FilmEdge.net's TERMINATOR:2018 - movie news for TERMINATOR:SALVATION opening 05.21.2009

TERMINATOR:2018 - The End Begins at FilmEdge.net

FILMEDGE OFFERS MOVIE NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE FRONT LINES OF TERMINATOR:SALVATION

[ THE TERMINATOR DIGIBOOK BLU-RAY REVIEW ] +MAY 26 2011

FilmEdge reviews THE TERMINATOR Digibook Limited Edition Blu-ray release

That chrome-boned monster just won't die! That's right, THE TERMINATOR is back in yet another Blu-ray release, this time in a rather skeletal Digibook edition which arrived on store shelves May 10th.

Viewers of this new packaging will find nothing new inside save for the 25-page collectible booklet/storage unit, but MGM/Fox Home Entertainment's release pales in comparison to the in-depth, fan-pleasing TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY Skynet Edition on Blu-ray that we reviewed exactly two years ago today.

This 2011 Limited Edition Digibook Blu-ray can serve as a suitable entry-level start for the few remaining humans not familiar with THE TERMINATOR film franchise, and if that demographic doesn't want a lot of bonus features cluttering their disc menu, then MGM/Fox's single-disc edition fits that bill for certain.

[ TERMINATOR 2: SKYNET EDITION BLU-RAY REVIEW ] +MAY 26 2009

FilmEdge reviews the TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY Skynet Edition Blu-ray release

With TERMINATOR:SALVATION now taking the franchise into the future in theaters, TERMINATOR:2018 reviews director James Cameron's 1991 sequel which just released in the new TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY Skynet Edition exclusively on Blu-ray.

Few films have seen more special edition DVD releases than T2, so is this Skynet Edition truly worth adding to your collection after all these "extreme" and "ultimate" versions and T2's earlier 2006 Blu release?

The answer is yes, since the Skynet Edition is the first to truly exploit the full creative advantage of the high-def Blu-ray format in the 2.0 era of BD players for a rich new TERMINATOR 2 viewing experience.

[ TERMINATOR:SALVATION BLU-RAY REVIEW ] +DEC 01 2009

TERMINATOR:2018 has fully scanned the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Director's Cut on Blu-ray and published our review of this 3-Disc Special Edition which takes the fourth chapter in the franchise home to fans this holiday season.

Christian Bale and Sam Worthington battle for the future of humanity in a post-Judgment Day world as Skynet stands on the verge of unleashing the T-800 model Terminator as its ultimate weapon. Director McG stirred up excitment and controversy with his intense, action-packed vision of this man vs. machine conflict, and this Blu-ray edition continues that trend since a slew of bonus features and the extended Director's Cut are not available on the standard DVD releases!

With this Blu-ray edition, watch the theatrical cut in Maximum Movie Mode for McG's scene breakdowns and discussions of alternate endings, plus cast and crew interviews, storyboards and making-of featurettes which branch out of the film on your command. Read our TERMINATOR:SALVATION Blu-ray review now!

[ TERMINATOR GAME REVIEW ON XBOX 360 ] +JUN 17 2009

TERMINATOR:SALVATION International Poster

TERMINATOR:2018 recruited its resident gamemaster to review the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Video Game on XBox 360 to take our T:S coverage into the virtual world as well.

Set in 2016, two years before the new film, the game's story and scope are alternately inspired and hampered by the movie inspiring it. As a tie-in product, the game feels prohibited from competing with the film's wider and worldlier events.

Featuring John Connor (but not Christian Bale as voice talent), the game unveils an earlier mission to save human captives and destroy a Skynet jamming tower and factory complex. While this deepens Connor's backstory as a rising member of the Human Resistance, this prequel also prevents the character and story from advancing beyond the feature film. That may be of little consequence to die hard TERMINATOR fans who just want to blast away at three models of Skynet opponents, with the T-70 'Spider' being unique to the game, and undoubtedly that demographic is be the game's target audience.

So punch in a fresh mag, move in on our TERMINATOR:SALVATION game review and get some today!

[ THREE PARIS PREMIERE VIDEO CLIPS ] +JUN 03 2009

As TERMINATOR:SALVATION continues to expand around the globe to thrill international audiences, here are three interview clips from the Paris, France premiere to take you on the red carpet and behind the scenes of the film!

In the first clip, TV host Rick Edwards interviews actors Anton Yelchin (Kyle Reese), Moon Bloodgood (Blair Williams), and Bryce Dallas Howard (Kate Connor), getting their premiere night feedback on the crowds between character scenes from the film. The second clip meets John Connor himself, actor Christian Bale, as he arrives to greet fans and the press, then chats with Rick about his round-the-world tour opening TERMINATOR:SALVATION. Finally Edwards interviews director McG on the red carpet who describes the long filmmaking journey to opening TERMINATOR:SALVATION, intercut with behind-the-scenes footage during production. Links to all three Paris premiere video clips plus trailers and TV spots are streaming in Video Surveillance.

TERMINATOR:SALVATION Digital Comic Download

[ GET YOUR TERMINATOR DIGITAL DOWNLOADS ] +MAY 29 2009

TERMINATOR:SALVATION The Machinima Series

TERMINATOR:SALVATION has unleashed a fury of digital downloads to extend your Resistance vs. Skynet experience outside of theaters and into your home or mobile device!

The first two online episodes of The Machinima Series are now available on iTunes and Amazon Video — purchasing your series subscription will automatically download current episodes plus all future installments on the way. Check out iPhone apps and games to fight for the future of mankind on the movie, and of course the TERMINATOR:SALVATION console video game is now available on XBox360, PlayStation3 and PC platforms.

[ TERMINATOR PARIS PREMIERE VIDEO REPLAY ] +MAY 29 2009

TERMINATOR:2018 continues our coverage as the TERMINATOR:SALVATION phenomenon takes the world by storm, updating our Wednesday story on the European premiere which was shown live via partner portals covering the event this week.

Thanks to our Resistance comrades at Sony Pictures International are providing recap red carpet footage from the Paris premiere of TERMINATOR: SALVATION Thursday, May 28th!

Watch this star-studded premiere hosted by Rick Edwards as the hour-long video feed connects to European web portals, interacts with TERMINATOR fans lining the streets at the premiere, answers fan questions via Twitter, and gives away copies of the new TERMINATOR:SALVATION console game.

This recap video shot live at at the Paris premiere will stay live for a couple of weeks, so don't miss out watching the stars arrive to celebrate the release of TERMINATOR:SALVATION while you can!

