Alien Series

[Rich]

In this thread here we can discuss our favorite series that mixes horror, science fiction, and action to perfection.

The first thing I would like to talk about is Alien 3. When the alien is born and bursts out of the dog, why the heck is it full size? Is it not supposed to be born a baby and grow very fast? Why did it pop out full size?

[Scarecrow]

I haven't seen that in years havign only watched the director's cut where the dog was replaced by the dead Buffalo... a far superior scene imo.


- Scarecrow

[Rich]

That would actually make no sense, because in the scene earlier a dog was stalked by the face hugger, not a Buffalo. Plus what the heck would a Buffalo be doing at a Maximum Security prison planet anyway? It is much more dramatic happening to a dog, because we have feelings for dogs. Many of us have them as pets. Buffalos, however, I don't have much feelings for.

Anyway, that still does not answer my question on that strange story line mistake (which is what it seems to be to me).

[Scarecrow]

Amused by your comments that it would make no sense considering I mention one scene only in a director's cut. The dog doesn't feature at all in this version, and the creature is one of their animals kept for meat, IIRC. You don't see the hugger, more they find it's dead body whislt wondering what killed the animal.

It's strung up and hanging and it's re-birth is intercut with the religous speech thingy.

To me the whole dog thing is part of the studio mentality of... dead buffalo...bah... live, suffering dog, yeah! It's the idea of making something gorier, nastier, and that it also makes it better. I found the DC rebirth very dramatic and almost moving, a real sense of BIRTH rather than another added gore scene.

I also prefer that their plan to capture the Alien actually works in the DC and it's only McGann's unhinged character who then lets it back out. Ah hell, I think the DC just works on every level.

- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

I liked the Assembly Cut of Alien 3 better than the theatrical version as well (a film I've always liked to begin with), with the exception of the changes in the birth and Ripley's demise scenes; the buffalo/cow in the AC didn't even make sense and the rottweiler being the host worked a lot better, and the ending didn't have the same emotional impact with the Chestburster not bursting out of Ripley's chest. Those two changes aside, the AC is definitely superior to the theatrical cut.

Aliens is easily my favorite of the series, with Alien 3 close behind it. The first movie is just okay but kind of boring for me, and Resurrection and AVP, well, I don't think I need to go there.

[Rich]

I am one of the rare people that actually think Alien is the best of the series. It is a straight up horror film that is so suspensul.

Aliens is a monster movie with attitude. It is a monster movie on steriods full of action and exitment.

Alien 3 is the perfect ending to an awesome horror/sci-fi tale. I'll have to watch the alternate cut of this film, but I still think that making it a dog makes you more emotionally involved in the scene because I own a dog myself. I think that people have feelings for dogs. With a cow, I will probably say, "Hambergers anyone?" You know what I mean? I'll check it out though.

Nobody is tackling my original question though as to why the heck that thing was born fully grown and not as a baby.

Alien Resurrection was probably the weakest of the formal Alien series, but it was still a very good movie.

Alien vs. Predator was enterteining at moments, but otherwise, it was not a good story at all. They should have had an all out war between the two species. They could have had an epic war between the two and what did they do? They basically had a 90 minute tag team match.

[The Dream Master]

I go back and forth with the original and Aliens. They're both so different, but it's easy to argue that each film is among the elite of their genre. Alien is easily one of the greatest science-fiction films ever, and Aliens might be the best action film ever. It's really difficult to compare the two films, so I think they're dead even in terms of quality. It just depends on what mood I'm in when it comes to deciding to watch one.

[Jigsaw]

I think the first three films form a great trilogy, and to me the Alien series ended with Alien 3. Aliens for me will always be the crown jewel of the series though. It still remains one of the best and most innovative sequels ever.

[Kane Lives]

I love the first two Alien films.

Alien was a classic Sci-Fi/Horror film. And as much as I do love the original, I seem to enjoy Aliens more. It's one of my favorite films of any genre. A great Sequel too IMO.

I was disappointed by Alien 3. It was just a letdown for me. The Director's Cut that came out with the Quadrilogy was a better film IMO, but it's still not a favorite of mine. I felt its characters weren't as likeable as those in the first two films. But, we are talking about prisoners here. lol But, that was one of the aspects that I felt made the previous two so successful.

I didn't like Resurrection at all. It lost the realism of the first three films IMO, and despite a few good ideas, it came off as uninteresting to me.


AVP had a decent story I felt (except for the Predators hunting in the Arctic). I liked how they linked Lance's character back to Bishop; probably my favorite idea of the movie. But, overall I felt the movie just came off as flat. I thought the action was pretty bad and with the exception of a few moments, I didn't really like the fight scenes. It was just another one of those disappointments.

[The New Blood]

I abolutely love the first 3 films of this series. I grew up with them, way before I ever got into horror. The first 2 are among the best films ever made IMO. I love Alien 3 also, for the dark, hopeless atmosphere, and gore, among many other things. I agree that the assembly cut is much better. The added scenes with Golic were really good. What I hate is what they did to the ending. It just totally sucked. The shot of Ripley falling into the molten lead looked extremely fake and not seeing the chestburster come out was dumb. I wish they had just left the theatrical ending(well just that part with Ripley falling).

