To achieve this widescreen look, a process called "matting" was used. The top and bottom of the filmed frame were electronically or mechanically blocked out (matted) to create the wide cinematic field of view.

For many viewers, the open matte version provides a sense of "breathing room" in the frame that the tight theatrical cropping lacks. While the 1.85:1 ratio is the director's intended vision, the open matte transfer serves as a fascinating archival piece, showing exactly what the cameras captured on set in 1984.

While filling a modern television screen is appealing to many, open matte presentations are a double-edged sword for film purists. The Advantages:

This means the audio is a discrete 5.1-channel surround mix, designed to immerse you in the film's iconic soundscape. For The Terminator , experiencing Brad Fiedel's legendary electronic score and the powerful sound effects (like the Terminator's .45 Longslide with laser sighting or the thunderous future war sequences) in high-quality surround sound is a significant part of the experience.

The keyword refers to a specialized, high-definition digital release of James Cameron’s sci-fi masterpiece that prioritizes a larger vertical field of view over the standard theatrical widescreen presentation. For enthusiasts of The Terminator (1984) , this specific format offers a unique perspective on the film’s gritty 1980s cinematography. What is "Open Matte"?

crop is what James Cameron originally intended for cinematic presentation, open matte brings audiences closer to the unadulterated negative, making it feel like a completely new viewing experience. The WEB-DL Advantage: Quality Without the Disk