The Alien movies... - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

C Roberts · 08-12-2002, 07:33 PM

I always kind of liked these movies. And while looking at their boxes the other day I noticed something I hadn't quite fully realized before. Each one is done by a great director.

Alien = Ridley Scott
Aliens = James Cameron
Those two I always knew about and did great jobs with their respective movies.
Alien3 = David Fincher; director of Se7en and Fight Club
Alien Ressurection = Jean-Pierre Jeunet (sp?); director of City of Lost Children and Amelie

Is this series unique in not only having each one of its movies done by a different director, but each one done by a really good director?
Also, I'd never noticed Ressurection was written by Buffy creator Joss Whedon.

DancinDave · 08-12-2002, 08:02 PM

I agree. It really is an outstanding series.

What about those re-release rumours? (Fox 5-star)

I've held off purchasing because of them.

UFO · 08-12-2002, 08:02 PM

Well, Ressurection failed because of poor scripting, directing, and acting. So you're theory kind of falls apart. Ron Pearlman? Why not just cast Carrot Top?

Scipio · 08-12-2002, 08:27 PM

A bit off-topic, but whatever. I read the original script for Alien:Resurrection, and it was much better than what ended up on the screen, at least in terms of action. If I recall correctly, there was a scene that had the crew going through a giant greenhouse/jungle to get the other side of the ship, and they are attacked by aliens as they try to make it through. It was a great scene, much better than the swimming underwater scene. My guess is that they ran out of money. Anyway, the script I read would have made a much better movie than what they ended up with. Oh well.

keiths · 08-12-2002, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Ron Pearlman? Why not just cast Carrot Top?

Dood thank you!!!
I needed a good laugh, and trying to picture carrot top in Resurrection did it for me.

Thanks

mbowen · 08-12-2002, 09:22 PM

I like Ron Pearlman, and anyway, it makes sense, since Junet had cast him before that in his "City of Lost Children"

limacharliewhiskey · 08-12-2002, 09:49 PM

Having watched all of these DVDs again recently, I can say that I like Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection more during recent viewings than during their theatrical releases.

Alien Resurrection is actually pretty good up to the point where the Queen alien gives birth to the alien/human hybrid. The whole concept of trying to capture and breed the aliens was a neat and novel idea that was probably first introduced in the comic books and fiction novels.

The Alien and Aliens DVDs are pretty loaded up and contain most of what were on their counterpart laserdisc releases. I wouldn't expect much more than what's already on these DVDs, unless they get some new footage from somewhere.

I'd buy a 5-Star set if one came out, but I don't think it'd be much of an improvement over what is already out. Some featurettes and commentary tracks could be added to Alien3 and Alien Resurrection, but that's about it. Considering neither did well in the box office and are not considered fan favorites, I'm not really expecting a 5-Star release.

There was a rumor of at least Alien getting a 5-Star version, but that was over a year ago.

XXBigbeeXX · 08-12-2002, 10:30 PM

I can only speak for the current versions of Alien and Aliens which are both very good -- Except it would be nice to have the original theatrical cut on the Aliens DVD as well as the extended version.

It was nice to see the extended cut but I think the theatrical is much better -- If they came out with a fully loaded box set of all four maybe I'd end up with 3 and Resurrection.

Volcane666 · 08-12-2002, 10:33 PM

I agree with the above that Resurection went downhill after the birth scenes... but even up until then it was inferior to the others.

Alien3 I think is VERY underated (Bracing myself for flames here) and there's a rumoured workprint version out there with an additonal 20mins or so which apparently improves it further.

The first 2 films don't really need any comment...

BigMaki · 08-12-2002, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scipio
A bit off-topic, but whatever. I read the original script for Alien:Resurrection, and it was much better than what ended up on the screen, at least in terms of action. If I recall correctly, there was a scene that had the crew going through a giant greenhouse/jungle to get the other side of the ship, and they are attacked by aliens as they try to make it through. It was a great scene, much better than the swimming underwater scene. My guess is that they ran out of money. Anyway, the script I read would have made a much better movie than what they ended up with. Oh well.

