Which version did you prefer in the Alien movies? Do you think the Special Eition added anythign to the story, or not?
Personally, I watched all the films SE the first time, and when I saw all of them in the theatrical versions at IMAX, I must say I preferred the SE's. Especially Aliens and Alien3 (the ending is better in Alien3 IMO), and some of the scenes I really love are cut out form Aliens, like when they're tracking the sentry guns shooting the aliens, a classic scene.
1) Alien - Theatrical Cut, but they're almost equal.
2) Aliens - Special Edition, although I don't like the fact that they telegraph the Queen so clearly.
3) Alien 3 - Theatrical, although I haven't watched the special edition except for once back in 2003. Might consider revisiting that.
4) Alien Resurrection - Theatrical again, the SE includes too many dumb scenes that we're better off without.
As is so often the case, though, the best and most ideal version of each movie is usually an edit that would be somewhere in-between.
Quote2) Aliens - Special Edition, although I don't like the fact that they telegraph the Queen so clearly.
How do you mean?
Quote from: The Ultimate Predator on Aug 23, 2007, 01:36:48 PM
Quote2) Aliens - Special Edition, although I don't like the fact that they telegraph the Queen so clearly.
How do you mean?
I prefer the theatrical version of the "Then who's laying these eggs?" scene, which simply ends with "It must be something we haven't seen yet." Lets your imagination run wild as to what's coming. It was quite a shock to have the Queen show up when I first watched Aliens.
Whereas in the SE, well, they basically tell you that there's gonna be a great big queen alien when Hudson starts going on about ant hives.
Vasquez: "Bees, man. Bees have hives."
Hudson: "You know what I mean. There's like one female that runs the whole show."
Bishop: "Yes, the queen."
Hudson: "Yeah, the momma. She is badass man, I mean BIG."
I know what you mean, but I had seen pics and heard of the Queen way before I watched it. Even then, cut that out, still a better cut.
I also felt that the first-name exchange (Ellen and Dwayne) really screws up the pacing of the charge into the nest. But otherwise I like what the SE brings to the table. Which is still a lot of stuff.
It does make the various aliens not have much of a sense of self-preservation, though, if they just keep throwing themselves at the blazing turrets in order to drain the ammo for the sake of the hive. :)
But thats the thing. They are hive-orientated.
Alien: Although I found the "Director's Cut" to be appealing with the added scenes, I couldn't forgive it for cutting out some of the others, most notably the "What are my chances?" convo between Dallas and Mother. I still prefer the original.
(When I get my new computer, I plan to make my own fan edit that cannibalizes both versions of Alien and various deleted scenes.)
Aliens: Some fans have actually derided the Special Edition for its lengthiness, but I actually liked it because of all of the visual information it gave (e.g. the colony when it was populated). It added more depth, which I liked.
Alien³: Hands down, the Special Edition. My main quibbles were the ox instead of the dog (who cares about an ox?) and a few minor things.
Alien Resurrection: The theatrical version was sufficient, and the Special Edition really didn't add too much for me to comment on. (I could bitch about the Wal*Mart reference, but I did hear it at the theater.)
Quote from: maledoro on Aug 23, 2007, 02:10:44 PM
Alien³: Hands down, the Special Edition. My main quibbles were the ox instead of the dog (who cares about an ox?) and a few minor things.
My primary issue with the ox is that it falls over dead pretty much immediately, leaving us to believe that aliens can now somehow gestate inside of a dead host. The opposite of this has been extensively implied before, even in the t-cut of Alien 3 (why would Ripley want to be killed with an ax if the queen will just continue to grow inside her headless, dead body?).
Alien: the DC because of the egg morphing scene mainly. Although I agree with maledoro - I miss some of the stuff that was cut.
Aliens: DC because of the sentry guns, Ripley's daughter and more characterisation for Hudson. However, I don't like the colony scene because it takes away from the suspense of not knowing what happened.
Alien 3 - DC definitely. In the theatrical it seems like it's missing too much stuff to enjoy it anymore.
Alien Resurrection - DC, because some of the scenes just flow better and the opening and closing bits of course.
Quote from: Bishop2 on Aug 23, 2007, 02:13:32 PM
My primary issue with the ox is that it falls over dead pretty much immediately, leaving us to believe that aliens can now somehow gestate inside of a dead host. The opposite of this has been extensively implied before, even in the t-cut of Alien 3 (why would Ripley want to be killed with an ax if the queen will just continue to grow inside her headless, dead body?).
