Terminus

"Terminus" is set in the year 2037. The future is in the hands of a genetically engineered boy, Mati (Cabriel Damon) a child genius with s brain programmed by a brilliant and evil doctor (Jürgen Prochnow). Mati is the master of a sadistic cross-country rally (with a 100 million dollar price no one has ever won), controlling "Monster", a gigantic AI operated storm truck that rumbles across the continent, while being pursued by a squad of rebels determined to stop "Monster" before it reaches the "End of the Line." this is the first time "Terminus" has been released on Blu-ray in North America. (Gary Reber)

Both the U.S. version (83 minutes) in 1.78:1 aspect ratio and PCM 2.0 stereo audio with optional English subtitles and the extended Director's Cut version (115 minutes) in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with French PCM 2.0 stereo audio and optional english subtitles are available. Special features include new interview with Actor Jürgen Prochnow (HD 15:55), new "We All Descend: The Making Of Terminus" interviews with Vincent Glenn, (son of Director Pierre-William Glenn), Actress Julie Glenn (daughter of the director) and archival interviews with Director Glenn (HD 40:30), photo gallery, reversible artwork, collectible mint poster and limited edition slipcover.

The 1.67:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, is the StudioCanal European Director's Cut in French with English subtitles, which was photographed on 35 mm film and sourced from a 2K master Digital Intermediate format. Film grain is very smooth and never objectionable, The U.S. version is in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Picture quality is generally good with a nicely saturated color palette with occasional hues that pop, such as the bright orange tie and suit handkerchief worn by the Doctor and Mati. The control center appears as something out of a horror movie, while there is extensive scenes of the countryside and villages with hues that are earthy. Flesh tones appear generally natural with segments of reddishness. Contrast is well balanced with natural black levels, revealing shadows and natural white levels. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited in facial features such as skin pores, sweat, hair and whiskers. Sets and countryside settings are nicely detailed, Objects are sharp and clear such as the "Monster" storm truck, This is generally a low-budget production but still visually satisfying with the Director's Cut far superior in picture quality to the American version. (Gary Reber)

The PCM 2.0 stereo soundtrack in French with English subtitles is undistinguished as the sound is compressed and dated, Atmospherics are realistic. Sound effects are effective but eccentric and more dynamic sounding. Foley sound effects are not always in sync. The dated music is spread in stereo and sounds generally good. Dialogue sounds ADR produced and strangely not well integrated spatially. This is an interesting goofy soundtrack that will please fans. (Gary Reber)