Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) Commentary with  

I remember seeing T2 in the theater in 1991 when I was 13 years old. I grew up in a suburb of L.A. and I currently work in the area where the scenes of John being chased on his motorcycle by the T1000 in the semi truck were shot. It has to be one of my favorite nostalgic cinema experiences from my youth. Thanks for giving me a great excuse to watch it for the zillionth time.

T2 was one my favourite films as a kid, I probably watched it at least 50 times back then 😅 but haven't seen it in 15-20 years. As an adult I enjoy T1 more and I watch it fairly regularly. Thanks to you I rediscovered this amazing film, watching it again after so many years felt like going back to my childhood, 'going home'. You guys did a great commentary, keep it up! 😁

I always felt that the desert/prepper scenes were the most interesting, especially after having watched the movie many times over (quite the opposite of your opinion). They always seemed to me to be the part of the narrative that was the most fertile ground for the kinds of extra-canonical supportive spin-off story telling that franchise nerds like us would look for in novels, comics, and of course the TV show. I always wondered about how Sarah formed her relationship with the community there, for example, or how she gave birth to John and then subsequently educated him.

Gibbons come on man you can't leave the desk like that! Gibbons!... Oh shit!

Thank you for doing this. Really enjoyed listening. Know T2 so well don't need to watch the film to see the scenes 😂

This films opening really packed a punch with the Terminator crunching on the skull followed by the exposed endoskeleton eyes scanning for human life.

I remember seeing this when I was 16. It's my favourite movie of all time. It's the only film that had me thinking about the film days after I had seen it. It totally blew me away, the t-1000 effects were incredible, the music, the acting. Everything for me was just perfect. I literally cannot find a fault with the film.

Great commentary, thanks guys.

Miles doesnt do a lot but after several times watching T2, he really leaves his mark. His death makes me cry every time now

The Pescadero building was a real closed hospital, which had been used in many productions. They did a lot of work on the interior so it looks very different in this compared to everything else.

The chicken place Courtney Cox works at in Masters of the Universe has to be next to the bar in this movie because director Gary Goddard said the Rodney King beating happened in front of there too.

True lies next gents? Or better still, total recall.

I want to see the deleted scene of the T800 trying to get into the mall's back corridor but is unable to make the combi-lock on the staff door work & needs to wait for the duty manager to bring the janitor with a mad huge key fob chained to a brick....

T2 works having essentially the same plot as he first movie because the theme is flipped upside down in the sequel. In T2 the machine becomes more human and Sarah becomes a cold blooded stalker who almost murders Dyson to change the future - what is Skynet trying to do? Kill John Connor before he can become a leader and save the future. What is Sarah trying to do? Kill Dyson before he can give birth to Skynet. And she goes in like a merciless Terminator. There's so much incredible irony in it all. This is why T2 works despite being so similar to T1 on the surface.

Yeeee CARNOSAUR 2 mention! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Rob is truly the Bad Movie Bible.

Loving all of these commentary videos. They give me just another reason to watch one of my favorites while I listen to these fellas talk through what makes them great. Thanks for posting these?!

2:23:37 Apparently, that's Cameron doing all the screams and shrieking for the T-1000 dying.

I was 13 when I went to see this and I can’t believe they let me with no adult over 18 with us . Good times 😊

Loved the commentary track!

You two have a great chemistry and top channels as well!

Waited for this so long and great to see Rob as co host!!!

I first saw this movie sometime around ‘98 in the back seat of my neighbors car who had Alpine tv’s in the headrests. Initially drawn in by the fact they had tv’s in their car, my focus quickly turned to the incredible movie I was watching on them. Before long we decided to just go inside the house and watch it on a proper screen 😄

Thank you both for this its so cooool....brainscan was a great movie..

You need to watch Fubar with Arnold

The editing in this movie was key.

When a terminator is sent out they have their chips set to follow instructions ie hunt and kill,by resetting the chip THEN it can learn

2:33:15 Pretty sure that on the DVD commentary, Cameron says he prefers this cut over the theatrical. Or am I confusing it with the Aliens commentary? 🤔

My brother in Law got me into the cinema. I was like 13 i guess it was Terminator movie night 1st and 2nd part in a row..i was so proud...great memories . love u my black brother Jean Paul for that night ....u fell asleep in the first part....

That X-Files trashing was outrageous! Classic fucking show. Lol.

Did you guys get the chance to watch the 3d conversion of this film? It was absolutely beautifully executed - somehow!

I love these commentaries, chaps.

I read a while back that Brad Fiedel sampled a lot of clanging of metal objects for the soundtrack, so it wasn't just synths, there were a lot of real world sounds in it, something I don't think anyone else has done since. The only composer that I know of that could probably do it justice would be Hans Zimmer.