The thing is that we don't know when the ox died nor how long the chestburster was inside of her after her death. Sure, we saw her collapse, but we also saw Kane fall over, too. The embryo could have been sucking the last of its nutrients while Frank and Murphy were standing next to the carcass.
Alien - Theatrical
Aliens - Director's Cut
Alien 3 - Assembly Cut
A:R - Theatrical
Quote from: Uncanny Antman on Aug 23, 2007, 02:54:50 PM
Alien - Theatrical
Aliens - Director's Cut
Alien 3 - Assembly Cut
A:R - Theatrical
Seconded.
Alien: Theatrical
Aliens: Special Edition
Alien 3: Special Edition
Alien R: Theatrical
Might be pretty shocking but I don't think I've ever seen the theatrical of Aliens. It's always been the SE that's been on TV and DVD. I listened to the commentary on the theatrical but I wasn't really paying attention.
Quote from: Darkness on Aug 23, 2007, 04:41:37 PM
Alien: Theatrical
Aliens: Special Edition
Alien 3: Special Edition
Alien R: Theatrical
Might be pretty shocking but I don't think I've ever seen the theatrical of Aliens. It's always been the SE that's been on TV and DVD. I listened to the commentary on the theatrical but I wasn't really paying attention.
I only watched it once, at IMAX, and the SE I think is far better.
I usually go with what the director wanted or intended for us to see: So with Alien, Ridley Scott was happy with the theatrical version, so that is the one I watch.
Aliens, Cameron prefers the Special edition, therefore, so do I.
Alien3, the assembly cut is probably as close to Fincher's original intention as they can make it, so I prefer that one (in this case I might prefer it anyway because it is such an improvement). I still prefer the dog over the ox bursting though.
Alien Resurrection, not sure, did he want that lame opening? The extra scenes don't really add anything. From what I remember, Jeunet said he was happy with the theatrical and I prefer it as well.
Alien: Theatrical. It's perfect the way it is.
Aliens: SE. I love the Theatrical, but after watching the SE, it feels weird watching the orignal when I miss great scenes and I always liked the sentrys when I first read the script.
Alien3: Can't say since I have yet to see the AC
Alien Res: Theatrical. The extra scenes weren't needed and the alternate beginning and ending sucked.
Quote from: Darkness on Aug 23, 2007, 04:41:37 PM
Might be pretty shocking but I don't think I've ever seen the theatrical of Aliens. It's always been the SE that's been on TV and DVD. I listened to the commentary on the theatrical but I wasn't really paying attention.
Either you're younger than some of us or you once owned a laserdisk player. :)
Alien : Special Edition
Aliens: Special Edition
Alien 3: Tough call but I'll go with the Theatrical. The CGI on the Dog/Bull Alien was HORRIBLE at that time.
A.R: Neither, both sucked
Quote from: jaguar V on Aug 23, 2007, 10:58:22 PM
Alien 3: Tough call but I'll go with the Theatrical. The CGI on the Dog/Bull Alien was HORRIBLE at that time.
I agree on the new CG, and I do prefer the dog-burster over the ox, but if I have to choose, the AC wins because of the huge chunks character development that were hacked out of the theatrical.
I cherry pick. Mostly anything in the SE's, that doesn't contradict what's in the original cut, I'll accept. Mostly.
QuoteEither you're younger than some of us or you once owned a laserdisk player.
The theatrical cut was on VHS for about 5 years before the SE came out around the time of Alien3's theatrical release in the UK and Australia (and elsewhere). The SE was never available in the US until the DVD came out.
Alien: Special Edition
Aliens: Special Edition
Alien 3: Special Edition
Alien Resurrection: Theatrical
Alien: Directors Cut
Aliens: Special edition
Alien 3: Theatrical edition
Alien res: ugh, i hate this movie ehh, oh well. Theatrical
Quote from: jaguar V on Aug 23, 2007, 10:58:22 PM
Alien 3: Tough call but I'll go with the Theatrical. The CGI on the Dog/Bull Alien was HORRIBLE at that time.
There's only one shot of a CGI alien in the whole movie - when the alien's head starts to crack at the end after hit with the water.
The rest is actually a puppet manipulated with rods and overlaid on blue screen. You can see more on the DVD. It's pretty crazy, and yeah, bluescreen effects were questionable.
