In late 2003, the Alien Quadrilogy was released with a new ‘Assembly’ cut of Alien 3 which adds many new scenes. The Alien 3 workprint has been around for a while which contain some new/alternate scenes that weren’t in the Assembly cut. This four-part article covers what new scenes were in the Assembly cut, what was taken out, what new scenes are in the workprint as well as other scenes from production stills etc which haven’t been seen in any Alien 3 cut.
EEV Crash
The scene of Ripley being rescued at the beginning is completely different. Originally, Clemens finds her lying on the shore near the EEV and then takes her into the prison. A group of prisoners head down to the beach with Oxen to get the EEV out of the water. This whole sequence was reshot to have footage with the dog instead. (Read the Alien’s Host deleted scene). In the theatrical version Ripley is discovered still inside her cryogenic unit inside the EEV. In the theatrical version, there were shots of some prisoners examining the escape pod, including a shot of a facehugger crawling towards the dog and an optical shot of the EEV being carried out of the water by a crane.
Theatrical Cut
Dillon’s Speech
Following the rescue sequence, 85 tells everyone in the mess hall to settle down, and Dillon preaches before Andrews’ first ‘rumour control.’ The theatrical version started the scene with Andrews’ rumour control.
Entering the Morgue
Just before the autopsy of Newt, there is a scene with Clemens, Ripley, and Prisoner Kevin walking down the spiral stairs into the morgue where Clemens questions Ripley about her need to be certain about Newt’s death. Clemens asks, “Is there a particular reason that you’re so insistent?” Ripley replies, “Yes, I have to be sure how she died.” He continues, “I hate to be repetitious about such a sensitive subject, but it’s perfectly clear that she drowned.” As the two walk across the room, he asks, “Was she your daughter?” She responds, “No, she wasn’t.”
Alien’s Host
In the assembly cut, the alien emerges from an ox instead of a dog. There is a scene where two inmates are dragging an ox named Babe into the butchery after it has suddenly dropped dead. They discuss what caused Babe’s death, and there’s some macho talk about Ripley. The scene ends when one of the inmates discovers a strange dead animal near the dead ox (which is a dead facehugger). This scene replaces the scene in the theatrical version where Murphy finds his wounded dog. The funeral scene is also now intercut with scenes of the Alien bursting from the dead ox rather than the dog, ending with an especially made digital shot of the Alien running off.
The ox was originally shot first in the film. The crew designed the scenes, built the slaughterhouse set, sculpted the animatronic ox, constructed the chestburster, and filmed all of the scenes before they filmed any of the real ox. When they brought on the real ox, it wouldn’t do anything. Director David Fincher and the FX team scrapped the ox in favour of an easily trainable dog.
Theatrical Cut
Discussing Golic
Just before Ripley enters the mess Hall with her newly shaved head after the funeral, Prisoners Boggs and Rains share their complaints to Dillon about Prisoner Golic. They say he is crazy and smells bad, and that they don’t want to work with him in the tunnels. Dillon says “Well, he’s going with you. Golic is just another poor, miserable, suffering son of a bitch, just like you and me.” and that they have no choice in the matter.
Ripley & Dillon
The scene in which Ripley and Dillon talk about temptations in the cafeteria ends with a shot of Dillon, where it originally ended on Ripley.
Cremating the Bodies
Following Murphy’s death, there is more dialogue between Ripley and Clemens about why they had to cremate the bodies.
Remembering Murphy
Right after the scene where Ripley asks Clemens where the Bishop droid is, there is a scene where Dillon sees Boggs, Rains, and Golic, off on their excursion into the tunnels. Dillon tells Golic, “Light a candle for Murphy, will you?” Golic replies, “I’ll light a thousand.” Then they go off into the tunnel.
Ripley’s Identity
Straight after the previous scene, there is the scene where Andrews and Clemens meet to discuss Ripley. It has a completely new beginning, where the theatrical version begins with Andrews threatening Clemens, and ends with Andrews telling Clemens to “sit the hell down.” There is additional dialogue here where Clemens Andrews that Ripley was part of a combat team; Andrews eventually just tells Clemens to get out.
