The Film You Never Saw in Theaters: The Most Expensive "Terminator" Runs Just 12 Minutes

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On September 26th, Linda Hamilton turns 69 — and it's a perfect opportunity to remember Sarah Connor not only in the iconic "Terminator," "Judgment Day," and "Dark Fate," but also in one rare project that few people know about.

In 1996, James Cameron created a unique short film for Universal Studios called "T2 3-D: Battle Across Time" — a continuation of the story where audiences became direct participants in the battle between humans and machines.

This wasn't just a movie, but an attraction that many fans still call "the real third installment" of the franchise.

What the film is about

"T2 3-D: Battle Across Time" continues the story of "Judgment Day" and brings viewers back to the legendary heroes.
T2 3-D: Battle Across Time trailer
Cyberdyne Corporation is demonstrating their latest development — T-70 series terminators. But suddenly Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) appears on screen with her son John (Edward Furlong): they warn people about the coming catastrophe and interrupt the presentation.

The T-1000 (Robert Patrick) bursts into the theater, and a shootout erupts right before the audience's eyes. Everything looks incredibly real — Sarah fights the enemy, and the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) arrives on a motorcycle through a time portal to save John.

They travel to a dark future where war rages against the machines, and face off against Skynet's new monster — a gigantic T-1000000 made of liquid metal.

How audiences reacted

Based on reviews on IMDb, franchise fans were thrilled: some called the show "the real third Terminator movie," while others insisted it was the best 3D adventure of their lives.

Many admitted that the moment with the motorcycle bursting right into the theater "blew their minds," and having all four key actors — Arnold, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, and Robert Patrick — made the attraction a must-see experience.
Actress Linda Hamilton in round glasses and a cap, actor Edward Furlong with a headband
Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong in scenes from T2 3-D: Battle Across Time
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For many viewers, this wasn't just entertainment, but a full-fledged continuation of their beloved story that they ranked higher than the franchise's later films.
As a continuation of the Terminator franchise, the film offers an engaging, action-packed storyline that will be a pleasant bonus for fans of the movies.
IMDb user Zooha-47207

How the attraction was created

Work on "T2 3-D" began in the early 1990s: Universal planned a stunt show attraction, but Landmark company proposed combining cinema and live action.
Movie poster featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in a leather jacket holding a shotgun
T2 3-D: Battle Across Time movie poster
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James Cameron was initially skeptical, but after seeing the concept, he directed the short film himself. The budget reached a record $60 million, with $24 million going to the 12-minute film — one of the most expensive per minute in history.

Filming used a heavy two-camera setup weighing 200 kg, and special effects were tested in an airport hangar. The attraction operated for over twenty years until 2020, giving millions of viewers a unique chance to step inside the Terminator universe.

"T2 3-D" is a unique case where a cult film's story got its continuation not on movie theater screens, but in a theme park. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com told you about three forgotten Tom Felton roles you didn't even know about.