Quote from: Bishop2 on Aug 24, 2007, 02:21:45 AM
Quote from: jaguar V on Aug 23, 2007, 10:58:22 PM
Alien 3: Tough call but I'll go with the Theatrical. The CGI on the Dog/Bull Alien was HORRIBLE at that time.
There's only one shot of a CGI alien in the whole movie - when the alien's head starts to crack at the end after hit with the water.
The rest is actually a puppet manipulated with rods and overlaid on blue screen. You can see more on the DVD. It's pretty crazy, and yeah, bluescreen effects were questionable.
Actually, if I'm not mistaken, he's talking about the CG Alien in the Assembly Cut.
And the rod-puppet was filmed with a purple screen, not blue. For what it's worth. :)
I got a picture here where the sccreen is definately blue.
Quote from: Uncanny Antman on Aug 24, 2007, 02:43:16 AM
Quote from: Bishop2 on Aug 24, 2007, 02:21:45 AM
Quote from: jaguar V on Aug 23, 2007, 10:58:22 PM
Alien 3: Tough call but I'll go with the Theatrical. The CGI on the Dog/Bull Alien was HORRIBLE at that time.
There's only one shot of a CGI alien in the whole movie - when the alien's head starts to crack at the end after hit with the water.
The rest is actually a puppet manipulated with rods and overlaid on blue screen. You can see more on the DVD. It's pretty crazy, and yeah, bluescreen effects were questionable.
Actually, if I'm not mistaken, he's talking about the CG Alien in the Assembly Cut.
And the rod-puppet was filmed with a purple screen, not blue. For what it's worth. :)
Yeah I meant on the Assembly/Extended cut. In much of A-3 the size of the Alien altered quite often. When he ran out of the locked barricaded room, when he chased the prisoners through the halls and the scene where he dropped out of the ceiling in the infirmary to kill the doc, I thought the size and CG of the Alien was inconsistent.
Quote from: SM on Aug 24, 2007, 02:47:35 AM
I got a picture here where the sccreen is definately blue.
Fair enough. Maybe it's my memory, or maybe there were multiple screens used. My memory is the most likely. ;)
I liked th normal versions for 1 3 and 4 but aliens special was great, I loved those sentry turrets, but its to bad they didnt last longer
Alien: I think I'd prefer a fan edit. They're both cool but I prefer neither over the other.
Aliens: Definately the SE. Sometimes I just wanna quicker paced Aliens but the SE adds lots of cool stuff into it.
Alien3: SE definately! If only it was the dog instead of the Ox, it'd be my favorite Alien film.
What year did the Aliens SE come out? Because I remember them making a big deal about it when it was shown on TV for the first time.
Quote from: SM on Aug 24, 2007, 02:47:35 AM
I got a picture here where the sccreen is definately blue.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg181.imageshack.us%2Fimg181%2F9958%2Fthreesq8.jpg&hash=db36df4850c370ddfa7781217c1fc7019dc78254)
Final Edit: Actually, after even more digging I think you're completely right. My guess would be that the bluescreen being used is bright enough that on certain cameras, it distorts the colour to a point where it almost looks like UV lighting.
Some shots of the rod puppet were really good. Maybe not if you freeze-frame it, but they got the movement down pretty right (for some shots anyway).
^Definitely. It's really only the compositing that lets it down. The actual puppetry is very well done.
Quote from: gameoverman on Aug 24, 2007, 08:40:12 AM
What year did the Aliens SE come out? Because I remember them making a big deal about it when it was shown on TV for the first time.
It was released on laserdisk in 1992. That was the only way to see it until it hit DVD in 1999.
Quote from: Bishop2 on Aug 24, 2007, 01:46:34 PM
It was released on laserdisk in 1992. That was the only way to see it until it hit DVD in 1999.
Only if you're an American.
I bought it on VHS in 1993.
...then the laserdisc, then the DVD, then the newer DVD... :)
The Aliens SE was on TV in 1992 and available on video shortly after.
alien: a wash, really. the SE's added cocoon scene is cool, but doesn't fit with the later movies and does break the tension (as giger and scott said)
aliens: theatrical, without a doubt. only one added scene actually adds much to the movie (the "ripley's daughter" scene sets up the newt thing a lot better). the rest, imho, detract. the scene with jorden family at the derelict plays like a bad alien ripoff. showing the colony before the marines gets there detracts from the unknown qualities. and setting up the queen ruins the surprise. and another note: that's aliens theatrical on VHS. james cameron films on a format called "super 35mm" which is actually more accurately represented by FULL screen. the wide-screen DVD is a crop. same with terminator, btw.
alien 3, resurrection: ok, i have to admit, i guess i'm a bad alien fan. i haven't actually seen these yet. i'm vaguely interested in alien 3 SE, but the idea of watching resurrection again kind of makes me gag.