[ REVIEW:T2 SKYNET EDITION ON BLU-RAY ] +MAY 26 2009

Read T:2018's review of Danny Elfman's TERMINATOR 2: Skynet Edition on Blu-ray

With TERMINATOR:SALVATION blowing away audiences in theaters, revisit the dynamic James Cameron sequel which established John Connor's mythology in TERMINATOR:2018 's review of TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY Skynet Edition exclusively available on high-definition Blu-ray.

Three versions of T2 are available on this new, upgraded Blu-ray release — the original 1991 Original Theatrical release, the 1993 Special Edition and the previously DVD-only Extended Special Edition — maximizing the flexibility of your viewing options presented in Blu-ray's exclusive seamless branching technology.

Read our full analysis of all the special features including cast and writer/director audio commentary tracks, plus more exclusive Blu content with interactive picture-in-picture video, production and trivia data streams, in-movie games and additional BD-Live content online for internet connected players.

Finally TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY gets is due respects in high-definition, and the Skynet Edition makes a very worth addition to any fan's or collector's home entertainment library.

[ FOUR-STAR REVIEW OF TERMINATOR:SALVATION ] +MAY 20 2009

The wait is over and TERMINATOR:2018 now reviews director McG's ambitious and sprawling cinematic plan to fight for a sci-fi franchise's future, TERMINATOR:SALVATION. At long last the story progresses beyond the fiery wall of Judgment Day when the nukes fell at Skynet's order, and humanity was nearly exterminated by its own technological terror. Yet this future world, artfully desaturated of color but not of drama, holds hope for our survival in the hearts of its two heroes, soldier with a destiny John Connor (Christian Bale) and the mysterious ex-death row prisoner Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). While much of the film is a knock-down, winner take all battle between opposing forces, the film's strength arises from these pair of actors who personalize the war through their complimentary performances. The two combatants are, deep down, as wrecked and ruined as the spectacularly war-torn world they have inherited, yet both bear witness to the film's title that salvation is indeed always possible . . . only if one fights hard enough to grant it. READ OUR FULL MOVIE REVIEW OF TERMINATOR:SALVATION ONLINE NOW!

[ ELFMAN SCORES TERMINATOR DIRECT HIT ] +MAY 18 2009

Read T:2018's review of Danny Elfman's TERMINATOR:SALVATION score

Following up on our preview article, TERMINATOR:2018 now reviews composer Danny Elfman's original score for TERMINATOR:SALVATION, available in stores and on iTunes May 19th.

With 15 tracks spanning just over 50 minutes run time, Elfman's score hits the film's dark tone and dramatic themes directly on target for McG's franchise rebooting exploration of humanity's nightmarish war for survival against Skynet.

Elfman blends traditional orchestration, played deep and brooding here, with less conventional motifs and percussion which effectively impose the Terminator's menace across the musical landscape. The result could prove to be one of Danny Elfman's best scores and a major asset to TERMINATOR:SALVATION's confrontation of human heart and technological terror.

Read our full track-by-track review of Elfman's original score and preview audio samples of the entire CD.

[ REVIEW:TERMINATOR MOVIE COMPANION BOOK ] +MAY 06 2009

In our continuing coverage of TERMINATOR:SALVATION opening May 21st, TERMINATOR:2018 reviews movie tie-in publication TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE COMPANION by prolific film book author Tara Bennett. The hardback edition covers the conception and production of director McG's upcoming sci-fi franchise reboot in 176 pages engineered to give you an exclusive look at the creation of this post-Apocalyptic adventure. Bennett delivers cast and crew interviews plus hundreds of on-set and location production art and photos never before seen, drawing readers deeper into the making of this ambitious vision charting the future of the TERMINATOR film franchise.

THE OFFICIAL MOVIE COMPANION book review

Be sure to check out our April 6th review of Timothy Zahn's official movie prequel novel, TERMINATOR:SALVATION FROM THE ASHES, a taut, gripping preview of humanity's battle to survive in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles with John Connor, Kyle Reese and other lead characters from the film.

[ TERMINATOR GOES VIRAL VIA TWITTER] +APR 20 2009

Play the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Twitter game

TERMINATOR:SALVATION expands its viral presence on the internet with the launch of its ARG Twitter game, allowing fans to interact with the Human Resistance fighting for the future in 2018.

How it works: members of the Human Resistance are communicating with each other through Twitter and asking the Resistance community for help. Frequently, the Resistance is able to “intercept” Skynet communications, but they are decoded, incomplete or unanswered. The Resistance is turning to the Resistance2018 community to help complete these intercepts and broadcast messages in support of the cause.

Players log in with their Twitter user name at http://2018blog.com/ to obtain the rules of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Twitter Game. They can then follow progress @resistance2018 which will send players tweets updating the Human Resistance efforts in the war. Players, called Followers, then send answers via @replies (with hash tags) to @resistance2018.

UPDATE — here's the press release for the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Twitter game with more details:

CULVER CITY, Calif., April 20 — In anticipation of the worldwide release of the motion picture TERMINATOR:SALVATION, Twitter users will have the chance to join the human resistance against the machines in Sony Pictures Releasing International’s first-ever game created for the social networking platform, it was announced today by Sal Ladestro, executive vice president of marketing, Sony Pictures Releasing International. Users can follow tweets from the resistance at www.Twitter.com/Resistance2018.

In the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Twitter game, members of the human resistance communicate with each other through Twitter and turn to the community for help in decoding intercepted Skynet transmissions. Players earn points through timely assistance in decoding these messages and, with these points, rise in rank within the Resistance Army. Players must constantly be on guard against the machines, which periodically and randomly choose a number of players and penalize them a percentage of their points. A companion blog augments the information within Twitter and hosts a leader board for the game.

Sal Ladestro, Executive Vice President of Marketing, for Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI) commented, “Twitter users can join John Connor in the war against the machines by following the tweets at Resistance 2018. In the fight against Skynet and the Terminators, mass communication is vital, so it’s no surprise that the resistance would turn to Twitter. We think this is the perfect environment for the Terminator game as it allows users to interact with the movie, their friends and other game players instantaneously.”

A worldwide phenomenon, Twitter’s micro-blogging social networking site has been expanding exponentially across the globe in recent months. Between February 2008 and February 2009, new accounts on Twitter were up 1,841%, with an 87% increase between January 2009 and February 2009 alone. More than 90% of Twitter users choose to make their updates public.

TERMINATOR:SALVATION is set in post-apocalyptic 2018, where John Connor (Christian Bale) is the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. But the future that Connor was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet’s operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind.

And be sure to check out the relaunch of Sony Pictures' International TERMINATOR:SALVATION website featuring a new Human/Skynet design option, Terminator machine profiles, trailers, photos, downloads and links to Sony's TERMINATOR:SALVATION online and Twitter games.

