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Films/TV => FX's Alien Series => Topic started by: RidgeTop on Jan 11, 2022, 10:20:03 PM

Title: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: RidgeTop on Jan 11, 2022, 10:20:03 PM

Following the recent news surrounding the themes of the upcoming FX Alien series such as competing corporations or consciousness transference, one of the more frequent questions we’ve been seeing from fans is regarding the Aliens themselves, looking for some news on our favourite extra-terrestrial’s involvement in the series. We’re pleased to bring you some intel on that front! 

According to Alien vs. Predator Galaxy’s sources none other than effects studio Weta will be responsible for designing and bringing the Xenomorphs to life in Noah Hawley’s upcoming FX series!

Though we can safely reveal that Weta is currently involved in the series’ production, we can’t say what the blend of practical and digital effects will be for the Aliens when the series moves into production in March. Weta is actually comprised of sister companies Weta Digital, which handles primarily computer generated effects, and Weta Workshop handling primarily practical effects & concept art.

 [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!

One of the ‘White Spike’ Aliens from the film The Tomorrow War.

We would hope there is some degree of return to form with a balance of including practical effects for the Xenomorphs, but if they are to be an entirely digital creation, Weta’s previous work with digital creatures certainly gives us confidence in this route as well. Weta Workshop famously designed the concepts for the ‘Prawn’ creatures in the film District 9, with Image Engine creating the digital effects for the alien characters. More recently, Weta Digital (now WetaFX) developed the lifelike CGI for the creature effects in the films The Tomorrow War, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, and Avatar

While Weta has previous experience in the franchise in creating a number of the digital effects in Prometheus, including a cut digital incarnation of the Fifield mutant, this is their first foray into the concepts and effects of the Xenomorphs for the screen. Weta Workshop also produces collectibles and has made a number of Alien and Predator display pieces for their Micro Epics line.

Keep your browsers locked on Alien vs. Predator Galaxy for the latest Alien TV Series news! You can follow us on FacebookTwitter, Instagram and YouTube to get the latest on your social media walls. You can also join in with fellow Alien and Predator fans on our forums!

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Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 11, 2022, 10:22:09 PM
Ooh this should be good!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 11, 2022, 10:22:31 PM
Oh crap! This is very cool news.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 11, 2022, 10:23:17 PM
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 11, 2022, 10:33:39 PM
Now, crossing my fingers and hoping for a return to the original biomechanical form of the Alien. Would love to see what Weta can whip up there, design wise, and see the kind of movements they would be able to pull off with a digital creation that harkens back to Giger's original design.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Bughuntwilson on Jan 11, 2022, 10:44:28 PM
Didnt weta did the lord of the rings moives and king kong 2005
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Stitch on Jan 11, 2022, 10:45:43 PM
Weta studio, niiiiiice
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 11, 2022, 11:17:35 PM
Great news! This gives even more guarantee to the Alien execution.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Bughuntwilson on Jan 11, 2022, 11:22:37 PM
Maybe they might have the alien do the crab walk as homage to that deleted scene
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Jan 11, 2022, 11:24:45 PM
f**king excellent
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Simply Kevin on Jan 11, 2022, 11:44:48 PM
Awesome! Speaking of District 9, I hope they give Bloomkamp an episode to direct.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 12, 2022, 12:07:25 AM
Great studio, but I'll wait for the designs to get excited :laugh:
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Xenomorphine on Jan 12, 2022, 12:19:47 AM
Quote from: Bughuntwilson on Jan 11, 2022, 11:22:37 PM
Maybe they might have the alien do the crab walk as homage to that deleted scene

Wouldn't be their choice, but I'd personally hope not. It was deleted for a reason. Didn't look great crawling around on its arse, IMO.

Quote from: Simply Kevin on Jan 11, 2022, 11:44:48 PM
Awesome! Speaking of District 9, I hope they give Bloomkamp an episode to direct.

That would be... Interesting. And a nice gesture.

Quote from: SiL on Jan 12, 2022, 12:07:25 AM
Great studio, but I'll wait for the designs to get excited :laugh:

Same here, but whatever the designs are like they're asked to create, they almost certainly will do a good job of crafting the result.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2022, 12:20:16 AM
Cool!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Jan 12, 2022, 12:42:05 AM
I'm sorry to say it but I'm honestly just glad it's not ADI returning, something felt incorrect somehow, about their recent biomechanical Alien maquette besides the unnecessary additions.

I'd be overjoyed with Odd Studios and Creatures Incorporated.

But I do not think there's much better out there than WETA.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 12, 2022, 01:07:44 AM
I'd be delighted to see a design more faithful to Giger's Alien. But regardless of that, they'll do their job well. Weta's trajectory guarantee that.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 12, 2022, 01:09:44 AM
Yeesh, all this optimism.  Watch them reward you all by changing everything...
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Jan 12, 2022, 01:16:06 AM
I don't have an issue with changes necessarily, I adore every iteration of the Alien in the first three films, and Isolation's.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 12, 2022, 01:30:39 AM
I am optimistic because of the quality that Weta has developed over the years. But of course if we become Alien nerds, there will be details here and there. The good news is, it's not going to look like a cheap monster show.

Isolation got it right. They kept the Giger's aesthetic but gave the Alien a sense of locomotion more apt for the animation and stunts that the creature was supposed to do in the video game.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: XENOMORPHOSIS on Jan 12, 2022, 01:37:32 AM
Though impressed with WETA's work there's the question how much f this will be practical vs CGI, there also there concern for the budget and quality of the CGI.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Jan 12, 2022, 01:39:02 AM
Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 12, 2022, 01:30:39 AM
I am optimistic because of the quality that Weta has developed over the years. But of course if we become Alien nerds, there will be details here and there. The good news is, it's not going to look like a cheap monster show.