...Watching it now; it's on BBC America channel.

😂I had the Terminator car as a kid. Always wanted the cyrochamber thing but was too dear. Got the car and a couple of others from B&M Bargains. The 12” Arnie was the best tho as it had the mini gun and would say phrases. Was movie accurate but the smaller ones were just nuts. Cowboy George is the name of the A-Team episode with Culture Club in it. It’s fantastic. The Bluray boxset is great well worth getting.

I saw ghostbusters 8 times, i used to know the entire movie.

Been looking forward to this. The 2015 region A Bluray is the best looking home version of the film still. Remember my first DVD import was the region 1 Ultimate Edition of this film as I got tired of waiting for it to get a U.K. release.

We need to give extended edition a proper 4k remastering 😢

2:16:47 It goes to the fudge room.

Thanks for this T2 and The are unparalleled. Great commentary and I would love a Dark Fate one from you guys. I honestly think it's the best post-T2 sequel.

oliver do you ever go to conventions in uk?

Does anyone even watch the ultimate cut? Don’t think they exist…

It’s missile command the arcade his playing

I wish I could find the theatrical cut online, I don’t like the additions 😢

Point Break next???🌊

Still in my top 10 of films. Seeing this on release at university ... just wow. Went to go and see it about 5 times again. Just a complete 'world building' film.

So true about Cameron, despite him doing some of the biggest grossing films since true lies I have zero interest in them 😂

If I remember correctly older special effects look off because of the scan processing. Someone mentioned the effects looked better in cinema because they were projected. Funnily enough it was brought up in T3 commentary (the quasy T1000 flying through stone scene).

Ginger girl who tells T1000 JC is at galleria is Nikki cox was in a few big shows and married bobcat the crazy one from police academy 😜