[ MORE TOPPS TERMINATOR CARD PREVIEWS ] +APR 06 2009

Over the weekend TERMINATOR:2018 received a second back of preview artwork from the kind people at Topps to extend our first look at their upcoming TERMINATOR:SALVATION trading cards. Five new images from a Topps brochure promote their TERMINATOR trading cards with details of the collection, including further confirmation that a three-film TERMINATOR series is expected by marketing partners. Read our latest Topps card preview article for full-size images and more details on cast autograph cards and more.

[ THREE NEW TERMINATOR:SALVATION TV SPOTS ] +APR 06 2009

Three new action-packed TERMINATOR:SALVATION TV Spots are now airing, offerins new scenes and shots of John Connor and the Resistance battling the relentless Terminator war machines of Skynet. All three new ads are available in HD quality in our Video Surveilance unit.

[ PREVIEW TOPPS TERMINATOR TRADING CARDS ] +APR 01 2009

TERMINATOR:2018 received a preview press release and photos from the kind people at Topps offering a first look at their upcoming TERMINATOR:SALVATION trading cards, tied in to the release of director McG's future war franchise film starring Christian Bale as John Connor. Today's release includes a new image of Sam Worthington as Marcus Wright on one collectible card. Read our full Topps card preview article for even more photos including the 24-pack box, an individual card pack, and several Terminator card images.

[ NEW TERMINATOR:SALVATION PHOTOS ] +MAR 31 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 has added 3 new still promotional images from TERMINATOR:SALVATION, featuring action shots of John Connor (Christian Bale) leading Resistance troops in a daylight battle, a destroyed Terminator T-600 enemy, and a creepy shot of a new T-700 literally rolling off the Skynet factory assembly line.

[ NEW TERMINATOR:SALVATION GAME TRAILER ] +MAR 29 2009

Here's an exclusive new trailer for TERMINATOR:SALVATION The Game, courtesy Gametrailers.com. This 1:52 video clip is an action-packed introduction for the game in cinematic style, providing a great sampling of the console game's look, mood and animation. Jump the link to access other video formats and download options.

[ DIRECTOR McG REVEALS TERMINATOR VISION ] +MAR 26 2009

Rotten Tomatoes hosts a cool exclusive interview with TERMINATOR:SALVATION director McG who is remanufacturing the futurist franchise from the ground up while still hardwiring in respect for what has come before. If there's one character who may embody this tradition-straddling transition between pre- and post-Judgment Day storylines, it's Kyle Reese, about whom McG explains:

We pay off a great many things that are established -- particularly with Kyle Reese. We talk about the mythology of his shotgun strap, his proficiency for stealing cars, and we see where he learned a lot of these skills. And it wasn't from Connor, it was from the Marcus character, which is one of the joys of the picture. We cite "Pain can be controlled, you just disconnect it," you know, and we realize where he got that, and there's a great many tidbits for the hard-core fans out there. But it's designed as well for people who don't know that much about the ins and outs of the first films.

McG gets into to plenty of detail about developing the script and his editorial and visual effects style preferences, so check out the full article at RT — it's a T:2018 recommended read.


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[ REVIEW OF TERMINATOR:SALVATION COMIC #3 ] +MAR 25 2009

TERMINATOR:2018 publishes our release-day review of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Official Movie Prequel comic Issue 3. Human resistance fighters around the world launch their climactic assault on Skynet in this third chapter of the comic prequel quadrilogy, setting up the scene for this summer's sci-fi epic TERMINATOR:SALVATION starring Christian Bale. Get our analysis and several cover and panel scans of Issue 3 which set up this final prequel showdown of global human resistance against the apocalyptic forces of Skynet's Terminator army.

Issue 3 Cover Art	A climactic faceoff between a Human Resistance Leader and a lethal Terminator

[ RESISTANCE INFILTRATES SKYNET RESEARCH ] +MAR 24 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 received the following email of corporate insecurity from Skynet Research today, implying the ominously rising technology giant has been compromised by a pirated audio signal planted onto the SR.com website:

ATTENTION: ALL VISITORS TO SKYNETRESEARCH.COM

Skynet Research is experiencing technical difficulties on our corporate website. A networking error has generated interference in the audio presentation. Do not be alarmed. Skynet Research is doing everything in our power to resolve this technical issue as quickly as possible and resume normal operation.

Visitors to the SkynetResearch.com website should ignore this interference entirely.
Do not attempt to discern, repair, or otherwise tamper with the audio signal broadcasting during this time. Failure to follow this command can lead to further corrupting of the impacted data and cause further difficulty.

Skynet Research is also aware of rumors circulating that there is another explanation for this interference on the website www.ResistOrBeTerminated.com. This is false information. Skynet Research has no affiliation with this particular URL, and Skynet Research suggests all Internet users avoid www.ResistOrBeTerminated.com altogether.

Thank you for your patience, and you can be rest assured that Skynet Research will soon return to providing services that improve life for all human beings!

IRead our News Alert article to learn what this means to Skynet's continuing plans to dominate human social and military leadership, plus watch the new underground video from Resist Or Be Terminated, exposing Skynet's plot to take control of the future.

John Connor 12-inch Figure - Terminator Salvation

[ EIGHT NEW TERMINATOR WALLPAPERS ] +MAR 22 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 has added eight new wallpaper design from Sony Pictures' International TERMINATOR:SALVATION website, featuring action shots of John Connor (Christian Bale), Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin), Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), Kate Connor (Bryce Dallas Howard), Barnes (Common) and Blair Williams (Moon Bloodgood), plus two Terminator wallpaper designs including the iconic motion poster skull. Update your desktop with the latest TERMINATOR:SALVATION looks at T:2018 Downloads today.


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[ 14 NEW TERMINATOR PICS + POSTER ] +MAR 21 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 has added 14 new still promotional images from Sony Pictures' International TERMINATOR:SALVATION website, featuring action shots of John Connor (Christian Bale), Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin), Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), Barnes (Common) and Blair Williams (Moon Bloodgood), along with several new shots of Terminators in battle and under assembly in Skynet's factory. Also updated: a non-watermarked "Headless Terminator" poster design added to our Downloads section.

[ TERMINATOR:SALVATION SONY GAME TRAILER ] +MAR 19 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 continues its coverage of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION multiplayer online game, and if you're not hooked on this web-based fight for the future between humans and Terminators yet, check out this new trailer for Sony Pictures' MMORPG:

Click play to watch the streaming TERMINATOR:SALVATION online game trailer in streaming quality
or download the full-size QuickTime HD game trailer in 720p resolution (38 MB)

Sony's TERMINATOR:SALVATION online game lets players choose their roles as human Resistance Fighters or Terminator machines, battling other online players around the world. Sony hosts the game in 12 different languages for true international access, pitting players of all skill levels against competitors around the clock. Get the most kills and mission wins and you'll top the international Leaderboard. There's no need to wait until May — jump to TerminatorSalvationGame.com to play now!