Isolation got it right. They kept the Giger's aesthetic but gave the Alien a sense of locomotion more apt for the animation and stunts that the creature was supposed to do in the video game.

Nailed it.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: TC on Jan 12, 2022, 01:46:44 AM
Technically, the 2 sister companies are now "Weta Workshop" and "Weta FX" ( not Weta Digital). Weta Digital was sold off to Unity at Xmas of last year. Unity got the R & D computer scientists and proprietary toolsets, as well as the brand name. But thus far they intend to leave them in situ in Wellington. The CG artists, however, remain with the other Peter Jackson companies under the new branding "Weta FX".

Does this change anything about their work? Not materially,  I think. But you can bet James Cameron held his breath wondering how this was going to affect his Avatar films.

TC
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 12, 2022, 05:37:53 AM
TC makes some very important technical points, and good on him for elucidating that.



Personally, this is where I dip out. I don't like Hawley or his general vibe. I'm not interested in his core themes for this series.

I also have personal beef with Weta Workshop and Weta FX due to having a bad time with former and current employees of both groups.

Even if this ends up being pretty good, I will not be able to enjoy it due to the scummy people involved, who (for arguably stupid reasons) I have an intense dislike of.

I genuinely hope the rest of you have a blast with it though. Peace out.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: RidgeTop on Jan 12, 2022, 05:47:06 AM
Quote from: TC on Jan 12, 2022, 01:46:44 AM
Technically, the 2 sister companies are now "Weta Workshop" and "Weta FX" ( not Weta Digital). Weta Digital was sold off to Unity at Xmas of last year. Unity got the R & D computer scientists and proprietary toolsets, as well as the brand name. But thus far they intend to leave them in situ in Wellington. The CG artists, however, remain with the other Peter Jackson companies under the new branding "Weta FX".

Does this change anything about their work? Not materially,  I think. But you can bet James Cameron held his breath wondering how this was going to affect his Avatar films.

TC

Noticed this upon research for the news but the branding and logo hasn't switched to WetaFX yet so decided to just stick with Weta Digital for this post, the sale just happened in December I think.



Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Local Trouble on Jan 12, 2022, 06:10:28 AM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 12, 2022, 05:37:53 AM
I genuinely hope the rest of you have a blast with it though. Peace out.

I thought you of all people would be pleased by this news, but you seem positively black-pilled.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 06:31:38 AM
Will there be any practical Xenos though ?  :-\
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 12, 2022, 07:23:57 AM
Maybe.
I seriously doubt it, but it's possible.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: RidgeTop on Jan 12, 2022, 07:36:14 AM
Good example of some recent Weta monster CG here.

https://twitter.com/weta_digital/status/1433535270968827904?s
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: freshjim on Jan 12, 2022, 07:52:19 AM
Wow this great news!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 08:12:43 AM
Quote from: SiL on Jan 12, 2022, 07:23:57 AM
Maybe.
I seriously doubt it, but it's possible.

:-\
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 12, 2022, 09:43:37 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 06:31:38 AMWill there be any practical Xenos though ?  :-\

Weta can definitely do practical, but ultimately it's not really their choice.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 12, 2022, 10:23:22 AM
Honestly, if they look as good as the Prawns, I'm all up for photo realistic mo-cap Aliens. I've never been so impressed with a visual effect than watching D9 for the first time.

But I'm still always going for prefer and miss seeing practical suits.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 12, 2022, 10:29:05 AM
Fokken prawns!

They did make some practical creatures for that, but only for the scene where they break into the lab and you see them lying on the operating tables.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: freshjim on Jan 12, 2022, 11:13:13 AM
as long as its not Alien 3 Alien effects then i'm happy
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 12, 2022, 11:22:37 AM
I dunno...I'd kinda like to see mo-motion with nice compositing... :P
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Damon on Jan 12, 2022, 11:58:34 AM
Just thankful it's not  Amalgamated Dynamics
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: skhellter on Jan 12, 2022, 12:39:05 PM
glad it's Weta.

as far as the story goes....
with the hybrid and her handlers, this is sounding like a sober remake of Resurrection.


Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 12, 2022, 05:37:53 AMEven if this ends up being pretty good, I will not be able to enjoy it due to the scummy people involved

Ego got too big for their heads?


Guess we'll hear about casting soon
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Bughuntwilson on Jan 12, 2022, 02:44:39 PM
I thought mo cap was the industry standard when your makeing humanoid monsters with cgi
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 12, 2022, 03:03:44 PM
Quote from: Damon on Jan 12, 2022, 11:58:34 AM
Just thankful it's not  Amalgamated Dynamics

Yup!

Super stoked it's Weta. I mean over-the-moon excited. No fears here that it won't look good! Woot!!! 👏
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 03:09:54 PM
My boiz from ADI shall return !!!

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/FaintWetBird-small.gif)

Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 12, 2022, 03:03:44 PM
Quote from: Damon on Jan 12, 2022, 11:58:34 AM
Just thankful it's not  Amalgamated Dynamics

Yup!

Super stoked it's Weta. I mean over-the-moon excited. No fears here that it won't look good! Woot!!! 👏

What do you care ? They're not doing Predators for the show as far as I know. And ADI haven't done any Aliens for more than a decade
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 12, 2022, 03:22:43 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 03:09:54 PM
My boiz from ADI shall return !!!

Truly, truly, nothing would make me happier than me potentially applauding their work in "Prey." :)

QuoteWhat do you care ? They're not doing Predators for the show as far as I know. And ADI haven't done any Aliens for more than a decade

Hey I didn't bring it up! But to answer your question...

Because me likey Alien, and me likey Weta, and me can't wait to see their work in the series. (And me personally believes ADI bid for the job.)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 03:25:11 PM
Somebody said they're thankful it's not ADI and you replied "Yup!" I thought you don't care about ADI Aliens. You're even in Chet Official Fan Club !

