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Introduction
This article is part of a series where we investigate which is the best version of particular movies on home media. In this article, we will look at the different releases of Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) on Blu Ray, UHD Blu Ray – and streaming if available – and look at the specs and quality of each release to determine the best way to watch Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991).
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) Summary
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) is a science fiction action film set in a near-future world where sentient machines have waged a war against humanity. A young boy, John Connor, is destined to become the leader of the human resistance. To prevent this, a highly advanced killing machine, the T-1000, is sent back in time to eliminate him. At the same time, a reprogrammed Terminator, the T-800, arrives with the mission to protect John.
Both John and his mother, Sarah Connor, are forced to confront their knowledge of the future and navigate an increasingly dangerous situation as they try to stop the threat posed by the new advanced Terminator. The film explores themes of fate, responsibility, and the ethical use of technology, with the tension building through the interactions between the human characters and the unstoppable machines sent from the future.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) Cast Summary
| Actor’s Name | Character’s Name | Character Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Arnold Schwarzenegger | The Terminator (T-800) | A reprogrammed Terminator sent back to protect John Connor from a new threat. |
| Linda Hamilton | Sarah Connor | John’s mother; a hardened survivor preparing to stop the rise of the machines. |
| Edward Furlong | John Connor | The future leader of the human resistance, currently a young boy targeted by machines. |
| Robert Patrick | T-1000 | An advanced shapeshifting Terminator sent to kill John Connor. |
| Earl Boen | Dr. Peter Silberman | A psychiatrist skeptical of Sarah Connor’s warnings about future machines. |
| Joe Morton | Miles Dyson | A key figure in developing technology that will lead to the creation of future sentient machines. |
| S. Epatha Merkerson | Tarissa Dyson | Miles Dyson’s wife, who becomes involved in the events surrounding his research. |
| Jenette Goldstein | Janelle Voight | John Connor’s foster mother in the present timeline. |
| Xander Berkeley | Todd Voight | John Connor’s foster father, who helps raise him. |
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) Home Media Releases (Blu Ray and Streaming)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) was published on the following contemporary home formats.
Table 1: Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray Releases – General Info
| Release Name / Format | Release Date | Video Codec | Audio Codec | Video Bitrate | Audio Bitrate | Director’s Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blu Ray | Jun 27, 2006 | MPEG-2 | DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix | 18.98 Mbps | 1509 Mbps | No |
| Blu-ray (Skynet Edition) | Nov 7, 2013 | VC-1 | DTS-HD MA 6.1 / DTS 5.1 | 19.27 Mbps | Lossless | Yes |
| Blu-ray (2015 Remastered) | May 19, 2015 | AVC / MPEG-4 | DTS-HD MA 5.1 | 25 Mbps | Lossless | Yes |
| Blu-ray 3D (Real 3D Edition) | December 26, 2017 | MVC / AVC | DTS-HD MA 5.1 | 29 Mbps | Lossless | Yes |
| UHD Blu-ray (4K Remaster + Blu-ray 3D) | December 26, 2017 | HEVC (H.265) | DTS-HD MA 5.1 | 47 Mbps | Lossless | Yes |
| Terminator 2: Judgment Day iTunes | June 16, 2015 | HEVC (H.265) | Dolby Digital Plus | 25 Mbps | 384 Kbps | No |
Table 2: Video & Audio Scores and Mastering Info
| Release Name / Format | V Score | A Score | DI Res | DNR Used | AI Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blu-ray (Skynet Edition) | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 2K | Yes | No |
| Blu-ray (2015 Remastered) | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 2K | Minor | No |
| Blu-ray 3D (Real 3D Edition) | 3.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4K | Yes | No |
| UHD Blu-ray (4K Remaster + Blu-ray 3D) | 2.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4K | Yes | Yes |
Summary of Key Points:
- V Score = Video Score
- A Score = Audio Score
- DI Res = Digital Intermediate Resolution
- DNR Used = Indicates whether Digital Noise Reduction was used.
- AI Used = Indicates whether AI technology was used for remastering.
Explanation:
- The UHD Blu-ray (4K) release, which came out in 2017, has the most advanced picture quality on paper, but it has sparked significant controversy due to the heavy use of DNR, which has smoothed out fine details. This affects the video score, which is notably low in reviews, despite the 4K resolution and the HDR boost. AI was reportedly used in parts of the remastering process for some segments.
- The Skynet Edition Blu-ray (2009) has been one of the preferred Blu-ray releases for years, offering a solid balance between video and audio quality, though it also suffers from some DNR.
- However, the 2015 Blu-ray Remaster is slightly better in terms of video quality due to reduced DNR and using a more advanced video codec in the form of AVC, as opposed to VC-1 or MPEG-2 on the very first release on Blu Ray.
- Audio Scores remain consistently strong across most editions, especially with the inclusion of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track on Blu-rays.
These details echo discussions across home theater forums, highlighting concerns about excessive digital alteration on the video side, while the audio maintains consistent high quality.
Please note that we have tried to make sure as much as possible that this information is correct by referencing multiple sources but still keeping it simple and accurate across release regions. Please let us know in the comments if you find any errors.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) Legacy Formats
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) was also published on the following legacy formats. Here’s a table listing the various releases of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) across VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, and D-Theatre formats, along with information about release dates, aspect ratios, and whether the release included the director’s cut.