[ LINDA HAMILTON T:S VOICEOVER CONFIRMED ] +MAR 17 2009

Chud breaks the news they have confirmation that Linda Hamilton, last seen as Sarah Connor in 1991, will not only appear in a voiceover for TERMINATOR:SALVATION, but has already recorded her brief contribution to the film.

The direct quote from Chud's web article:

A source who has seen the film confirms to us that Hamilton's voice over is in the film, and that it works very well in context. Her voice over is not long, and it comes at the very beginning of the movie; the source compared it in tone and style to her voice over in T2.

If accurate, this successfully bookends the previous report by MTV Movie Blog reported here February 19th that Hamilton had been approached by director McG to reprise her role as Sarah Connor in a narrative capacity, setting the tone and situation for her son John's future tale, as portrayed by Christian Bale. Last month Hamilton said, ""I would probably be very happy to loan my voice depending on what the material is. Wait and see. They’re already writing it. We’ve been negotiating it.” Clearly a deal was reached and the material suited the actress, which we'll hear May 21st in theaters in the opening of TERMINATOR:SALVATION.

Linda Hamilton does TERMINATOR:SALVATION voiceover

[ GET 'WE FIGHT BACK' TERMINATOR POSTER ] +MAR 14 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 has added the great 'We Fight Back' poster design to our Downloads section. An army of Terminators wearing skin face covers follow a battle-torn T-600 into battle, intent on exterminating the human race. We'll do our best to get a better, larger file image of this poster soon.

[ PREVIEW OF JOHN CONNOR COLLECTIBLE ] +MAR 12 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 previews the new by Hot Toys which is now available for pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles. This authentic likeness of the film's star Christian Bale is achieved through the Hot Toys True-Type figure, resulting in a highly detailed 1:6 scale, 12-inch tall Connor with over 36 points of articulation:

Hot Toys' exclusive John Connor collectible figure is expected to ship in the 3rq Quarter of 2009, but this high-demand TERMINATOR:SALVATION collectible is sure to sell out quickly. View our photo gallery with multiple hi-res angles of the John Connor figure to learn more.

[ PLAY TERMINATOR:SALVATION WEB GAME NOW ] +MAR 06 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 continues its coverage of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION multiplayer online game, which opened for play today at Sony's TerminatorSalvationGame.com. Read our in-depth article on the game details and instructions, plus our early review of game play.

[EXCLUSIVE:TERMINATOR ONLINE GAME PREVIEW]+MAR 03 2008

FilmEdge.net's TERMINATOR:2018 has more exclusive breaking news on the TERMINATOR:SALVATION global multiplayer online game debuts on March 6th on Sony's TERMINATOR:SALVATION International website.

Our screen capture preview breaks down the online game features which players use in their roles as human Resistance Fighters or Terminator machines, battling global teams of players who can access this MMORPG in 12 different languages. Read our in-depth article to learn more about the game's interactive play and chat features with a hi-res image of the game screen, then get ready to join the fight to save our future in Sony Digital's TERMINATOR:SALVATION online game this Friday!

[ TERMINATOR:SALVATION TRAILER 2 REVIEWED ] +MAR 02 2008

TERMINATOR:2018 reviews the new TERMINATOR:SALVATION Theatrical Trailer 2 which debuted online today.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION second theatrical trailer is how deeply it delves into the evolution — or is it revolution — of the TERMINATOR mythology and how events have changed what we thought we knew about its future. As John Connor, in his brooding voiceovers by actor Christian Bale, has intoned since the first teaser trailer: this is not the future Sarah Connor warned him about. Sarah spent her life warning him about and preparing him for the eventual war to save humanity from extermination, but by 2018 the post-Judgment Day world John occupies as a Resistance soldier is becoming strangely foreign territory.

Read our detailed review progressing through the trailer with screen capture images in this expanded T:2018 article.

[ NEW TERMINATOR POSTERS + PHOTOS ARISE ] +MAR 01 2009

Yahoo Movies unleashed their expanded gallery of TERMINATOR:SALVATION images, including looks at character poster designs and a batch of great still photos from the film and production.

Check out the T-700 literally hot off the assembly line in the ominous photo to the left. The one-sheet design on the right is also part of a triptych poster featuring John Connor (Christian Bale) and Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) which would make an eye-catching display in theater lobbies and billboards.

Many of the images in this gallery are new or recently releases — like the great shot of the 'skin job' Terminator which recently appeared in Empire magazine's fantastic T:S issue — while some are larger images of previously released promo shots. Expect the poster designs to debut as downloads on the official movie websites soon enough, I'm sure. Meanwhile, enjoy Yahoo's slideshow anticipating today's online release of the new trailer.

[ FILMEDGE.NET EXCLUSIVE REPORT - SONY INT'L WEBSITE DEBUTS TERMINATOR:SALVATION ONLINE GAME MARCH 6 ] +FEB 28 2009

Are you locked and loaded for the TERMINATOR:SALVATION MMORP game?

FilmEdge.net's TERMINATOR:2018 has exclusive breaking news for you fans: the TERMINATOR:SALVATION global online multiplayer game will debut on March 6th in coordination with a massive update of Sony's TERMINATOR:SALVATION International website this week and beyond.

In this new web-based MMORPG, players can choose to be a Human Resistance Fighter battling relentless cyborgs or a Skynet Terminator built to exterminate mankind. And just as the future war for human survival is a global campaign, Sony's MMORPG will be offered in ten languages to make it a truly global experience!

Just like the characters depicted in the ongoing TERMINATOR:SALVATION prequel comic series, you too could be blasting T-600s along side resistance soldiers from Niger, France, Spain, Japan or Australia for a richly varied online experience every time you play.

While the graphics will differ from the upcoming console-based game, you won't have to wait until May to join the fight to save our future either! This week you will step into the post-apocalypic ruins of 2018 and battle to defeat Skynet's mechanized army or bolt on your virtual endoskeleton and terminate humankind.

Beginning March 6th, if you're playing Sony International's TERMINATOR:SALVATION multiplayer online game, you ARE the Resistance! T:2018 will update specs on the game and Sony's website this week, stay tuned.

[ NEW TERMINATOR TRAILER ON YAHOO MONDAY ] +FEB 19 2009

Yahoo Movies will debut a new TERMINATOR:SALVATION trailer Monday, March 2nd at 7pm ET/4pm PT, though attendees of WonderCon this weekend got a sneak peek at this new trailer. Description highlights follow, courtesy of a ComingSoon report, so continue reading at your own trailer-spoiler peril:

As before, the trailer begins with Christian Bale's voice-over as John Connor, intoning, "We've been fighting a long time, we are outnumbered by machines. Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you're listening to this, then you're the Resistance."