[Jigsaw]

I agree with the AC ending of A3, the Chestburster bursting out of Ripley right as she falls into the fire added a lot to the emotional impact and it wasn't the same without it. Also the Rottweiler being the Alien's host worked much better than the cow/buffalo IMO. Those two changes aside I definitely find the AC to be far superior to the theatrical cut.

The Dog/Runner Alien in A3, IMO, is the best-looking Alien of the series and the most vicious as well. There was just something about that particular Alien that seemed more vicious and malevolent to me.

[Scarecrow]

Seriouslu, people LIKED the chestburster? Again that just SCREAMED of studio cynicism to me, the whole "well we GOT to iut bursting out of her" mentality to add gore. Aside from the fact I found it looked somewhat silly, I also felt it took some of thew dignity from the character. We KNOW it's in there, we KNOW what that entials and I think that's enough. Actually, still having it gestating works better with the sequel as well, really.

Ah well,e ach to their own.

- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

I felt that the Chestburster bursting out of her chest added a lot to the emotional impact of that scene and almost gave it a cathartic quality. It wasn't the same when the AC omitted it.

[Lammert]

Great series.. and scary too. I'm also a proud owner of the Quadrilogy(?).

I think they should haven ended after Alien 3, altough I loved the assembly cut more then the original cut I thought that the final scene was better in the theatrical cut.

[Jigsaw]

I think they should haven ended after Alien 3, altough I loved the assembly cut more then the original cut I thought that the final scene was better in the theatrical cut.


My exact same feelings.

[Ron]

I like the first 2, but think the first is miles better than all of them because for a lot of the movie you're waiting for action and just when you think the movie is at it's dullest you're in for a fun ride. I also love the trailer for the first film.

[Rich]

I went back and re-watched Alien Resurrection and I must change my mind about it. I actually enjoyed it. Sure it was not as good as the first three. Hell the third one is not as good as the first two, but I actually liked it a lot better on the second viewing then I did on the first. That happens to me sometimes.

[nottidelterrore]

The first two movies are masterpieces. The third is pretty good but I hate the fact that Reese & Newt die at the beginning. I'm sure I'm not alone there. I'm a huge Michael Biehn fan & my jaw just dropped when I saw that he was killed off. That worked & helped showcase Alien 3 as a tragic film. Alien Resurrection really isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I actually like it although it's the weakest in the series...unless you could that turd, AvP. What a terrible excuse for a piece of shit.

[Dave Dunwoody]

Resurrection is sort of a fanboy orgasm. It's enjoyable in that sense, and it's sorta disposable anyway since it isn't the real Ripley.

[Joe Strummer]

1 and 2 are great flicks, but 3 and 4 are just garbage. 4 is worse than 3, but I can't stand 3 at all.

[Ron]

the first Alien was one of my best viewing experiences because it was like a sci-fi slasher.

[Rich]

Resurrection is sort of a fanboy orgasm. It's enjoyable in that sense

In a way that is how I felt about AVP.

but 3 and 4 are just garbage

That is a tad harsh in my view. Sure, they are not as good as the first two, but they are not bad films. They certainly are not garbage. Texas Chainsaw 4, Freddy's Dead, Grease 2...now those movies are garbage.

[Ron]

In a way that is how I felt about AVP.



That is a tad harsh in my view. Sure, they are not as good as the first two, but they are not bad films. They certainly are not garbage. Texas Chainsaw 4, Freddy's Dead, Grease 2...now those movies are garbage.

Rich, I think thats the truest statement I have ever read on this board.

[The Dream Master]

Freddy's Dead shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as TCM: TNG, Grease 2, or Alien Resurrection.

[Deathscythe]

I didn't think Grease 2 was that bad. :(

I'd add Friday Part VIII to that list through.

[The New Blood]

Freddy's Dead shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as TCM: TNG, Grease 2, or Alien Resurrection.

It should just never be mentioned at all.

[The Dream Master]

I'll never understand the hate for Freddy's Dead. It's miles beyond the worst films in other franchises.

[nottidelterrore]

I really enjoyed Freddy's Dead. It's no masterpiece by any means but I thought it was pretty decent overall.

[Jigsaw]

Freddy's Dead is okay. It has some entertaining parts, but it's so goofy and cartoonish. But compared to other rancid sequels it's not bad.

[Rich]

Freddy's Dead shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as TCM: TNG, Grease 2, or Alien Resurrection.

You are right, because Freddy's Dead makes those movies look like classic masterpieces.

I did not intend to turn this thread into a best of the worst of sequels kind of thing, but I was just stating that Alien Resurrection is in now way, shape, or form as bad of a movie as other sequels. Hell it was pretty darn dark with some good satire in it reguarding the possible ugly side of genetic cloneing.

I think the brought Ripley back in a very intelligent way though...I certainly prefer it to the lightening bolt method :D...I know...I know...that was low. :p

[The Dream Master]

Well, to be fair, I don't think Resurrection is nearly as bad as Grease 2 or TCM: The Next Generation, either. I don't think it's half bad, but it does represent a huge drop-off in quality from part 3.