Table: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, D-Theatre Releases
| Format | Release Date | Widescreen or Pan & Scan | Director’s Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| VHS (USA) | November 1991 | Pan & Scan | No |
| VHS (Special Edition) | 1993 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
| Laserdisc (USA, Standard Edition) | 1992 | Pan & Scan | No |
| Laserdisc (Japan, Special Edition) | 1993 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
| Laserdisc (USA, Special Edition) | January 3, 1997 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
| DVD (Standard Edition) | September 15, 1997 | Widescreen | No |
| DVD (Ultimate Edition) | August 29, 2000 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
| DVD (Extreme Edition) | June 3, 2003 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
| D-Theatre (HDTV Format) | 2003 | Widescreen | Yes (Extended Edition) |
Summary Notes:
- Widescreen or Pan & Scan:
- Pan & Scan versions crop the original aspect ratio to fit 4:3 screens, typical for original VHS and early Laserdisc releases.
- Widescreen retains the film’s original theatrical aspect ratio (~2.35:1), becoming more common with later Laserdisc and DVD versions, as well as all D-Theatre releases.
- Director’s Cut (Extended Edition):
- The Extended Edition (often titled “Special Edition” or “Ultimate Edition”) includes approximately 15 extra minutes of footage not shown in the original theatrical release. This version began to appear in Laserdisc and DVD formats starting in 1993.
Which version of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) should you watch?
Based on review scores and discussions across various home theater forums and review sites, the best disc version of Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a bit nuanced depending on personal preferences, but most enthusiasts point to the 2015 Blu-ray Remaster (non-3D) as a solid, balanced option due to preservation of the film’s original texture and avoiding some of the pitfalls of the later 4K remaster.
Recommended Versions Based on Different Factors:
1. Best Overall Viewing Experience: Blu-ray (2015 Remastered)
- Release Date: May 19, 2015
- Why Choose This?
- Balanced Picture Quality: This version offers a solid HD picture transfer without the extreme application of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) seen in the more controversial UHD 4K remaster (2017).
- Video Quality: Forum discussions (e.g., Blu-ray.com, AVSForum) praise this version for retaining more natural film grain and texture compared to DNR-heavy releases like the Skynet Edition (2009) and the UHD Blu-ray (4K) (2017), which smooth out too many details.
- Audio Quality: The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers an immersive audio experience that satisfies most home theater setups.
- Notable Drawback:
- Limited to 1080p HD resolution, so it’s not capable of 4K HDR brilliance (which the latest UHD disc offers). However, many believe the trade-off for retaining filmic integrity without overprocessing is worth it.
2. 4K Enthusiasts: UHD Blu-ray (4K 2017 Remaster)
- Release Date: December 26, 2017
- Why Choose This?
- 4K Resolution & HDR: If you have a 4K setup with HDR, this disc takes advantage of the higher resolution and can provide deeper colors and better contrast in some scenes.
- DTS-HD MA 5.1 Audio: The audio mix is strong, with booming sound and immersive surround effects, rated high (4.5/5) in many reviews.
- Notable Drawback:
- Overuse of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction): A common complaint on forums such as Blu-ray.com, Reddit (movie/home theater discussions), and AVSForum is that the UHD Blu-ray version is overly “scrubbed” to remove grain, resulting in a plasticky look that compromises fine detail and gives an unnatural smooth appearance to characters’ faces. This is especially noticeable in close-ups.
- AI-enhanced Remastering: There’s evidence AI was used for the 3D version of this remaster, and some of that made its way into the 2D version, resulting in artificial look in some scenes.
- Video Review Score: Generally rated lower on video quality (around 2.5-3.0/5) despite being a “4K” release.
3. For Collectors and Directors Cut Fans: Skynet Edition (2009)
- Release Date: May 19, 2009
- Why Choose This?
- Includes multiple cuts: Including the theatrical and director’s cut
- Lots of Extra Features included, including a cool Blu Ray menu system.
- Reasonable Quality for Blu-Ray (at the time): Though it has some DNR (which softens detail), this release was widely popular upon its release and regarded as one of the better options, especially due to the DTS-HD MA 6.1 audio mix, which enhances some of the action sequences.
- Notable Drawback:
- Still not as refined visually as the 2015 Blu-ray or the potential visual depth of the 4K version, and the DNR, while not egregiously bad, can still be noticeable.
4. For 3D Enthusiasts: Blu-ray 3D (2017)
- Release Date: December 26, 2017
- Why Choose This?
- Immersive 3D: This version was converted into 3D and remains a fun choice for anyone with a 3D setup.
- Notable Drawback: Suffers from the same DNR issues as the 4K version, leading to overly smooth visuals.
Verdict Based on Forums and Reviews:
- 2015 Remastered Blu-ray is the most recommended for viewers who want the best balance of picture quality, authenticity, and audio without the problems that plague the later 4K release.
- UHD Blu-ray (4K 2017) benefits from 4K resolution and HDR, but you’ll need to tolerate the over-applied DNR that erases much of the original film’s grain and texture.
- Skynet Edition (2009) remains a decent backup for those who want the Extended Edition, though its video transfer isn’t quite as good as the 2015 remaster.
Forums generally lean away from recommending the UHD 4K Blu-ray unless you’re very focused on HDR capabilities and extreme resolution, as the DNR-heavy transfer feels like a downgrade in detail to many fans of the film’s original look.
Why Audio and Video Calibration is Important?
Movies only play accurately on home systems if both the display and audio system are calibrated to reference. Here at Simple Home Cinema, we are fanatic about accurate playback to the way the director intended. This is why we created both free and premium calibration guides, so you can calibrate your audio and video for optimal playback.
| Audio Calibration | Video Calibration |
|---|---|
| Audyssey – Dirac Live – YPAO – All | Free Guides |
| Premium Guides | Premium Guide |
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