Alien Anthology | Blu-ray Review
By thisguyoverhere | October 16, 2010
Rating:
Video: see individual titles
Audio: see individual titles
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Worth The Upgrade?
If you own the Alien Anthology on DVD, you may be wondering whether or not it is worth the upgrade to Blu-ray. As a owner of the previous DVD version, let me assure you that purchasing this box set on Blu-ray is like purchasing the films for the first time. In addition to all of the original supplements, we are given “enhancement pods” on the fifth disc that add hours of extra interviews. Fox has taken upon themselves to make the overwhelming amount of features far more manageable to navigate. Spreading out the release’s contents over six discs, they implement MU-TH-UR mode, which streamlines the supplemental content into reasonable chunks, (see next section).
What’s more is that the aural and visual experience of these four films is a whole new experience on Blu-ray. Both Alien and Aliens might stand as two of the best high-definition catalogue releases I’ve ever seen .If you thought you knew (and feared) the tone of the original film before, the gorgeous presentation here makes it feel as if you’re experiencing it for the first time.
Returning to the supplements for a moment: with over twenty-five hours of bonus material, (that’s more than there hours in a day, btw), there is more here than even the most avid fans will sift through in their lifetimes. There are audio commentaries, trivia tracks, isolated scores, and multiple versions of every single film – and that’s not even digging into the last two supplemental discs!
Lastly, Fox has dedicated the time to revamp the clunky packaging that plagued the DVD Quadrilogy release. Now we’re given glorified Blu-ray book packaging that holds each disc like a page from a, well, book. No more annoying unfolding a seemingly endless strand of discs that feel as if they’ll come unglued at any moment (via previous packaging). Now, the book feels awesome to hold, and for the obsessive types with tactile response, (and let’s be honest, most fan boys and girls are – I know I am), merely holding this package will make you want to put the Blu-ray in immediately.
So in essence, yes, this is worth the upgrade for almost every reason. The picture is better. The audio is better. The packaging is better. The organization of the supplements is better. Of course, if you don’t own these films even on DVD – get with the program! This is probably the best Blu-ray release ever!
What is MU-TH-UR Mode?
This interactive feature is quite a brilliant addition to the Blu-ray version of the Anthology for viewers who want to isolate their specific interest in film production. The option to turn ‘on’ or ‘off’ MU-TH-UR mode is on the main menu, and if engaged, on-screen features appear during all versions of the films (theatrical and special editions) that allow you to a.) bookmark the featurettes that you want to watch later (located on Disc 5 and 6); b.) hop between audio commentaries, isolated musical scores, and view deleted and extended scenes; and c.) activate a very informative visual track that overlays production notes, storyboards, trivia, and other bits of interesting information.
MU-TH-UR Mode doesn’t necessarily contain any new features that weren’t included on the DVD version of the Anthology, it just helps to streamline and organize the overwhelming amount of special features that are available on these discs.
Value:
Simply put, there isn’t another Blu-ray release you’ll ever find that gives you more for your money. The audio and video are stupendous, and there are more extras than the majority of audiences will ever watch. If you are a fan of the franchise, or even just the genre this is a…
Must Own.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
Well, Fox has already offered the individual films, which are essentially the discs from this set broken up into separate releases. For those of you curious if there will ever be a box set that includes the AVP films, or eventually one with the rumored Alien Prequel, the answer is no. There is no way that Fox would spend so much time and money into a set like this with plans to redo it again in a few years. They had the right strategy to deliver the best box set in the world, then break it up into its separate pieces for fair weather fans that don’t like or appreciate some of the weaker films in the franchise. Purchase this set with pride – and show it off to your friends!
Alien (1979) – Disc 1
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, Tom Skeritt
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Written by: Dan O’Bannon
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Video:
Wow. This is the closest thing I can think of as a textbook definition of how to present a catalogue release. Obvious care has been put into preserving the original prints, which allow for a picture quality that is absolutely void of any kind of debris, fading, grain, wear and tear. It’s absolutely the best picture I have seen for a film that wasn’t shot digitally. There is also no hint of distracting DNR filters, edge enhancement, or aliasing issues. If you’ll allow a metaphor, it is as perfect as the Alien itself.
Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC, 2.35:1
Audio:
Holy cow. For a film where sound design is so important, the aural track really goes the extra mile to not only present the film’s audio as clearly as possible, but as faithful to the original mood as possible. The high-def track never peaks beyond when it intends to for suspense, the eerie drips and clanks of the ship fill out the surround speakers, and Jerry Goldsmith’s score is flawlessly preserved. In fact, the audio presentation here is so immersive that it will make viewers who are already a fan of the film feel as though they are experiencing this film for the first time.
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extras: 1/2
Even without the massive amounts of special features on the supplemental discs in the Alien Anthology, the extras provided here are very informative. There are not one, but two versions of the film – the Theatrical Version and the Directors Cut (which Ridley Scott admits is more of an experiment in curiosity than an ideal version of the film) – as well as two commentaries, and additional scenes.
Also, to note, there are two Isolated Score tracks, which is to demonstrate the difference between the Theatrical Version (which is preferable, in my opinion, when viewed with the film) and Jerry Goldsmith’s Original Score, which was severely cut down for the final version (a very fine score that tells a scary tale when listened to on its own). It’s a great comparison for changes that studios usually make, but rarely ever advertise.
1979 Theatrical Version (HD, 01:56:37)
2003 Director’s Cut with Ridley Scott Introduction (HD, 01:55:49)
In a rare move, this “director’s cut” is actually shorter than the original – and it even includes additional footage! The footage can also be found under the Deleted and Extended Scenes.
Audio Commentary by director Ridley Scott, writer Dan O’Bannon, executive producer Ronald Susett, editor Terry Rawlings, actors Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, and John Hurt [Special Edition Only]
This is a wonderfully produced commentary that pieces together separate audio tracks into a very comprehensive experience. Ridley provides information that refrains from being too redundant from his previous commentary, and the other commentators provide unique insights into their specific roles on the film. It’s a shame that Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, and Dan O’Bannon are only given a small bit of audio time as they seem to have incredible intelligence when speaking about the film. Overall, it’s an amazing track worthy of your time.
Audio Commentary by Ridley Scott [Theatrical Version Only]
Recorded in 1999 for the 20th anniversary of the film, Ridley Scott shares his insights on the filmmaking process. His perspective is on a very technical level – even when he gets into theory, it’s how it applies to achieving practical effects, the impact on the overall product, and performances. For anyone interested in filmmaking (on any level), Scott’s commentary is incredibly educational.
Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
Composer’s Original Isolated Score by Jerry Goldsmith
Deleted and Extended Scenes (HD, 06:39)
These scenes are interesting in terms of character development, as well as the mythos of the race of Alien. These have become infamous, particularly in a moment where Tom Skerritt appears at the end of the film plastered to the wall of the ship awaiting impregnation by a facehugger.
MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream
Aliens (1986) – Disc 2
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn
Directed by: James Cameron
Written by: James Cameron
Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Video:
This is one of the most gorgeous transfers ever put on a high definition format. It’s crystal clear image preserves the darkness and shadows that paint most of the movie. There is no immediately indication of DNR, edge enhancement, or aliasing filters. The film grain is organic without harming the image. The limited use of color is gorgeous. The blacks are as black as can be, and the contrast with the whites is astounding. No blurring. This is as good as video transfers come.
Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1.
Audio:
If you want to show off your fancy new sound system, this is the film to do it. The 5.1 DTS-HD audio track creates a barrage (albeit intentional) of great sound effects and brassy score will fill all of your speakers with such a clear sound that you will be immediately immersed in the pulse-pounding action from start to finish. Every hiss of the aliens, every hydraulic movement of the power loaders, every single bullet penetrates with a truly commendable aural preservation.
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
French: DTS 5.1
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1
German: DTS-HD 5.1
Extras: 1/2
The two commendable things about the extras here is that it contains both versions of the film (the 1986 theatrical, and the 1990 extended re-release), as well as a very comprehensive audio commentary by the cast and crew. The deleted and extended scenes are helpful to familiarize yourself with what was cut, and subsequently added to the Special Edition, but stand as redundant material. Overall, the extras here are very informative and valuable to any fan of the film.