[The New Blood]

I don't think it's half bad, but it does represent a huge drop-off in quality from part 3.

Thats for sure. What really sucks in A:R's failure at the box office made Fox lose all faith in the Alien series. Its looking like we will never see another sequal(besides all these AVP movies).

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, I'm holding out hope that we'll get an Alien 5 someday, but I don't see it ever happening.

[The New Blood]

I bet there's gonna be a remake instead. :(

[The Dream Master]

Shh...they (Fox execs) might hear you.

Actually, I think we're safe from a remake as long as the AvP films do alright at the box office.

[Deathscythe]

I'll never understand the hate for Freddy's Dead. It's miles beyond the worst films in other franchises.

My main problems are the shitty ass makeup, the cartoonish deaths, and I didn't care for any characters. And while Freddy was funny in Part 3 and Part 4, his one liners went overbored in Dream Child and Freddy's Dead.

Still, I hold it in higher regard that Jason Takes Manhattan.:D

[Ron]

I think one of the reasons I like the Alien films so much is because they took themselves serious for the most part rather than going the comedic route.

[Germaniac]

I love all 4 Alien movies ( I ignore that piece of crap called AvsP). I can´t decide which one I like most ( part 1 or 2;depends on my mood)
Like everyone else. I prefer the assembly cut of Alien³. My problem with Alien³ is that you really get lost with those 40 prisoners who look all alike (everyone is bald!!!) so I can sympathize with them because I can´t remeber who-is-who!
Alien-Resurretion is highly underrated IMO. Or maybe I am a bit biased because I love the Ps1 game and the novelization (which is 100 times better than the 1-3 novelizations).

[Rich]

I would like an Alien 5, but the AVP thing seems to be what is happening now so I doubt we'll get Alien 5 any time soon.

I agree, Pete, the Alien movies always took themselves seriously. That is what makes them awesome!

[Lance Lives]

I love these flicks. I mean, A:R could've been better but it had a great cast and is an alright watch every now and then, nothing on the level of the original trilogy but nothing I lose sleep over either.
The Quadrilogy box set to this series is probably the best DVD set I've got as far as extensive bonus features and the like. Quite glad to have it on my shelf.

[Jigsaw]

The Alien Quadrilogy set kicks ass. Definitely a highlight of any DVD collection.

[Kane Lives]

Certainly. I remember flipping when I saw it back in 2003, because I had no idea something like that was even coming out. I bought it on the spot. lol

Commentaries and tons of featurettes for all the films. It's great.

[The Dream Master]

I remember finding the Alien Quadrilogy set thet weekend before it was supposed to be released, but it was too close to Christmas to buy it. I didn't end up getting it for Christmas like I'd hoped, but I did go the day after to buy it. It's definately among my top five DVD collections ever. It's so comprehensive.

[Jigsaw]

I think it took me about two or three weeks to go through the entire set. From the theatrical and extended cuts, the commentaries and numerous featurettes, etc. Definitely worth the money (and time you'll undoubtedly burn up going through everything on it).

[The Dream Master]

I still haven't made my way through everything. :X

[The New Blood]

I love the assembly cut of Alien 3. The additional scenes with Morse really make it a lot more interesting. The extended opening scene on Fiorina 161 was really nice aswell. It kinda had a similar atmosphere to certain scenes in the first 2 films(showing around the Sulaco and Nostromo). Too bad Fincher wasn't involved in any of the documentaries. I'd love to hear his side of the story of what went down during the production.

[The Dream Master]

I never absolutely hated Alien 3 like alot of people (once you get over Newt and Hicks, it's a good movie), but the assembly cut is far and away superior to the theatrical cut. I would have liked to see Fincher be more involved with the extras, too.

[Lance Lives]

I got for Christmas the year it came out and I remember flipping all of the disc pages out to see how big it was and I was a happy camper. Spent the next few days watching the great featurettes, especially love the ones for Aliens as that's my favorite flick. I really enjoyed the ones on 3 too because we got to see what he had to go through. It's a shame he had such trouble, but it still pisses me off he didn't record a commentary. That's the only thing missing to make this set totally comprehensive. Damn you Fincher!

[Jigsaw]

I far prefer the Assembly Cut of Alien 3 as well, with the exception of the changes made to the Alien's birth and the ending which omits the Chestburster bursting out of Ripley's chest. IMO they should've been kept as they appeared in the theatrical version, but those two changes aside the AC is far superior. Alien 3 is a film I've always liked and it's my second favorite of the series after Aliens.

[The New Blood]

The ox-burster didn't make sense to me because the Alien didn't have any physical traits of it. Other than that, I thought the scenes involving the dead ox were pretty cool.

[Jigsaw]

That's a big reason why I felt the Rottweiler scene worked a lot better, and wish it had been kept for the AC.

[Scarecrow]

I think both scenes are too much, it's clear they were added for the gore and violence. The Alien was on all-fours, I don't think it needed much more Ox-like features really... they generally seem vaguely he same anyway. I think it looks as much like an Ox and the usual ones look like people.

And the chets burster at the end is either cheesey or just undignified, either way, it screams Overkill. Someone has coem out and said "you know it'd cool and gorey if..." as opposed to the more moving and subtle ending of the AC cut.

