Alien3 (1992) | Blu-ray Review
By thisguyoverhere | May 10, 2011
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton
Directed by: David Fincher
Written by: David Giler, Walter Hill, Larry Ferguson
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Rating:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Value:
Review:
Video:
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.
Value:
If you’re only interested in owning this singular film from the franchise, there could be a lot worse. Most of the supplements that are found in the Alien Anthology really allow for further appreciation, so I can only recommend this if extra features and the other three films are not of interest to you. Otherwise, the audio and video are impeccable and make this a very commendable release.
Highly Recommended.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
Fox may release additional Anniversary Editions, with additions from the Anthology (and perhaps a digital copy), but for the most part, this is as good as it will ever look and sound – and considering the supplements already exist in the box set, I can’t imagine that another release of this film will be of any real value. I highly recommend the Anthology, but if you must buy this, do so with confidence.
Worth The Upgrade?
If you own this film on DVD and you’re considering the Blu-ray version, do not hesitate. Watching the tremendous upgrade in audio and video is like discovering the film for the first time. For the right price, this can gladly replace your existing DVD on your shelf.