Golic’s Cigarettes
Golic kicks open an old cigarette machine in the tunnel to get free cigarette packs.
Golic’s Deranged State
During Ripley’s conversation with the reconnected Bishop, there are intercut scenes of Golic being found in the mess hall by Eric, the cook. He walks up to him and Golic turns around smiling. His face is still smeared with blood from his previous encounter with the Alien, and Eric drops his dishes in shock. A little bit later, Golic is grabbed by the others (Clemens, 85, Andrews, and Dillon) and dragged to the infirmary.
Golic in the Infirmary
The scene in the infirmary where Ripley and Clemens talk has a new opening shot in which the camera begins with a medium shot of Golic, then tracks through the hospital room. Later on in the scene, a tied-up Golic interrupts with a few lines about how in an insane world, a sane man must appear to be insane; Clemens sarcastically thanks him. Golic spies on Ripley and Clemens talking by looking under the curtain. The alien drops from the air vent into the infirmary and lands on the mattress next to him causing it to ‘lower’. There are more shots of it approaching, and Ripley sees its feet through the bottom of the curtains. There is also a shot of the alien opening its mouth before killing Clemens. After the alien kills Clemens, and Ripley runs out of the infirmary, there is a close-up of Golic admiring the alien, he calls it “magnificent.” Followed by a shot of a large amount of blood dripping from the grate through which Clemens was hauled by the Alien.
Move on to Part 2 of Alien 3 Deleted Scenes.
Dillon’s Prayer
In the mess hall, Dillon leads a prayer and then condemns the prisoners for what has been going on (such as the attempted rape and the death of Murphy, Boggs, and Rains) as Ripley runs down the hallway. Andrews takes over and the scene goes on as originally shown.
Morse Challenging Ripley
A new shot where the prisoner mopping up Andrews’ blood. He looks up at the air vent and there’s an overhead shot. This is followed by a new scene where Dillon preaches to the prisoners after Andrews’ death. In the same scene after Morse says they should take Ripley’s head and “bash it through the fucking wall,” Ripley replies “That sounds good to me…”
Alien’s Entrapment
There are several extra shots in the scene where the inmates set the trap in the tunnel, including one with two inmates checking a pile of batteries, to see if there are some with enough electricity for Aaron’s flashlight to work. Ripley looks exhausted while on paintbrush detail and shrugs it off, and Dillon shows concern. As the explosions in the corridors are going off, there are many new shots of prisoners in the air vents engulfed in the flames and falling out of the vents, as well as 85 running away from a burning prisoner. Dillon tries to activate the sprinkler to no effect.
One of the prisoners is hurt badly and Ripley is trying to help him. The prisoner’s friend Junior looks fearfully at her as she realizes both of them attacked her. The group runs for the spare sprinkler activator. The alien crawls down from the ceiling as the others try to lure it away. Junior is near the Toxic Waste room and sees a chance to trap the alien and runs into the room, causing the alien to run in after him and sacrifice his life. Ripley and Dillon lock the doors and the sounds of the alien killing him are heard outside. Dillon turns on the sprinklers. After finally putting out the fires, there are several new shots in the montage of prisoners walking through the wreckage of the hallways and a scene where Dillon is leading a prayer for those who sacrificed themselves and died.
Ripley and 85
During Dillon’s prayer in the previous scene, the camera moves up to Ripley and 85 and they talk about religion. 85 says that the company will arrive to kill the trapped alien with smart guns. Ripley asks him what if they won’t kill it.
Golic’s Escape
Immediately following the previous scene, there is a scene where Morse is guarding Golic in the infirmary. Golic asks Morse to untie him. Morse reluctantly unties him, and after Golic asks him, tells him where the alien is trapped. Golic knocks him out and hurries out of the room.
Company’s Message
Next, there is a scene where 85 and Ripley are sending a transmission to the company about the trapped alien and Ripley, testing the company’s intentions, requests permission to terminate the alien. The company quickly replies and tells them not to do anything to the alien, confirming Ripley’s suspicions.
