a few stock sound effects, and extensively sweetened the surround channels. Some Terminator die-hard fans may prefer the original mono or 5.1 mix, however, I enjoyed the new mix with its additional and enhanced effects and very solid bottom end. Take your pick.
The overall sound presentation is dynamic, with good sub involvement and surround action. The soundstage is wide and surrounds are regularly active with ambience, directional cues and movement, delivering an active environment that drops the listener into both calm environments and every action-packed sonic spectacle alike. Effects placement are accurate and solid, with movement in both the rear and side surrounds, together with the general environmental and room acoustics effects consistently pulling you into the various sets, from the inside of apartments and offices to open streets and larger factory settings. Not to mention the impactful hand to hand combat, gunfire, explosions and flying debris, all filling the surrounds and keeping you right “in the mix”.
Sub action is solid and extended, having the solid low-end that this movie deserves. Low frequency effects are plentiful. They are extended and powerful adding weight to the vehicle impacts, laser strikes and various explosive devices. However, handheld weapons blasts lacked a little in punch and impact. Imaging continuously feels broad and expansive following the action as it moves on and off-screen, like the car chases, police helicopters, flying bullets and debris and the terminators flying machines. Dialogue is delivered with solid front-center imaging, prioritization and good clarity and detail, no matter how loud and aggressive the action sequences became.
Flushing out the soundscape and supporting the movie throughout its entire length, the films score composed by Brad Fiedel, provides a supportive and well integrated mix for both the aggressive and more relaxed scenes equally well. Enhancing the visuals with depth, precision, and suspense it presents with moderate bass and dynamics, hitting a good balance between the dialogue and effects, providing a light spill into the surrounds and good integration within the soundstage
Overall a very good new mix.
Story Overview
Its 1984 in Los Angeles when the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), and a soldier Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) are sent back in time from a dystopian 2029, where AI machines have conquered the world and are exterminating all humans. The Terminator is an indestructible cyborg-assassin sent to kill a young woman named Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), while Kyle is a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army whose one-way mission is to stop this Terminator and save Connor at all costs. Why? Sarah will one day be critical to the survival of humanity. Stopping the Terminator is no easy task as he has no feelings, he doesn’t sleep, and above all, he won’t stop until he kills Sarah. What makes Sarah so important for the future?
My 2 cents
Serving as a testament to Cameron’s innovative filmmaking, some forty years on Terminator is still an entertaining movie. This rescanned and AI enhanced 4K version with updated soundtrack adding to the enjoyment of the movie, despite some less than stellar special effects. A generally impressive HDR10 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 presentation, delivering a worthwhile upgrade over previous home video releases and making it the best the film has ever looked and sounded on any format.
Recommended.
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