Is the original Terminator worth buying on Blu-ray - Blu-ray Forum

Beast · 10-31-2010, 01:38 AM

If you can't wait, you can grab the current release. Even though it's mediocre.

But hopefully the currently delayed Special Edition that Van Ling is working on will get released.

Greenboom98 · 10-31-2010, 01:49 AM

I picked this up a while ago. What sold me was the lenticular cover :-D JK Anyways, what I noticed was that the beginning was very bad. Looked like I was watching TV... but as the film progresses the PQ because much better and better than the DVD versions out there. It isn't 5/5 PQ but definetly worth the BD upgrade price @ $10 or less. Be warned about the beginning. (Kind of like how James &TGP beginning was... well not that bad but still)

Jeff B · 10-31-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenboom98

What sold me was the lenticular cover :-D

I love that cover too!

I would say that it is worth buying. The picture quality is not brilliant, but it is certainly better than DVD. Some people say that this looks like an upscaled DVD, but I think it looks better than that.

I bought my copy quite a while ago and have not regretted it. There will no doubt be a new release at some point, but after the UHE of Predator, I am glad that I bought these early MPEG-2 encodes in case other new releases are similarly subject to DNR. (Just my opinion!)

BestGuy · 10-31-2010, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beast

But hopefully the currently delayed Special Edition that Van Ling is working on will get released.

I would wait and get this.

Greenboom98 · 10-31-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BestGuy

I would wait and get this.

I'll probably pick it up as well if the PQ is superior & if it will ever see the light of day. Think my copy for $4.99 using Target's famous $5 BD coupon last year.. don't recall though... but I'm pretty sure I did use the coupon :-D

supersonic395 · 11-01-2010, 03:12 AM

From looking at the comparison pics, I think you'd be better off getting the special edition dvd (which has both the new 5.1 mix and the original mono track) and waiting for the special edition blu ray release.

miller_time22 · 11-01-2010, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenboom98

I'll probably pick it up as well if the PQ is superior & if it will ever see the light of day. Think my copy for $4.99 using Target's famous $5 BD coupon last year.. don't recall though... but I'm pretty sure I did use the coupon :-D

I did the same thing. Got this and the original Predator for $5 each, so it was definitely worth the upgrade. Man, I miss that coupon.

Batman1980 · 11-20-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beast

If you can't wait, you can grab the current release. Even though it's mediocre.

But hopefully the currently delayed Special Edition that Van Ling is working on will get released.

Would definitely be nice if we get a "SkyNet" edition for the first movie as well, if I get wind of one I will sell the copy I have right now.

bboisvert · 11-20-2010, 07:49 PM

I'd wait.

1. Picture. The transfer is mediocre. I did a A/B test with several people... the vast majority of the film is indistinguishable from the upconverted DVD. It just doesn't look great.

2. Sound. The original theatrical mono is dropped in favor of the gimmicky 5.1 track with re-recorded sound effects.

3. Extras. All the goodies from your DVD set are missing on this barebones BD.

Your call (as mentioned, it's dirt-cheap). But I really think this was a bit of a rush job and I'd hold out for one with better PQ, the mono soundtrack, and extras. This is The Terminator -- we know it's coming sooner or later. I'd guess that the instant MGM's financial situation is resolved, this will be a priority for them.

Ite · 11-20-2010, 09:57 PM

Not worth it because it doesn't have the original soundtrack.

troyus · 11-21-2010, 02:15 AM

I enjoyed it. Sound spunded good to me and the picture was what id expected.
Worth it to complete my terminator collection.

Freezeup · 11-21-2010, 05:32 AM

Worth it to me, for the price, as T2 is my favorite so this wasnt a huge deal to me.

However, I'm not picking up T2 until we get a better version of that. Not happy with the current release.

Canada · 11-21-2010, 05:43 AM

Picture was not all that good but the PCM 5.1 track is great it is a lot better than the DD 5.1 on the the DVD.

Terminator

Here is my user review

If you havn't seen this film and you an action/sci fi fan, you owe it to yourself to see this movie. Instead of watching Transformer for the 82,997, rent the Terminator and watch a real sci fi classic!

