This is at least the fourth time (just off the top of my head) "T2" has found its way onto DVD. Each time, the sound has continually improved, but with this release, that's finally not true. This doesn't mean the 5.1 EX mix included here doesn't sound great (it does), it's that the previous release called "Terminator 2: Ultimate Edition" is stronger with a masterful DTS ES remix. The bass here just doesn't have the impact that disc did.

Regardless, the incredible use of the surround speakers create an audio experience that ranks amongst the best DVD's on the market. Small details like glass shattering or pieces of objects that have just exploded swirl around the room in stunning clarity. Ambient noise, like the brief arcade scene, is also used to enhance the quieter moments. But, like mentioned above, the bass of the explosions just doesn't have the impact it did before, but very few people will likely notice the difference. (****)

All of the special features here are new, but limited when (again) compared to the "Ultimate Edition." Disc 1 contains a new commentary track with James Cameron and William Wisher, one of the co-writers. This track hardly compares however to the "Interactive Commentary."

Informative text (which ranges from birth dates and filmographies of the crew to how a scene was done) appears at the bottom of the screen throughout the entire running time. At the top, the special effects scenes are deconstructed, telling viewers what styles were used to achieve the effect. The opening shots of the future show viewers matte lines and where James Cameron's brother makes an appearance. Even still, when the Teledyne logo appears in the upper right corner, you can view some extra video segments or listen to some audio pertaining to the scene.

Disc 2 contains some minor features, but none of this even compares to the "Ultimate Edition." "No Feat But What We Make" is a 24-minute documentary that shows how influential "T2" was to special effects. Brief clips from other famous effects films like "Star Wars" are included as well. "T2 on the Set" is an all too brief 8-minute segment featuring various clips from the shoot including a few outtakes. A few generic DVD-ROM features like being able to take an imported photo and add Terminator-style texturing to it is also available. (***)

The very informative insert included with this set explains that this is nothing more than a companion disc to the "Ultimate Edition." The video quality on this, the "Extreme DVD," is much improved over that release. The overall disc just doesn't compare, but if video quality is highly important to you, this is a better choice. The majority of people will likely be happier with the 6-hours of features on the previous release. Regardless of which disc you choose, the film itself deserves a spot somewhere in your collection.