THX and T2 Get Extreme
THX Ltd. Plays a Critical Role in Digitally Mastering, Certifying and Launching T2: Extreme DVD
In late spring 2003, Artisan Entertainment engaged the Digital Works unit of THX® Ltd. to provide quality control (QC) services for the re-release of Terminator 2 (T2) on DVD. Both Artisan and James Cameron, the film’s director, had worked with THX in the past and wanted to leverage the organization’s expertise in DVD mastering and certification to create a high quality DVD product. For this release, Artisan wanted a DVD presentation that would be true to the color palette of the original theatrical release, and deliver a sound mix to bring the film’s special effects to life. Terminator fans would also be treated to a new audio commentary from Cameron, as well as additional behind-the-scenes footage, bonus content and surprise features.
Artisan had intended to use the same high-definition (HD) master that was used for the previous DVD release in 1997. However, the old master posed a problem because it was created in 1,034 lines of video, compared to today’s HD standard of 1,080. To transfer images from 1,034 to 1,080 lines, the picture would have to be expanded both horizontally and vertically, resulting in a reduction of image clarity. The only option was to have THX supervise the creation of a brand-new HD master. Although this would entail an additional investment by Artisan, enhancing the project’s scope would result in the creation of a master that could be distributed on a variety of emerging digital media platforms for years to come, including Internet streaming video, HDTV and digital cinema.
The date for the DVD release was set for early June, to take advantage of the excitement surrounding the theatrical release of the third film in the Terminator trilogy. Since the original plan was to merely clean up and restore the 1,034 master, both Artisan and THX had only three weeks to complete the project. They didn’t have available the 2-3 months it typically takes to completely re-master a film title. With the street date looming, THX had no choice but to put T2 on the fast track.
From start to finish, every detail of the transfer was monitored, evaluated and supervised for picture and sound excellence by THX technicians. The company worked closely with its post-production partners – Artisan; Van Ling, the DVD’s producer; and Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment – to get the DVD to market on time and within budget. After three long weeks of working around the clock, THX provided Artisan and Cameron with a new, full-frame HD master for final approval.
After receiving the blessing of both Artisan and Cameron, THX technicians teamed with Ling to proceed with the DVD production and certification. THX incorporated its industry-recognized quality control processes to make sure that the sound and picture quality was not degraded during the DVD transfer. They closely monitored and set guidelines for the down conversion, reviewed the compressed video and audio, and carefully analyzed the disc data during the emulation stage.
Titled "T2: Extreme DVD," the THX Certified DVD provides a state-of-the-art film presentation. The creation of the new HD master ensured that the DVD product remained true to the integrity of the original theatrical release. The detail is sharp, and the surround sound and sonic presentation are outstanding. In addition, a companion disc is included that enables consumers to view a complete theatrical version of the film using Microsoft Windows Media 9 playback. With “T2: Extreme DVD,” consumers can experience the thrills of T2 in HD and 5.1-surround sound from the comfort of their desktop PC. For home theater and DVD systems, the new DVD comes equipped with the THX Optimizer™, a DVD special feature that allows consumers to adjust their home theater systems for maximum playback performance.