1986 Theatrical Version (02:17:14)
1990 Special Edition with Introduction by James Cameron (02:34:16)
The 1990 special edition reared its head in theaters over twenty years ago, and has been claimed to be an even more satisfying experience than the original 1986 version. It contains all of the through lines involving Ripley’s daughter, as well as the most of the deleted and extended scenes found on this disc.
Audio Commentary by director James Cameron, producer Gale Anne Hurd, alien effects creator Stan Winston, visual effects supervisors Robert Skotak and Dennis Skotak, miniature effects supervisor Pat McClung, actors Michael Biehn, Bill paxton, Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, Carrie Henn, and Christopher Henn
James Cameron and the crew typically keep a cool hand when explaining their filmmaking techniques. The cast allow us an insight into delving into their characters and experiences, though they more often fall into the joy of watching the film and seeing each other (in the commentary) for the first time in fifteen years. This track reveals a ton of information about the movie’s secrets and will be an essential listen for fans.
Final Theatrical Isolated Score by James Horner
Composer’s Original Isolated Score by James Horner
Deleted and Extended Scenes (HD, 19:57)
These scenes present a trove of interesting (albeit unnecessary) backstory involving Newt’s family, Ripley’s daughter, and the military team getting situated. While these prove to be wonderful insights into the characters to “cut to the chase”, in the most literal sense. Though, I must say, is sad that the sentry guns have been omitted.
MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream
Alien3 (1992) – Disc 3
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton
Directed by: David Fincher
Written by: David Giler, Walter Hill, Larry Ferguson
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Video: 1/2
Despite some of the optical effects that don’t hold up, (and probably didn’t even when it was released), the video quality here is as pristine as possible. Deep dark blacks and a slightly saturated look enhanced by sepias really set the tone for the film. Textures are quite tactile, and though a few shots are a bit softer, this is due mostly to how it was captured by the camera (red lighting tends to soften the image). As far as video quality goes, this film couldn’t look much better than this.
Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC, 2.37:1 aspect ratio.
Audio:
While not as heavy-handed on sound design as the previous two films, the 5.1 HD audio gives us all we could want. Elliot Goldenthal’s score is the most prominent aspect of this audio mix, but also is notable is the clarity of dialogue and nuance of sound effects. There is not a single instance of hiss or dips in fidelity. It is a consistent, highly immersive aural experience.
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Extras: 1/2
The special features on this disc provide a very unique look at the filmmaking process when a director’s vision conflict’s with the studios’. David Fincher has disowned this film because Fox interfered with the editing process so much, which resulted in the Theatrical Version. Before the film’s release, Fox tested both their version and Fincher’s assembly cut to audiences, but ultimately released their version. Included here is a version that is closer to Fincher’s assembly cut, and the option to view the deleted and alternate scenes separately.
1992 Theatrical Version (HD, 01:54:52)
2003 Special Edition [Restored Workprint Version] (HD, 02:24:52)
Rarely is an alternate cut of a film so drastically different than the original. Alien3 ranks with Blade Runner and Dark City for such a stark contrast between director’s intentions and studio’s interference. In this assembly cut, we get more character exploration, fuller narrative, and an all around tonal shift. Alternative scenes are used to create a more nihilistic mood, including a very key change in the film’s final moments. This is a far superior film than the theatrical release.
Audio Commentary by cinematographer Alex Thompson, editor Terry Rawlings, alien effects designers Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. visual effects producer Richard Edlund, actors Paul McGann and Lance Henriksen
This commentary is mostly technical coming from the cinematographer, editor and effects artists. Even with this many people involved in the commentary, there are still lulls. Everyone gives pretty honest, albeit diplomatic, accounts of the tumultuous filming process.
Final Theatrical Isolated Score by Elliot Goldenthal (Theatrical Version Only)
Deleted and Extended Scenes (HD, 49:28)
There is virtually an entire feature film of deleted scenes here, all of which when added back into the theatrical version make a far superior experience. The scenes include alternate versions of existing scenes (the alien being bred in an Ox instead of a dog, finding Ripley on the shore, etc.) Totally compelling footage to view.
MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream
Alien: Resurrection (1997) – Disc 4
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Ron Perlman
Directed by: Jean-PIerre Jeunet
Written by: Joss Whedon
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Video: 1/2
Jeunet’s directorial style makes great use of sepias and blacks, and also implements very intricate art direction with very detailed sets, which make his films a great measuring stick for picture fidelity. I’m happy to report that (for the most part) this is a faithful and gorgeous video transfer. It appears most impressive in scenes where fluorescent lighting is used to highlight the detail of the aliens, or to add a glimmer in the eyes of the actors. There are a few apparent instances of natural film grain found in a few shots, but that is far more welcome than an overuse of DNR. Other than that, the picture is free from debris or any kind of wear and tear. This high definition transfer doesn’t do the out-of-date CGI any favors, but then neither did the big screen.
Presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC, 2.40:1 aspect ratio.
Audio:
The unfortunate side effect of pumping up the action through the subsequent films is the loss of nuance in sound design. While there is still great effort put into the mix, we’re hit with a barrage of sound and score instead of atmosphere and tone found in Alien. The loud and brassy score has never sounded more clear. The hissing and squealing of the aliens are very lucid, and overall this is a solid sonic experience. Fox has retained a grand record in presenting the best audio possible in the Alien franchise.
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Extras:
These extras are lackluster, for sure. We’re given an unnecessary alternate version of the movie which does little but reinstate scenes that should remain cut. There is little curiosity of what a different version of Resurrection would look like, unless it drastically changed the last twenty minutes of the film, (which it doesn’t).
1997 Theatrical Version (HD, 01:48:48)
2003 Special Edition with Jean-Pierre Jeunet Introduction (HD, 01:56:08)
This version of the film is not at all drastically different from the theatrical version. The alternative opening sequence (also found in the deleted scenes) has been restored, and a strained Earth sequence closes the film. There’s not too much else of note here. Director Jeunet has gone on record as saying that the theatrical cut is his preferred version of the movie.
Audio Commentary by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, editor Hervé Schneid, alien effects creators Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., visual effects supervisor Pitof, conceptual artist Sylvain Despretz, actors Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon and Leland Orser
This typical commentary provides insight from essential crew, the director, and a few of the actors. For the most part it’s very technical with explanations on how certain effects were achieved and the occasional director or actor anecdote. While informational, no one really delves into the interesting writing process, or differences between this and Fox’s debacle on Alien3.
Final Theatrical Isolated Score by John Frizzell
Deleted and Extended Scenes (HD, 11:54)
The biggest scene here was an abandoned humorous opening sequence involving a very horrible CGI insect. The rest are bits and pieces as well as unnecessary expository sequences.
MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience with Weyland-Yutani Datastream
Making the Alien Anthology – Disc 5
This disc is what some might refer to as a “gold mine”. Every bit of information you would want to know via the filmmakers and artists behind the film(s) is crammed into this astonishingly complete experience. This anthology release is worth it almost for this disc alone. The supplements here have all been brought over from the DVD “Quadrilogy”, with the addition of the “enhancement pods”, which are even more interviews that were cut from the original program(s).
The first segment is a episodic documentary on the inception of Alien in all of its facets from story inception insights from Dan O’Bannon, Don Shusett, and Walter Hill, to the filmmaking process with Ridley Scott, special effects, art, costume, set, and production design with everyone involved, including the ominous artist H.R. Giger who designed the alien and sexually provocative environments.
The Beast Within: Making Alien
Star Beast: Developing the Story (SD 18:14)
The Visualists: Direction and Design (SD, 16:41)
Truckers in Space: Casting (SD, 14:54)
Fear of the Unknown: Shepperton Studios, 1978 (SD, 24:03)
The Darkest Reaches: Nostromo and Alien Planet (SD, 17:28)
The Eighth Passenger: Creature Design (SD, 31:35)
Future Tense: Editing and Music (SD, 16:28)
Outward Bound: Visual Effects (SD, 18:52)
A Nightmare Fulfilled: Reaction to the Film (SD, 19:22)
Enhancement Pods (SD, 01:19:43)
This next segment follows James Cameron and crew as they tackled making a sequel without remaking the original. It delves into a lot of the technical prowess needed to make the aliens, military weaponry, and sets. Incredibly enlightening.
