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I haven't bought this product (DVD) because i'm waiting for the Blu-Ray version. I loved all of the films, but i really do hope they come out with a Blu-Ray format and even an extended version would also help. thanks
The monster in Alien 3 is almost always an obvious suit or a terrible CGI. The exception would be the incredible face-hugger sequence with Ridly trapped in a room and, of course, the equally impressive climax. Aliens trumps its prequel in one department however, and thats soundtrack. To make up for the rather blunt and unsophisticated special effects, Cameron has edited most actions scenes into little more than a clip is a Marine firing, followed by a clip of an exploding alien. The Directors Cut isnt much of a change from he original.
A ridiculous plot and awful death timing (a friend dies much to early in the movie) further make Alien 3 something that cant be called great. Along with that, 5 of the 9 discs are packed to the brim with special features; a very conservative count would set the extras at probably over 12 hours, and thats not counting commentaries, trailers, or the LazerDisc features. This would have worked well if used sparingly, but nearly every alien/marine confrontation ends up feeling the same. The result ends up a bit more streamlined than the original film, but not quite better for it.
Covering THAT is a nice indented slipcover with a reflective/rainbow-ish finish. The first hour of Alien 3 (special) could actually be called a well developed piece of film. The years have overrated James Cameron's Aliens; and after seeing for the first time in years, i cant help but feel a bit disappointed. Its the beginning of the nosedive into mediocrity for the Alien franchise.
The movie never became what anyone wanted of it, and conflicting imaginations hurt the film. I cant say much that hasnt already been said, but Alien is a terrific movie that made Ridly Scott's career and established a multi-million dollar franchise. At $30, its a steal. The Special edition of Aliens tends to drag on at times, and feels a bit bloated at over 2:30, but it features sequences that further develop characters as well as some better pacing.Alien 3 (or cubed :P) has always been and will always be an odd beast. Aliens is a decent action flick. Alien Resurrection is.well, Alien Resurrection. Its filled with 90's action/horror cliches and an only decent performance by Ryder and Weaver.
Included in this baby are 2 versions of each film, the original/theatrical editions and the directors cut/special editions. The unfortunate (and almost total) reliance on computer generated effects and characters gave an unpolished look to the entire film, as it lacked the sparing use of the creature (as in Alien) or the clever sets to limit the creature (as in Aliens). Yes, it is amazing.Alien is the original masterpiece. Despite the obviousness of the less than par movie, i cant help but feel like there could have been an incredible movie. The separate versions arent for any reason more watchable than each other but id recommend the Director's Cut.Disc 9 fas a variety of features from all of the movies, as well as general Alien features.
The majority of the extras are on the corresponding second disc of each film, with a massive documentary going over everything from initial perception to post production and everything in between. Alien 3 wasnt great, but it wasnt until Resurrection that a movie in the series was actually bad. Protecting all 9 discs is an amazing 10 sleeve digipak with wonderful, glossy art covering each sleeve that, when fully extended, reaches well over a yard long.
Scott re-introduced some small, unneccesary scenes by shaving milliseconds from every other scene. Both films make incredible use of SFX and ambient/background noise, but Aliens builds on that with an amazingly well orchestrated score. The second half is garbage.
Alien Quadrilogy will bring you hours of enjoyment, specially for those interested in special features. The Alien Quadrilogy is a massive 9 disc set that would make any Alien fan require a fresh set of underwear. Both versions of the film are suspenseful and extremely well edited, making for a horrifyingly slow movie.in a good way.
The Special edition adds over 20 minutes to the movie, and balances character development in the first half.
I watched all four movies again including the special editions and was surprised by how much information I was missing. I even purchased the NECA Alien 18" collector's figure to complete my collection. You would not have any regrets. Being a fan of Aliens since 1986, I searched the internet for the best collection I could get for the money. Once I researched the Alien Quadrilogy and saw other reviews I was sold. If you are a true Alien/Aliens fan, you gotta own this title.
I have viewed both the director's cut/special editons of all of the movies. I am very happy with this collection. I love all four of these movies. I must say I prefer the original versions (with the exception of Aliens).
The DVDs are kept in a somewhat unwieldy fold out arrangement, but they do take up surprising little room.Overall this a great value for all that is packed into this great set. Highly Recommended.CFH This time I liked the extended version better.* Alien 3 - Not nearly as good as the first two, but still watchable. Like several other reviewers, I prefer the original release over the extended version.* Aliens - Really good sequel which stays true to what made the original movie great. This is a fantastic 9 DVD set that contains two versions of each movie and more extras than we will ever be able (or inclined) to watch. My son had seen "Alien vs Predator" and didn't know the background of either creature so, realizing that we were remiss in his pop culture education, we bought the Alien Quadrilogy. While not detailed reviews of each movie, here are my general observations:* Alien - This is a great movie that contains all of the elements of a classic sci-fi\horror. I think the theatrical release is the better one (other reviews disagree), but the extended version is still interesting to watch.* Alien Resurrection - I really disliked this movie all around, it doesn't matter which version, but it still needs to be seen to round out the series.The box cover art is in an attractive holographic like motif that looks very nice on the shelf.
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