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THE TERMINATOR

In the near future, the world has been decimated by nuclear war and humanity has become subjugated by the intelligent machines that have taken over the planet. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a member of the human resistance movement, is called upon to travel back in time to the year 1984 in order to save a young woman named Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) from the cyborg of the title. The Terminator is an emissary for the machines of the future, also sent back in time to assassinate Connor and therefore prevent her from siring the child that will someday lead the resistance movement against them.

Phew! Like most time travel plots, this one is convoluted for surethough writer/director Cameron manages to present it in a logical manner so that it flows smoothly. What follows is an action-packed, intense sci-fi adventure full of good stunts and ace special effects. Supporting all the dazzle is a very human love story between Hamilton and Biehn that is immensely effective. And Arnold, as the unstoppable killing machine of the title, created an iconic character that would become his trademark.

The even bigger sequel, T2: JUDGMENT DAY, followed in 1991, turning Arnold's character into a good guy. And a third film is gestating even now, with Schwarzenegger apparently committed to returning again. But it is this first adventure that remains the most intriguing, despiteor perhaps because ofits raw edge.

Previously, an extras-free DVD version of the film was available from Image Entertainment, but this new Special Edition release from MGM Home Entertainment puts that earlier disc to shame. Featuring a new digital master from a high-definition transfer, THE TERMINATOR is presented in widescreen anamorphic with 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX audio. The remix was overseen by the film's composer, Brad Fiedel, though the original mono audio track is also included on the disc.

Extra features are plentiful. Two documentaries are included, one old and one brand new. "The Terminator: A Retrospective" is the older piece, from 1992, and it features Arnold and Cameron sitting around discussing the successful film that propelled both of them to the big time. This 18-minute documentary was apparently made in 1992 to coincide with TERMINATOR 2's video release, but it focuses on the original film and is of most interest because it offers a good deal of input from Schwarzenegger.

The second segment, called Other Voices, is the new piece and features interviews with several members of the cast and crew. Cameron, Fiedel, producer Gale Anne Hurd, Biehn, make-up supervisor Stan Winston and plenty of others offer their thoughts on the film. This documentary is about an hour long, and proves to be very satisfying, avoiding any potential studio sweet-talking which is all too often apparent on DVD releases.

The deleted scenes section offers seven fairly brief clips that didn't make it into the final cut, and while they're interesting to check out, it's pretty clear why they were excised. Cameron actually offers an audio commentary for these, but unfortunately does not provide one for the main feature. The director seems shy on this front, as most of his films on disc are missing commentaries. The absence of one here is just about the only negative on an otherwise excellent disc.

Cameron's original treatment for the film is also included, as is a DVD-ROM feature that allows for script to screen comparison. Trailers, TV spots and extensive image galleries are also found here, as are several Easter Eggs that lead to interview clips with specific crewmembers from the film.

It's all a great package, slightly marred by Cameron's apparent reluctance to offer an audio commentary. But having the film in Special Edition form like this is worth the price of admission anyway ($20 on Amazon.com), because after all, THE TERMINATOR remains one of the best modern sci-fi films out there.