‘Terminus’ Blu-ray Review (MVD Rewind)
Stars: Karen Allen, Jürgen Prochnow, Johnny Hallyday, Gabriel Damon, Julie Glenn | Written and Directed by Pierre-William Glenn
Dystopian futures make for great entertainment. We have seen so many of these amazing films. Films like Planet of the Apes, Blade Runner, Mad Max, The Book of Eli, The Terminator and even the X-Men found themselves in a dystopian future in Days of Future Past. In the 1980s and 1990s, there were so many low-budget sci-fi dystopian future films. Admittedly, most of these are pretty bad films. But there are some of them that fall into the category of “So bad it’s Good!” One such film is 1987’s Terminus.
Terminus has not seen a North American home video release, that is, until now! Enter MVD Rewind Collection. They have rescued this sci-fi cult classic and have given it a chance to shine on ‘retro’ Blu-ray. And I personally couldn’t be more excited for this release.
In the year 2037, the future is in the hands of a genetically engineered boy: Mati (Gabriel Damon, RoboCop 2) a child-genius with a brain programmed by a brilliant and evil doctor (Jürgen Prochnow, Dune… in three deliciously crazy roles). Mati is the master of a sadistic cross-country rally (with a 100 million dollar prize that no one has ever won), controlling ‘Monster’, a gigantic A.I. 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’.
The story of Terminus is not a perfect film, not by a long shot. The story is a bit disjointed, and the pacing is off. But where the film lacks in these areas, it excels in a wonderful cast that includes Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Julie Glenn (Betty Fisher) and the legendary Johnny Hallyday (the French rock-n-roll singer famously known as the ‘French Elvis’)! And the practical effects bring a realism to this film; and the AI technology in this film must be seen! I won’t spoil it here.
MVD Rewind Collection have transferred two versions of this film to Blu-ray! There is the US version of the Terminus (83 mins) presented in 1080p HD in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with English LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio and optional English Subtitles. Then there is the Extended French version of Terminus (115 mins) presented in 1080p HD in 1.66:1 aspect ratio with French 2.0 Stereo Audio and Optional English Subtitles.
On Blu-ray writer/director Pierre-Wiliam Glenn’s Terminus really shines. The stunning detail of the action in this picture is on full display in high definition. The picture is sharp, and the audio is clear. But a clean-looking transfer is not all that this release has going for it. Take a look at the bonus features included:
Special Features:
- NEW! Interview with star Jürgen Prochnow
- NEW! “We All Descend – The Making of Terminus ” (featuring interviews w/ Vincent Glenn (son of director Pierre-William Glenn), star Julie Glenn (daughter of Pierre-William Glenn) & archival interviews w/ Pierre-William Glenn
- Photo Gallery
- Reversible Artwork
- Collectible Mini-Poster
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
The addition of a new interview and the making of featurette is great. And I love the retro VHS-style slipcover. As a young teen, I remember those old VHS Tapes with all the stickers all over them, and these bring me back to my childhood. To me that’s just priceless.
So, is Terminus a good movie? No! Is Terminus an Entertaining movie? Yes! And after almost 40 years, it is about time that the film gets a chance to live forever on physical media. And we have MVD Rewind Collection to thank for that.
*** 3.5/5
Terminus is out now on Blu-ray from MVD.
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