And argument "I want some other studio doing Aliens" doesn't quite work here 'cause we technically had exactly that in Covenant.

Speaking of which, Covenant is why I'll be a little bummed if there're no practical Xenos. CGI Aliens can look great and all but I wanna me some practical suits !
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 12, 2022, 03:30:14 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 03:25:11 PM
Somebody said they're thankful it's not ADI and you replied "Yup!" I thought you don't care aabout ADI Aliens.

Their Alien work is alright. I don't love it, but I don't hate it as much as the "Snalien" crowd. I wouldn't be excited if ADI was announced, but not depressed either. But Weta??? Mucho excitement!!!

QuoteYou're even in Chet Official Fan Club !

I founded it!

Yep, and that's an official ADI creation I'm a big fan of, unabashedly! Give me more Predalien!!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 03:32:27 PM
My apologies, you know me, I get triggered each time somebody says anything slightly bad about my boiz from ADI who shall return !!!

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/FaintWetBird-small.gif)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 12, 2022, 04:51:54 PM
Quote from: Simply Kevin on Jan 11, 2022, 11:44:48 PM
Awesome! Speaking of District 9, I hope they give Bloomkamp an episode to direct.

Not with Riddles as producer and certainly not after Chappie.






Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 12, 2022, 11:22:37 AM
I dunno...I'd kinda like to see mo-motion with nice compositing... :P

Do you know who's doing the helmets?
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 12, 2022, 04:56:54 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 12, 2022, 04:51:54 PM
Do you know who's doing the half-helmets?

FTFY
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 12, 2022, 05:00:00 PM
(https://c.tenor.com/_ErElebzWN0AAAAM/finger-shake-judge-judy.gif)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 12, 2022, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 12, 2022, 04:51:54 PM
Quote from: Simply Kevin on Jan 11, 2022, 11:44:48 PM
Awesome! Speaking of District 9, I hope they give Bloomkamp an episode to direct.

Not with Riddles as producer and certainly not after Chappie.

Maybe Riddles plans to hide a Raised by Wolves Easter egg there.

(https://s10.gifyu.com/images/ronswanson-ron.gif)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 12, 2022, 06:23:20 PM
Alternatively, he should slip in a House of Gucci nod.

"Boof."
Title: Will there be half-helmets?
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 12, 2022, 06:34:53 PM
Either way, mullets are a given for this show.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Fiker on Jan 12, 2022, 06:42:18 PM
Good news. Weta is very good. Can't wait for the show. At least we don't have to wait as long as colonists on Covenant.
Title: Re: Will there be half-helmets?
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 12, 2022, 07:00:49 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Jan 12, 2022, 06:34:53 PM
Either way, mullets are a given for this show.

Praise Sol.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Richman678 on Jan 14, 2022, 07:34:01 PM
Very good to hear!!!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Jan 15, 2022, 06:33:22 PM
Has Weta expressed their stance on The Skull yet?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJHC8QwXEAA5Jtj?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 15, 2022, 06:48:04 PM
I feel that LT might gain some ice cream out of it
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: The big on Jan 24, 2022, 12:11:29 AM
I want to them dissect the alien and to show us everything and the reason why it was built the way Giger did. Then we have a story!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: David Weyland on Jan 24, 2022, 01:05:00 AM
Um I agree but the mofos didn't like the prequels that started to do that
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:37:32 AM
Yeah, I've really never understood Ridley's hard-on for explaining the Alien's origins.

The mystery surrounding it was infinitely more compelling than what Covenant told us.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: windebieste on Jan 24, 2022, 09:50:12 AM
ALIEN isn't an Agatha Christie mystery, though.

-Windebieste.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:54:36 AM
Exactly. So why do we need a whole series of films trying to solve that mystery? The mystery had no bearing on the story and wasn't anything that ever needed solving.

Same goes for the history of the guy in the chair in Alien.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 10:06:10 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:37:32 AM
The mystery surrounding it was infinitely more compelling than what Covenant told us.

Sorry, but I fail to see that. Crazy android creating Xeno/Proto/Whatevermorph in a cave is infinitely more crazy and intriguing than anything that I could've come up with in my head

And I don't understand that sacred status mystery has, "we must protect it at all costs !" kind of attitude.. Like, whatever, if an interesting story comes out of it

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:54:36 AM
Exactly. So why do we need a whole series of films trying to solve that mystery? The mystery had no bearing on the story and wasn't anything that ever needed solving.

Same goes for the history of the guy in the chair in Alien.

Resolving mystery is just an excuse for exploring weird-ass themes of what is God, creation, life and so on and so forth blah blah blah. Prometheus and Covenant might've been marketed to you like that but they're not really about just resolving any mysteries for the hell of resolving mysteries

You can complain about "Then why didn't he just made a stand-alone sci-fi movie without dragging Alien into it" all you want but unfortunately there's that thing called brand recognition in Hollywood. If anything, Prometheus proves that Ridley did triy to create a standalone sci-fi movie. And what studio did to him ? "Nah, we need Aliens back"
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 11:03:46 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 10:06:10 AMSorry, but I fail to see that. Crazy android creating Xeno/Proto/Whatevermorph in a cave is infinitely more crazy and intriguing than anything that I could've come up with in my head

For me, it makes the Alien fundamentally un-alien. It's just man-made by proxy. And I find that eye-rollingly trite.