With Nine Inch Nails' The Day the World Went Away underscoring, Skynet's strategy to use human captives as skin farms is revealed, contrasted with clips of a definitively half-human, half-cyborg Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) receiving surgical procedures from Kate (Bryce Dallas Howard). John Connor tells Marcus, "You think you're human" to which he replies, "I am human." Additional shots of Mototerminators, Harvesters, Hyrdobots, HKs, T1s and even a legless Endo-torso clawing toward camera follow, ending with a recreation of the T:S motion poster image, revealing the war-torn Los Angeles city overview as a post-apocalyptic portrait of the Terminator skull.

WonderCon reaction was highly positive, and be sure to jump the ComingSoon link above for more Con reports and photo galleries. TERMINATOR:2018 will offer links and embedded video of the new TERMINATOR:SALVATION trailer soon as it's available. .

[ T-700 FIGURE BY HOT TOYS PREVIEWED ] +FEB 24 2009

Empire previewed their cover art for a massive TERMINATOR:SALVATION issue ready to hit newsstands, featuring an interview with star Christian Bale. Click the images on either side to view larger versions of the cover layout and art.

As always, their reporters take you on-set with the stars and crew for a first-person experience behind the scenes of TERMINATOR:SALVATION. Empire also covers and updates the history of all things TERMINATOR on screens big and small with their usual quote of excellent interviews with key personnel and superb photo spreads.

Included are two free "massive" posters: from the cover art, it appears you'll get a reprint of THE TERMINATOR theatrical poster and the T:S teaser poster. T:2018 highly recommends you seek out this issue, and petition or bookseller or newstand if they don't carry Empire regularly — every issue is a class act and must read.

[ TERMINATOR 2:SKYNET EDITION ON BLU-RAY ] +FEB 21 2009

On May 19th, Lionsgate Home Entertainment will release the Terminator 2: Skynet Edition on Blu-ray featuring multiple versions of director James Cameron's mega-sequel. The high-definition Blu-ray format will boast a full 1080p resolution via MPEG-4 AVC codec, accompanied by what should be an awesome DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1 lossless audio track. The suggested retail price is $29.99 and it's available for pre-order at Amazon by clicking on the cover image left or the text link above. Get full Blu-ray specs and watch the Skynet Edition trailer.

But wait, that's not all: while complete details are not yet available, there may also be a six-disc Limited Edition TERMINATOR 2 Complete Collector's Set, comprised of both Extreme and Ultimate Edition DVD versions of the film covering every disc-released cut of Cameron's epic. Additional premiums are reported to include a digital copy of T2 playable with iTunes or WinMedia computer apps, and the whole set is packaged in a 14-inch T-800 endoskull replica, complete with illuminated eyes and sound effects chip. Drool cups are available in the lobby as you exit.

More details on both of these editions as they are made available to T:2018.

[ T-700 FIGURE BY HOT TOYS PREVIEWED ] +FEB 21 2009

The Action Figure Hub has a full preview article and gallery of Hot Toys' latest TERMINATOR:SALVATION release, the complete T-700 Terminator collectible MMS figure, available for pre-order now and arriving April 2009.

iThis highly detailed T-700 endoskeleton:

stands approximately 12 inches tall
features over 25 points of articulation
illuminated eyes
includes movie scene base from the Skynet factory floor

Jump the link above to AFH to see 10 more high-res images in their gallery which shows off the incredible detail of this highly anticipated collectible.

[ PLAYMATES TOYS OFFICIAL T:S PREVIEW ] +FEB 20 2009

Our friends at TerminatorFiles posted a great recap of packaging and prototypes from Playmates Toys' official preview images of their TERMINATOR:SALVATION products. This is a much more comprehensive preview that previously released and includes numerous figure and vehicle sets such as: the T-1, 600, 700 and Resistance Infiltration Prototype (RIP) Terminator models, a great look at the Mototerminator (below), a flying HK ship, plus Human Resistance fighters including John Connor, Barnes, Marcus and an A-10 Warthog pilot.

TF.com also describes the new costume-toy hybrids including a voice changing, illuminated Terminator mask, endo "make up" appliances and endoskeleton hand which will provide role-playing opportunities for kids who want to act the characters even if they aren't old enough to see the film. Be warned: some character spoilers inevitably ensue in the images of Playmates' products, so read and view with caution.

Terminator Factory: T-700 Diorama - Terminator Salvation

[ HAMILTON: SARAH CONNOR WILL BE BACK? ] +FEB 19 2009

MTV Movie Blog got an exclusive interview with TERMINATOR veteran actress Linda Hamilton, who confirmed she is in active negotiations to make an appearance in TERMINATOR:SALVATION. While no deal has been reached, Hamilton says the it's most likely her role will be that of a voice-over, as has long been rumored and continually hinted at by director McG himself.

Hamilton, who originated the role of Sarah Connor in James Cameron's 1984 original THE TERMINATOR and reprised it to critical and popular kudos in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, added this about her possible involvement again: "I would probably be very happy to loan my voice depending on what the material is. Wait and see. They’re already writing it. We’ve been negotiating it.” The actress also details what type of role she was offered for TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES and exactly why she turned it down. The prospects look much more favorable this time around, and the full MTV article is recommended reading.

[ SKYNET REVEALS SECURITY SYSTEM VIDEO ] +FEB 18 2009

Ominous news from the mysterious corporation website:Skynet Research is watching you today. Skynet's advanced security camera network is already infiltrating our daily lives, as demonstrated in this video, advancing our society one step closer to total dominance by Skynet technology:

In this example, a manager at St. Mark's Comics in New York finds theft-deterring advantages to Skynet's surveillance abilities, but note how Skynet also monitors the subtlest of browsing details by every customer who enters the store, then quantifies and reports on this data — supposedly to help the manager increase sales. But Skynet is also databasing human activity and unpreparedness to combat the subtle but growing threat posed by this centralized computer entity. As the unwitting use of Skynet Security expands, you can find the growing list of comic retailers connected to Skynet here — T2018 advises you attempt to contact the location nearest you to learn more.

[ SKYNET ENHANCEMENT MODULE 101 WARNING ] +FEB 18 2009
	SlashFilm hosts the video below taken the day they received their free robotic Enhancement Module 101 from Skynet Research. Watch the results for yourself, but TERMINATOR:2018 cannot stress strongly enough that you exercise extreme caution in using their product if you receive a similar module from Skynet..

