Plot: What’s it about?
Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) and her son John (Thomas Dekker) have had to live a lifestyle of isolation, always afraid that the future has caught up with them. After all, the future holds a dark opinion of the two and the tunnels of time have carried back some vicious assassins to take them both out. John is just fifteen, but he has learned how important his role is in the future, so he is going to fulfill his destiny, even if that is the sole purpose of his life. In the future, John was able to send back a female terminator named Cameron (Summer Glau), a high end robotic warrior assigned to protect Sarah and John. All the while, forces line up to track down the mother and son, with intentions to eliminate both parties. Can they remain one step ahead and survive to keep the future alive, or are the Skynet forces simply too powerful?
I am rarely optimistic when a movie franchise is turned into a television series, so Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles wasn’t a show I rushed to check out. Thanks to a strike shortened season, the series completed only nine of thirteen intended episodes, so this first season is a brief one, to be sure. I’ve now watched all nine installments and while I wasn’t floored by the show, it was fun and I look forward to the second season. I was pleased to find the series used a longer term vision, as opposed to a “monster of the week” type approach. This allows the show to be less episodic and develop the main plot line with less distractions, as well as expand upon the characters. As far as the cast, Lena Headey is solid as Sarah Connor, but these episodes were stolen by Summer Glau, who shines as the female terminator. This first season might be short, but it provides a solid nine episodes and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is well worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. I know this show was broadcast in high definition, so that kind of skewed my expectations. The show looks good here, but comes off as soft at times. The detail is solid, especially as far as DVD is concerned, but of course isn’t in the same league as high definition. Even so, this is a fairly sharp presentation, marred only by some edge enhancement here and there. The colors look great and are free from errors, while contrast is smooth and consistent, no complaints whatsoever. I do think I will choose the Blu-ray release of this series, but for a DVD release, these episodes look good and will please fans.
Audio: How does it sound?
The Dolby Digital 5.1 option supplies a solid experience, with a little more punch than expected. This show has a polished sound design, so the surrounds are used often and help immerse the audience. The directional presence is more impressive than the power on showcase, but there is still some kick. Not on par with a Terminator film of course, but for a television show, this is a fun, active audio presentation. The dialogue is clear also, so no vocals wind up lost in the shuffle. This release also includes a Portuguese language track, as well as subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Thai.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A three part look at how the show began and the production process is up first, with a decent look inside the show’s creation and execution. Not the most in depth or extensive look inside a production, but solid and worth a look. You can also listen to audio comments on three episodes, with assorted cast & crew members. Again, not the most insightful stuff to be found, but for fans these three brisk sessions should be heard. This release also includes unaired sequences, an extended version of The Demon Hand episode, cast audition tapes, Summer Glau’s dance rehearsal, and a gag reel.