Video 2.5 As was said in the actual review this movie was shot on a very low budget, the film stock they used probably was not all that good or that well preserved. I was disapointed in how the image itself look, there was dust dirt and scratches all over the place. Hopefully they put out another remastered edition with better video and the same audio. The video had nothing to do with a lack of space on the 25 gig disc.

Audio 5: The PCM audio puts you in the middle of the fight for the future. This won't rival Pirates of the Carribean, Casino Royal or Live Free or Die Hard but considering they got the film to sound this good from mono origins it rates a 5 I doubt this could sound any better than it does here

Hopefully James Cameron will do a re-master of Terminator to make it look similar to the Aliens transfer, it probably won't look as good as Aliens because I don't think it was as good a film stock.

The Special Dog · 08-22-2011, 02:32 AM

i have the terminator digibook and the video is good !!! but my favorite is t2 steelbook!

Mastaplan23 · 08-22-2011, 09:25 AM

I've never owned the original on VHS or DVD, so Blu Ray will be an auto-matic for me.

Mick B · 12-18-2011, 03:20 PM

Just seen some artwork for a new release of The Terminator (which looks like a Fox release and not MGM) and a message stating a release date of May 2012.

I have not yet upgraded my DVD version yet to Blu-ray because of all the comments about the sound mix.

Lets all hope that any future release has the best picture quality and sound quality that can be got from this 1984 film.

If Fox or whoever are doing this don't sort these issues then this will be yet another great film left on my shelf as a DVD and not a Blu-ray.

Snake2013 · 04-03-2012, 09:30 PM

iThis bluray edition of The Terminator represents what I love about the format. Taking slightly older catalogue titles and giving them a hi-def facelift is exciting. The PQIn 1080p is superb...allowing fine detail and depth of image to shine. Its not immaculate as there are signs of print damage abound, but the color saturation and film grain places this title in the upper eschelon. The sound is outstanding and a revelation. The LPCM lossless soundtrack allows the viewer to hear details not discernible on previous pressings. The explosions and gunfire are thunderous and dialogue is crisp and well prioritized. At its current list price its worth it to own this classic looking and sounding better than it ever has!

Joce · 06-15-2012, 03:37 PM

This is the WORST blu-ray i ever seen.

11-21-2010, 05:43 AM	#13
Canada Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Victoria, BC Home Theater Gallery:17 4K collection:305 Blu-ray collection:1201 DVD collection:37 Blu-ray reviews:42	Picture was not all that good but the PCM 5.1 track is great it is a lot better than the DD 5.1 on the the DVD. Terminator Here is my user review If you havn't seen this film and you an action/sci fi fan, you owe it to yourself to see this movie. Instead of watching Transformer for the 82,997, rent the Terminator and watch a real sci fi classic! Video 2.5 As was said in the actual review this movie was shot on a very low budget, the film stock they used probably was not all that good or that well preserved. I was disapointed in how the image itself look, there was dust dirt and scratches all over the place. Hopefully they put out another remastered edition with better video and the same audio. The video had nothing to do with a lack of space on the 25 gig disc. Audio 5: The PCM audio puts you in the middle of the fight for the future. This won't rival Pirates of the Carribean, Casino Royal or Live Free or Die Hard but considering they got the film to sound this good from mono origins it rates a 5 I doubt this could sound any better than it does here Hopefully James Cameron will do a re-master of Terminator to make it look similar to the Aliens transfer, it probably won't look as good as Aliens because I don't think it was as good a film stock. Last edited by Canada; 11-21-2010 at 05:53 AM.

04-03-2012, 09:30 PM	#17
Snake2013 Member Member since:Jan 2010 Blu-ray reviews: 4	Superb transfer... iThis bluray edition of The Terminator represents what I love about the format. Taking slightly older catalogue titles and giving them a hi-def facelift is exciting. The PQIn 1080p is superb...allowing fine detail and depth of image to shine. Its not immaculate as there are signs of print damage abound, but the color saturation and film grain places this title in the upper eschelon. The sound is outstanding and a revelation. The LPCM lossless soundtrack allows the viewer to hear details not discernible on previous pressings. The explosions and gunfire are thunderous and dialogue is crisp and well prioritized. At its current list price its worth it to own this classic looking and sounding better than it ever has!

