Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

The Terminal Man Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 23, 2024

Joining the race of “thoughtful” sci-fi/fantasy/horror filmmaking is 1974’s “The Terminal Man,” with Hollywood looking to do something with Michael Crichton’s literary offerings after the success of 1971’s “The Andromeda Strain.” Mike Hodges (“Get Carter,” “Flash Gordon”) accepts the challenge of the adaptation, with the writer/director tasked with making something cinematic from a book that’s largely about scientific study. Hodges tries to transform the page into a visual experience, but the material doesn’t exactly welcome tension, finding most of the endeavor static, attempting to find some profundity in the examination of man’s tinkering in the ways of computer science. And there’s a critical miscasting holding the movie back, with George Segal, a wonderful actor, provided a part he doesn’t really know what to do with, forcing Hodges to work around him at times. “The Terminal Man” has the makings for a thriller, but nothing materializes during the run time, resulting in a glacial study of a scientific breakthrough, medical hubris, and the broken genius at the center of it all.

After surviving a car accident, Harry (George Segal) is left with a severe brain injury, turning him into an epileptic man who’s prone to violent behavior when seizures arrive. He’s been physical with many, including his wife, but medical science wants to do something with the brilliant computer scientist, making him a candidate for experimental surgery. Dr. Arthur (Donald Moffat) is the man with the plan, creating a miniature computer capable of being implanted in Harry’s brain via 40 electrodes, while a power pack in his shoulder keeps the machine running. The electrodes provide stimulation capable of rerouting his anger while seizing, with the potential of turning him back into the docile man he once was. Dr. John (Richard A. Dysart) is the surgeon in charge of the procedure, prepared to make history as his team attempts to perfect the implant on a human for the first time. The operation goes well, with psychiatrist Dr. Janet (Joan Hackett) working to test the electrodes on Harry, who responds expectedly to the treatment. However, he’s not a man to be trusted, growing addicted to electrode stimulation, which overloads his brain, threatening to return him to monster status as he plans an escape from the hospital.

There’s a prescient touch to “The Terminal Man,” as Harry isn’t just physical with his rage, but paranoid as well. He’s left his career in computer science due to fears of artificial intelligence and its rapid growth, sensing doomsday for the planet. It’s an interesting shade of darkness for the character, but his propensity for violence is the main concern for the screenplay, with Hodges emphasizing the delicate nature of his temper, which explodes during seizures, making it impossible to control the man through medicine. Harry’s a brilliant guy, but the screenplay doesn’t exactly reinforce why everyone is so determined to use him as a Guinea pig for the surgery, with Hodges keeping a more defined understanding of importance at arm’s length. He prefers a sense of mystery to the whole situation, using the unknown to inspire screen tension as medical professionals start finalizing plans to crack open Harry’s brain and hook him up to computer power.

Harry has triggers, with an awful smell coming to him before he seizes up, giving the material a warning sign to play with as the doctors deal with their patient. “The Terminal Man” eventually gets to Harry’s plan for his hospital stay, but most of the second act is devoted to the surgery sequence, where Dr. John takes command of an operating theater for an extended procedure that tests his skills in front of a curious audience. There’s an amusing character detail in Dr. John’s pre-show jitters, vomiting in the bathroom before beginning work, but Hodges is committed to displaying the details of the brain invasion. It’s not as riveting as the helmer believes, going on and on before Harry’s computer is finally tested with Dr. Janet, who’s the only one voicing concerns about the experiment.

“The Terminal Man” spends more time with testing, with Harry’s electrodes handed a workout, resulting in multiple responses from the patient, including a trigger of his sexual desires, putting the moves on Dr. Janet. Again, “The Terminal Man” is in no hurry, with Hodges poring over every step of the journey, remaining more procedural than emotional, reinforcing power plays from the men in charge. It takes an hour before the story switches to escape mode, as Harry’s relationship with stripper Angela (Jill Clayburgh) is examined, allowing the patient to find his way out of the hospital.

The final act of “The Terminal Man” deals with the overload situation, as Harry has no interest in controlling his brain, simply grinding himself back to anger, which is detailed at several points late in the movie. This excess in stimulation permits the director to add some Kubrickian touches to “The Terminal Man,” introducing interesting shots and staging. It’s welcome, but doesn’t add anything remotely energizing to the picture, which carries the aura of a more intense battle between the computer man and his captors, but the film itself doesn’t indulge such seemingly intended escapism.

The Terminal Man Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides an enjoyable view of "The Terminal Man" and its strange ways. Detail is soft but satisfactory, securing some skin particulars on the cast and fibrousness of costuming, which mostly remains with thicker hospital outfits and formalwear. Medical and computer devices retain texture. Interiors are dimensional as the story visits living spaces and hospital rooms, and exteriors, while limited for a mostly indoor picture, are deep, exploring cemetery expanse and tunnels. Colors seem accurate, preserving the coldness of doctor activity and hospital life. Warmer hues are used intentionally, with brighter primaries on red roses and decorative additions. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is acceptable, preserving some shadow play and evening attire. Grain is capably resolved. Source is in good condition.

The Terminal Man Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix retains the rather straightforward sound design of the feature. Dialogue exchanges are clear, losing nothing to unintelligibility, and moments of rage remain balanced. Scoring favors a delicate piano-based sound, with crisp instrumentation and support. Sound effects are active, exploring computer actions and surgical details. Helicopter intensity is retained, along with crowd bustle.

The Terminal Man Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (3:02, HD) is included.

The Terminal Man Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Segal attempts to give Harry gravitas and mystery, but the role is out of his range, unable to conjure credible menace that Hodges needs to help locate an ending. The actor's reactions and chimp-like sounds in "The Terminal Man" border on unintentional comedy as Harry is stung by his electrodes, resembling the "Orgasm Guy" from an old "Saturday Night Live" sketch. Segal can't reach what Hodges is looking to achieve with the picture, but he's backed by a capable supporting cast who are more suited for their parts, hitting some dramatic highs along the way. "The Terminal Man" eventually crawls to closure, stuck somewhere between an attempt to realize Crichton's lively imagination and retain Hodge's desire for a more challenging viewing experience, leaving the audience with a study of a breakdown that never gets out of first gear.