Wow i will be back later but this is quality. F kermode give me o.h anytime

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:26 *🎬 Commentary introduction and film background* - Introduction to the commentary on Terminator 2: Judgment Day Special Edition. - Background information on the film's production and initial reception. 02:09 *🎥 Opening sequence and filmmaking insights* - Analysis of the iconic opening sequence depicting a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. - Details about the production, including the use of practical effects and miniature work. 04:05 *🎵 Musical score and thematic resonance* - Appreciation for Brad Fiedel's iconic musical score and its thematic resonance with the film's apocalyptic setting. - Comparison of the music in Terminator 2 with subsequent Terminator sequels. 06:22 *📽️ Influence of Mad Max and genre conventions* - Examination of Mad Max's influence on the post-apocalyptic genre and filmmaking industry. - Discussion on the formulaic nature of Terminator sequels and their adherence to genre conventions. 08:01 *🏙️ Filming locations and historical context* - Insight into filming locations, including the significance of a bar adjacent to the Rodney King incident. - Anecdotes about real-world events coinciding with the production of certain scenes. 09:27 *💪 Physicality of actors and character portrayal* - Analysis of the physicality of actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick in their respective roles. - Comparison of Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the Terminator across different films. 11:26 *🎬 Directorial choices and narrative pacing* - Examination of director James Cameron's choices in the Special Edition cut compared to the theatrical release. - Discussion on pacing differences and the impact on audience engagement. 12:51 *🔪 Production details and behind-the-scenes anecdotes* - Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about production challenges, including the removal of a digital "willy" from a scene. - Insight into editorial decisions and conflicts between editors and director James Cameron. 14:14 *🎭 Acting performances and character nuances* - Analysis of Robert Patrick's performance and character nuances as the T-1000. 16:04 *🏢 Set design and production authenticity* - Discussion on the authenticity of set design, including the repurposing of an office building to depict a mental institution. 17:34 *💥 Action sequences and choreography* - Analysis of action sequences and choreography, highlighting the realism and intensity of fight scenes. - Reflections on character development and thematic depth in Terminator 2, particularly in relation to the T-800's evolution. 18:29 *🎥 Movie marketing and character portrayal* - Discussion on movie marketing revealing character roles. 19:58 *🔧 Character aging and scene analysis* - Observations on Edward Furlong's aging throughout the film. 21:13 *🏥 Sarah Connor's character development* - Discussion on Sarah Connor's character evolution. 22:26 *💥 Behind-the-scenes insights and historical context* - Insights into behind-the-scenes anecdotes during filming. 23:29 *🎞️ Opening sequences and film reception* - Comparison of opening sequences between "Terminator 2" and "Terminator: Dark Fate." 24:52 *🤔 Psychological dynamics and character analysis* - Analysis of psychological dynamics between Sarah Connor and Dr. Silberman. 27:24 *🕹️ Cultural impact and visual effects* - Reflections on the cultural impact of "Terminator 2" in media and technology. 29:24 *👨‍👩‍👦 Extended cut and character depth* - Comparison of character depth between theatrical and extended cuts. 30:36 *🚲 Action sequences and production details* - Analysis of action sequences and production challenges. 32:40 *🎮 Easter eggs and continuity errors* - Identification of Easter eggs and arcade game references in the film. 39:19 *🎥 Visual Effects and Casting* - Discussion on the groundbreaking visual effects of the liquid metal Terminator. 41:45 *🎭 Acting and Performance* - Analysis of Ed Furlong's acting style and portrayal of John Connor. 45:19 *🔍 Plot Details and Character Dynamics* - Discussion on plot changes and character revelations, including the significance of the T-1000's realization. 50:42 *🧠 AI Learning and Technological Evolution* - Reflections on the concept of the Terminator's learning capabilities and its portrayal in the film. 54:37 *💥 Action Sequences and Humor* - Appreciation of action sequences, including memorable moments like the T-800 stepping over the burning T-1000. 59:08 *🎬 Movie censorship and cultural context* - Discussion about censorship of violent scenes in movies by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). 01:01:06 *🎥 Commentary on filmmaking techniques* - Appreciation of special effects, particularly the scene where the T-1000's hand gets trapped. 01:06:29 *🌟 Actor performances and director influence* - Discussion on actors' performances in action movies and their collaboration with directors. 01:19:15 *🏠 Discussion on filming locations and set design* - The discussion covers the use of filming locations, specifically the house used in the movie and its interior remodeling. 01:20:42 *🤖 Reflections on Miles Dyson's character and thematic connections* - Analysis of Miles Dyson's character development and portrayal in the film. 01:23:00 *🔬 Speculation on Stanley Kubrick's interpretation of "Terminator"* - Contemplation on how Stanley Kubrick might have approached directing a "Terminator" film. 01:26:10 *💥 Discussion on gun usage in the film and directorial sensitivity* - Insight into James Cameron's stance on gun usage in films, particularly in action sequences. 01:29:08 *🎬 Commentary on pacing and memorable sequences* - Analysis of pacing in action films, focusing on the balance between exposition and action. 01:38:04 *🎬 Discussion on Ron Howard's involvement in Star Wars and his directorial skills* - Ron Howard's potential in directing a Star Wars film is recognized, despite his involvement in a box office flop like "Solo". 01:39:24 *🎭 Appreciation for Joe Morton's acting career and filmography* - Recognition of Joe Morton's talent and notable performances in various films. 01:40:28 *📀 Discussion on the multiple releases of "Terminator 2" on different home video formats* - Exploration of the extensive release history of "Terminator 2" across various formats, including laser disc, DVD, and Blu-ray. 01:41:54 *🔊 Analysis of sound design and visual aesthetics in "Terminator 2"* - Appreciation for the intricate sound design and visual style of "Terminator 2", contributing to its cinematic impact. 01:49:23 *🎨 Commentary on iconic visual elements and action figures of "Terminator 2"* - Discussion on memorable visual elements like the Terminator's iconic appearance and the Skynet building's design. 01:52:02 *🎥 Exploration of stunt work and safety concerns in action films, particularly in Hong Kong cinema* - Reflection on the extreme risks taken by stunt performers in Hong Kong cinema, showcasing examples of daring stunts from various films. 01:57:22 *🎬 Commentary on action movie tropes and tension-building techniques* - Commentary on action movie tropes and clichés, 01:59:00 *🎥 Practical effects and editing complexity in Terminator 2* - Discussion on practical effects and stunt work, 02:01:30 *🎶 Musical cues and callbacks in action sequences* - Analysis of musical cues enhancing action scenes, 02:04:26 *🚁 Helicopter stunt and cinematography discussion* - Discussion on the complexity and risk of helicopter stunts, 02:07:40 *💥 Analysis of action choreography and special effects* - Commentary on the quality of action choreography and stunt work, - Discussion on special effects innovations and their influence on the industry, 02:20:08 *🌩️ The significance of lightning effects in classic movies* - Lightning effects were integral in classic films like Terminator 2, adding to the fantasy and atmosphere. 02:21:12 *🎬 Discussion on various movie monologues and memorable scenes* - Mention of William Shatner's hyperbolic monologue in "Devil's Revenge" and its impact. 02:22:18 *💿 Collectors' items and nostalgia for classic movies* - Discussion on collecting movie memorabilia, like laser discs, and the appeal of owning collector's items. 02:24:30 *🔄 Speculation on alternative casting choices for iconic movie roles* - Debate on the idea of Michael Biehn playing the T1000 in Terminator 2 and its potential impact on the narrative. 02:25:55 *🤖 Evaluation of different Terminator franchise installments* - Personal opinions on various Terminator films, including enjoyment of "Terminator Salvation" and dissatisfaction with "Terminator Genesis." 02:27:13 *👁️ Observations on special effects and makeup in movies* - Analysis of special effects and makeup in Terminator 2, including discussions on the design of the T-800's robotic eye and comparisons with other films like RoboCop. 02:29:06 *🎬 Reflections on movie endings and narrative closure* - Discussion on preferred narrative endings in films, ranging from immediate closures to extended epilogues. Made with HARPA AI