Alien - Directors Cut
The few more scenes makes the film better to me, and of course the egg-morphing scene is a big plus.
Aliens - Special Edition
It's a heck of a lot longer but a heck of a lot better. It was nice to see the Derelict again and how it was Newt's father that started the infection.
Alien3 - Special Edition
Defintiley an improvement. The more scenes makes the film make more sense, and although I prefer the dog bursting and the extended sucide scene in the original, you see a lot more of the Alien in this one which is always good.
Alien Resurrection - Special Edition
The scenes when Ripley is shown a picture of a girl and she starts to cry, and when she begings to remember all the past encounters with Call was important to the film. I didn't like the ending though.
I noticed something in the Aliens - Special Edition when they have just sent the drop ship down and there in the armoured car and Hudson is talking. You see Hicks awake and then then they skip to him again and he's asleep, that's the only problem I have with that extended bit.
Alien Directors cut because it makes the movie even better.
Aliens SE because it reveals more about the characters, such as Hick's full name.
Alien 3 SE because it's innitially better than the Theatrical. (No Dog bursting!! YAY!!)
Alien Res Theatrical because I hate the SE cheap opening. (Although I love the SE ending)
Alien Theatrical because nothing is better then the movie origianal format ;).
Aliens SE because it longer and has more action.
Alien 3 SE because it longer and better then theatrical version.
Alien Resurrection SE because it was bit better then the theatrical version but it still wans't a good movie.
preferred the ALIEN DC over the theatrical but outside the added scene there's really not that much difference between the two
preferred the ALIENS SE over the theatrical - loved the shot of the DERELICT and the sentries guns were pretty cool, also to me was the best one of the 4 DC/SE versions
picked the ALIEN3 theatrical version over the SE - i preferred the dog chestburster over the ox
pricked the ALIEN RESURRECTION theatical version over the SE - i preferred the opening sequence over the SE sequence
Alien - Director's Cut
I liked all the extra scenes in it. Thought the egg morphing scene was brilliant.
Aliens - Special Edition
Same as above.
Alien 3 - Special Edition
Allows Finchers masterpeice to flow better.
Alien Ressurection - Undecided
I've never seen the entire Theatrical Version let alone the Special Edition. I couldn't watch Ressurection, I just found it a mockery of everything I love about the Aliens, similarly to the reaction Predator 2 spurned from me. Don't plan on watching it in future either.
Alien - Theatrical
Aliens - Special Edition
Alien 3 - Theatrical
Alien Resurrection - Special Edition (not that it really improves the quality any...)
Alien TC (Ridley was correct to cut cocoon for pacing)
Aliens SE (the added stuff adds more texture but nothing storywise)
Alien3 TC (AC's pacing is too slow)
Res SE (didn't care for the opening and could take or leave the ending, but had to go the SE for the extended chapel scene which is brilliant).
I like all the Special Editions except the begining of AR was kind of stupid eventhough it was in the Novel. Aliens is the best one IMO
While i could take or leave the opening to the SE of Resurrection i do enjoy it from an artistic standpoint. It doesn't help to improve the movie but it's an interesting sequence that on it's own i find quite interesting.
Aliens best freaking DC i've ever seen!!! maybe lol
Alien very good flows better than origanal
Alien 3...if they didn't change the opening and ending perfect
AR...does it really matter? SE
I liked the Aliens Special Edition better than the theatrical. The first time I saw Aliens, I saw it on TV. A lot of the stuff from the Special Edition was added for the TV version. The part where Ripley had a daughter and the parts with the robot sentries were on the TV release. I always wondered why those scenes weren't in the movie when I would rent it or see it elsewhere.
ALIEN - the theatrical is better but I wish it had the egg-morphing scene in there. The problem I have with the special edition is that it feels too short and I hate the scene of Ripley fighting Lambert - it ruins the facehugger scene for me.
ALIENS - special edition, though if there was one thing I could change would be to remove the scenes of the colony and Newt's family discovering the derelict (Cameron's right that he did not shoot it properly and the scene is poorly handled compared to the first movie).