I'm not suggesting everyone needs to agree with that.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: anibo on Jan 24, 2022, 11:12:16 AM
Just wanted to share the first design here as well, in case someone missed it https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=65409.0
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Stitch on Jan 24, 2022, 11:22:09 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 10:06:10 AM
Crazy android creating Xeno/Proto/Whatevermorph in a cave is infinitely more crazy and intriguing than anything that I could've come up with in my head

The problem is that what the story boils down to is that the company made them. Yes, it's by way of a malfunctioning Android in a cave. But the Android is company property, and the direct creation of Peter Weyland.
Having the alien be a creation of Weyland-Yutani is just trite, and boring.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 11:29:51 AM
A human in a suit made humans who made fake humans who made an Alien to kill real humans

It's just people all the f**king way down and that's not what I'm here for in my scifi. I like humanity small and insignificant stepping out into uncharted darkness, not the center of all drama in the cosmos.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 01:24:07 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 11:03:46 AM
For me, it makes the Alien fundamentally un-alien. It's just man-made by proxy. And I find that eye-rollingly trite.

I'm not suggesting everyone needs to agree with that.

David didn't create Black Goo though. I'm personally find it kinda ironic (in a good way) that there's much more in common between humanity and ultimate cosmic horror that is Alien. It turns Alien into a representation of all what is usually kept hidden inside a human being, of the darkest desires of human's mind and soul. It may be frustrating on a narrative level but as far as themes movies play with I dig it
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 01:53:05 PM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:37:32 AM
Yeah, I've really never understood Ridley's hard-on for explaining the Alien's origins.

The mystery surrounding it was infinitely more compelling than what Covenant told us.

I unequivocally, wholeheartedly agree.

100%!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 02:17:14 PM
That mystery isn't that vast though. There's two possibilities really: Space Jockey used Alien eggs as a weapon or it belonged to a peaceful race and found them somewhere and was transporting them somewhere else. Wow, how exciting
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: skhellter on Jan 24, 2022, 02:25:16 PM
deranged-psychopath-sex-obsessed-android finds an ancient bioweapon and fine tunes it to become a monster that will kill and rape all of mankind in a cosmic act of revenge.

vs

random scary space bug that someone finds on a rock.




Finding it really hard to tell what's the most interesting take here.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 02:30:28 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Jan 24, 2022, 02:25:16 PM
deranged-psychopath-sex-obsessed-android finds an ancient bioweapon and fine tunes it to become a monster that will kill and rape all of mankind in a cosmic act of revenge.

vs

random scary space bug that someone finds on a rock.




Finding it really hard to tell what's the most interesting take here.

Of course your choice of words certainly doesn't put a finger on the scale...  ::)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 02:34:01 PM
You tell 'em, skhelter !  :D
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: skhellter on Jan 24, 2022, 02:48:46 PM
Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 02:30:28 PM
Of course your choice of words certainly doesn't put a finger on the scale...  ::)

(https://c.tenor.com/hizjWntD9U4AAAAC/trump-i-know-words.gif)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: oduodu on Jan 24, 2022, 07:06:53 PM
Quote from: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 11:29:51 AM
A human in a suit made humans who made fake humans who made an Alien to kill real humans

It's just people all the f**king way down and that's not what I'm here for in my scifi. I like humanity small and insignificant stepping out into uncharted darkness, not the center of all drama in the cosmos.

this^^^^👌

that's why i love alien.  everything now is no more "alien"

and oh yes all about teenagers.....
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 07:59:27 PM
Quote from: skhellter on Jan 24, 2022, 02:25:16 PM
deranged-psychopath-sex-obsessed-android finds an ancient bioweapon and fine tunes it to become a monster that will kill and rape all of mankind in a cosmic act of revenge.

vs

random scary space bug that someone finds on a rock.

Finding it really hard to tell what's the most interesting take here.
Easy, it's the latter.

The former reduces everything of any importance in the story's universe to being intimately related to humanity. In all of space, humans are Super Special and everything is all about Us.

The latter presents a cosmos that is vast and ancient and indifferent to our survival. We aren't special. We aren't handmade by other humans and we aren't the specific target of anyone or anything's malice. We drift through the void and find other lifeforms also struggling to survive in the emptiness - and find they've done a much better job adapting.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 08:07:59 PM
(https://i.gifer.com/origin/ab/abaced865351dca3df1cf339ba3c0c9e.gif)

Stories are about humans one way or another, no matter what your heroes/villains are or what setting you put them in - fantasy or sci-fi, past, present, future etc. It's all about reflecting on humans' nature. So you might as well literally put humans at the top of the piedestal of universe


Quote from: oduodu on Jan 24, 2022, 07:06:53 PM
and oh yes all about teenagers.....

Sorrywhat ?
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 08:27:28 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 08:07:59 PM
Stories are about humans one way or another, no matter what your heroes/villains are or what setting you put them in - fantasy or sci-fi, past, present, future etc. It's all about reflecting on humans' nature. So you might as well literally put humans at the top of the piedestal of universe
Or you use scifi to put humans in a situation where they aren't the most important thing and see how human nature reacts. Most stories are about people doing things to people. Scifi is one of the few places to explore humanity detached from anything they might find familiar or controllable at a large scale.

That's what the Alien franchise had done for so long. Now with the prequels it's just humans doing things to other humans.

Throughout the franchise we saw how humans treated each other contrasted against the struggle with the Alien. The Alien is cold and ruthless and uncaring, only trying to survive, whereas we see humans regularly sabotaging each other and choosing to be malicious to others.

When everything is human drama, that contrast completely evaporates. The Alien isn't just trying to survive, it literally only exists to kill us - because of our own hubris. There is no longer a contrast between the cold indifference of space and the intentional evil of mankind, because the Alien is just another byproduct of our evil.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2022, 08:34:36 PM
The only thing that Prometheus really puts humanity at the center of galactic events is the idea that the Engineers were explicitly en route back to Earth to come directly after us because of something we did in the past - which is a plot point that I could really take or leave and would have been more than ok if the film had dropped that angle to push us a little bit more out of the Engineers' direct focus. I also would have been happy to toss aside Prometheus' "100% DNA Match" angle.

