Before the concept of theatrical vs director’s cuts, Terminator 2: Judgment Day revolutionized the film industry by introducing action-packed visuals and intricate storytelling. Released in 1991, the film was a colossal success, and subsequent home video releases introduced various versions of the movie. But what do these different versions mean?
A Still From Terminator 2 Judgment Day (Via IMDB)
The main version of Terminator 2 is the theatrical cut, which runs for 137 minutes. While entertaining, this version has some unanswered questions. For instance, how does the T-800 begin to learn on its own? The “Special Edition” of the film addresses these queries by adding 15 minutes of footage. This version includes scenes from Sarah’s time at Pescadero State Hospital, more of Miles Dyson’s home life, and additional moments in larger sequences. Notable is the “chip flipping” scene where John and Sarah remove the T-800’s CPU, flip off the learning inhibitors, and discuss their reliance on the machine protector.
