the war against the Arnies
 Aug 10th, 2001
Advantages:
the best film ever? on a a great DVD? ! you're damn right its true
Disadvantages:
the original 1984 subtitles do not appear at the beginning
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Did you enjoy it?
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Characters / Performances
Special Effects
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  angelofdeff
About me:
Member since:06.08.2001
Reviews:15
Members who trust:3
Review rated by 16 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
What can I say?, possibly the greatest film of all time on possibly the best DVD yet. It's hard to know where to begin, I mean, the film is perfect, it comes in a double DVD box set which is nicely packaged…it's almost too good. The story is simple enough, basically two individuals from the near future appear in 1984 Los Angeles, both trying to find Sarah Connor - car chases and gun battles ensue, lots of big explosions and nice special effects, the Terminator and his array of one-liners and catchphrases become famous and a few careers sky-rocket in the process.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a certain reputation with regards to his films. They seem to have so much mindless violence that it doesn't really require a great deal pf acting on his part…and to an extent this is true of Terminator, but that's the beauty of it…he doesn't really have to say anything - his actions do all the talking. His cold emotionless stare is occasionally enough to send shivers down our spine. Also his performance as a robot mimicking a human is very convincing…even without the special make-up to show he is a machine underneath the flesh. His robotic posture and walk, the way his eyes scan back and forward searching for his target, and his sheer size all add to his menacing appearance. In my opinion, Michael Beihns most prominent role has been as Kyle Reese in Terminator. Beihn gives a very convincing portrayal of the man out of time, who has only known a life of conflict and turmoil - and it comes across as he tries to cope with his new surroundings, as he is thrown back in time to a point before the "war against the machines" (as it is so dramatically described)
Linda Hamilton is also great as the girl-next-door, Sarah Connor, who must come to terms with the importance of her existence - and the major role that her unborn son will play in the forthcoming war against the machines. There are also solid performances from Lance Henrikson and Paul Winfield, plus there are some familiar cameos throughout, such as Dick Millar, Bill Paxton and William Wisher (co-writer for Terminator)
I also love the soundtrack, its excellent. Brad Fiedel did a great job of making what is, a very industrial style soundtrack - and went on to make an even BETTER soundtrack for the sequel. Plus, you got to love Stan Winstons puppets and miniatures, they're just so good - and for being made in 1984, it's definitely ahead of its time. The critics will probably tell you "Titanic" was James Cameron's greatest triumph (it won enough academy awards…), but they lie, for it is the Terminator which earned Cameron the reputation and the success. Cameron was well pleased with it too, and so would you, if you managed to turn your dream into a reality. From fever-induced dream to Hollywood epic, The Terminator has won a place in many peoples hearts, mine included.
For such a great film to appear on such a great DVD is surely a triumph. There are so few discs that can boast the wealth or quality of extras that this one does. The package is also nicely presented in a fold-out box set with booklet inside. The quality of picture and sound is excellent, but my only gripe is that the subtitles at the beginning of the film that explain the war against the machines are not from the original 1984 version. They instead overlap the black bar at the bottom…meaning that if you are watching this in Widescreen, and choose to watch it in 16:9, then you are going to get the words cut off.
But to be honest, it doesn't matter - the film is brilliant, the discs are brilliant and that’s all there is too it. Just buy it and see for yourself.
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by (6%):
25.02.2006 13:20
Great review, Ellie.
01.10.2005 14:41
lol Im not a terminator fan but I'll buy it for the boys, ty for the review
20.08.2005 12:25
great review