10-31-2010, 01:38 AM	#1
Beast Blu-ray Champion Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:376 Blu-ray reviews:3	If you can't wait, you can grab the current release. Even though it's mediocre. But hopefully the currently delayed Special Edition that Van Ling is working on will get released.

10-31-2010, 01:49 AM	#2
Greenboom98 Special Member Member since:Feb 2010 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:732 DVD collection:75 Trading Score:3	I picked this up a while ago. What sold me was the lenticular cover :-D JK Anyways, what I noticed was that the beginning was very bad. Looked like I was watching TV... but as the film progresses the PQ because much better and better than the DVD versions out there. It isn't 5/5 PQ but definetly worth the BD upgrade price @ $10 or less. Be warned about the beginning. (Kind of like how James &TGP beginning was... well not that bad but still)

11-01-2010, 03:12 AM	#6
supersonic395 Expert Member Member since:Jul 2010 Blu-ray collection:36	From looking at the comparison pics, I think you'd be better off getting the special edition dvd (which has both the new 5.1 mix and the original mono track) and waiting for the special edition blu ray release.

11-20-2010, 07:49 PM	#9
bboisvert Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Dec 2009 Blu-ray collection:1368 DVD collection:10 Trading Score:5	I'd wait. 1. Picture. The transfer is mediocre. I did a A/B test with several people... the vast majority of the film is indistinguishable from the upconverted DVD. It just doesn't look great. 2. Sound. The original theatrical mono is dropped in favor of the gimmicky 5.1 track with re-recorded sound effects. 3. Extras. All the goodies from your DVD set are missing on this barebones BD. Your call (as mentioned, it's dirt-cheap). But I really think this was a bit of a rush job and I'd hold out for one with better PQ, the mono soundtrack, and extras. This is The Terminator -- we know it's coming sooner or later. I'd guess that the instant MGM's financial situation is resolved, this will be a priority for them.

11-20-2010, 09:57 PM	#10
Ite Banned Member since:May 2010	Not worth it because it doesn't have the original soundtrack.

11-21-2010, 02:15 AM	#11
troyus Active Member Member since:Jan 2010 Blu-ray collection:248	I enjoyed it. Sound spunded good to me and the picture was what id expected. Worth it to complete my terminator collection.

11-21-2010, 05:32 AM	#12
Freezeup Expert Member Member since:Jan 2010 Location:Toronto Trading Score:1	Worth it to me, for the price, as T2 is my favorite so this wasnt a huge deal to me. However, I'm not picking up T2 until we get a better version of that. Not happy with the current release.

08-22-2011, 02:32 AM	#14
The Special Dog Blu-ray Duke Top contributor Member since:Jul 2011 Location:Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico 4K collection:535 Blu-ray collection:4281 DVD collection:156 Trading Score:340	i have the terminator digibook and the video is good !!! but my favorite is t2 steelbook!

08-22-2011, 09:25 AM	#15
Mastaplan23 Active Member Member since:Jul 2011 4K collection:169 Blu-ray collection:2138 DVD collection:956 Blu-ray reviews:1	I've never owned the original on VHS or DVD, so Blu Ray will be an auto-matic for me.

12-18-2011, 03:20 PM	#16
Mick B Member Member since:Dec 2011 Location:Nottingham, England	Just seen some artwork for a new release of The Terminator (which looks like a Fox release and not MGM) and a message stating a release date of May 2012. I have not yet upgraded my DVD version yet to Blu-ray because of all the comments about the sound mix. Lets all hope that any future release has the best picture quality and sound quality that can be got from this 1984 film. If Fox or whoever are doing this don't sort these issues then this will be yet another great film left on my shelf as a DVD and not a Blu-ray.

06-15-2012, 03:37 PM	#18
Joce Active Member Member since:Nov 2010	This is the WORST blu-ray i ever seen.

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