Many people would argue that T3: Rise of the Machines should never have been made; a new director, an unknown storyline, and a new actor playing John Connor. Others could not wait to see Arnie suit up as the Terminator one last time. Sure, the Rise of the Machines plot is somewhat questionable, but you sure do get a bunch of action packed into this film.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role of the big, bad, funny (yet not knowingly) terminator… but this time he is in for his biggest challenge yet, fa…ing off against a female terminator. Kristanna Loken does a good job as the newest Terminator, and the rest of the cast do an adequate job as well. This film may not hold a candle to the first two films in this series, it is still extremely entertaining to watch.
”A decade has passed since John Connor (NICK STAHL) helped prevent Judgment Day and save mankind from mass destruction. Now 25, Connor lives “off the grid” – no home, no credit cards, no cell phone and no job. No record of his existence. No way he can be traced by Skynet – the highly developed network of machines that once tried to kill him and wage war on humanity. Until, out of the shadows of the future steps the T-X (KRISTANNA LOKEN), Skynet’s most sophisticated cyborg killing machine yet. Sent back through time to complete the job left unfinished by her predecessor, the T-1000, this machine is as relentless as her human guise is beautiful. Now Connor’s only hope for survival is the Terminator (ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER), his mysterious former assassin. Together, they must triumph over the technologically superior T-X and forestall the looming threat of Judgment Day, or face the apocalypse and the fall of civilization as we know it.” – Warner Bros.
Video
Let me spell this out for you… R-E-F-E-R-E-N-C-E. This DVD looks fabulous. The 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is absolutely flawless. The print is free from all defects, the colors are sharp yet natural, and the darks are deep. If you are looking for a disc to showcase your Home Theater, you may have met your match.
Audio
It is possible for the audio to be as great as the video on this disc? The answer is an emphatic YES! The sound separation on this Dolby Digital 5.1 track is wonderful. The soundstage is full of life, with perfect sound movement through all channels. The score and dialog are both effective, and the base is deep and powerful. You will really enjoy listening to this film on DVD.
Special Features
As could be expected, this set is jam-packed with extras. Disc one contains two audio commentaries. The first, conducted by the cast of T3, is very good. Each participant had their segments recorded separate and then mixed together to create one track. This mixing creates a very organized and succinct commentary, which is a nice change from most multi-participant tracks. Each cast member adds good insight into their thoughts and experiences with the film. This is one of the better tracks I have heard as of late. The second commentary features director Jonathan Mastow. As is the case as the first track, this commentary is very good… featuring a more detailed yet less entertaining track.
Disc two contains the majority of extras…
- Making-of Documentary: This 13-minute featurette features clips and interviews that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the making-of T3. This is a very fluffy marketing piece that essentially tells the storyline of the film.
- T3 Visual Effects Lab: Within the lab you will be able to see how a number of the large visual effect sequences were created. Each featurette is wonderfully created, and extremely entertaining and educational. This set of extras is a must see!
- Terminal Flaws: This gag reel contains 3-minutes of bloopers that occurred during the filming of T3.
- Dressed to Kill and Toys in Action are two brief featurette that explore, go figure, the wardrobe and toys inspired by T3.
- Skynet Database: This text-based interactive feature allows you to learn more about the film’s characters, terminators, and vehicles/weapons.
- Storyboards, a Terminator Timeline, a very funny Deleted Scene and a Making-Of the Video Game round out this disc.
The menus are fully animated with very smooth page transitions. The scene selections feature full motion video clips, and the navigation is very simplistic.
Final Thoughts
This may not be the best film, but this sure is one excellent DVD. The audio, video, and extras are all top-notch. You should really check this disc out.
Special Features List
- Introduction by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, Kristanna Loken
- Introduction by Jonahan Mostow
- Introduction by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Revealing new footage – creation of the original Terminator machine
- Visual Effects Lab: 4 FX vignettes
- Sky Net Database: Bio profiles of characters including TX- Advances prototype, Hunter Killer Units and John Connor
- Terminator Timeline
- Terminal Flaws: Gag reel
- Storyboard Gallery
- Deleted Scene
- Dressed to Kill: Costume and Production Gallery
- Making-Of the Video Game
- More…
Screenshots