The Engineers making humans on Earth, and seeding (and, perhaps, later destroying?) a multitude of other worlds and populations in the very same way (remember, Ridley never directly confirmed if the planet in Prometheus' prologue was Earth because, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether that one is explicitly Earth or not. That's what happened on Earth... and on other worlds as well.) ultimately serves to make humanity even less significant in the grand scheme of things. Earth is nothing more than Petri dish for one of the Engineers' many scattered experiments, and a failed one at that. They made us, as David said, because they could - and they made others for the very same (lack of) reason. We don't have some grand purpose. Earth is a discarded world that held on longer than it should have, full of beings that don't matter. And even our greatest creation supersedes us and, using the raw materials taken from the Engineers, creates something 'perfect' that functions as a sort of plague in the known universe moving forward.

I should also add, none of this really even seeps into my mind when watching Alien anyways. It's pretty easy for me to watch each installment and take it as it as it is with what's presented directly on screen, under the conditions it was made in, without constantly needing to cross reference each "canon" material in my mind. When I'm watching Alien, the crew finds a mysterious ancient craft full of eggs. David, the Engineers, etc. don't really factor into my mind, until I'm off watching the prequels and taking in their particular spin on the material. When I'm watching Aliens, the third act isn't made any less exciting knowing that Alien 3 kills off Hicks and Newt as the opening credits roll.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 08:50:19 PM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 24, 2022, 08:34:36 PM
The Engineers making humans on Earth, and seeding (and, perhaps, later destroying?) a multitude of other worlds and populations in the very same way (remember, Ridley never directly confirmed if the planet in Prometheus' prologue was Earth because, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether that one is explicitly Earth or not. That's what happened on Earth... and on other worlds as well.) ultimately serves to make humanity even less significant in the grand scheme of things.
We were made intentionally in their image, and then they wanted to whipe us out specifically. The dramatic events of the universe are actively driven by the intentional creation and destruction of humanity by human forces, rather than our creation and destruction being the result of indifferent natural processes. This isn't a trivial distinction.

QuoteI should also add, none of this really even seeps into my mind when watching Alien anyways.
Absolutely. Alien is Alien. It just means future stories will never have that element to them again unless they retcon the prequels.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: oduodu on Jan 24, 2022, 08:56:56 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 08:07:59 PM
https://i.gifer.com/origin/ab/abaced865351dca3df1cf339ba3c0c9e.gif

Stories are about humans one way or another, no matter what your heroes/villains are or what setting you put them in - fantasy or sci-fi, past, present, future etc. It's all about reflecting on humans' nature. So you might as well literally put humans at the top of the piedestal of universe


Quote from: oduodu on Jan 24, 2022, 07:06:53 PM
and oh yes all about teenagers.....

Sorrywhat ?

alien never depicted us at the top and yet it became cult classic. why?

i am refering to teenagers as the primary reason as to why people go watch movies nowadays: kids drive what parents spend their money  on.  so by and large most movies today will have subject matter that will be attractive to kids to the detriment of any other subject matter. imho anyway...
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.
Heaven forbid people on a discussion forum discuss things :laugh:
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 09:09:05 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.

You first!  :D
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: oduodu on Jan 24, 2022, 09:11:57 PM
Quote from: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 08:27:28 PM

Scifi is one of the few places to explore humanity detached from anything they might find familiar or controllable at a large scale.

That's what the Alien franchise had done for so long. Now with the prequels it's just humans doing things to other humans.

👍
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 09:21:11 PM
Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 09:09:05 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.

You first!  :D

Yes, getting exhausted of hearing the same circular shit for ten years and once in a blue moon commenting as much, is exactly the same as actively and regularly saying the same circular shit for ten years.

Exactly the same.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 09:29:36 PM
It's pretty tiring hearing people contributing nothing other than to tell other people to stop having conversations they don't like for ten years, yes.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 09:31:54 PM
Well, at least you tried.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 09:36:23 PM
What are you, twelve?

If you don't like the conversations, don't read them. You don't need to waste your time and energy telling other people what's worth discussing or not, just move on.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 10:01:40 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 09:21:11 PM
Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 09:09:05 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.

You first!  :D

Yes, getting exhausted of hearing the same circular shit for ten years and once in a blue moon commenting as much, is exactly the same as actively and regularly saying the same circular shit for ten years.

Exactly the same.

Oh, now you know what it's like being an ADI fan
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 10:19:43 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 09:21:11 PM
Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 09:09:05 PM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 24, 2022, 08:52:43 PM
I like the prequels a lot and at this point even I'd welcome them being retconned just so all the sooks will quit their f**kin' bitching.

You first!  :D

Yes, getting exhausted of hearing the same circular shit for ten years and once in a blue moon commenting as much, is exactly the same as actively and regularly saying the same circular shit for ten years.

Exactly the same.

To be fair, perhaps it's your approach. Hicks has had to ask you to cool it down, snip your posts, or both, several times in the past several months, so to one outside looking in, you might seem exhausted with a lot of things lately to be honest. But you're a swell guy, so my advice is whenever you feel that heated, take a few moments to step back, until you feel ready to re-engage in these conversations and debates about our favorite franchises!  :)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: [cancerblack] on Jan 25, 2022, 02:27:03 AM
Quote from: SiL on Jan 24, 2022, 09:36:23 PM
What are you, twelve?

Since your entire rebuttal is "no u", if I'm being childish, then both of us are. And yes, I'm aware of the irony there.


Quote from: Voodoo Magic on Jan 24, 2022, 10:19:43 PM
whenever you feel that heated, take a few moments to step back, until you feel ready to re-engage in these conversations and debates

I'm going to accept this though, and remind myself why I unfollowed this specific sub-forum.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 25, 2022, 04:12:27 AM
Quote from: [cancerblack] on Jan 25, 2022, 02:27:03 AM
Since your entire rebuttal is "no u", if I'm being childish, then both of us are. And yes, I'm aware of the irony there.
Your comment tried to paint your behaviour as less obnoxious than everyone else's. All I did was remove the sarcasm and confirm that your posts are absolutely just as obnoxious to everyone else, as you complain these conversations are to you. It wasn't "no u", it was "get off your high horse".
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 25, 2022, 02:21:24 PM
Moving on....

