Terminator Salvation – Director's Cut By David Vaughn   •   December, 2009 Early in the 21st Century, a military defense program called Skynet becomes self-aware. Viewing humanity as a threat to its existence, Skynet decides to strike first. The survivors of the nuclear fire call the event Judgment Day. They live only to face a new nightmare—the war against the machines.

The first two Terminator movies directed by James Cameron were excellent, but the franchise hasn't fared so well with the subsequent directors—especially the horrendous job by McG (yes, that's what he calls himself) with Terminator Salvation. Character development is neglected in lieu of nearly nonstop action, although the soundtrack is very impressive with superior dynamics, frequency response, and surround imaging. If you're looking for a new audio demo disc, this certainly fills the bill, but don't expect the story to captivate your imagination.

Research facility

• Chapter 2, 00:06:22
• Dynamics, frequency response, surround imaging
• As the humans strike at the Skynet research facility, listen as defenses kick into gear at the incoming missile. When the warhead reaches its target, the impact of the explosion shakes the foundation and encompasses the room.

7-Eleven

• Chapter 9, 00:35:39
• Dynamics, surround imaging
• While the beginning of this chapter isn't as bombastic as the rest of the film, it's still impressive with its realism. Listen to the wind traveling through the soundstage from left to right and the crackle of the gravel as the jeep enters the dilapidated parking lot.

Transformers 3?

• Chapter 10, 00:41:23
• Frequency response, surround imaging
• McG did his best imitation of Michael Bay while directing the film—which isn't a compliment—so why not include a transformer clone in the film as a tribute? Anyway, the film takes a turn for the worse at this point, but the audio presentation continues to impress as the giant robot/terminator unloads an attack on the humans as they make their escape. Listen as it travels through the room from back to front, impacting the front soundstage with infrasonic bass.

Release Date: December 1, 2009
Studio: Warner

Movie: 5/10
Picture: 8/10
Sound: 10/10