I have read this script as well, and found it superior to the movie in almost all regards. Strangely enough, the underwater scene was the best scene in the film to me, though. Odd. And that Alien hybrid thing was just pathetic... When I saw it in the theater, the entire audience burst out laughing. Not a good sign...

As far as 5-star versions of the films go? I'm assuming for Alien they would take the existing extras from the previous edition and package them with the 5th mail-away disc. Aliens would be nice, but I'm not sure what's left that they could add to the set? I'd spring for an Alien3 disc, especially if they were to release the fabled director's cut of the picture. Too bad that will never happen. I'd like to see some sort of extras for Alien Resurrection. Were there deleted scenes? Any extensive making-of stuff? Anything?

Porkchop · 08-12-2002, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UFO
Ron Pearlman? Why not just cast Carrot Top?

Ron Pearlman is a fantastic actor with a great persona, and he's seriously underused. He was excellent in "Enemy at the Gates" as well, although he was only in it for a few minutes.

Chalk me up for loving all four movies. "Alien 3" is not just underrated, it's freakin' brilliant. And "Resurrection", while being the least of the four, is still a visionary work. It failed here not because of "poor scripting, directing, and acting" as you claim, but because it was a very European dark comedy and not at all what American audiences expected of it. It was a big hit overseas.

UFO · 08-12-2002, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mbowen
I like Ron Pearlman, and anyway, it makes sense, since Junet had cast him before that in his "City of Lost Children"

Yes, I know...and that was part of the problem. He also cast the short dude in the power wheelchair from "City of Lost Children" At times I thought I was WATCHING "City of Lost Children."

Scarface · 08-12-2002, 11:46 PM

I agree this is a great series, and I feel that the series' best is in the order of which the movies where made.

Alien is a classic, and there is no other word for it. A claustrophobic horror show, brilliantly crafted, written, etc.

Aliens isn't as good as the original, but is still an entertaining shoot-'em-up, well made, etc,

Alien 3, I feel, is also underrated - I'm not saying it's a lost classic or anything - but is still a good movie

Alien: Ressurection - ah well, they tried

keiths · 08-12-2002, 11:46 PM

No one mentions his role in Blade 2.

redshifter · 08-12-2002, 11:55 PM

btw, the 20th annaversary "alien" dvd is one of the best i've seen/heard. if you have it check out the french dd 5.1 track: it has different sound effects and is much more aggressive.

my take on this is:

alien: very effective suspense/psychological horror movie. interesting use of subliminal sounds and images.

aliens: one of the all-time great action films.

alien3: could have been so great, but too many cooks spoiled the soup.

alien resurrection: too self-indulgent and the comedy bits just weren't very funny.

BubbleGumUK · 08-13-2002, 12:38 AM

What about the "Alien Legacy" set that was out.

Didn't that contain an SE of Alien and pretty good editions of the last three?

And wasn't there an extra disc? What was on all the extras?

C Roberts · 08-13-2002, 12:45 AM

I bought the Legacy box set. No extra disc though.

DancinDave · 08-13-2002, 01:08 AM

I see that the general consensus is that the box set is pretty good.

Anyone know for sure that the 5-star edition of Alien is being scrapped?

downhuman · 08-13-2002, 03:12 AM

I've heard that the rumor of the Alien 5-star is just that.....a rumor. Besides, that 20th anniversary disc is just phenomenal. About the only way to improve it would be the inclusion of a DTS track and a better video transfer (if that's even possible, the one used on the 20th anniversary didn't leave much room for improvement).

Daniel Knight · 08-13-2002, 04:47 AM

Chalk me down as another Resurrection fan. By far the better of all four films. But then again, I’m told I have very strange tastes.

Avid · 08-13-2002, 07:39 AM

Quote:

I can only speak for the current versions of Alien and Aliens which are both very good -- Except it would be nice to have the original theatrical cut on the Aliens DVD as well as the extended version.

I agree with Bigbee. I loved Aliens in the theater and would buy that version.