ALIEN 3 - special edition all the way.
ALIEN RESURRECTION - Special edition - I prefer the opening and the ending.
Alien: Theatrical (Just right, wouldn't have any more or any less)
Aliens: Special Edition (Love certain things, like Hudson giving his thoughts on what could be laying the eggs)
Alien 3: Theatrical (Like the pacing better)
Alien Resurrection: Special Edition (Don't really care either way, but I'll go with SE)
Alien - theatrical cut, definetly. Even though the special edition was remastered, and had really sharp look. The Ridley was right about cutting the cocoon scene (which I don't mind itself, but it really slowed the pacing)
Aliens - special edition all the way. Even Sigourney was somewhat dissapointed to say the least with theatrical cut.
Alien 3 - I'd go for special edition. Gollic sub-plot is now fixed and there's more substance in it, overall.
Alien Resurrection - apart from the opening sequence (which I'm not fan of) it had useful additions in it.
Alien - Theatrical (The version i just grew up with and in my opinion the better version)
Aliens - Special Edition (Better, Longer)
Alien 3 - Theatrical (because the movie is over more quickly then)
Alien 4 - Theatrical (The special edition didnt do anything useful to it)
I prefer the special for all (esp. A3) except A:R.
Alien: SC: Although I hate to admit it, yeah the cocoon scene is messing with the pacing. But I love that scene...
Aliens: SE: Great overall.
A3: ... SE: Interesting subplot, the new elements are also interesting, but the pacing does indeed suffers a bit.
A:R: SE: Doesn't add anything great, doesn't really hurt either. The chapel extended scene is indeed interesting.
Alien - theatrical : it's a classic
Aliens - S.E : all the extra scenes are good, sometimes wonderful, even the smallest such as the scene in the Sulaco when the marines are still in the cryos'.All good, colonists, Newt's familly, "park",sentry scenes ...
Alien 3 - S.E : Clemens rocks, the S.E gives more of Clemens, so S.E wins, i prefer the ox-alien idea, the cremation scene is good...Clemens dies too early.
Alien R - Theatrical : Put that damn Eiffel Tower out of my sight !
Okay I just picked up the Alien Quadilogy. They all have three versions on them. The Threatrical (Which i know would be the original screening) The Directors cut, and then the anamorphic wide screen. In your alls opinions which of these are the best?
That's something you're going to have to figure out yourself.
I prefer the theatrical cut of all the films except Alien 3; some prefer the DC of Alien and Aliens over the original cuts and the original cut of Alien 3 over the assembly cut.
My personal opinion is that the 2003 DC of ALIEN is better and the extended ALIENS is better. No version could save A:R IMO and ALIEN3, well, I prefer the Ox version, but neither is that great IMO.
Still, it is, as SiL said, up to you which you prefer. I know a few people that detest the extended ALIENS as they think it has needless exposition and the remote guns scene is boring as the characters aren't doing the firing and are not in peril at all. Each to his own.
I find the Alien DC too quick, and it removes one of the best scenes of the movie. Much as I love the egg-morphing scene, I don't think it's worth it. The original cut is how the movie was meant to be seen, and it shows.
QuoteI find the Alien DC too quick, and it removes one of the best scenes of the movie.
What scene do you mean?
I watched the DC a couple of days ago but i couldn't remember what was missing.
Dallas talking to MOTHER before going into the vents.
"What are my chances?"
"DOES NOT COMPUTE"
oshap.
Forgot about that one.
All I could recall from memory was it removes Ripley's "Have you put this through ECIU?" scene to Ash. It also removes parts of Ripley and Dallas discussion about Ash after they leave Ash with the dead hugger.
And the coccoon scene give no reason for Ripley being down in landing gear room and brings the film to a screaming halt, even in it's truncated form.
For me it's Alien TC, Aliens SE (it gives the Alien universe more depth, but adds nothing to the narrative), Alien3 TC. For Resurrection it's a toss up. I love the extended chapel scene, but the start with the dude in the gun pod is dopey. Either ending for Resurrection can work.
Alien and Aliens - I prefer in director's cut. Alien 3 i prefer theatrical. A:R i dont watch
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 12:51:55 AM
Dallas talking to MOTHER before going into the vents.
"What are my chances?"
"DOES NOT COMPUTE"
oshap.
Ohh yeah right. Totally forgot that scene.
