Terminator: Salvation BD-Live director commentary impressions
By Richard Lawler 
posted December 8th 2009 8:29PM
posted December 8th 2009 8:29PM
As a part of the three disc "director's cut" Blu-ray set, the BD-Live components were all on the director's cut disc, thankfully free of long and unskippable trailers that plagued the theatrical version. Still, speed is a concern, after registering on Warner's BD-Live site it still took a couple of minutes for our BDP-S360 to download and display the internet features on the disc. While access to trailers could be nice, the initial spotlight screen's video promos slowed performance and made it tough to click through. Still, we were able to wade through the menu without much trouble and the chat hosted by McG appeared easily. As far as setup, we didn't need to make any adjustment, however just like other commentary tracks, this required users enable secondary audio, and, in the case of the PS3 at least, be sure to switch to a PCM audio output, otherwise it wouldn't be able to mix in the live commentary. This information was available on Warner's site but buried deep within a FAQ where it unfortunately missed at least a few who attempted to tune in, for a player and configuration that popular, it should have been made much more apparent.
Once the movie actually started it was very smooth, we got a good feed of the audio from the speakers over quieted movie sounds, however our feed appeared to be at least 20-25 seconds behind the movie, with the director frequently pointing out scenes after they had already come on, or even after the text log that displayed at the top right had already updated what they were saying. Not everyone experienced this so it's hard to tell if it's a specific player problem or what may have been the cause but it negatively affected one of the great opportunities for this technology. Additionally, about 90 minutes into the stream the audio disconnected entirely, and things were paused for five minutes or so while they figured things out before resuming. It was disappointing that the ability to pause the video wasn't used to greater advantage, even during a break in the movie, we understand needing a glass of water, but with synchronized players, why not give viewers the same chance?
Still, it was overall a positive experience because of the additional detail provided just by hearing the director's excitement while talking about his movie, and despite the arrogant three letter moniker, came off as much more grounded than we expected. Anyone interested the missed the event shouldn't be too disappointed, they did mention that it will be available as a commentary download soon. Terminator: Salvation was a decent enough popcorn action flick but this kind of environment would definitely benefit from a session with a movie and moviemaker that elicited more emotional reaction, so if the rough edges get scrubbed off we could definitely see listening in again if one of our longtime favorite movies offered the feature -- not just the blockbuster of the week.
No talking during the movie! Where's an usher when you need one?
The way I see it, BD-Live is just a gimmick that a vast majority don't care about. As for myself, I like to watch a movie and that's it. Once I watch it, I am done. I'm not really interested in spending hours in various options, such as BD-Live, on a movie beyond watching the movie.
@Brian Yeah, and for that matter, with most movies I'm not really interested in watching them more than the one time. Most movies end up on my shelf, and therefore, most movies have simply been coming out of Redbox.
I gather that studios are only going to put about 3 months worth of effort for any film following it's release. BD-Live seems like a smart idea, until you look at it from the studio side: "Wait, we've already sold the majority of copies we're going to sell, and you want us to spend *more* money on it?"
Brian.
While I generally agree on the lackluster BD-Live offerings, this is totally different.
It's the INTERACTIVE NATURE of BD-Live in this case that sets it apart. I actually had two questions answered during the chat. I will NEVER meet McG, never know the producers or writers of Terminator, and yet I had two questions addressed by the creators of the movie! THAT IS A NEW FEATURE!
Studios certainly need to find more uses of BD-Live, but THIS IS THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Absolutely, something that finally makes me glad BD-Live exists!
-Pie
@EatingPie
Why all the caps bro?
Yes but what movies are you planning on using BD-Live? Are you planning on using BD-Live on every movie you own? I'm sorry but it's just a gimmick that does sound cool. I even will admit it sounds cool but I will say that's for the vast majority, it's not a selling point beyond sounding cool. And are the studios going to put money into this after the movie is released? Why would they unless it will make them more money some how by either selling more movies or a paid system for using BD-Live on that specific movie. You won't see BD-Live being used beyond the time frame of the initial release because it's a waste of money for the studio unless they can sell more copies.
At home I have about 800 DVDs, a few Blu-rays and HD DVDs. I never fully watched any of the extras on any of them. I have started a few but never really finished any of them.
And it is true about the interactive nature of BD-Live, which again, it sounds cool. But how many times are you going to pop in that movie to use BD-Live? Wouldn't rather buy a video game for interactive nature? BD-Live is just very very limited and I think it always will be. Beyond the coolness sounding of BD-Live, there isn't much beyond that because again, it costs the studios money and most people don't care about it. They watch the movie once, maybe twice, and that's it.
All caps to emphasize the important points, since no bold and no italics. :(
While I agree with you on some points, you're not really the most "expert" opinion. As you admit, you hardly use the special features on DVD as it is! :-)
I agree that BD-Live content is time sensitive. But discs comes with tons of "standard' content, so BD-Live is *added*. Also, the key here is that BD-Live hasn't been so great... just more content -- usually crappy -- that could easily have gone on another disc anyway.
This chat feature is really interesting, and using BD-Live specifically in a way that can't be duplicated by DVD. Yes, it's time sensitive. And yes, the content will eventually disappear. And Yes, it's to sell more Blu-rays... which is what the studios are in the business of doing! And why there's Special Features on DVDs in the first place anyway!
But this is the first time I will say BD-Live is a GOOD addition to Blu-ray, something desirable -- it gives the general public something they generally do not have: access to the film makers.
For example, I am the person who asked why he felt compelled to have Moon Bloodgood do a gratuitous nude scene. It was probably the best question in the chat, given the number of references to it by blogs, but it's something bloggers and reporters NEVER ASKED! To my surprise, he actually gave a decent response... with a grain of salt in hand. The important point here is that BD-Live made this possible, and it gave us further insight into the movie that we would not normally have gotten. So this feature has definitely proven itself useful in a new and fun (and maybe even exciting) way.
-Pie
@EatingPie
I know why you used bolds. It was a retorical question. :)
Using the features doesn't or not doesn't make you an expert or not. Knowing how to use it makes you one, and I know how to use it.
But like I said, BD-Live sounds cool but how many times are you going to pop in Terminator to talk to McQ?
I think the only thing cool about BD-Live is that maybe some new trailer would be released on it, but then again, I probably won't put in a a disc again to watch it.
I only see it being used as DVD extras are used currently. And some people like the extras and that's fine. And don't get me wrong, I do think there are a lot of cool things about BF-Live like chatting with McQ, but how many movies will do this? How many consumers will do it? That's why I say it's it's gimmicky..
But we can't really judge BD-Live until it has been over for awhile, maybe every several years and once it because standard between all movie titles.