IMO, of course. ;)


- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

I just feel the Chestburster bursting out of Ripley made the scene a lot more emotional, while the Rottweiler is more sensible and works better a whole IMO.

[The New Blood]

I just feel the Chestburster bursting out of Ripley made the scene a lot more emotional, while the Rottweiler is more sensible and works better a whole IMO.

I agree.

The only thing that sucks about the theaterical ending is that final shot of Ripley falling into the lead. It looks absolutely horrible.

[Kane Lives]

I liked the Chestburster ending too. I felt it was par for the course as far as the tone that the rest of the movie had set. Very unforgiving and dark.

Alien 3 still isn't a favorite of mine, but I do like the assembly cut much more than the theatrical one.

[Rich]

The chestbuster simply had to happen. The chestbuster was the big pay off of the film and then she and the baby alien died.

[Scarecrow]

I don't think so myself... think it's too corny. especially the way she holds it like a baby. It's horrible enough knowing it's growing inside her and she knows there's no way out... so she calmly and with dignity ends her own life. As opposed to a gore-exploding monster and her not reacting to the obvious agony such a thing would cause with far worse looking effects, IMO.

I just prefer to go with the subtle dignity over the obvious monster moment.

- Scarecrow

[Ron]

1 and 2 definitley go hand in hand perfectly. I could take or leave the rest although 3 wasn't bad.

[Jigsaw]

A2 and A3 are my favorites. A1 is just okay, but I can't really get into it, too slow-paced for me. A4 on the other hand...

[Ron]

I thought the pacing for the first film was genius because it gave the viewer a chance to get a feel for the setting and the fact that there is no where to run to from this horrific alien.

[Rich]

I like the 1979 theatrical version of Alien much better then the 2003 director's cut, but the one scene that is better in the director's cut is how Kane is looking on the alien planet and he sees many eggs on the ground instead of just one.

[Kane Lives]

I agree. I preferred the original cut of Alien as opposed to the Director's Cut. While with Aliens and Alien 3, I almost always watch the extended cuts.

IMO, it doesn't make much of a difference with Resurrection.

[Jigsaw]

I don't even remember what differences there were with the two cuts of AR except for the beginning.

[Ron]

I like the 1979 theatrical version of Alien much better then the 2003 director's cut, but the one scene that is better in the director's cut is how Kane is looking on the alien planet and he sees many eggs on the ground instead of just one.

I agree. That scene gives you a chance to feel like you're small standing by the ocean so to speak.

[Kane Lives]

I don't even remember what differences there were with the two cuts of AR except for the beginning.


Yeah, there weren't many differences.

-- Like you said the opening with the bug being splattered against the glass is one.

-- After the surgery sequence, Ripley grabs the surgeon and pushes his face against the glass.

-- Ripley is shown a picture of a little girl during the scene where they're testing her, and it reminds her of her Daughter.

-- Additional dialogue in the Betty with Johnner, Vriess, and Call. Also some additional dialogue between Elgin and Hillard in that scene.

-- A little more during the dinner scene where Dr. Wren talks about Weyland-Yutani being bought out years ago by Wal-Mart.

-- Then the ending of the film had the Betty landing on Earth in a ship junkyard where you can see part of the Ifle Tower sticking up out of the sand.



There may have been others, but that's about all I can remember. The differences were pretty minor.

[Jigsaw]

The director of AR even said at the beginning of the DVD that the theatrical cut is his preferred cut and I can see why.

[The New Blood]

I like the 1979 theatrical version of Alien much better then the 2003 director's cut, but the one scene that is better in the director's cut is how Kane is looking on the alien planet and he sees many eggs on the ground instead of just one.

There are tons of eggs around in both versions.

[Jigsaw]

I like the Director's Cut of A1 better personally. I love the added cocoon scene.

[Ron]

i prefer the director' cut over the theatrical cut.

[Jigsaw]

I think the extended cuts of the first three films are superior to the theatrical cuts. I enjoy the added scenes of character development and interaction.

[The New Blood]

One thing I don't like from the extended cut of part 1 is the crappy sounds they used as the "distress signal". In the original deleted scene it was actually a really creepy sound.

[Rich]

While with Aliens and Alien 3, I almost always watch the extended cuts.

I like the theatrical version of Alien and the extended special edition version of Aliens. For Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection, I have only seen the theatrical versions. With what I have read about the dictor cut of Alien 3 though, it sounds like I would probably enjoy the theatrical version more anyway. With AVP I have seen it in theaters and the extended version. Honestly, I can not tell the difference, but then I only saw the movie in theaters once so I would not remember what was added to it anyway.

There are tons of eggs around in both versions

Really? I don't remember all those eggs being around [or at least that visible] in the theatrical version. I'll have to go back and re-watch it.

I like the Director's Cut of A1 better personally. I love the added cocoon scene

I did like the cocoon scene, because it gave you more of the mythology of the creatures. When you watch Aliens and Ripley says they don't kill you they cacoon you, I said, "what!?" but of course later on in the movie I found out what she meant, but just watching the theatrical cut of the first one that is your reaction. At least with that particular scene, you understand what Rip was talking about in the second one before they actually showed it.