Flash Ahhh · 08-13-2002, 07:48 AM

The Alien Legacy box set is decent. The first two movies got good treatmet, and nothing extra or special was really done for the last two.

Alien 3 would be a lot better if Finchers cut had got released.

I might be in the minority, but I like Alien 4.

Also that 5th disk of aliens was a mail in freebie in Region 1, and I got my box set at Costco, which didn't have the coupons. I've seen that disk go for over 100 bucks on eBay. I don't know anyone that has it either.

-Flash

Little_Dragon · 08-13-2002, 11:15 AM

* raises hand *

I have it.

"The Alien Legacy: A Behind The Scenes Look At The Making Of Alien."

It came to me through the mail in a square cardboard sleeve; no snapper or keepcase.

The disc is basically a 68-minute-long documentary, featuring interviews with Ridley Scott, H.R. Giger, screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, and executive produce Ronald Shusett.

It's really been sold for over $100 on eBay?

akrycek · 08-13-2002, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Scipio
A bit off-topic, but whatever. I read the original script for Alien:Resurrection, and it was much better than what ended up on the screen, at least in terms of action. If I recall correctly, there was a scene that had the crew going through a giant greenhouse/jungle to get the other side of the ship, and they are attacked by aliens as they try to make it through. It was a great scene, much better than the swimming underwater scene. My guess is that they ran out of money. Anyway, the script I read would have made a much better movie than what they ended up with. Oh well.

That sounds interesting, but something slightly similar was done in The Black Hole except it was robots in the Jungle (garden room) instead of Aliens. A big difference was that an asteroid ripped through the top of that room and the people were in danger of being sucked out into space.

It would have been interesting to see how Resurrection would have turned out if they followed the original script though.

Krycek

sbenezet · 08-13-2002, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by downhuman
I've heard that the rumor of the Alien 5-star is just that.....a rumor. Besides, that 20th anniversary disc is just phenomenal. About the only way to improve it would be the inclusion of a DTS track and a better video transfer (if that's even possible, the one used on the 20th anniversary didn't leave much room for improvement).

I was just glad they finally fixed the botched musical cues and other soundtrack oddities from the previous THX video release of the film, as well as fixed the overscan framing problems from the pre-THX Special Edition laserdisc.

Scipio · 08-13-2002, 06:28 PM

*Also raises hand for 5 disc*

I guess I was one of the lucky ones. The documentary is terrific, very complete. I just bought a Amaray Slim 2 disc case and stuck it in there, so I could still keep all the movies in the box.

limacharliewhiskey · 08-13-2002, 06:38 PM

I got the 5th disc, too. I had to mail in the postcard that came with the box set, and I think I had to wait 8-to-10 weeks for it to arrive.

The offer for the 5th disc was only available for 6 months or so, just immediately after the box set was released, which was May 1999, I think. It was released separately because the company that did the documentary, Sharpline Arts, was filming all-new footage and interviews from January to March in 1999, and wasn't able to compile everything together in time to be included with the box set release in May. That was the explanation I got from Sharpline when I emailed them about it.

The Limey · 08-13-2002, 07:03 PM

I love the first 3 films and can even put up with Ressurection until the hybrid appearance.

Although i'm fairly content with the Alien & Aliens dvd's, I would love to see the whole set re-issued with DTS soundtracks,all the extra and deleted material available (particularly the missing footage from Fincher's Alien 3) and of course the inclusion of the excellent 75 minute Alien Evolution documentary that was hosted by Mark Kermode.
It screened on Channel 4 here in the UK a while ago and featured interviews with the cast and crew of all the films and even included Carrie-Henn who played "Newt" in Aliens.
In fact that documentary deserves a dvd release all of it's own.

Buffalo Bill · 08-13-2002, 07:46 PM

I've always wanted that bonus 5th disc but will not shell out the bucs that it draws on ebay. I got my Alien Legacy box set one year ago, long after the mail in offer had expired. Unless they reissue it I'll have to do without.

dvdjedi · 08-13-2002, 08:30 PM

A year or two back I was checking out my local used store & came across the Alien bonus disc for $5.