Alien’s Liberation
Golic arrives at the Toxic waste dump and tells the prisoner guarding the door he must talk to the creature. The prisoner shrugs him off and suddenly Golic slits his throat and opens the door, telling the alien he’ll do anything he wants. Golic screams as the alien attacks and the alien escapes.
Company Discussion
Ripley tells Dillon about the company’s plans to keep the alien alive and Dillon says he doesn’t care. Ripley insists that innocent people will die and Dillon tells him that the world outside does not exist for them. Morse rushes in and tells them he has bad news.
How to Proceed
Following on from the previous scene, Ripley, Dillon, and Morse along with 85 go to the dump where 85 blames Morse for Golic’s actions. Some of this scene was re-edited to make it follow the explosion sequence in the theatrical version.
Moving to the Furnace
There’s a new scene in the assembly hall, after Ripley discovers she is carrying an Alien. The prisoners are arguing about the course of action to be taken; now that the Alien is free again, there is nothing stopping it from attacking them anywhere in the complex. One of the prisoners lights a match for his cigarette, which reminds all others of the Alien’s fear of fire. They all decide to move to the furnace area immediately.
Dillon’s Advice
There is some added dialog in the scene where Ripley tells Dillon about the Queen inside of her, mainly about the nature of the Queen and the consequences of its survival. Also, when Ripley fights with Dillon after he refuses to kill her, there is an added line where Dillon says “Go kill yourself”.
Motivating the Prisoners
During the scene where the remaining prisoners are meeting to discuss Dillon and Ripley’s plan to terminate the alien, there are expanded dialogue scenes concerning Dillon telling them they have a choice to get even with the creature for destroying the others. Ripley then questions 85’s statements that the rescue team is on its way. The scene ends with Dillon saying “You’re all going to die. This is as good a place as any to take your first steps to heaven. Only question is how you check out. Do you want it on your feet or on your fuckin’ knees beggin’? I ain’t much for beggin’. Nobody ever gave me nothin’. So I say, fuck that thing, let’s fight it!”
Tunnel Sequence
There are a few new scenes in the tunnel sequence. First of all, some of the prisoners discuss religion at the beginning. They laugh hysterically, which freaks out David. This replaces a scene where David is told by another prisoner named Jones what he’s supposed to do. Jones leaves and David says to himself, “This was her idea.” (Theatrical Images 1-7). There’s another scene in the theatrical showing 85 waiting for the rescue team. (Theatrical Image 8). In another scene, David finds Vincent’s body in the tunnel. (Image 12). Also, Dillon shouts to Troy to help Frank and Jude. (Image 13 – DVD Subtitles Incorrect). As the alien rampages through the tunnel, Ripley asks what the prisoners are doing (when two of them guarding the piston run off) and Dillon says “Improvising” (Images 14-16).
Ripley’s Death
There is more dialogue when Bishop II confronts Ripley as he refers to the malignancy inside her and the great courage she has shown. There is also an added scene where the Asian medic explains the procedure to remove the alien from Ripley. When 85 hits Bishop II with the pipe there is an additional moment in which Bishop II can be seen in pain and wiping blood from his face. He shouts “I’m not a droid!” After this, Bishop sees one of his crew members with a camera trying to film Ripley, and he tells the man with the camera, “No pictures!” Several shots of Ripley preparing for her jump, as she looks hesitant and nervous. She looks at Bishop and says “You’re crazy.” right before she jumps. Ripley’s death scene is a completely alternate take: In the theatrical version, as Ripley falls, the alien queen bursts out of her chest, here she simply falls into the lead. Her body can be seen burning up just before it hits the lead.
Move onto Part 3 (Workprint) of Alien 3 Deleted Scenes.
This section covers the infamous workprint of Alien 3 that was made before the theatrical release in 1992. This version has no music throughout and it’s only available on VHS with poor picture and sound quality. There are two great articles on the net that cover the Alien 3 Workprint. These are:
This article isn’t as detailed as those two. It’s more of a summary with pictures but this section only includes scenes that weren’t in either the theatrical version OR the special edition version. All pictures below apart from one are from the special edition version just to give you an idea of where they are in the workprint. This is because the workprint is really bad quality. You can download the individual scenes mentioned on this page here (28MB) or you can download the full Alien 3 Workprint here (1.1GB).
