Subtitled, "Battle Across Time," T2:3D is a production of director James Cameron's studio, Lightstorm Entertainment. Cameron, the director of "Avatar" and "Titantic," as well as the Terminator films, co-wrote and co-directed this attraction, which the New York Times called the most expensive film every made on a cost per-minute basis when it debuted at Universal Studios Florida in 1996.
Terminator stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong and Robert Patrick reprise their roles in the film, which arrived at Universal Studios Hollywood in 1999. (It also plays at Universal Studios in Japan, but isn't on the line-up in Singapore.)
First released between the theatrical films T2: Judgment Day and T3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator 2: 3D plays in two parts. You're on a tour of Cyberdyne Systems, where the company's PR director introduces a promotional video in the pre-show's "reception area." But Sarah and John Connor interrupt, to let you know that they're, well, about to blow up the building so maybe you'd better high-tail it out of there.
The Cyberdyne flack pooh-poohs the disruption and ushers you into the theater for the main show, presented in 3D. Needless to say, a series of increasingly complex Terminators show up, the Connors attack and lots of stuff gets blown up.
The attraction blurs the line between movie and live show, with its limited use of live actors. But the bulk of the narrative, as well as the effects and thrills, come from the movie, so that's why you'll find Terminator 2: 3D in this category. Each version of the show is the same, but the Hollywood version earned a higher reader rating on the site, earning it the bid. (Personally, I think Hollywood has a cooler-looking building exterior.)
What do you think of Terminator 2: 3D? Please share your thoughts, in the comments.
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And yes, the PR lady is brilliant, possibly the best theme park persona. I love her demise, though that seems to be the one portion where the actresses fail. The very first time I saw this, the actress did a great job, squirming and shaking for her dear life. It was pretty violent for a theme park attraction, reminiscent of some of the greater choking scenes (think Luca Brasi, or half the deaths in The Sopranos). Since then, however, every PR character has just sort of collapsed after being choked for less than five seconds. I want someone who gives an all-out death scene!
Nothing beats sitting in the front and being engulfed in fog after the T-1M explodes. What a rush.
As for the show, I think it is still one of the best theme park attractions running. It is a credit to Universal's "Imagineers" and James Cameron's creative vision that this attraction is still relevant. Not bad for a series (Terminator) that began with a shoe-string budget and a newbie director.
BTW, I am convinced that Cameron sold his soul to the Devil as there is no other explanation for his unparalleled success. Don't get me wrong, he makes high quality movies and I am not too proud to admit I think AVATAR is the STAR WARS of this generation, but come on, his bank account is bigger than the combined gross income of every registered TPI user from California to Florida! Except Robert's of course... that fella is loaded... and not just with Ketel One. ;)
I make no secret on TPI that I have a divided loyalty between the new and the old. Whilst I like change and development I am also distinctly nostalgic and often miss things that have been removed as part of that development.
Terminator 2:3D is a perfect example. Part of me would like to see a few updates to freshen up the show for those of us who have become familiar with it. The other part of me doesn't want to lose the existing show.
The pre-theatre entertainment is second to none. The Cyberdine PR girl is well scripted and always well performed ( when we've been there anyway ). The stunts and effects are breathtaking. And the whole show is spectacularly good.
I think T2;3D will probably win this category.
I'm beginning to wish that Robert considers the addition of a " Lifetime Achievement Award" to the proceedings so that at least one of the older attractions doesn't miss out.
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