I swapped my Alien DVD case with one of those slim 2-disc cases (ala Gladiator) & put the bonus disc in there.

Quietus · 08-13-2002, 08:52 PM

I actually found Alien to be quite boring. I never experienced claustrophobia or much suspense - perhaps because I never have seen it in a theatre? (And of course because I'm a University Student and in the modern day those special effects are too laughable

Aliens 8/10
Alien3 5/10
Alien 4/10
Alien Resurrection (I'll have to re-rent this - wasn't paying attention a few years back)

theta · 08-13-2002, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by C Roberts
I always kind of liked these movies. And while looking at their boxes the other day I noticed something I hadn't quite fully realized before. Each one is done by a great director.

Personally, I happen to think "Alien" and "Aliens" are great, "Alien 3" hurts worse than a chestburster leaving Urethra Express, and "Alien: Resurrection" is just totally lost. Jeunet is indeed a great director, but he had no idea how to handle this material. As for David Fincher...well...let's just say his "great director" status is far from undisputed.

Scipio · 08-14-2002, 12:39 AM

Since Alien 3 seems to be a hotly contested movie in general, I thought I would add this. This is one of the original scripts submitted for the movie by William Gibson (Yes, the "Neuromancer" William Gibson). It is a much different story, but I think it was abandoned because of the fall of the Soviet Union around the time they were developing it. http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaz.../alien3wg.html

BigMaki · 08-14-2002, 02:03 AM

I've got that legendary 5th disc myself, though I've only watched it once since I received it. It's quite basic, I don't believe there are even any chapter stops on it. Worth seeing, but certainly in no way worth paying $100 for. Anyone else go to Sharpline's website and print up the Amaray case insert and booklet that they had there? Pretty sharp-looking piece, and much better looking on the shelf than the little cardboard sleeve they shipped it in...

Ambushbug · 08-14-2002, 04:34 AM

I guess I'm the odd man out-I picked up the Alien Legacy box set on widescreen VHS, so I got the fifth "disc" automatically. Not that I'm proud or anything, it was just my last VHS purchase before I got my DVD player. Sometimes there aint no justice.

As for the movies themselves, I loved them all and really wish we could see the director's cut of the 3rd film. I know in a previous discussion here, a forum member mentioned either having seen it, or owning a screen copy (lucky bastard) and that he was very impressed with it. Anywho, quick breakdown
#1: Great film overall. Good "gotcha" moments. Fan Service from Ripley at the end

, and introduction of an original movie monster (no small feat)
#2: Roller coasters anyone? I remember seeing this in the theatre after having too much soda-whole lotta bathroom trips from all the action and excitement. Thank you Mr. Cameron
#3: Monsterously cool sets. Wonderful cast and performances, creepy Alien POV shots, and what could have been a perfect acceptable end to the series.
#4: Let's step in to that roller coaster again shall we? But thank you Joss Whedon for all the humor ("I dunno man. Must be a chick thing.)

Again, tremendous performances from the cast (Winona Rider not withstanding)

AB

disclover · 08-16-2002, 05:46 AM

I really like the Alien series. Just what I had heard about the original movie prevented me from watching it for years, but now I really appreciate its artistry although it's a nightmare-inducer for sure. I think I like Cameron's action opus the best. I waver on the third film; it's either borderline good or borderline bad, depending on my mood at any given time. I would definitely like to see a director's cut of it someday. Resurrection is, IMHO, practically camp. Not frightening at all and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.

I have a VHS tape of that bonus "Alien Legacy" documentary. It is quite fascinating.

DancinDave · 09-06-2002, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DancinDave
What about those re-release rumours? (Fox 5-star)

I've held off purchasing because of them.

I ALMOST bought the set that weekend, and then balked again. I am SOO glad that I did!

Velvet G · 09-07-2002, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by XXBigbeeXX
I can only speak for the current versions of Alien and Aliens which are both very good -- Except it would be nice to have the original theatrical cut on the Aliens DVD as well as the extended version.