[ TERMINATOR:SALVATION MOVIE CASH OFFER ] +FEB 18 2009

Warner Home Video offers fans 'movie cash' to see TERMINATOR:SALVATION in theaters this May as TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES returns to DVD. WHV releases six DVD titles on May 12th including T3 which will include a certificate for up to $7.50 off the price of one admission to see TERMINATOR:SALVATION in theaters, opening May 22nd. The five other widescreen films including this offer are: I AM LEGEND, V FOR VENDETTA, THE MATRIX, MATRIX RELOADED and MATRIX REVOLUTIONS.

TERMINATOR 3 has been unavailable on DVD since May 2008, and it returns just in time for fans to watch before director McG's bold, new story in the TERMINATOR saga starring Christian Bale unfolds this summer. Jonathan Mostow's rather controversial film ending the previous trilogy enjoyed considerable box office success in 2003 with Arnold Schwarzenegger starring as the iconic T-800 Terminator. Nick Stahl co-stars as a young John Connor with Claire Danes as Kate Brewster, prefiguring the appearances of Bale as adult John Connor and Bryce Dallas Howard as Kate Connor (now John's wife) in TERMINATOR:SALVATION. T3's return on DVD, including the T:S movie cash offer, is a great opportunity for fans old and new to see how much of Mostow's 2003 mythology will carry over into McG's film this May.

[ MTV PREVIEWS TERMINATOR AT TOY FAIR 2009 ] +FEB 17 2009

MTV Movie Blog delivers this video preview of DC DIrect's TERMINATOR:SALVATION character bust figures, previewed at the 2009 Toy Fair event in New York this week. Watch to get good close-ups of these busts — the T-600, Marcus Wright, Kyle Reese and Blair Williams — from all angles, revealing quite a lot of detail... and yes, potential spoilers to the most casual followers of this film.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Jump the link above to see more of MTV's Toy Fair previews of other upcoming 2009 films.

[ SKYNET RESEARCH WEBSITE SELF-ACTIVATES ] +FEB 13 2009

Humans who previously registered with the enigmatic Skynet Research website received email notification today that SR.com is now online and fully functional. I don't know if its learning at a geometric rate yet, but the site cleverly sets up a 2009 alternate reality environment tied into the franchise mythology but with a unique TERMINATOR:SALVATION perspective.

The viral marketing site is quite deep at the start, signaling that Warner Brotherss is serious about getting fans involved months before the film releases this May. Opportunities for fans to interact abound, and YouTube video embeds (like the one below) ensure the TERMINATOR word-of-mouth will infiltrate the web quickly. Read our full article on the launching of this movie-promoting Alternate Reality Game — as a human, do you dare register with Skynet Research and risk fulfilling the apocalyptic destiny of Judgment Day?

[ 1st REVIEW TERMINATOR:SALVATION COMIC #2 ] +FEB 11 2009

TERMINATOR:2018 has the first review of TERMINATOR:SALVATION Official Movie Prequel comic Issue 2. The action definitely fires up in this second chapter of the comic prequel quadrilogy, setting up the scene for this summer's sci-fi epic TERMINATOR:SALVATION starring Christian Bale. Get our analysis and several cover and panel scans of Issue #2 to find out how this evolving story ties in elements from the feature film into this illustrated tale of global human resistance against the apocalyptic forces of Skynet's Terminator army.

Issue 2 Cover Art	A four-wheel model of the HK_Tank appears in TERMINATOR:SALVATION Prequel Comic Issue #2

[ ON-SET TERMINATOR:SALVATION GALLERY ] +FEB 5 2009

Radar Online posted a brief photo gallery of on-set images from production of TERMINATOR:SALVATION, featuring shots of star Christian Bale along with locations, sets and props from the film including Skynet's Terminator factory and large-scale destruction from the war.

Devastating human losses from Judgment Day

T-700 Terminator torsos in Skynet factory

Read T:2018's detailed preview of the entire production album, and link up to the original story.

[ ACTION FIGURES REVEAL T-700 TERMINATOR ] +FEB 3 2009

The Action Figure Hub has a first look at Hot Toys' TERMINATOR:SALVATION Terminator Factory diorama set which identifies the assembly line machines as T-700 models, the next evolutionary step between the giant T-600 and the eventual Schwarzenegger T-800 series. Here's the production still from the film showing John Connor (Christian Bale) walking into the Terminator factory, surrounded by T-700s:

View Terminator factory image from TERMINATOR:SALVATION

Here are AFHUB's preview promo shots of the Terminator Factory T-700 Diorama component figure:

Terminator Factory Diorama T-700 photo	Terminator Factory Diorama T-700 detail

Each 1/6th scale figure is approximately 15 inches tall, with lights in the T-700's eyes and factory control panel. The base plate of the assembly features the TERMINATOR:SALVATION movie logo. You'll have to visit The Action Figure Hub to see all ten preview photos from multiple angles and close-up details.

[ SKYNET TO RUN ALTERNATE REALITY GAME? ] +FEB 2 2009

For those of you who registered your email at the TERMINATOR:SALVATION spin off site SkynetResearch.com, you should have received your first clue that this site is likely a so-called Rabbit hole hosting an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) tie-in to this summer's feature film.

When you received automated email replies and confirmation to your registration, you should have also received a vCard attached to the bot email which gives a PO Box address and New York phone number. Dial the number and you'll hear a synthesized (and somewhat creepy) female voice mail greeting you with: "Welcome to Skynet Research. We're committed to making your life different." At the beep, leave a message if you dare.

While the site doesn't appear to be activated yet to prove it's a game, such an ARG would be highly consistent with Warner Brothers' recent viral marketing campaigns, as evidenced by the superb ARG created for THE DARK KNIGHT last year. A phenomenal success with Bat-fans, it's a good bet the studio would follow up with another ARG based on the Terminator mythology, which conveniently is based in communications technology and should provide a rich playground for the themes and action of TERMINATOR:SALVATION.

I'll post the remainder of this article and information on a hidden link in this update so casual readers won't have any clue-hunting spoiled for them without warning. Otherwise, if you're game read on and stay tuned here at T:2018 as this story develops.

[ NEW COVER STORY REVEALS T-600 ENEMY ] +FEB 2 2009

GamePro previewed their March 2009 issue cover which features a multi-page cover story on the TERMINATOR:SALVATION video game, a prequel adventure to the Christian Bale-starring film which blasts into theaters May 22nd. GamePro will offer exlcusive details about the game and McG's feature film, plus a recapt of previous TERMINATOR vid games. Their March issue hits newsstands soon, so visit the GamePro site for more details and subscription info to get the specs first!