[driftingsun]

At least in all the versions I have seen of A1 (all on video, I assume they were the theatrical cut) there were multiple eggs arrayed on the floor of the derelict ship. What was that fine mist that covered the eggs, some sort of detection system? I actually liked the slower pacing of the first Alien, it was creepy and really built the suspense well, what with a lot of scenes being nearly silent except for some creepy engine or mechanical noise running in the background. It really emphasized the phrase "in space, no one can hear you scream".

[Rich]

You know, I just rewatched Alien 3 and now I have noticed two story line screw ups.

1. The Alien is born fully grown when in fact it should have came out of the dog a baby alien first and grown throughout the film...how the hell can something that big be inside the dog anyway?

2. The alien was killing off all the people slasher movie style, after Aliens clarified that they do not kill you, but cacoon you. Even if there was no queen on that planet, the thing would do what is natural to it and even if it was smart, it then would know that Rip had a queen inside her and once the queen is born and can lay eggs, the cacooned people can be the hosts.

Basically, after rewatching Alien 3 tonight, I have come to learn that basically, they just made a slasher movie featuring the alien monster and pretty much disreguarded established Alien mythos. That makes the movie loose a hell of a lot of points with me.

[Jigsaw]

You know, I just rewatched Alien 3 and now I have noticed two story line screw ups.

1. The Alien is born fully grown when in fact it should have came out of the dog a baby alien first and grown throughout the film...how the hell can something that big be inside the dog anyway?

2. The alien was killing off all the people slasher movie style, after Aliens clarified that they do not kill you, but cacoon you. Even if there was no queen on that planet, the thing would do what is natural to it and even if it was smart, it then would know that Rip had a queen inside her and once the queen is born and can lay eggs, the cacooned people can be the hosts.


I've always noticed how the Alien is fully-grown when it's born. I'm guessing it might have to do with the Rottweiler's genetics, maybe when the Facehuggers impregnate animal hosts, the Aliens grow full-sized much faster than with human hosts. As for the second, maybe because the host was an animal, this Alien operated on animal instinct instead of building a hive.

[The New Blood]

You know, I just rewatched Alien 3 and now I have noticed two story line screw ups.

1. The Alien is born fully grown when in fact it should have came out of the dog a baby alien first and grown throughout the film...how the hell can something that big be inside the dog anyway?

2. The alien was killing off all the people slasher movie style, after Aliens clarified that they do not kill you, but cacoon you. Even if there was no queen on that planet, the thing would do what is natural to it and even if it was smart, it then would know that Rip had a queen inside her and once the queen is born and can lay eggs, the cacooned people can be the hosts.

Basically, after rewatching Alien 3 tonight, I have come to learn that basically, they just made a slasher movie featuring the alien monster and pretty much disreguarded established Alien mythos. That makes the movie loose a hell of a lot of points with me.

The alien in the original killed Parker, Lambert and the guy looking for the cat(I forget the name). I don't see how it disregarded Alien mythos. Also remember it came out of a dog, that that could possibly have an effect on its behavior.

The alien wasn't born full grown either. It was about the size of an average house cat. This is shown much more clearly in the assembly cut(which I think is far superior to the theatrical version).

[Rich]

You know what else about Alien. There is no extended edition. The 2003 director cut is actually one minute shorter then the 1979 theatrical version.

In the original, it did not kill them. It cacooned them. It showed that in the 2003 director cut. Watching the theatrical cut alone makes the movie look like it kills them but it actually does not. It cacoons them as shown in the director cut, which would also explain Rip's line in Aliens.

yopu guys might be right though about the alien's size (I have actually thought of that before) and behavior that it is different being from an animal host.

[The New Blood]

You know what else about Alien. There is no extended edition. The 2003 director cut is actually one minute shorter then the 1979 theatrical version.

Thats odd, I didn't notice any missing scenes in the director's cut.

[Rich]

If you look at the back of the box it says 1979 theatrical release 117 minutes, 2003 director cut 116 minutes.

[Jigsaw]

I wonder what scene from A1 was omitted from the Director's Cut? :confused: It might say inside the manual in the Quadrilogy case.

[The New Blood]

If you look at the back of the box it says 1979 theatrical release 117 minutes, 2003 director cut 116 minutes.


I didn't say you were wrong.

[Rich]

I know you didn't. I just think that is wierd myself. I think maybe a little diologue was taken out somewhere because Ridley Scott did say he altered the movie a little, not just added stuff.

[El Diablo]

Ridley removed many lingering shots of the Nostromo's interior. He said at the time of the re-release in 2003 that those scenes slowed down the pace of the movie and that he originally shot it that way because he was in love with the set design.

If anyone here lives in the Los Angeles area you might be interested to know that they're showing both the original ALIEN and PREDATOR on the big screen next Friday (Dec. 14). They'll also be showing a preview of AVP-R with the filmmakers on hand to present the footage.

http://www.julesvernefestival.com/spip.php?article120&lang=fr

[Rich]

The alien wasn't born full grown either. It was about the size of an average house cat. This is shown much more clearly in the assembly cut(which I think is far superior to the theatrical version).