It was nice to see the extended cut but I think the theatrical is much better -- If they came out with a fully loaded box set of all four maybe I'd end up with 3 and Resurrection.

To each his or her own. I actually preferred the director's cut as it actually made more sense. Ripley's attachment to the girl due to that thing I can't mention because it would be a spoiler. It didn't make sense why she would fight THAT hard for a girl she didn't know. I appreciated the new beginning to the movie because it showed the contrast of what was and what Ripley's crew found when they got there.

Much like The Abyss, I preferred the extended versions. In both movies I felt like something was missing and I was happy to see that I wasn't wrong.

But I do realize that we do have purists on the board and my hope is that if they ever release the 5 star, they'll do it like T2 was done with seamless branching so everyone can be happy.

Sycowulf · 09-07-2002, 12:16 AM

I really do like the Aliens extended cut included in the Legacy.... After reading "Newt's Tale" I really wanted to see the extended cut, and I think it adds shitloads to the movie.... Part2 is also my favorite in the series so maybe thats why i like it so much. All the others are still damn good movies in their own right, IMO.

I for one am glad I have the Legacy, its a kickass set. If they come out with a new version I think Ill pass on it unless its substantially better....

On a side note anyone seen those metal cases on ebay for the set? They look damn cool, anyone have any idea whats the story on em, or maybe someone even has one? I was actually thinkin about springing for it, if it looks as good as it does in the pictures.....

08-12-2002, 07:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
C Roberts Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Multiple Account Ban	The Alien movies... I always kind of liked these movies. And while looking at their boxes the other day I noticed something I hadn't quite fully realized before. Each one is done by a great director. Alien = Ridley Scott Aliens = James Cameron Those two I always knew about and did great jobs with their respective movies. Alien3 = David Fincher; director of Se7en and Fight Club Alien Ressurection = Jean-Pierre Jeunet (sp?); director of City of Lost Children and Amelie Is this series unique in not only having each one of its movies done by a different director, but each one done by a really good director? Also, I'd never noticed Ressurection was written by Buffy creator Joss Whedon.

08-12-2002, 08:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
DancinDave Actor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada	I agree. It really is an outstanding series. What about those re-release rumours? (Fox 5-star) I've held off purchasing because of them. __________________ ...and my OCD DVD collection is here.

08-12-2002, 09:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
limacharliewhiskey FryMaster Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The O.C.	Having watched all of these DVDs again recently, I can say that I like Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection more during recent viewings than during their theatrical releases. Alien Resurrection is actually pretty good up to the point where the Queen alien gives birth to the alien/human hybrid. The whole concept of trying to capture and breed the aliens was a neat and novel idea that was probably first introduced in the comic books and fiction novels. The Alien and Aliens DVDs are pretty loaded up and contain most of what were on their counterpart laserdisc releases. I wouldn't expect much more than what's already on these DVDs, unless they get some new footage from somewhere. I'd buy a 5-Star set if one came out, but I don't think it'd be much of an improvement over what is already out. Some featurettes and commentary tracks could be added to Alien3 and Alien Resurrection, but that's about it. Considering neither did well in the box office and are not considered fan favorites, I'm not really expecting a 5-Star release. There was a rumor of at least Alien getting a 5-Star version, but that was over a year ago. __________________ "Believing oneself to be perfect is often a sign of a delusional mind." - Data in Star Trek: First Contact DVD Aficionado collection.

08-12-2002, 10:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
XXBigbeeXX Actor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Venice Beach, CA	Aliens theatrical cut would be nice -- I can only speak for the current versions of Alien and Aliens which are both very good -- Except it would be nice to have the original theatrical cut on the Aliens DVD as well as the extended version. It was nice to see the extended cut but I think the theatrical is much better -- If they came out with a fully loaded box set of all four maybe I'd end up with 3 and Resurrection. __________________ I'm shootin' pool Fats. When I miss you can shoot.