Well i personally prefer all the theatrical versions of the movies. I like some things about the Aliens DC, like the scene that shows the colony still intact and that they find the derelict, other then that its just too long of a movie and it drags at times.
Alien 3 DC didn't do anything for me, just made a bad movie a longer bad movie.
I really appreciate the info here fellas. It's going to be the first time my wife has EVER seen Aliens 1-3, I'm not going to ruin the alien franchise by making her watch resurrection. However I'm going to go with the majority decision. All of you are giving great advice, but like I said this is her first time and I want it to be special shown with the *right* cut. You guys are the experts hence the reason I'm asking all of you. Thanks!
There is no "right" cut.
Quote from: SM on Jun 05, 2009, 01:07:28 AM
There is no "right" cut.
Awesome you been a big help, thanks for the advice. :-\
TC, DC, AC, NevaC...
Quote from: Wolf Assassin on Jun 05, 2009, 01:08:40 AM
Quote from: SM on Jun 05, 2009, 01:07:28 AM
There is no "right" cut.
Awesome you been a big help, thanks for the advice. :-\
Like sil already said you're the one who is supposed to figure out which version you think its better.
There is no "right" cut, it all comes down to opinion which one you prefer, the DC's or the TC's aren't better, just different.
^ Quite
QuoteAwesome you been a big help, thanks for the advice.
You got eyes in your head? Watch the flicks and work it out for yourself like we did.
Aww c'mon, don't be mean. Some people just like to be told what their opinions should be. ;)
By what was intended by the filmmakers:
Theatrical, director's cut, kind'a maybe the assembly cut, theatrical cut.
Ants is back!
And he's back with humor to spare...woot..!
Quote from: Uncanny Antman on Jun 05, 2009, 01:30:21 AM
Aww c'mon, don't be mean. Some people just like to be told what their opinions should be. ;)
In all seriousness, I've seen the TC's i just wanted to know if the DC's were in better, and if I should get her to watch them instead. I was just asking for people's opinions. It's kind of like going to see a movie. If everyone says it's crap, it's probably crap. Kind of like American Haunting, if i would have just listened to people i wouldn't have watched that crap of a movie. I'm sure you guys could think of a few as well.
But everyone's going to give you different answers, because they're all good.
If I was going to introduce someone to the movies I'd use the DC of Alien because it's faster paced, and the theatrical cuts of Aliens and Alien 3 for the same reason.
When I introduced the First Lady to the Alien flicks there were only three and just one had a Special Edition.
Didn't make much difference - she's not much of a fan.
The version with "Bad Motherf**ker" on it.
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 01:40:22 AM
But everyone's going to give you different answers, because they're all good.
If I was going to introduce someone to the movies I'd use the DC of Alien because it's faster paced, and the theatrical cuts of Aliens and Alien 3 for the same reason.
So SiL you recommend DC pf Alien, TC of Aliens and Alien 3, Awesome then that's what I'll start her off with (and she liked AvP. AvPR was too dawsony creek for her, and too much skipping around, that and she thought it was weird how only one predator came down to tackle down a $h!t ton of Aliens. Plus how come the Aliens were stronger in AvP then in AvPR which i kind of explained Wolf was more experienced then the three.)
Quote from: Johnny Handsome on Jun 05, 2009, 01:03:55 AM
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 12:51:55 AM
Dallas talking to MOTHER before going into the vents.
"What are my chances?"
"DOES NOT COMPUTE"
oshap.
Ohh yeah right. Totally forgot that scene.
Me too. Wonder why he dropped it?
Egg morph should be in there, it works for me. I think the Egg Morph scene still works even with ALIENS and its queen idea.
I just imagine that thats what an Alien does when it knows its alone, like an emergency measure, to spawn more.
I guess it could also be linked to, and explain, the trait the Predalien Queen has in AVPR.
Quote from: Nachtfalke on Jun 05, 2009, 06:53:04 AM
Quote from: Johnny Handsome on Jun 05, 2009, 01:03:55 AM
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 12:51:55 AM
Dallas talking to MOTHER before going into the vents.
"What are my chances?"
"DOES NOT COMPUTE"
oshap.
Ohh yeah right. Totally forgot that scene.
Me too. Wonder why he dropped it?
Egg morph should be in there, it works for me. I think the Egg Morph scene still works even with ALIENS and its queen idea.
I just imagine that thats what an Alien does when it knows its alone, like an emergency measure, to spawn more.