Superior Firepower: Making Aliens
57 Years Later: Continuing the Story (SD, 11:05)
Building Better Worlds: From Concept to Construction (SD, 13:29)
Preparing for Battle: Casting and Characterization (SD, 17:00)
This Time It’s War: Pinewood Studios, 1985 (SD, 19:39)
The Risk Always Lives: Weapons and Action (SD, 15:12)
Bug Hunt: Creature Design (SD, 16:23)
Beauty and the Bitch: Power Loader vs. Queen Alien (SD, 22:25)
Two Orphans: Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Henn (SD,13:48)
The Final Countdown: Music, Editing, and Sound (SD,15:31)
The Power of Real Tech: Visual Effects (SD, 27:47)
Aliens Unleashed: Reaction to the Film (SD, 12:33)
Enhancement Pods (SD, 58:31)
It is surprising that these features are incredibly candid about the tumultuous nature of the filmmaking process of Alien3. A lot of these features document the recollections of cast and crew members and producers on the battle between the studio executives and director David Fincher. Unfortunately since David Fincher has disowned this film he does not appear in these interviews, though behind-the-scenes footage shows him in action.
Wreckage and Rage: Making Alien3
Development Hell: Concluding the Story (SD,17:42)
Tales of the Wooden Planet: Vincent Ward’s Vision (SD, 13:11)
Stasis Interrupted: David Fincher’s Vision (SD, 14:13)
Xeno-Erotic: H.R. Giger’s Redesign (SD, 10:20)
The Color of Blood: Pinewood Studios, 1991 (SD, 23:42)
Adaptive Organism: Creature Design (SD, 20:58)
The Downward Spiral: Creative Differences (SD, 14:55)
Where the Sun Burns Cold: Fox Studios, LA, 1992 (SD, 17:33)
Optical Fury: Visual Effects (SD, 24:04)
Requiem for a Scream: Music, Editing, and Sound (SD, 14:53)
Post-Mortem: Reaction to the Film (SD, 08:25)
Enhancement Pods (SD, 01:14:03)
Of all four of the films, these features are the most typical and least interesting. Most of the extras are anecdotal revolving around the hiring of director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, actors discussing their experiences on the film, and a lot of attention paid to the making of the underwater sequence.
One Step Beyond: Making Alien Resurrection
From the Ashes: Reviving the Story (SD, 10:10)
French Twist: Direction and Design (SD, 26:09)
Under the Skin: Casting and Characterization (SD, 12:45)
Death from Below: Fox Studios, LA, 1996 (SD, 31:36)
In the Zone: The Basketball Scene (SD, 06:43)
Unnatural Mutation: Creature Design (SD, 26:21)
Genetic Composition: Music (SD, 13:10)
Virtual Aliens: Computer Generated Imagery (SD, 09:53)
A Matter of Scale: Miniature Photography (SD, 22:50)
Critical Juncture: Reaction to the Film (SD, 14:28)
Enhancement Pods (SD, 01:15:17)
The Alien Anthology Archives – Disc 6
This disc provides even more content than even the most dedicated fan would expect. From the amazing first addition (the first draft of Alien with a written introduction by Dan O’Bannon) through to the last supplements on Alien: Resurrection, this disc makes the Alien Anthology experience more complete than any box-set that has come before it (or since). In essence, this is like having access to the private archives of the studio at your disposal so that you can sit down and understand the evolution of this amazing franchise at your own pace.
Alien
Pre-production
First Draft Screenplay by Dan O’Bannon (HD)
A brilliant feature. This gives a rarely seen look at the process a film undergoes from its original screenplay to what appears in the final product. Most of the time, it’s vastly different.
Ridleygrams: Original Thumbnails and Notes (HD)
Storyboard Archive (HD)
The Art of Alien: Conceptual Art Portfolio (HD)
A look at all levels of conceptual art from sets to costume, but the real gem here is the work of H.R. Giger. Eerie and beautiful.
Sigourney Weaver Screen Tests with Select Director Commentary (SD, 07:14)
These are highly unique screen tests that show Sigourney in the locations that resemble the finished sets of the movie. The result makes it easy to see why she was cast. Also, the addition of Ridley Scott’s commentary is a stroke of genius.