GamePro cover story art	Game art of the T-600 Terminator

[ FOUR NEW TERMINATOR PRODUCTION PHOTOS ] +FEB 2 2009

Italian website Screen Week unveiled a foursome of new TERMINATOR:SALVATION production photos featuring characters Blair Williams (Moon Bloodgood) and Barnes (Common) in action. As resistance fighters trusted by John Connor (Christian Bale), both Williams and Barnes play crucial roles in the events surrounding the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), who may hold the key to defeating Skynet. Access our Recon Images to view these new character photos and be sure to check out Screen Week's news-breaking article.

[ GET WIRED TO EXCLUSIVE T4 CONCEPT ART ] +JAN 30 2009

Wired News blogged a batch of exclusive concept art from TERMINATOR:SALVATION, some of which is new while others are higher quality images of what Warners had previously released — all of it stems from director McG's recent press tour promoting the film Eight images reveal new details about the many models of Terminator machines unleashed by Skynet's robotic factory, along with at least one plot spoiler if you've been shying away from such details. Jump the link to our article of in-depth speculation for more details and quotes from McG if you dare, and get wired up to full-size art graphics of these great and revealing images. [ Note: this article has been updated on FEB 08 2009 ]

Terminator scale comparison art	MotoTerminator concept art

[ McG SAYS TERMINATOR LIKELY TO GET R ] +JAN 23 2009

Sid Shuman at GamePro.com reports that TERMINATOR:SALVATION director McG now thinks his film will earn an R rating from the MPAA, easing fears of some fans that the fourth TERMINATOR film would get watered down by a softer PG-13 label. Shuman quotes McG as saying, "I suspect we'll be R [rated]. The one who would care the most is Warner Bros' president of production, and he looked at me and said, "I don't care."

This is only a slight variation on comments already posted from McG at the recent LA press preview with 20 minutes of TERMINATOR:SALVATION footage, so this news may not be entirely new, but is certainly more conforting to fans who prefer a harder edge in the series.

McG also offered hints about the upcoming TERMINATOR:SALVATION video game: "A lot, the video game follows the Barnes character. We're monitoring the game, and it has a great deal to do with this story. That also reminds me of the TV show, for example. For the film, we chose to follow the storylines of the first two films and largely let Sarah Connor Chronicles do its own thing. You have to do what's right for the larger mythology."The director added a final warning, as both the current caretaker of the franchise and a TERMINATOR fan: "And that video game better be good, or I'm gonna be pissed."

Read the full article at GamePro to enjoy McG's additional comments on why he hopes director Zach Snyder will someday reboot another classic sci-fi franchise and make a new ALIEN film.

[ REVIEW - TERMINATOR:SALVATION COMIC #1 ] +JAN 22 2009

T:2018's review of the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Official Movie Prequel comic Issue 1 is now online. Will this still-panel introduction to the post-Judgment Day world of Skynet killer machines and underground human resistance fighters get your fan circuits buzzing with enthusiasm? Preview Issue #1 and compare your reaction to his opening comic chapter with our analysis, as Issue #2 looms ahead in our future.

T-600 Terminators kick it old school in the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Movie Prequel Comic Issue #1

[ SKYNET RESEARCH WEBSITE ACTIVATES ] +JAN 21 2009

The fine folks at TerminatorFiles got the scoop on an apparently new website related to TERMINATOR:SALVATION which has just surfaced: for now it's an automated 'bot' site at the domain SkynetResearch.com, offering visitors mechanically-themed graphics and an email sign-up form.

There's no telling where this website goes in the immediate future: is it a viral advertising site? A future component of the official movie site, which currently exists only as a blog? The only way to find out is to monitor this new domain and/or sign-up for email updates. Check out the full scoop article at TerminatorFiles for their insights on this intriguing omen of film marketing.

[ TERMINATOR SCARES '2012' OUT OF SUMMER ] +JAN 21 2009

Variety reports that Sony Pictures has pulled Roland Emmerich's apocalyptic film 2012 out of its July 10 scheduled release, due to this summer's strong box office lineup including TERMINATOR:SALVATION. A Sony rep said the studio already has two high-profile titles in this summer's slate, including Ron Howard's sequel ANGELS & DEMONS and its action remake THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, so 2012 got moved back to November 13th.

Sony also distributes McG's TERMINATOR:SALVATION internationally while Warner Brothers releases the Christian Bale thriller in the U.S., where T4 now enters a less-crowded genre slate including Paramount's STAR TREK, Fox's X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE. The summer 2009 season continues to evolve in flux after fallout from the Writer's Guild strike filled studio production schedules in 2008 and thinned out titles for this year — a prime reason why Paramount moved TREK to May '09 in one of the first major title shuffles announced last February. Clearly the checkerboard moves continue, but one fewer summer tentpole title may give TERMINATOR:SALVATION more room to change box office history.

[ PREVIEWING T:SALVATION COMIC PREQUEL ] +JAN 19 2009

Catching up on the TERMINATOR:SALVATION Official Movie Prequel comic, check out our preview of Issue #1 available soon with links to an 8-page sample of the story. The Terminator:Salvation Movie Prequel is a four-part series written by Dara Naraghi (Lifelike) with story art by Alan Robinson and cover art by Nick Runge, with Issue #1 to be released this month. Jump the link to our article for a story preview and more.

Cover A artwork	Incentive Cover art	Page One preview	Page Four preview

[ TERMINATOR:SALVATION GETS IMAX RELEASE ] +JAN 18 2009

SciFi Wire got confirmation from McG that TERMINATOR:SALVATION will get an IMAX large-format theatrical release in conjunction with a standard theater version — and adds that McG almost shot the film in IMAX but the aesthetic choice of using the special color-desaturated, high-contrast 'super silver' film stock prevented IMAX production from being practical. The extra-high-def camera format simply couldn't accommodate the special film stock McG wanted to illustrate his vision of a bleak post-Judgment Day future war.

Says McG in their article, "But we're going to bump it up to IMAX. We are going to bump it up, and it holds up very nicely, and it looks and sounds that much more impactful. But one price we had to pay for making those choices was that we didn't shoot in IMAX." While TERMINATOR:SALVATION may not be native to the IMAX format, at least fans will get their choice in the best of both presentation worlds.

From the director about the rating 'controversy' that T4 might get a PG-13 label: "We don't aim for a rating, and we've been given freedom by the head of the studio to just make the best picture possible." I'd say his priorities are right there!

On TERMINATOR:SALVATION's running time: "I want a movie to have a correct length to have the maximum impact and give you something to think about as you exit the theater. I also think the audience is so intelligent that you can tell, oftentimes as a function of runtime, the amount of confidence in the quality of the film." McG predicts his film to clock in at a little over two hours, which sounds promising given his opinion on the subject.