Thank fuck denzel turned down that role. Way too assuming for that

Ironically, James Ferman of the BBFC was American. I have to point out that Mary Whitehouse was the real puritan monster of entertainment. Once she was out of the way things really loosened up.

LGR did a video on that handheld computer the kid uses.

I think the shotgun reload is an homage to John Wayne, don’t know the movie

Please look at The Omen franchise.

Maybe he wasn't as big in Terminator 2 anymore because steroids were banned in the US in '90?

This is ironically just like the Alien films. Two great ones and the rest are just garbage. Terminator 3 is bland and unnecessary at best. 4 is again just a waste of time although I did like that there was no time travel which I'm sick of. The last two films were properly terrible. Another series that should have never been a franchise.

I find ‘The Terminator’ movies tepid.

10:08 Problem Child 2, released the same day as Terminator 2, predominantly used Bad to the Bone. It was also used for the opening credits of the first Problem Child. There’s also a story Bill Wisher tells where he suggested that song when they were writing it and Cameron refused. When T2 was being editing, Cameron showed Wisher this scene cut to Bad to the Bone and claimed it was his idea. Wisher knew better than to start an argument with Cameron and didn’t say anything since he won the argument with this being in the final film.

My second favourite movie after Aliens. Die Hard is my third favourite movie.

I always did love the scene of John Connor being chased on his little 2 stroke scrambler with its 26 speed gearbox…… 🤔😉😆

Oliver, loving the Terminator commentaries with Rob Hill and I can't wait for your opinions on the non-Cameron ones. 👍

Ooh, that's tonight's film chosen. Thanks chaps.

Total Recall was Carolco too 😊

Are you guys in cahoots with the streaming services or something. Whenever there's a new commentary the movie is suddenly nowhere to be found on any live services and i end up going to TPB to watch it lmao. I love your work but I'd rather not rent a movie for 9.99 on amazon that i've already paid for over the years at least half a dozen times through various channels

Thanks for the commentary. I prefer the original Terminator, but the sequel is so well done!

I don’t understand why T1000 did not kill Sarah Connor, but chose to only stab her in the shoulder and request her to call to John. He could’ve called to John himself without Sarah after he stabbed her. For some reason he spares her life. That’s what ends up getting him killed.

Isn't it funny how you have "Joe Morton" and "Immortan Joe". T2 and Mad Max: Fury Road having a few similarities.

Needy neddy guess he didn’t see me

Oh my god, opening Dark Fate with Sarah's nut-house speech, it was the stupidest idea in all of Terminator history, counting in every second of Genisys.

I love the use of that highway at night shot to end the movie. It takes us back to Sarahs narration to that scene leading up to Cyberdyne. It makes the ending narration into a beautiful book end. Thats why the future paradise of 2029 will never work. Its not a perfect book end. Its totally out of place for the whole franchise.

I think the eye works simply for the fact that T-1000 wrecked T-800's face with the heavy swinging thing so no wonder the eye and that area is bent etc Someone on youtube did cgi replacement for the eye and to me while it looks nice it doesnt work when its meant to be quite broken.

I've been waiting for this one!! ;)

T2 is still amazing, but sadly for me it’s somewhat diminished by all the copycat sequels that came out after it. They kept regurgitating the same iconography over and over again, robbing T2 of its power. In that fair to T2? Nope, but that’s what happens - for me anyway - when something is treated as a franchise. Stuff needs to stay finite to stay special.

The audience absolutely knew at the beginning that Arnie is the good terminator and robert patrick is the bad guy; 1, it was spoiled in the trailers, 2 EVERYONE was talking about it and people didn't care that much about spoilers then, 3. Even if you knew nothing, the fact that the first thing Robert Patrick does is kill a cop, versus Arnie merely decking the shit out of some no good lousy biker types, marks him out as the bad guy.

Much as I love this movie, I always hated Furlong, just too annoying to me even if that was a deliberate choice. Must admit I had a little chuckle at the start of Dark Fate…

I love Rob

I’ve been absolutely loving these commentaries - thanks boys!

I would sync this up with one of my to laserdisc copies but i would have to resync every time i switched platters.

There's Terminator films to be made. But avoid all the other films. Go post apocalypse. Bugs me. It's on a plate.