08-12-2002, 10:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
Volcane666 Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: U.K.	I agree with the above that Resurection went downhill after the birth scenes... but even up until then it was inferior to the others. Alien3 I think is VERY underated (Bracing myself for flames here) and there's a rumoured workprint version out there with an additonal 20mins or so which apparently improves it further. The first 2 films don't really need any comment... __________________ ------------------------------------------------ "The biggest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist!"

08-12-2002, 08:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
UFO Actor Join Date: Feb 2002	Well, Ressurection failed because of poor scripting, directing, and acting. So you're theory kind of falls apart. Ron Pearlman? Why not just cast Carrot Top?

08-12-2002, 08:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scipio Actor Join Date: Jun 2001	A bit off-topic, but whatever. I read the original script for Alien:Resurrection, and it was much better than what ended up on the screen, at least in terms of action. If I recall correctly, there was a scene that had the crew going through a giant greenhouse/jungle to get the other side of the ship, and they are attacked by aliens as they try to make it through. It was a great scene, much better than the swimming underwater scene. My guess is that they ran out of money. Anyway, the script I read would have made a much better movie than what they ended up with. Oh well.

08-12-2002, 09:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
mbowen Actor Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Omaha,NE,USA	I like Ron Pearlman, and anyway, it makes sense, since Junet had cast him before that in his "City of Lost Children"

08-12-2002, 11:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
Scarface Actor Join Date: Jan 2002	I agree this is a great series, and I feel that the series' best is in the order of which the movies where made. Alien is a classic, and there is no other word for it. A claustrophobic horror show, brilliantly crafted, written, etc. Aliens isn't as good as the original, but is still an entertaining shoot-'em-up, well made, etc, Alien 3, I feel, is also underrated - I'm not saying it's a lost classic or anything - but is still a good movie Alien: Ressurection - ah well, they tried __________________ "If it is over-cooked it defeats its purpose."

08-12-2002, 11:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
keiths Actor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Flushing, NY	No one mentions his role in Blade 2.

08-12-2002, 11:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
redshifter Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: the emerald city	btw, the 20th annaversary "alien" dvd is one of the best i've seen/heard. if you have it check out the french dd 5.1 track: it has different sound effects and is much more aggressive. my take on this is: alien: very effective suspense/psychological horror movie. interesting use of subliminal sounds and images. aliens: one of the all-time great action films. alien3: could have been so great, but too many cooks spoiled the soup. alien resurrection: too self-indulgent and the comedy bits just weren't very funny. __________________ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Did you ever hear of "The Seattle Seven"? That was me... and six other guys.

08-13-2002, 12:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
BubbleGumUK Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: England	What about the "Alien Legacy" set that was out. Didn't that contain an SE of Alien and pretty good editions of the last three? And wasn't there an extra disc? What was on all the extras? __________________ Check out DVD Toons for the latest in animated discs! And catch breaking Animated-News stories here!

08-13-2002, 12:45 AM	#17 (permalink)
C Roberts Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Multiple Account Ban	I bought the Legacy box set. No extra disc though.

08-13-2002, 01:08 AM	#18 (permalink)
DancinDave Actor Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada	I see that the general consensus is that the box set is pretty good. Anyone know for sure that the 5-star edition of Alien is being scrapped? __________________ ...and my OCD DVD collection is here.

08-13-2002, 03:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
downhuman Actor Join Date: Oct 2001	I've heard that the rumor of the Alien 5-star is just that.....a rumor. Besides, that 20th anniversary disc is just phenomenal. About the only way to improve it would be the inclusion of a DTS track and a better video transfer (if that's even possible, the one used on the 20th anniversary didn't leave much room for improvement).

