The point: Terminator 2 was shot in super 35, meaning that it's filmed aspect ratio is closer to that of "fullscreen" than "widescreen". However, the directors intent was to show the film in widescreen.
Super 35 2.35:1 - also known as SuperScope 235, this uses modified 35mm film to produce a slightly wider image, with the director framing for a 2.35:1 image within the Super 35 frame. This is done to take advantage of the fine quality of Super 35 lenses without dealing with the distortion inherent in anamorphic lenses while still achieving the intended widescreen aspect ratio. Examples: Titanic, The Abyss, Terminator 2.
Not to mention, that the full screen version is most likely pan and scanned from the framed super 35 rather than just transfering the full film image (assuming it wasn't blocked off in the camera lens to begin with). Odds are rigging, lights, microphones, etc. would be visible since the upper/lower portions of the film were NEVER INTENDED TO BE SEEN.
The argument in a nutshell:
Fullscreen pan and scan versions are for people who have no real idea what they are missing and/or don't really care about the artistic intentions of the work. These people are easily entertained by moving pictures in whatever form they may be, and are mostly likely also distracted to the point of near paralysis by shiny objects and "purdy girls". If they are happy with fullscreen, than TBS is for them. Try watching a fullscreen "A league of Their Own" or "A Few Good Men" and the artificial pans and scans should be apparent. I wonder if these same people insist that the beautiful simplicity of 2-channel stereo is vastly superior to the complicated and expensive 6.1 surround reproduction.
In short, people who insist on films being shown in, not just widescreen (snow white is a classic filmed in "fullscreen"), but any other aspect ratio than what the director intends, not to mention adding artificial camera movement, are no better than bookburners. I do not insist that The Simpsons be filmed in widescreen, but if HBO ever shows The Sopranos in fullscreen again, I'm going to shoot someone.
Preserve the Artist's Intentions!!