WETA finally handling ALIEN!  Woot!
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BigDaddyJohn on Jan 25, 2022, 03:22:35 PM
I love their overall work, curious to know how they will handle the xenos.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 25, 2022, 03:30:53 PM
Also curious if any aetists we're familiar with might be freelancing/collaborating with Weta during the design process, or if both the designs and animation will be 100% in-house.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Jan 25, 2022, 04:18:06 PM
Here I am hoping that the company keeps in mind the visits of the creators of mankind in ancient times.

(https://i.ibb.co/f81W83s/IMG-20220125-125928-425.jpg)

In this way, I can see Weyland finding an ancient spaceship, and then studying the artifact in some base in the style of the mythical area 51.

(https://i.ibb.co/VtyncL8/alien-5-neill-blomkamp-2356921.jpg)

Then creating human-engineer hybrids in order to create super humans, as a prototype before making human-Alien hybrids.  8)

(https://i.ibb.co/TBBrstz/IMG-20220125-125346-046.jpg)

And of course I would like to see some Cyberpunk setting.  :-X

(https://i.ibb.co/kqFYyMP/kseniia-ostapenko-cyberpunk-city.jpg)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 25, 2022, 04:36:28 PM
Not sure how literally we're supposed to be taking the key art that was used when the show was announced at that Disney press thing (all the way back in December 2020), but this sure does look like an Engineer temple/installation to me.

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hG2NiNUEn__-n6cNbSuzPrh9BG0=/1400x788/filters:format(png)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22161399/Screen_Shot_2020_12_10_at_6.01.43_PM.png)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 25, 2022, 06:00:22 PM
Quote from: BigDaddyJohn on Jan 25, 2022, 03:22:35 PMI love their overall work, curious to know how they will handle the xenos.

Yeah, Weta's stuff is top notch, I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do with this.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Jan 25, 2022, 10:38:11 PM
(https://c.tenor.com/3oH-d0EwZxgAAAAC/penny-bbt.gif)

Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 25, 2022, 06:00:22 PM
Yeah, Weta's stuff is top notch, I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do with this.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Jan 26, 2022, 10:08:10 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 09:54:36 AM
Exactly. So why do we need a whole series of films trying to solve that mystery? The mystery had no bearing on the story and wasn't anything that ever needed solving.

Same goes for the history of the guy in the chair in Alien.

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/030/710/dd0.jpg)

Me when my obsessive interest in all things Aliens extends from desperately wanting to know more about the Space Jockey in the first place.


Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jan 24, 2022, 11:03:46 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 24, 2022, 10:06:10 AMSorry, but I fail to see that. Crazy android creating Xeno/Proto/Whatevermorph in a cave is infinitely more crazy and intriguing than anything that I could've come up with in my head

For me, it makes the Alien fundamentally un-alien. It's just man-made by proxy. And I find that eye-rollingly trite.

I'm not suggesting everyone needs to agree with that.

Honestly, I believe that's a different argument. It's not liking the answer you were given. I don't like that particular take, but I'd never say I don't want to see that explored.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 26, 2022, 10:26:52 AM
I find not knowing part of the fun. Nobody really discusses things that are certain for very long. Mysteries endure. I like seeing the EU explore different takes and possibilities, but without ever having THE answer.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Jan 26, 2022, 10:48:31 AM
Idk, maybe I'm too late for the party, but as I see it mystery (i. e. how the hell that ship got to LV-426 ?) doesn't get talked about much recently
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: HuDaFuK on Jan 26, 2022, 12:38:27 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 26, 2022, 10:08:10 AMMe when my obsessive interest in all things Aliens extends from desperately wanting to know more about the Space Jockey in the first place.

:laugh:

Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 26, 2022, 10:08:10 AMHonestly, I believe that's a different argument. It's not liking the answer you were given. I don't like that particular take, but I'd never say I don't want to see that explored.

It is and it isn't. I feel like being given an answer - any answer - is invariably less interesting than leaving it up to your imagination.

The fact that answer was so bone just makes it a great example :P
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: SiL on Jan 26, 2022, 10:31:07 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Jan 26, 2022, 10:48:31 AM
Idk, maybe I'm too late for the party, but as I see it mystery (i. e. how the hell that ship got to LV-426 ?) doesn't get talked about much recently
That's what happens when you get answers. Most of the discussion about the Jockey and the derelict dried up and now it's more about David.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Feb 10, 2022, 07:36:33 PM
In the early 80s, on the back of the old videodisc (remember those?) of Alien, there was an essay about the film from someone who speculated about the nature of the 'planet-ship that the Nostromo lands on.'  That always stuck with me. Those tunnels in the egg chamber were way too big (and at way too low an elevation) to be inside the derelict itself.

So there's a mystery I've been able to hold onto.  :P
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Feb 10, 2022, 07:42:22 PM
That's ... actually cool idea. Always have been a fan of planet-sized ships
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 11, 2022, 03:48:08 AM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Feb 10, 2022, 07:36:33 PM
In the early 80s, on the back of the old videodisc (remember those?) of Alien, there was an essay about the film from someone who speculated about the nature of the 'planet-ship that the Nostromo lands on.'  That always stuck with me. Those tunnels in the egg chamber were way too big (and at way too low an elevation) to be inside the derelict itself.