08-13-2002, 04:47 AM	#20 (permalink)
Daniel Knight Supporting Actor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia	Chalk me down as another Resurrection fan. By far the better of all four films. But then again, I’m told I have very strange tastes. __________________ Daniel Knight

08-13-2002, 07:48 AM	#22 (permalink)
Flash Ahhh Moderator Emeritus Well Worth the Double Dip! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: 8.4 Miles from the newest Hooters Restaurant	The Alien Legacy box set is decent. The first two movies got good treatmet, and nothing extra or special was really done for the last two. Alien 3 would be a lot better if Finchers cut had got released. I might be in the minority, but I like Alien 4. Also that 5th disk of aliens was a mail in freebie in Region 1, and I got my box set at Costco, which didn't have the coupons. I've seen that disk go for over 100 bucks on eBay. I don't know anyone that has it either. -Flash __________________ Flash - Moderator Emeritus - Savior of the Universe Criterion (krî´tir´èæn) Greek [kritËreon], *Noun.* (circa 1622) - Definitiveness. Set standard. Principle, rule or test upon which value or decision can be based. Characterization in which all others are judged.

08-13-2002, 11:15 AM	#23 (permalink)
Little_Dragon Actor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cave in the woods	* raises hand * I have it. "The Alien Legacy: A Behind The Scenes Look At The Making Of Alien." It came to me through the mail in a square cardboard sleeve; no snapper or keepcase. The disc is basically a 68-minute-long documentary, featuring interviews with Ridley Scott, H.R. Giger, screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, and executive produce Ronald Shusett. It's really been sold for over $100 on eBay?

08-13-2002, 06:28 PM	#26 (permalink)
Scipio Actor Join Date: Jun 2001	Also raises hand for 5 disc I guess I was one of the lucky ones. The documentary is terrific, very complete. I just bought a Amaray Slim 2 disc case and stuck it in there, so I could still keep all the movies in the box.

08-13-2002, 06:38 PM	#27 (permalink)
limacharliewhiskey FryMaster Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The O.C.	I got the 5th disc, too. I had to mail in the postcard that came with the box set, and I think I had to wait 8-to-10 weeks for it to arrive. The offer for the 5th disc was only available for 6 months or so, just immediately after the box set was released, which was May 1999, I think. It was released separately because the company that did the documentary, Sharpline Arts, was filming all-new footage and interviews from January to March in 1999, and wasn't able to compile everything together in time to be included with the box set release in May. That was the explanation I got from Sharpline when I emailed them about it. __________________ "Believing oneself to be perfect is often a sign of a delusional mind." - Data in Star Trek: First Contact DVD Aficionado collection.

08-13-2002, 07:03 PM	#28 (permalink)
The Limey Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London , England	I love the first 3 films and can even put up with Ressurection until the hybrid appearance. Although i'm fairly content with the Alien & Aliens dvd's, I would love to see the whole set re-issued with DTS soundtracks,all the extra and deleted material available (particularly the missing footage from Fincher's Alien 3) and of course the inclusion of the excellent 75 minute Alien Evolution documentary that was hosted by Mark Kermode. It screened on Channel 4 here in the UK a while ago and featured interviews with the cast and crew of all the films and even included Carrie-Henn who played "Newt" in Aliens. In fact that documentary deserves a dvd release all of it's own. __________________ My Blu-Ray Collection Last edited by The Limey : 08-13-2002 at 07:08 PM.

08-13-2002, 07:46 PM	#29 (permalink)
Buffalo Bill Hapless Actor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Walden Puddle.	I've always wanted that bonus 5th disc but will not shell out the bucs that it draws on ebay. I got my Alien Legacy box set one year ago, long after the mail in offer had expired. Unless they reissue it I'll have to do without. __________________ "Brick Tamland is married with 11 children and is one of the top political advisors to the Bush White House." (now everything makes sense) "The fundamentals of the economy are sound" John McHoover.

08-13-2002, 08:30 PM	#30 (permalink)
dvdjedi Actor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: In The Grotto at The Mansion	A year or two back I was checking out my local used store & came across the Alien bonus disc for $5. I swapped my Alien DVD case with one of those slim 2-disc cases (ala Gladiator) & put the bonus disc in there. __________________ WELL I SPEAK LOUD! AND I CARRY A BIGGER STICK! AND I USE IT TOO! - Yosemite Sam