House cat!? Not in the theatrical version, that's for darn sure. The thing's head alone was much bigger then any house cat I have ever seen. When the thing actually gets up and runs away from the dead dog it is fully grown in the theatrical version.

[Scarecrow]

Another reason the buffalo was better. :p

The main improvment in Alien 3 is having them succeed in catching the Alien only to have Paul McGann's insane character go and let the thing out again. It's got a lot more character work and the plot flows so much better.


- Scarecrow

[The New Blood]

House cat!? Not in the theatrical version, that's for darn sure. The thing's head alone was much bigger then any house cat I have ever seen. When the thing actually gets up and runs away from the dead dog it is fully grown in the theatrical version.

Its the same puppet used in both versions. It definetly looks a lot bigger than it was because of the way they shot it, but its nowhere near full grown.

[Rich]

Maybe they zoomed in on it just to show all the blood and guts that was all over it.

[The New Blood]

If you have the Quadrilogy, you can see the actual size in the documentary.

[Rich]

I don't actually. I own:

Alien Legacy Collection (vhs)
Alien (two disc special edition dvd)
Aliens (one disc special edition dvd)
Alien 3 (one disc edition)
AVP (one disc PG13 ws edition)
Predator (one disc ws)
Predator 2 (one disc ws)

I have yet to get Alien Resurrection on dvd yet yet, but I'm going to Blockbuster today. If I see a copy, I'll pick it up.

But like I said, I guess they just zoomed in on the head to make it look bigger just so they can show off the blood and special effects.

[The New Blood]

I highly recommend buying the quadrilogy. Its excellent.

[Jigsaw]

Definitely. The Quadrilogy set is worth every penny (as well as the time you'll undoubtedly invest going through all of the features).

Didn't the A3 crew say the Dog/Runner Alien was a teen upon it's birth? I remember them referring to it as a "teenage Alien."

[El Diablo]

I used to think that the Dog Burster originally grew to full size when I first saw the movie but it is actually meant to be much smaller, about half the size of the rottweiler. They used close-ups of a larger scale puppet, the same one that is seen molting before attacking prisoner Murphy in the tunnels (that's the "teenage" Alien), but when you see the body of the dog lying on the ground after the creature is born there is clearly as small pattern of tiny footprints leading away from it (we also hear the Alien "chirping," which suggests a much smaller creature).

[Ron]

The quadrilogy was loaded with special features.

[Rich]

I know the quad set is a good one, but I have pretty much put an end to my dvd double dipping. Since I own every movie except Resurrection already, I'll just pick that one up if I ever find it, but I will not go out of my way to get it.

[Ron]

Yeah, I refuse to double dip. If I ever do the whole blue-ray thing, which I have been trying to fight tooth and nail, the I will only purchase new films that coincide with the technology and leave the rest of my collection to be viewed in the 'old school' method. God, it feels weird reffering to DVD as old school...:duh:

[Rich]

I don't think it is old school just yet. Once either of the new formats really takes off, then it will be old school. That does sound strange. It makes me feel old too.

[Jigsaw]

I'll stick with regular DVDs. HD and Blu-Ray DVDs cost too much and there's not a huge difference in the image quality in most of them either. Some don't even have special features.

[Rich]

There is a difference in the picture quality if you have an HDTV, but if you are like me and still have an old black tube tv with the huge back (but will not replace because it still works fine), you will not be able to take advantage of the highe resolution capabilities anyway, so there is no point. I'd be wasting my money.

One day, when my tv set finally dies, I'll replace it with an HDTV. When that time comes, then I'll worry about getting a higher definition disc player.

[Ron]

I don't even think I've got around to watching all the special features on the quad set. There's so many damn features.

[Jigsaw]

As I said before in this thread, it took me around three weeks or so to check out all of the special features on the Quadrilogy.

[Rich]

Well, the thing is I own the two disc edition of Alien from the Quad already. If I do decide to double dip, I will just get Aliens and Alien 3 two disc set. Is the nineth disc really all that needed? Then I might just get the special edition of Predator. Yeah, maybe I will just do that all in anticipation for AVPR, which is shaping up to be damn good.
ADDED:
I just got the Alien Quad box for $34!!!!!!!!!

If you don't own the box, go to Amazon right now!!!!!

[Ron]

I think I'm gonna see AvPR in the theater...I'm definitley gonna get it on DVD

[Jigsaw]

That's a killer deal, Rich. I got the set last year from about $50 on Amazon and it was worth every penny. At the price you got it for, it's almost a steal.

[Ron]

it's probably a marketing device they're using to make sure that the new film is a box office smash.

[Jigsaw]

I hope AVP: R does well at the box office. Christmas is an awful time to release it :misery:

[El Rooto]

I'd buy it, but I'm broke.

[Ron]

I hope AVP: R does well at the box office. Christmas is an awful time to release it :misery:

yeah, it would be different if it was a family movie. i don't think it will affect the box office run too, too bad.

[Jigsaw]

Around this time of year, family audiences are dominant at the box office, and I'm sure most families don't want to see a movie with alien creatures beating the shit out of each other.