Cast Portrait Gallery (HD)
Production
The Chestburster: Multi-Angle Sequences with Commentary (SD, 05:28)
Remember when DVDs used to really try to promote the multi-angle features? This still provides great insight into the editing process, as well as perspective on the coverage a director decides to shoot. This is also the perfect scene to demonstrate how the puzzle of moviemaking is put together. Of course Ridley Scott’s added commentary adds an infinite amount of wisdom to this feature.
Video Graphics Gallery (SD, 05:31)
Ha! In case you ever wanted to see what the computer screens in the spaceship were projecting… this feature is a loop of all of the data screens seen in the film. I kind of love these oddball features.
Production Image Galleries (HD)
Continuity Polaroids (HD)
The Sets of Alien (HD)
H.R. Giger’s Workshop Gallery (HD)
Post-Production and Aftermath
Additional Deleted Scenes (SD, 15:13)
These deleted scenes show even more character and camaraderie that didn’t make it into the final (or director’s) cut. The most interesting of these scenes involves additional footage aboard the alien spacecraft.
Image Galleries (HD)
Experience in Terror (SD, 07:10)
A promotional featurette from waaaaay back in the day. Ridley Scott (as a much younger man) gives us his thoughts on the making of the film whilst he was making it. Rare behind-the-scenes footage.
Special Collector’s Edition LaserDisc Archive (HD)
Just when you thought Fox couldn’t cram any more supplements onto this disc, they somehow managed to recreate the LaserDisc version of Alien, fully equipped with all of its special features. Carefully scroll through this image gallery, because there are video interviews intertwined that you may miss if you go too quickly.
The Alien Legacy (SD, 01:06:53)
Another entirely comprehensive documentary that takes us from the budding of an idea from Dan O’Bannon’s brain through production and reception.
American Cinemateque: Ridley Scott Q&A (SD, 15:40)
After a screening of Alien, Ridley Scott gives a Q&A with a select audience that inquire about some of the unanswered questions regarding the film.
Trailers & TV Spots (SD)
Aliens
Pre-Production
Original Treatment by James Cameron
This is truly a treat. James Cameron’s original treatment that landed him the job as director of Aliens, and convinced Fox to hold off production until he was available to film. For those unfamiliar with the term “treatment”, it’s a detailed outline of the film that delineates the entire film before the script is written. It’s often, and is the case here, one of the purest insights into the intended vision of the final product.
Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Videomatics with Commentary (SD, 03:13)
This feature allows for a comparison between the videomatics of the miniatures and the final shots from the film with instructional commentary by miniature artist Pat McClung.
Storyboard Archive (HD)
The Art of Aliens: Image Galleries (HD)
Cast Portrait Gallery (HD)
Production
Production Image Galleries (HD)
Continuity Polaroids (HD)
Weapons and Vehicles (HD)
Stan Winston’s Workshop (HD)
Colonial Marine Helmet Cameras (SD, 05:01)
Really interesting raw footage taken from the helmet cameras of the soldiers during their first exploration into the base station.
Video Graphics Gallery (SD, 04:04)
This raw footage can be found on numerous monitors throughout the film.
Weyland-Yutani Inquest: Nostromo Dossiers (SD, 03:35)
During one of the opening scenes, we see the documentation of Ripley’s crew from the Nostromo displayed on a screen in a conference room. This is the raw footage found on that screen.
Post-Production and Aftermath
Deleted Scene: Burke Cocooned (SD, 01:31)
Just like Alien we get a deleted cocoon scene, only this time it’s of Paul Reiser. Rightfully cut as our imaginations create a much worse death for him than this.
Deleted Scene Montage (SD, 04:07)
We are given a few snippets of extra footage that hasn’t been seen in any cut of the film with actual footage of the film to give it context.
Image Galleries (HD)
Special Collectors Edition LaserDisc Archive
Just like the feature for Alien, this replicates the LaserDisc experience from the original Aliens disc. Flip through the different chapters to read up on background information (also mostly provided in all of the other video features found in this set) as well as additional video features that are not found elsewhere on the disc. Interviews with James Cameron and others can be found here.
