Terminator: Genisys 3D

Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in the iconic “Terminator” franchise's action-packed fifth movie. Terminator Genisys follows John Connor (Clarke), leader of the resistance, as the war against the machines continues in the year 2029. At the Los Angeles offensive, John's fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever. In the story, John sends Kyle Reese (Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Clarke). When he travels back in time, she has teamed up with Guardian ( Schwarzenegger) in this time-jumping war against the machines. (Gary Reber)

Special features include three featurettes: Family Dynamics (HD 15:51), Infiltration And Termination (HD 25:29), and Upgrades: VFX (HD 15:07); and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The 1080p MVC picture was converted from original 2D photography to 3D by Stereo D, Prime Focus, and Gentle Giant Studios. The conversion represents the state-of-the-art. Dimensionality is impressive, as is perceptual depth. The result is a window on visual realism. Foreground and background exhibit incredible realism no matter what the time-period setting. Actors show realistic volume and scale throughout. At times the action jumps out of the screen, yet is never gimmicky in effect. The special effects are masterful and exciting, which enhances the visual excitement. The scene within the technology infrastructure facility is amazingly visually intense. The focus is on dimensional realism. The color palette is impressively natural and perfectly saturated. Hues are rich and warm, with frames that at times touch the screen. Fleshtones are healthily rendered, for a natural portrayal of both flesh-covered Terminator machines and humans. Contrast is excellent with deep, solid blacks and wonderfully revealing shadow delineation. Not a single artifact is present. The imagery is absolutely pristine throughout. This a reference-quality picture that sets a new standard for converted 3D, one that will impress and thrill throughout. While the 2D presentation also is reference quality, it simply lacks the full spatial dimensionality of the 3D version. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtracks are extensively dynamic and immersive. The sonics are nicely paced with segments of intense energy and nuanced quieter moments. The intense segments are powered with energized atmospherics and special effects, such as gunfire and explosions, as well as the workings of time machines. The quieter moments are dialogue focused, with clean and nicely spatially integrated dialogue. Throughout, dialogue is perfectly natural and balanced, including the segments of narration. Deep, powerful .1 LFE bass is active throughout, especially during the high-energy segments, such as the battles, Golden Gate school bus episode, and the dueling helicopter battle. The opening sequence can challenge the very best home theatre systems, as there is extremely powerful .1 LFE energy. The orchestral music score is wonderfully supportive throughout. The music is spread wide and deep and aggressively extends to the surrounds. The added two surround channels are effectively active and energized at times with intensity. The Dolby Atmos overhead channels enhance the sense of dimensional immersion, but most of the sound is horizontally directed. This is an exceptionally well-executed sound design that delivers an impressive holosonic® soundfield. The soundtrack is absolutely reference quality and sure to excite and thrill. (Gary Reber)