So there's a mystery I've been able to hold onto.  :P

As someone reading this for the first time, I don't have many words to express my interest in the face of such an intriguing curiosity.  :o

...well except this  ;D

(https://s10.gifyu.com/images/thats-no-moon-obi-wan-kenobi.gif)

Dammit! The idea is so insane that I'm really looking forward for someone to investigate this old Alien trivia like the creepy rock formation that never made the cut in the original flick, I mean, I want something like that in canon.

(https://i.ibb.co/drHGp8V/alien33.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/Rgd8hwH/Screenshot-20220210-231755.jpg)

Rock Jockey - Strange Shapes (https://alienseries.wordpress.com/tag/space-jockey/)

So I can easily fantasize about a race of Engineer-like entities converting that moon into a giant space ship, with the biomechanical pilots of their U-shaped spaceships being the AI that controls everything. Kinda like their very own MU/TH/UR 6000.

(https://i.ibb.co/GcRDcRb/Pics-Art-02-01-09-09-32.jpg)

Here are other examples of the concept in other sci-fi IPs.  8)

Fulbtzs-Berrentzs clases - Macross (https://macross.fandom.com/wiki/Fulbtzs-Berrentzs_class)

(https://i.ibb.co/v45SXtR/Screenshot-20220210-233926.jpg)

Oryx's Dreadnaught - Destiny (https://www.destinypedia.com/Dreadnaught)

(https://i.ibb.co/LSmLbwk/CLRg-VQr-VEAALbii.jpg)

In 'Valerian,' International Space Station Evolves into Interstellar Metrópolis - Space. Com (https://www.space.com/37566-valerian-movie-international-space-station.html)

(https://s10.gifyu.com/images/tumblr_onnaxxXdM81u563huo1_540.gif)

https://youtu.be/eZTnSxW4pOI
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Corporal Hicks on Feb 11, 2022, 08:44:42 AM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Feb 10, 2022, 07:36:33 PM
In the early 80s, on the back of the old videodisc (remember those?) of Alien, there was an essay about the film from someone who speculated about the nature of the 'planet-ship that the Nostromo lands on.'  That always stuck with me. Those tunnels in the egg chamber were way too big (and at way too low an elevation) to be inside the derelict itself.

So there's a mystery I've been able to hold onto.  :P

Do you have that videodisc? I'd love to read that in its entirety.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Feb 11, 2022, 11:39:28 AM
I don't, I just checked it out of the library (40 years ago!), and Google's not doing me any favours. I remember the writer wasn't any great authority on the film, he was just writing his interpretation of what he saw... but he isn't wrong!  :)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Feb 11, 2022, 05:17:32 PM
There's a Giger quote somewhere, in which he says he wanted to make the entire landscape, biomechanical as well. I guess ultimately budgetary constraints probably stopped him but you can still see that idea in the shot where Dallas & Co. enters the Derelict.






Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 11, 2022, 08:44:42 AM
Do you have that videodisc? I'd love to read that in its entirety.

I think Elmazalman has the LaserDisc.


Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Feb 12, 2022, 02:44:15 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 11, 2022, 05:17:32 PM
There's a Giger quote somewhere, in which he says he wanted to make the entire landscape, biomechanical as well. I guess ultimately budgetary constraints probably stopped him but you can still see that idea in the shot where Dallas & Co. enters the Derelict.






Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 11, 2022, 08:44:42 AM
Do you have that videodisc? I'd love to read that in its entirety.

I think Elmazalman has the LaserDisc.

I just gotta state for the record I'm not talking about laserdisc here, but its precursor, videodisc. It was a 12" disc that came in a plastic sleeve. You'd stick the entire sleeve in the machine, the machine would grab the disc, and you'd pull the plastic sleeve back out and then watch the film. When it came time to flip sides, you'd put the plastic sleeve back in the machine to get the disc out, flip it over, and repeat. The format died out immediately as soon as VCRs became widely available.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Feb 12, 2022, 03:21:43 PM
Strange... I've no memory of those. We just watched movies at the theater and on TV until VCR's became available.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Feb 12, 2022, 03:39:06 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 12, 2022, 03:21:43 PM
Strange... I've no memory of those. We just watched movies at the theater and on TV until VCR's became available.

The only family I ever knew of who had one was my dad's; his wife was a librarian and her library stocked these discs, you could check 'em out for free like a book. So they bought a player and there were constant movies coming home. It wasn't the greatest format, though - they'd often skip just like a record!  :D
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Feb 12, 2022, 03:51:14 PM
Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Feb 12, 2022, 02:44:15 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 11, 2022, 05:17:32 PM
There's a Giger quote somewhere, in which he says he wanted to make the entire landscape, biomechanical as well. I guess ultimately budgetary constraints probably stopped him but you can still see that idea in the shot where Dallas & Co. enters the Derelict.






Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Feb 11, 2022, 08:44:42 AM
Do you have that videodisc? I'd love to read that in its entirety.

I think Elmazalman has the LaserDisc.

I just gotta state for the record I'm not talking about laserdisc here, but its precursor, videodisc. It was a 12" disc that came in a plastic sleeve. You'd stick the entire sleeve in the machine, the machine would grab the disc, and you'd pull the plastic sleeve back out and then watch the film. When it came time to flip sides, you'd put the plastic sleeve back in the machine to get the disc out, flip it over, and repeat. The format died out immediately as soon as VCRs became widely available.

I have one ( and a player) but I am not skilled at posting pictures. There is one for sale on U.S. eBay.  The listing is.

ALIEN (1979) Sigourney Weaver CED Selectavision Disc Stereo 1982 CBS/FOX 1090-90

There are front & back photos. So maybe someone can scan them for this thread.

D
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Mr. Clemens on Feb 12, 2022, 03:57:50 PM
Good catch! Here it is...