Sulaco
There’s a short scene that didn’t make it into either the theatrical or assembly version. It’s a shot of a monitor in the Sulaco in the opening sequence.
Workprint
Murphy Singing
When Murphy is in the tunnels, he sings along to the ‘Rolling Stones’ song “Painted Black,” and not the theatrical version song; “In the Year 2525 (Exordium and Terminus)” by ‘Zager and Evans.’
Workprint
Remembering Murphy
Golic, Rains, and Boggs walk away, Golic says, “Into the dark. And a machines open a store. What are you looking for? Underwear. Cigarettes. Deodorant.” Rains says, “Deodorant, that’s a good idea.” This scene follows the scene in the Assembly cut (See Remembering Murphy).
Workprint
Andrews Debriefing
When Andrews is informing the prisoners of the facts in the cafeteria just after Clemens is killed, there is some additional dialogue and some alternate footage that is not included in either release. Andrews says, “At 14:00 hours, prisoners Boggs, Rains, and Golic left on a routine foraging mission in the underground network.” Also, when Ripley interrupts him later, she says, “It’s here,” twice.
Workprint
Junior
Junior sacrifices himself by leading the alien to the toxic chamber room where the alien kills him. In the assembly version, they removed the sound effect when he dies. You can also hear the alien screaming and trying to get out.
Golic’s Escape
This is a short scene with Golic grabbing the fire extinguisher that he used to knock out Morse.
Company’s Message
A slightly different scene with 85 and Ripley, starts with new messages from 85 reporting the deaths of Andrews, Clemens and eleven inmates. The monitor shots are arranged differently from the assembly cut.
Alien’s Liberation
There is a different scene of Golic’s death. When he enters the toxic waste chamber you can hear the alien in the background and later Golic screaming when he dies.
Motivating the Prisoners
Some slightly different dialogue when Ripley and Dillon are talking to the prisoners. Ripley says, “What makes you think they’re going to care about a bunch of lifers who found god on the ass-end of space. You think they’re going to allow you to interfere with their weapons research? They think we’re crud and they don’t give a damn about one mate of yours that died. Not one.”
Workprint
Luring the Beast
In the scenes where the prisoners are running through the tunnels trying to lure the alien into the leadworks there were several scenes taken out. There’s some extra dialogue between the prisoners as they are running and another prisoner, Kevin, says, “Section 29 closed,” before he shouts, “This thing is really pissed off!”
Workprint
Dillon & Troy
In another scene, Jude yells, “Get a fuckin’ move on!” Dillon shouts, “Troy! Troy! Help them! Help them!” Troy just looks around and then runs off. This scene is in the Assembly cut though in the workprint there is some additional dialog from Dillon.
Workprint
Jude’s Scissors
In another scene, Dillon finds Troy’s body as he walks down one of the corridors, and he says, “Troy.” He stands over the body for a while and then moves on. Following that scene is another with Jude, who is carrying scissors, and Morse running down a corridor. Jude slips on something and falls on the ground. Morse stops and shouts, “Get up!” He walks back to Jude with his torch to see what happened. Jude says, “For fuck’s sake,” and looks at his hands which are covered with blood. He looks up and screams. His screams echo to the piston chamber where Ripley can hear them.
Workprint
Jude’s Death
This is a new extended version of Jude’s death with some new footage.
Workprint
Company’s Arrival
The scene starts off with Ripley discovering the remains of Eric, the cook. When the company arrives and 85 welcomes them, there is some footage left out from both releases. Aaron says, “I tried to tell them,” and one of the company men asks, “Have you seen the beast?” Aaron replies, “Yes sir. Horrible. Unbelievable. She’s got one inside her.” Bishop II says, “We know that,” and behind him a large cage is set down. Aaron looks back and then turns around. He says, “You’re going to need a bigger cage than that.”