I guess it could also be linked to, and explain, the trait the Predalien Queen has in AVPR.
I'm not remembering this scene. Is this in the DC, cause i've only seen the theatrical cuts.
Yep.
Riddles was right to cut it in the first place.
I keep forgetting - It takes place during the self-destruct countdown in the DC, right? I know it does in the "virtual workprint".
I cannot for the life of me figure why they did that. She finds them immediately after Parker and Lambert in the script, which would've worked just fine. Running through the corridors, hears Dallas weeping, goes down the ladder and sees a little slice of hell. It builds on the horror she just saw, and makes the end a little bit more frantic.
Quote from: Wolf Assassin on Jun 05, 2009, 07:00:44 AM
Quote from: Nachtfalke on Jun 05, 2009, 06:53:04 AM
Quote from: Johnny Handsome on Jun 05, 2009, 01:03:55 AM
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 12:51:55 AM
Dallas talking to MOTHER before going into the vents.
"What are my chances?"
"DOES NOT COMPUTE"
oshap.
Ohh yeah right. Totally forgot that scene.
Me too. Wonder why he dropped it?
Egg morph should be in there, it works for me. I think the Egg Morph scene still works even with ALIENS and its queen idea.
I just imagine that thats what an Alien does when it knows its alone, like an emergency measure, to spawn more.
I guess it could also be linked to, and explain, the trait the Predalien Queen has in AVPR.
I'm not remembering this scene. Is this in the DC, cause i've only seen the theatrical cuts.
Yeh, its in the DC where Dallas is morphing into an egg. I will say no more in case I spoil it for you, but Cameron did make more than just an homage to this scene. Still, it should also be an outtake on the previous DVDs as well I would imagine.
Quote from: SiL on Jun 05, 2009, 07:20:06 AM
I keep forgetting - It takes place during the self-destruct countdown in the DC, right? I know it does in the "virtual workprint".
I cannot for the life of me figure why they did that. She finds them immediately after Parker and Lambert in the script, which would've worked just fine. Running through the corridors, hears Dallas weeping, goes down the ladder and sees a little slice of hell. It builds on the horror she just saw, and makes the end a little bit more frantic.
Also true. I have to agree there, but I still prefer the DC as a whole.
QuoteI keep forgetting - It takes place during the self-destruct countdown in the DC, right?
Yep. The alarms and stuff just fade into the background. Woulda been much better to do it before she threw the switches.
QuoteStill, it should also be an outtake on the previous DVDs as well I would imagine.
The Legacy version of the DVD has the longer version in the deleted scenes section.
Quote from: SM on Jun 05, 2009, 07:33:19 AM
Yep. The alarms and stuff just fade into the background.
One of many reasons I like the virtual workprint. They keep the alarm over the whole thing.
How does it go with the dialogue with Dallas?
Ripley: Dallas! What...what did it do...?
*HONK!!!!!*
Ripley: Brett...
*HONK!!!!!*
Ripley: What can I do?
Dallas: Kill...
*HONK!!!!!*
Ripley: I didn't catch that last part, Dallas. What did you say?
Dallas: Kill...
*HONK!!!!!*
Dallas: Dammit!
Ripley: Kill the alien? Working on it!
Dallas: Ripley...
*HONK!!!!!*
Quote from: SM on Jun 05, 2009, 11:58:04 AM
How does it go with the dialogue with Dallas?
It's quiet and in the background, so it doesn't interfere.
I prefer the Alien TC, Aliens SE, A3 SE, and the A:R SE.
Alien TC
Aliens SE
Alien 3 AC
Alien Resurrection SE
There is one scene i like in the DC of Alien that i swore was in the original for a long while because i had scene the clip of it... wherever - not sure. That being when Brett is pulled into the air shafts and Parker and Ripley come running.
I like the
Theatrical cut in Alien ...
Directors cut in Aliens ...
Directors cut in Alien 3 ...
&&
Theatrical cut in Alien Resurrection ...
;D
Alien, Theatrical
Aliens, Directors Cut
Alien 3, Theatrical
Alien Resurrection, Neither, They both stink.
I love the Assembly cut of Alien 3. There are some great scenes there. The reason that did not get the winning vote was because Ripley's death in the theatrical was much better IMO.
Hey guys.
Could some of you fella's tell me which version of each Alien movie is the best.
As in, is it the theatrical version or the Directors cut?
So, for each movie just say which version you think is best.