08-13-2002, 08:52 PM	#31 (permalink)
Quietus Actor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Canada	I actually found Alien to be quite boring. I never experienced claustrophobia or much suspense - perhaps because I never have seen it in a theatre? (And of course because I'm a University Student and in the modern day those special effects are too laughable Aliens 8/10 Alien3 5/10 Alien 4/10 Alien Resurrection (I'll have to re-rent this - wasn't paying attention a few years back)

08-14-2002, 12:39 AM	#33 (permalink)
Scipio Actor Join Date: Jun 2001	Since Alien 3 seems to be a hotly contested movie in general, I thought I would add this. This is one of the original scripts submitted for the movie by William Gibson (Yes, the "Neuromancer" William Gibson). It is a much different story, but I think it was abandoned because of the fall of the Soviet Union around the time they were developing it. http://kuoi.asui.uidaho.edu/~kamikaz.../alien3wg.html

08-14-2002, 02:03 AM	#34 (permalink)
BigMaki Supporting Actor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL	I've got that legendary 5th disc myself, though I've only watched it once since I received it. It's quite basic, I don't believe there are even any chapter stops on it. Worth seeing, but certainly in no way worth paying $100 for. Anyone else go to Sharpline's website and print up the Amaray case insert and booklet that they had there? Pretty sharp-looking piece, and much better looking on the shelf than the little cardboard sleeve they shipped it in... __________________ I was taught a month ago, to bide my time and take it slow...

08-14-2002, 04:34 AM	#35 (permalink)
Ambushbug Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: No Name City. Population: Nuts	I guess I'm the odd man out-I picked up the Alien Legacy box set on widescreen VHS, so I got the fifth "disc" automatically. Not that I'm proud or anything, it was just my last VHS purchase before I got my DVD player. Sometimes there aint no justice. As for the movies themselves, I loved them all and really wish we could see the director's cut of the 3rd film. I know in a previous discussion here, a forum member mentioned either having seen it, or owning a screen copy (lucky bastard) and that he was very impressed with it. Anywho, quick breakdown #1: Great film overall. Good "gotcha" moments. Fan Service from Ripley at the end , and introduction of an original movie monster (no small feat) #2: Roller coasters anyone? I remember seeing this in the theatre after having too much soda-whole lotta bathroom trips from all the action and excitement. Thank you Mr. Cameron #3: Monsterously cool sets. Wonderful cast and performances, creepy Alien POV shots, and what could have been a perfect acceptable end to the series. #4: Let's step in to that roller coaster again shall we? But thank you Joss Whedon for all the humor ("I dunno man. Must be a chick thing.) Again, tremendous performances from the cast (Winona Rider not withstanding) AB __________________ "I'm an ex-citizen of nowhere; and sometimes I get mighty homesick." Ben Rumson, "Paint Your Wagon"

08-16-2002, 05:46 AM	#36 (permalink)
disclover Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Long Island NY	I really like the Alien series. Just what I had heard about the original movie prevented me from watching it for years, but now I really appreciate its artistry although it's a nightmare-inducer for sure. I think I like Cameron's action opus the best. I waver on the third film; it's either borderline good or borderline bad, depending on my mood at any given time. I would definitely like to see a director's cut of it someday. Resurrection is, IMHO, practically camp. Not frightening at all and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I have a VHS tape of that bonus "Alien Legacy" documentary. It is quite fascinating. __________________ "You're nothing but a shadow on film... just a shadow. You're not flesh and blood." They are tasty, they are crunchy, they are warm because they toast them!!!

09-07-2002, 12:16 AM	#39 (permalink)
Sycowulf Actor Join Date: Aug 2002	I really do like the Aliens extended cut included in the Legacy.... After reading "Newt's Tale" I really wanted to see the extended cut, and I think it adds shitloads to the movie.... Part2 is also my favorite in the series so maybe thats why i like it so much. All the others are still damn good movies in their own right, IMO. I for one am glad I have the Legacy, its a kickass set. If they come out with a new version I think Ill pass on it unless its substantially better.... On a side note anyone seen those metal cases on ebay for the set? They look damn cool, anyone have any idea whats the story on em, or maybe someone even has one? I was actually thinkin about springing for it, if it looks as good as it does in the pictures.....

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