[Ron]

yeah that's what I meant. I think was post was unclear:p

[Jigsaw]

Let's hope this year the kiddies are in the mood for some R-rated monster action :p

[Ron]

I'll second that one Jiggy...let's hit em' where it hurts...:ballshot:

sorry..i was dying to use that smiley.

[nottidelterrore]

Well, the thing is I own the two disc edition of Alien from the Quad already. If I do decide to double dip, I will just get Aliens and Alien 3 two disc set. Is the nineth disc really all that needed? Then I might just get the special edition of Predator. Yeah, maybe I will just do that all in anticipation for AVPR, which is shaping up to be damn good.
ADDED:
I just got the Alien Quad box for $34!!!!!!!!!

If you don't own the box, go to Amazon right now!!!!!

Nice! I got my set for around $40. It's one hell of a set. I'm very glad that I own it.

I'd like to own this version of the box set:

Alien head (http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=12;5;31;-1&sku=363926)

[Jigsaw]

I'll second that one Jiggy...let's hit em' where it hurts...:ballshot:


Get the kiddies introduced to some hardcore monster action and start raising it on them :lol:

[Ron]

that's right...we've had such a drought of monster movies and we really need to get this generation exposed to them.

[Jigsaw]

And getting them hooked on the Alien and Predator films is a great first start for them :D

[The New Blood]

And getting them hooked on the Alien and Predator films is a great first start for them :D

When I have kids I definetly have to show them those.:)

[Jigsaw]

Definitely. Get them hooked on the classics at an early age :cool:

[Deathscythe]

I just rewatched Aliens in the first time in forever and that film still holds up today.

I didn't see any Alien film past that, well AvP is coming on the FX channel right now where I live, might as well watch it.

[Ron]

AvP...i don't even bother commenting...err...whoops I just did:p

[Jigsaw]

I saw AVP-R today and loved it. So much better than the original AVP. It's not as good as Aliens, Alien 3 and the two Predators, but definitely a HUGE improvement over Resurrection and AVP1. I know this'll be blasphemous to many, but I liked AVP-R more than the original Alien, which is a good movie, but too slow-paced and undynamic for my liking.

[Deathscythe]

Watched AvP and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, nothing special either through. I'll have to rent Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection.

[Dave Dunwoody]

Just read this on Wikipedia (so I'm not 100% certain of its veracity):

Ridley Scott has stated in respect to the production of Alien that he wanted to make "a slasher movie in space". The Derelict is intended as an updated version of "a dark, old, haunted house", as is the Nostromo.

So many of us have commented that Alien plays out like a slasher, but I had no idea that Scott himself thought of it that way.

[Ron]

I think I remember some mention of the slasher-like aspect on one of the many special features in the quadrilogy set.

[Scarecrow]

Alien is genius in its blending of genres. All four films, in a sense, could be seen to be a cross fertilisation with horror/slasher followed by action followed by prison followed by comic book. Ressurection I find is a lot more enjoyable with the sense of a comic book adventure-horror.


- Scarecrow

[driftingsun]

I saw AVP-R today and loved it. So much better than the original AVP. It's not as good as Aliens, Alien 3 and the two Predators, but definitely a HUGE improvement over Resurrection and AVP1. I know this'll be blasphemous to many, but I liked AVP-R more than the original Alien, which is a good movie, but too slow-paced and undynamic for my liking.


I haven't seen AVP-R yet, trying to convince the wife to view it with me, but that will probably use up my credits for that genre at the theater for the entire year (she's not exactly a horror/sci-fi enthusiast). I enjoyed the first AVP, but it was mostly fluff, I was hoping that the sequel would have more substance, and show the Predators kicking more Alien ass, they (Predator) got pushed around too much in the first one, in my opinion. I guess they decided that since the Predators had the clear advantage in tech weaponry, than the Aliens had to be significantly stronger.

I still rate the first Alien as the best, followed by 2, Resurrection, with Alien3 at the bottom. The Predators I rate about equal, the first is classic Arnold, while in the sequel we got to see some more of the Predator's cool technology and abilities.

[Scarecrow]

So far I'd say each film has not been as good asthe prevoious, although only VERY slightly in some cases. AvP-R looks set to change this!


- SCarecrow

[Ron]

I don't think the original can or will ever be topped by a sequel.

[The Dream Master]

I actually prefer Aliens to Alien, but only slightly so.

Anyway, my wife saw the first Alien for the first time the other night. After it was over, she responded that it "wasn't all that." :shifty:

Needless to say, I'm filing for divorce now. :X Nah, in all seriousness, I'm going to show her Aliens next, and if that doesn't do the trick, I guess nothing will.

[Scarecrow]

Some films can be a victim of all the hype. Alien works for the intense atmosphere, should be watched late at night, the lights off and with a suitable mood... it's all about the experience with that one!


- Scarecrow

[Ron]

Some films can be a victim of all the hype. Alien works for the intense atmosphere, should be watched late at night, the lights off and with a suitable mood... it's all about the experience with that one!


- Scarecrow

I agree...I felt let down after all of the hype surrounding Hatchet. It was a good movie, but it was way too hyped up.

[The Dream Master]

Alien works for the intense atmosphere, should be watched late at night, the lights off and with a suitable mood... it's all about the experience with that one!

