Before the T2 Ultimate Edition DVD came out, this book was probably one of the most exhaustive sources of information regarding the movie, along with 'The Making of T2' paperback. It's basically the final draft of the screenplay along with production notes and anecdotes about each scene. There are also hundreds of mostly black-and-white stills that correspond to each scene as the script goes on. Also included are the many moments that were cut from the theatrical release, most of which, thankfully, has been restored in the Special Edition. This includes Sarah's dream with Kyle Reese, The Dysons at home, the garage head surgery, T-1000's "glitching", and several other notable omissions. And as you read the screenplay, you'll see that quite a few of the lines spoken in the film differ from what is written. Some of the final ad-libs and slight changes of premise are discussed in the scene notes, and the various reasons (if any) for the slight alterations.

The book also devotes a chapter to parts of previous drafts that included many scenes that were never filmed, mostly due to production costs, as well as notes and commentary about them. The most notable almost-scene is the time machine room, where the resistance sends Reese to 1984, and the second Terminator to 1994. Another abandoned moment is the T-1000 wreaking havoc at the Salceda camp (the trailer-park/junkyard-looking place in the desert) following the departure of the three heroes. This scene would've shown more T-1000 morphs and 'gags'. Like the photos that correspond with the final script, the storyboards of these lost moments are shown along with the script to give you an idea of what each scene would've looked like.

I found the most interesting part to be the introduction by co-writer/co-producer/director James Cameron. He talks about the grind of completing T2 in just a year, and probably his most profound revelation about himself: that writing the script is his least-favorite part of movie production. I found this little revelation to be rather ironic, because I always felt that his scriptwriting ability is his strongest suit. Well, maybe not with 'Titanic', but that's me.

Sadly, just about all of the stuff discussed in this trade paperback, and then some, has been incorporated into the Special Features disc of the Ultimate Edition DVD. If you've already entered the digital age of movie technology, this book is pretty much just a relic of the pre-DVD era.

'Late!

I really enjoyed Terminator 2. It had some great scenes that the movie left out - like scenes with Kyle in the future and in Sarah's dream. Also had more characterization because you could read what the characters were thinking. Would have liked to have had the scene where the "learning chip" is turned on put in the movie. Mr. Frakes described a poignant moment when Miles Dyson dies. Highly recommend this book to all T1, T2, and sci-fi fans. Enjoy!

James Camerons follow up to the Terminator has recieved both critical acclaim and criticism. I for one, loved the first Terminator movie. Terminator 2 was a worthy followup to the series. The action, the drama, the message, it was all there. Sure, some of his was hammered home, but its such a fun ride, you don't care. The screenplay itself is remarkable. It contains commentary and scenes that didn't make the final cut. For all you how need a testement to Camerons genius, this is it.