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/p24AAOSwt05ZuC-1/s-l1600.jpg)

[EDIT: although technically I think that one's a proper laserdisc with the same blurb on the back, as that one's in a cardboard sleeve, not plastic.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Darwinsgirl on Feb 12, 2022, 04:11:09 PM
Hmmm...I will look for my copy.  The one listed front image is in better condition than mine. The paper tends to bubble you can see it on this listing too.  I was glad to see someone else on here old enough to remember these. There is a old gas station 2 blocks from the home I grew up in that rented these back then.  :laugh:


edit:

That's weird. The front cover picture shows the plastic case. The back photo looks like a cardboard sleeve?

The one I have you slide the entire case into the player. You never handle the disc if memory serves me?
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 12, 2022, 04:22:09 PM
Thank you ladies and gentlemen 8)

Quote from: Mr. Clemens on Feb 12, 2022, 03:57:50 PM
Good catch! Here it is...

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/p24AAOSwt05ZuC-1/s-l1600.jpg)

I love the take of the person who wrote that.

(https://i.ibb.co/H4qCw6S/Pics-Art-02-12-01-16-44.jpg)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 04:43:38 PM
Utter shock and terror ? Nah, Space Jockey looks pretty chill to me
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 426Buddy on Feb 12, 2022, 07:57:06 PM
The face always seemed pretty scary to me as a kid. I think the description is pretty accurate.

(https://i.imgur.com/5INcUph.jpeg)
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 12, 2022, 08:13:59 PM
Quote from: 426Buddy on Feb 12, 2022, 07:57:06 PM
The face always seemed pretty scary to me as a kid. I think the description is pretty accurate.

https://i.imgur.com/5INcUph.jpeg

Poor David. :'(
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 08:15:57 PM
Quote from: 426Buddy on Feb 12, 2022, 07:57:06 PM
The face always seemed pretty scary to me as a kid. I think the description is pretty accurate.

https://i.imgur.com/5INcUph.jpeg

Now he looks happy to me. Like he saw somebody he haven't seen in a long time


Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 12, 2022, 08:13:59 PM
Quote from: 426Buddy on Feb 12, 2022, 07:57:06 PM
The face always seemed pretty scary to me as a kid. I think the description is pretty accurate.

https://i.imgur.com/5INcUph.jpeg

Poor David. :'(

I knew him, Horatio
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 12, 2022, 10:32:18 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 08:15:57 PM
Quote from: 426Buddy on Feb 12, 2022, 07:57:06 PM
The face always seemed pretty scary to me as a kid. I think the description is pretty accurate.

https://i.imgur.com/5INcUph.jpeg
Now he looks happy to me.

How bizarre 😳
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 10:45:48 PM
Tell me you can't see it now. I double dare you
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 12, 2022, 10:50:43 PM
I can't believe I'm going to say this...(maybe it's pareidolia or you're controlling my weak mind)...but I think you're right lol  :laugh:

Now we just have to wait for Ridley to explain to us why David looks happy in that shot.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 12, 2022, 10:53:10 PM
Quote from: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 12, 2022, 10:50:43 PM
Now we just have to wait for Ridley to explain to us why David looks happy in that shot.

He's finally become a mother and given natural birth.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 11:17:58 PM
Can you imagine a ... pregnant David ?  :-X
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 12, 2022, 11:31:01 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 11:17:58 PM
Can you imagine a ... pregnant David ?  :-X

Something like this, I'd say, before the baby bursts from his chest and he ceases to be pregnant:

(https://www.scified.com/topics/4413940052346662.jpg)

;)

Alternatively... (Raised by Wolves season one spoilers within):

Spoiler
(https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Raised-by-Wolves-Mother-pregnant-belly.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=960&h=500&dpr=1.5)
[close]
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Thatguy2068 on Feb 13, 2022, 12:28:03 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 11:17:58 PM
Can you imagine a ... pregnant David ?  :-X
Don't give Ridley ideas
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Immortan Jonesy on Feb 13, 2022, 12:59:41 AM
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Feb 12, 2022, 11:31:01 PM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 11:17:58 PM
Can you imagine a ... pregnant David ?  :-X

Something like this, I'd say, before the baby bursts from his chest and he ceases to be pregnant:

https://www.scified.com/topics/4413940052346662.jpg

;)

Alternatively... (Raised by Wolves season one spoilers within):

Spoiler
(https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Raised-by-Wolves-Mother-pregnant-belly.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=960&h=500&dpr=1.5)
[close]

Yisus Christ!  :o I wonder if David's Ultramorph would be as sentient as
Spoiler
Mother's son :-X

(https://i.ibb.co/M9B74g3/raised-by-wolves-number-7.jpg)
[close]
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔥 𝔓𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 on Feb 13, 2022, 12:14:27 PM
Quote from: The Eighth Passenger on Feb 11, 2022, 05:17:32 PM
There's a Giger quote somewhere, in which he says he wanted to make the entire landscape, biomechanical.

"I wanted the landscape to be biomechanic, a mixture of our technology and some kind of magma, so as to create the feeling that maybe a technical civilization has been destroyed" - HR Giger.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: Voodoo Magic on Feb 13, 2022, 01:20:45 PM
Quote from: Thatguy2068 on Feb 13, 2022, 12:28:03 AM
Quote from: Kradan on Feb 12, 2022, 11:17:58 PM
Can you imagine a ... pregnant David ?  :-X
Don't give Ridley ideas

I assume Ridley already had that idea... and loved it.
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: BlueMarsalis79 on Feb 17, 2022, 12:52:56 PM
It's not like it's a core theme or anything lol
Title: Re: [Exclusive] Effects Studio Weta Bringing the Xenomorphs to Life for the FX Alien Series!
Post by: razeak on Feb 21, 2022, 01:25:33 AM
The CED video disc is a vinyl record. I have 4 of them in my office for decoration. The record has 9000 lines per square inch. They are pretty neat. I have Friday the 13th Part II, Planet of the Apes, The Last Starfighter, and Starman.