Workprint
Suicidal Ripley
Ripley was originally more suicidal in the scene where she grabs the Alien’s tail and Dillon pulls her back. She yells, “Kill me! Kill me! Come on!” Dillon shouts, “Come on!” He also yells, “This is our last stand!”
Workprint
Alien’s Demise
When the Alien leaps out of the lead, there was a line cut in which Morse says, “Oh fuck!” The scene where Morse tells Ripley to turn on the sprinklers was originally very different. Ripley thinks of activating the sprinklers by herself and before doing so she says, “For the last time.” There were also some shots of the Alien removed.
Workprint
Ripley’s Death
Bishop II says, “Please, trust me. Let me help you. Hmm?” Following this line, is a very long shot of Ripley as she struggles to decide. During the pause, there are shots of Bishop II, Aaron and the company man, and Morse. Finally, Ripley answers, “No,”
Workprint
What Are You Doing?
There is an added scene of Ripley walking on the platform and Bishop II asking, “What are you doing?” He asks the question again as seen in the theatrical version. Ripley’s fall is a little longer and there is no chestburster emerging from her. There’s a shot of Morse looking over the molten pit. The final scenes are arranged differently. First, we see the video screen closing shots before we see the empty cryotubes and ending with Ripley’s final transmission.
Workprint
Other Minor Workprint Scenes
Move on to Part 4 (Production Stills…etc) of Alien 3 Deleted Scenes.
Changing Hosts
In the comic adaptation of Alien 3, there’s a new scene at the beginning. The EEV crashes into the water on the planet and after Newt drowns in her cryotube, the embryonic chestburster crawls out of her mouth. It then crawls to Ripley (who is not in her cryotube) and enters her mouth to further develop. The comic adaptation was taken from an earlier script of the movie so this was most likely never filmed.
Ripley in Cryotube
From the DVD and trading cards, there is a shot of Ripley in her broken Cryotube that was not in the final film.
Super Facehugger
There are some production stills on the DVD (and also on some trading cards) showing Murphy discovering the Facehugger that impregnated the ox. Frank suggests that it’s a jellyfish from the beach and Murphy tosses it away. We see a glimpse of the Super Facehugger in the Assembly cut but there are no closeups of it like there is below and Frank never responds.
Basement Terror
In the scene where Ripley finds the alien in the basement, there is some footage taken out. The Alien hits Ripley’s pipe away and she falls back onto the ground. The Alien looks at Ripley and then bolts away. On card 27 of the Star Pics card set, it says, “I startled it from its nest inside the infirmary air ducts. My only weapon, a heavy lead pipe, was useless. The Alien batted it out of my hand like a matchstick, then crept toward me. But it didn’t attack. I didn’t think it would. Not when I had its queen gestating inside me.” In the script, Ripley shows no fear when she finds the Alien at the rusty Hydro-Converter. She says, “You fucker,” and rams her pipe into the Alien, which reacts with a huge roar and cry. Ripley yells, “Come on fucker – kill me!” She hits the Alien again with her pipe and then the creature knocks it away. They stare at each other for a long frozen moment and then the Alien leaves. Ripley says, “Bastard.”
Dillon’s Ending
Originally, Dillon was not killed before the lead was poured and the company arrived before the alien was killed. Dillon helps Ripley to the top of the mold and she reaches down to help him up as seen in the theatrical release. The Alien is too close though so Dillon fights it with his axe. Morse pours the lead and Bishop II shouts, “Don’t do it! No!” The lead drives the Alien back into the mold and Dillon is able to get away. Morse says to Bishop II, “Eat shit — you miserable fucker!” Ripley notices that the company has arrived and shouts, “They’re here!” Dillon looks at Bishop II and Ripley grabs him saying, “Keep your promise!” Dillon asks, “You mean it?” Ripley replies, “Yes! I’ve got it inside me! Quit fucking around!” He puts his hands around her throat but he hesitates. She yells, “Do it!” Dillon says, “I can’t, I can’t do it.” He looks at her pleadingly and then his face turns to horror as the alien, which has reappeared in the mold, pulls him under the lead. It’s not known if any of this was filmed but it was in the script.
