Production note The movie had a $6.4 million budget and made about $78 million.
Production note The studio did not screen the film for critics, so there is no Roger Ebert review.
Production note James Cameron wrote the script after a nightmare involving a metal figure clawing through fire with knives.
Production note The original concept had two Terminators, including a liquid-metal one saved for the sequel.
Production note Cameron’s pitch reportedly featured Lance Henriksen dressed as the Terminator.
Production note Schwarzenegger reportedly wanted to say ‘I will be back,’ but Cameron insisted on ‘I’ll be back.’
Production note Bill Paxton is noted as the only actor killed by a Terminator, an alien, and a predator.
Production note Harlan Ellison’s legal complaint led to settlement credit and money for later prints.
Production note The film’s future war is set in 2029, which the hosts joke is now uncomfortably close.
Production note Schwarzenegger speaks only 17 lines and under 100 words.
First Blood Used as part of the host thesis about the birth of modern action movies.
48 Hours Cited as another key early-80s action template.
Die Hard Used as a later link in the action-movie evolution chain.
Halloween Referenced as the slasher model Cameron was channeling.
Escape from New York Used to describe the film’s synth, urban wasteland, and Carpenter influence.
Pumping Iron Cited to explain Arnold’s charisma and public persona before acting fame.
Rambo II Mentioned in discussion of Cameron’s work during the production delay.
Aliens Referenced as Cameron’s next major step and a possible better fit for Michael Biehn.
The Rock Used as one of the few films Shea associates with Michael Biehn.
Dark Knight Used as a comparison for modern action set pieces and lower body count norms.
Blade Runner Referenced as a sci-fi/urban-dystopia comparison point.
Top Gun Mentioned both as an era peer and as a comparison for Rick Rossovich and sunglasses.
Karate Kid Referenced as one of the cable-era rewatchable staples.
Purple Rain Used as another key 1984 cultural touchstone and cable rewatchable.
Beverly Hills Cop Mentioned as a peer 1984 blockbuster and cable staple.