That's pretty much how we watched it--it was late, and the lights were off, and we were watching it on my home theater system, which is as close to the theatrical experience that I guess I'll ever come with Alien (thanks to Fox, who decided not to give the DC a wide release back in '03).

Anyway, on a side note: I'd forgotten how great the picture quality for the original Alien is on the quadrilogy set. It holds up better on a large screen more so than some newer DVDs that I've watched.

[Scarecrow]

I guess the film just isn't for some people, sadly. It's such a beautiful movie though.


- Scarecrow

[The One and Only]

For me the best of the Quadrilogy has to be Aliens. No one can create a sequel like James Cameron. Nobody. The scene introducing the Queen, with it slowly unfurling itself in Ripley's prescence, and it's hissing/breathing always gives me the creeps. That thing looks like something right out of a nightmare. Great flick from start to finish. The original flick was the last of the first three that I saw before Resurrection ,and to tell the truth I thought it was a bit boring. I thought it took a little too getting to the monster business. I had read that Ridley Scott himself thought the first flick could stand to have a half-hour shaved off the begining in order to get things going. Alien 3 I'm a little bugged with the whole "mind-fuck" of killing Hicks and Newt after all that happened, but its a decent film nontheless. One of my favorite scenes in the flick is after the warden is killed in front of the prisioners at the cafeteria, there's one poor bloke shown immediatly afterward stuck with the job of mopping up the mess afterwards under the vent the Runner popped out of.

[Jigsaw]

Is there anyone else who absolutely loves the Runner Alien from Alien 3? Seriously, it's just one nasty creature and I'd be petrified to be anywhere near it. Definitely the most hostile and threatening Alien strain by far.

[El Diablo]

I actually prefer Aliens to Alien, but only slightly so.

Anyway, my wife saw the first Alien for the first time the other night. After it was over, she responded that it "wasn't all that." :shifty:

Needless to say, I'm filing for divorce now. :X Nah, in all seriousness, I'm going to show her Aliens next, and if that doesn't do the trick, I guess nothing will.

It's also one of those movies that has inspired countless imitations over the years which might lessen the impact for someone just discovering it for the first time. I was born the year that Alien was released in theaters and my parents used to tell me all the time about how that movie was ahead of it's time, that the creature really did scare the hell out of audiences in the theater and that it stood toe-to-toe with The Exorcist as one of the most frightening movies of the '70s. It a beautiful film to watch even after so many years. I had the pleasure of seeing it on the big screen a couple of weeks ago here in Los Angeles and it was incredible. I never get tired of these movies.

By the way, I agree with you about Aliens. I truly love the original but the sequel has remained my favorite film since I was a kid.

[Rich]

The running alien from Alien 3 is definitely a leathal creature. I still prefer the original Alien to any of the sequels though. It is the scariest one and most suspensful one.

[The New Blood]

Is there anyone else who absolutely loves the Runner Alien from Alien 3? Seriously, it's just one nasty creature and I'd be petrified to be anywhere near it. Definitely the most hostile and threatening Alien strain by far.

I agree. It was an awesome design. I'd love to see it make a comeback in the next film.

[Ron]

I always liked seeing less of the Alien. It makes it seem more foreboding.

[Lance Lives]

I've been wanting to re-watch the original Alien since I got the Blade Runner Final Cut disc, but just haven't taken the time to get the set off the shelve. I love that one, but the sequel really is better I think. Hicks dominates.

[Jigsaw]

I agree. It was an awesome design. I'd love to see it make a comeback in the next film.


I so want it to return in the next film and see a horde of them.

[The One and Only]

Hey, found this today while perusing the World Wide Web. The original design for the title creature of the original Alien by designer Ron Cobb. (http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=6201.0) Also take a gander at Cobb's (http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=6201.15) original design for the remains of the Space Jockey. One wonders if the flick would've had the impact that it did had Ridley Scott had gone for these designs.:thinking:

[Jigsaw]

The original design looks cool, but I'm definitely glad we got H.R. Giger's design instead. The original design looks somewhat like BrundleFly from The Fly remake.

[El Rooto]

I doubt it.

I don't think that thing looks really godawful, but...

[Scarecrow]

It's a lot more B-Movie which was what the film may have originally been going early in development.


- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

The top-notch presentation, acting and directing is what propelled the original Alien above a lot of other similar movies.

[Kane Lives]

I've always thought Cobb's original Alien design looked too comical. Someone on that Alien forum said it looked like a mutated shrimp. lol

Giger's Alien design was definately the right choice IMO.

[Jigsaw]

Thank God for H.R. Giger and his designs.

[ChoKo]

I've always thought Cobb's original Alien design looked too comical.

I agree. That original design sucks all kinds of ass.

[Scarecrow]

Alien worked as so much talent just happened to come together on a film that would otherwise have been a B-Movie cheesefest.


- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

True on all counts.

[Rich]

The original design to me either looks like something out of Starship Troopers or the running things in Tremors 2.

felt let down after all of the hype surrounding Hatchet

Hatchet was everything I thought it was going to be.

In Alien, the creature more less stands up like a human, but in the sequels they seem more hunched over like animals.