Main Title Exploration (SD, 02:55)
A montage of different potential opening title sequences.
Aliens: Ride at the Speed of Fright (SD, 08:16)
The video footage that appeared before the Aliens ride at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as the video that plays during the ride. Stars a young Jeffery Combs.
Trailers and TV Spots (SD)
Alien3
Pre-Production
Storyboard Archive (HD)
The Art Arceon (HD)
The Art of Fiorina (HD)
Production
Furnace Construction: Time-Lapse Sequence (SD, 04:35)
This is an interesting time-lapse montage of the create of one of the film’s sets.
EEV Bioscan: Multi-Angle Vignette with Commentary (SD, 02:02)
A multi-angle sequence of the X-ray sequence where Ripley discovers the chestburster inside of her. With commentary by visual effects artist Alec Gillis
Production Image Galleries (HD)
A.D.I.’s Workshop (HD)
Post-Production and Aftermath
Visual Effects Gallery (HD)
Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive (HD)
Alien 3 Advance Featurette (SD, 02:56)
A very brief promotional video including interviews with Sigourney Weaver, and other cast members.
The Making of Alien3 Promotional Featurette (SD, 23:24)
This is a decent sized behind-the-scenes feature that grazes the surface of the filmmaking process. Interviews with cast and crew of the two previous films gives this an interesting perspective. But for the most part, this feature is just an informational piece.
Trailers & TV Spots (SD)
Alien Resurrection
Pre-Production
First Draft Screenplay by Joss Whedon
Like Dan O’Bannon’s first draft and James Cameron’s original treatment, this gives us access to Joss Whedon’s very inventive first draft of the screenplay.
Test Footage: A.D.I. Creature Shop with Commentary (SD, 09:51)
Workshop footage of creature tests, showing the progress of the eggs, facehuggers, the alien heads, and other creature effects.
Test Footage: Costumes, Hair, and Makeup (SD, 04:40)
A look at the director and Sigourney getting a feel for the different costume and hair effects in the film.
Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Rehearsals (SD, 02:52)
Another multi-angle presentation that shows us numerous scenes from the movie in their storyboard, rehearsal, and final form allowing us to compare and contrast the differences in bringing the vision to life.
Storyboard Archive (HD)
The Marc Caro Portfolio (HD)
The Art of Resurrection: Image Galleries (HD)
Production
Production Image Galleries (HD)
A.D.I.’s Workshop (HD)
Post-Production and Aftermath
Visual Effects Gallery (HD)
Special Shoot: Promotional Photo Archive (HD)
HBO First Look: The Making of Alien Resurrection (SD, 25:40)
Ron Perlman hosts this behind-the-scenes look at the making of Alien Resurrection. Interviews with cast and crew members expound their impressions of the story and making the film.
Alien Resurrection Promotional Featurette (SD, 03:56)
A very brief look at the filming of Resurrection with cast interviews.
Trailers & TV Spots (SD)
Alien Anthology
Two Versions of Alien Evolution (SD, 01:04:33)
A fourty-eight minute, and sixty three minute version of Alien Evolution, the difference of which instills additional interviews with cast and crew members from the first film, Alien. It’s a retrospective look at the experiences with the original film.
The Alien Saga (SD, 01:49:02)
Another feature-length documentary that spans the course of all four films in the Alien franchise. Narrated by John Hurt, this takes us from Dan O’Bannon’s inception of the script through the production and aftermath of all four films. This is a consolidated look at all of the supplements on all of these discs, revealing familiar anecdotes and production stories.
Aliens 3D Attraction Script and Gallery (HD)
Aliens in the Basement: The Bob Burns Collection (SD, 16:54)
Bob Burns has the world’s largest private collection of Alien props, costumes and miniatures. He sits down for an interview to discuss how he came to acquire his collection, as well as takes us on a mini tour of his makeshift museum to show us how a lot of the items were made.
Parodies (SD, 02:19)
A hilarious scene from Fox’s Family Guy, and the famous ending to Spaceballs are collected here.
Dark Horse Gallery (HD)
Patches and Logos Gallery (HD)
MU-TH-UR Mode Interactive Experience to view Data Tags from Discs 1-5
