I saw THE EXTERMINATOR when it was originally released in 1980 and thought it was great. Of course, time hasn't been kind to this film, which is more a TAXI DRIVER rip-off without the characterization...

I recently watched a bare-bones DVD - released by Tango Entertainment - and, while the image isn't very good, its flaws add to the movie's overall sleaze. Great exterior shots of 1980's Times Square, with actor Robert Ginty accosted by - what looks like - real people. Terrific marquee shots.

The violence in the film doesn't seem as graphic as I remember it, though the beheading at the beginning is pretty gnarly...

It plays better on Anchor Bay's uncut widescreen print, particularly James Glickenhaus' marvelous eye for presenting gory violence. I think almost all of Ginty's scenes are good sleazy fun (maybe even too sleazy), but I have never given a damn about Christopher George's romance with Samantha Eggar. George's scenes don't even look like they belong in the same movie (though the scene where he cooks a hot dog at his desk is amusing). If I could chop about ten minutes out of THE EXTERMINATOR, I think it would be a much better movie.

I forget where I saw THE EXTERMINATOR but it wasn't 42nd Street--and it should have been. And, yeah, those appear to be real 42nd Street denizens alongside Ginty in those shots. Of course you won't find them there today. Today's 42nd Street denizens are all from out of town and travel in large groups that are completely incapable of negotiating their way around sidewalks. :o

"42nd Street denizens were better when..."

Ok, Ok - anyone posting on this board is probably inclined to agree! ;)