McG ends with talk of the franchise's future: "We have already broken stories for the second and third movies. We don't explore time travel in this movie, and it's a huge part of the mythology." In the end, McG confirms it's all up to audiences whether the TERMINATOR series proceeds, but his confidence to leave that decision up to fans and filmgoers speaks highly of what's in store for us this May. Be sure to check out the full interview excerpt at SciFi Wire linked above.

[ LA TIMES ASKS: IS T4 THE IRON MAN OF 2009? ] +JAN 15 2009

The LA Times Blog recently spoke with TERMINATOR:SALVATION director McG at the west coast press preview of the film, and emerged from the event predicting a good future for the sci-fi film, if not for its fate-bedeviled hero John Connor, who appears hip-deep in danger in a battle photo with fellow resistance fighters. Describing McG's unbounded enthusiasm for the film, blogger Geoff Boucher says, "I really like the look of this film and its early trajectory reminds me of IRON MAN, which won over the masses with a smart and extended dialogue with fans, great casting and a top-notch mix of practical effects and computer-generated flourishes and framing. McG appears to be making great decisions and has from Day One."

While McG admits that his ending for TERMINATOR:SALVATION is "going to piss some people off" with its lack of a full-stop Hollywood ending — remember that Halcyon is already developing a fifth TERMINATOR film — Boucher foresees, "If I were to bet, I'd say this will be one of the biggest hit films of the year." Jump the link above to read the full LA Times article and click on the image to view the full-size photo in our Recon sector.

[ T4 PRESS PREVIEW EARNS PRAISE FOR McG ] +JAN 13 2009

A special press screening previewing 20 minutes of TERMINATOR:SALVATION on Monday has invitees and fanboys (not necessarily exclusive groups) singing early praises of McG's work on the fourth film. Three scene clips were presented to attending press followed with a montage of more scene snippets, all of which contained some work-in-progress effects shots ranging from CG Terminator machines to wire removals waiting to happen. The overall results and reviews are highly positive:

MTV Movies Blog writes: "[W]hen McG played about 15 minutes of footage from “Terminator Salvation” at a special screening on Monday, he went a long way toward assuring skeptics our worries were unfounded. The clips the director unveiled made for a fantastically noisy spectacle of carnage and fire, speeding trucks and exploding tankers, cool-looking mechanical creations and old school hand-to-bot combat."
Latino Review writes: "After seeing a few minutes of footage this week all that I will say is that my support for the director and the production has tripled. . . McG is a laid back type of guy who likes to get right to the point and will tell a joke and occasionally use a little profanity to put you at ease. Though he may seem like an old college buddy you knew, it's impressive how much confidence he has in his latest film. He's a Terminator fan just like the rest of us and doesn't want to screw this up. All he is after is telling a compelling dramatic story that just happens to be hidden inside and action picture about giant killer robots hunting humans."

Be warned: Latino Review's in-depth article on this presentation is chock-full of spoilers, so read at your own peril! That said, the combined coverage of the screening and McG's pitch of the film and clips is highly positive, acknowledging the director's geek-cred as equally formidable to the self-proclaimed fanboy press attending. Christian Bale, Anton Yelchin and Sam Worthington impressed viewers with their scenes, and these moments implied a promising, gritty, innovative story was supporting all the action and desolation.

Other encouraging confirmations followed: McG's inspiration for his franchise chapter arises dominantly from the first two films, though it respects the timeline of T3; the evolution in Terminator technology by Skynet certainly could lead to a CG-cameo by Schwarzenegger in T-800 mode, for future films if not this one; Kyle Reese's importance is evident in T4, as his role in John Connor's life becomes a turning point in the plot; and female characters will continue to play strong roles in the story, courtesy of Bryce Dallas Howard (Kate Connor) and Moon Bloodgood (Blair Williams).

Below are just two of the twenty-two pieces of TERMINATOR:SALVATION concept art on display at the screening, courtesy of Latino Review.

Concept art of a giant Terminator attacking a soldier

[ ELFMAN TO SCORE TERMINATOR:SALVATION ] +JAN 09 2009

MTV Movies broke their exclusive news today that Danny Elfman is currently in early stages of composing the TERMINATOR:SALVATION original music score. According to their red carpet interview with the composer at the Critics' Choice Awards, Elfman confirmed that he began work on the score only Wednesday, and has recently seen an assembly screening of the film which he described as "Exciting."

Elfman is a somewhat surprising choice, given the upbeat and sometimes comical music style dating back to the band Oingo Boingo, but his broad range of work in film composing certainly opens the doors to a variety of composing options.

MTV also reports that there is no studio or director mandate by McG to include the iconic franchise sounds of Brad Fiedel's signature composition, but its use is a consideration: “I think if it comes up and it seems appropriate, we will [use it],” Elfman said. “And if it doesn’t, we [won't]. I never really know what to expect when I begin other than just kind of get into it and have fun. Especially a movie like “T4” – just have fun. So that’s what I intend to do.”

MTV Movies reported previously that TERMINATOR:SALVATION co-star Common, who plays resistance fighter Barnes, will also provide a track for the film's soundtrack. No details are yet available whether the track will follow the hip-hop style of Common's recording career.

[ McG: FROM TERMINATOR TO SUBMARINER ] +JAN 06 2009

Variety reports that TERMINATOR:SALVATION director McG has signed on to direct 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA: CAPTAIN NEMO, Disney's fast-tracked family adventure film tentatively scheduled to begin filming in 2009. As the industry and audience buzz builds anticipation for the next TERMINATOR chapter, studios have been actively courting McG to develop or helm their next projects.

CAPTAIN NEMO will apparently be a prequel to Walt Disney's classic 20,000 LEAGUES made in 1954, telling an origin story of Nemo troubled relationship with civilization and his obsessive creation of the submersible warship, the Nautilus. Just as Disney wagered his studio's future on his first live-action film over fifty years ago, Walt Disney Studios is also investing heavily in McG's talent, reportedly promising the director $8 million up front against his 7% share of CAPTAIN NEMO's box office gross.

No release date has been given for the Disney undersea action pic, but it's expected the project should fall into McG's schedule between releasing TERMINATOR:SALVATION and presumably directing its sequel already in the planning stages by Warner Brothers Pictures.

[ PLAYMATES PREVIEWS T4 FIGURES ] +JAN 04 2009

Playmates Toys released a photo gallery preview of three upcoming action figure sets for TERMINATOR:SALVATION, estimated for delivery in the second quarter of 2009. Sets will be available in 3.75", 6" and 10" sizes, all are fully articulated, come with multiple accessories, and exact movie styling. Click the images to see the Playmates Toys TERMINATOR:SALVATION action figure previews and read more details on each set.

Preview T4 3.75" figure set	Preview T4 6" figure set	Preview T4 10" figure set

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