I plan on watching them again soon.
Thanks
Personally, I like the Theatrical cut of Alien more than the Director's Cut. The egg morphing concept is pretty cool, but it slows a pacing down a bit in the final act of the film. :)
Also I found not knowing the fate of both Brett and Dallas (Theatrical) far more effective.
Sure we've done this numerous times before, but what the hell...
Alien TC
Aliens SE
Alien3 TC
Resurrection SE
Theatrical Cut for Alien, Special Edition for Aliens, Theatrical Cut for Alien³, and as for Res...Queen-teeth Bug opening, what the hell. Might as well go all the way.
Thanks guys.
What is in the ALIENS special edition that makes it better?
Here is my personal take on it.
Alien.
Theatrical version.
The longer version of the film and the more iconic. This was the one that became the classic. The new edit, while increasing re-watch value is not the preferred version of anyone involved. Even Ridley Scott states the theatrical cut of Alien is the best. He made it. I'll take his word.
Aliens
Special Edition.
Now this is a true Director's Cut. Cameron has stated this is his intended vision. And how right he is. Scenes cut from the theatrical version but put back in this version include all references to Ripley's daughter, Newt and her family finding the Derelict, Hudson's rant on the dropship, the marines setting up automated gun turrets to keep the xenomorphs out and two scenes of the gun turrets in action. Expands the world greatly and delivers a longer, but in the end more suspenseful ride.
Alien 3
Assembly cut.
There are a few things better about the theatrical cut, namely the ending. This cut however spends more time getting to know the convicts and gives many of the faceless ones faces. There is an entire additional character ark for Golic, Dillon and Morse are further developed, and there is more action with the alien (most notably during the failed capture that resulted in an explosion). Also, this cut is the only other time in the films where it is referred to as a xenomorph.
Alien Resurrection
Whichever one his shorter.
Though the special edition does make a reference to Newt so that was welcome.
Quote from: samoht on Apr 21, 2011, 02:03:33 AM
Thanks guys.
What is in the ALIENS special edition that makes it better?
Lots of stuff, including the entire third reel. It's a longer, more involving and anxiety-inducing version of the film. I can't even watch the Theatrical Cut anymore, it feels incomplete - some of my favourite scenes are exclusive to the SE.
Aliens Special Edition Got know more about Ripley and Newt's family.
Alien3 Assembly CutAdored the alternate opening with Clemens.
Quote from: SM on Apr 21, 2011, 02:00:31 AM
Sure we've done this numerous times before, but what the hell...
Resurrection SE
I should give the SE another chance. The opening scene boils my piss, but I really dug the scenes alluding to Newt and scene of Ripley and Call in the chapel.
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 02:06:36 AM
Quote from: samoht on Apr 21, 2011, 02:03:33 AM
Thanks guys.
What is in the ALIENS special edition that makes it better?
Lots of stuff, including the entire third reel. It's a longer, more involving and anxiety-inducing version of the film. I can't even watch the Theatrical Cut anymore, it feels incomplete - some of my favourite scenes are exclusive to the SE.
"We gut nukes, we got knives, SHARP STICKS!"
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.wikia.com%2Favp%2Fimages%2F8%2F82%2FHudson%2527s_Humor.jpg&hash=cb8a7dd2b6dc5509f1c01d4558114a324b30e815)
Quote from: samoht on Apr 21, 2011, 02:03:33 AM
Thanks guys.
What is in the ALIENS special edition that makes it better?
Nothing, other than there's more of it. The TC works perfectly well and the SE adds nothing that wasn't already there. Compared to the Alien3 SE which does add stuff, but does so in a fashion that slows the film down and introduces redundancies.
Quote from: samoht on Apr 21, 2011, 02:03:33 AM
Thanks guys.
What is in the ALIENS special edition that makes it better?
Seeing the derelict again, more "alive" LV 426 with lava glowing in the cracks and thunders cracking, seeing the colony before infestation, Ripley's daughter subplot, sentry guns scenes I thought were insanely tense as the ammo counter was dropping down etc
My preferences:
Alien TC (Mostly because of the scene of Dallas calculating his survival chances)
Aliens SE (for reasons mentioned above)
Alien 3 TC - reasons:
1. the opening scene is far superior. Instead of just seeing the words typed on an old computer we see those digitized pics next to the bodies. I liked that much better, thought it worked well visually and dramatically
2. captured alien - I completely agree with Giler and Landau about the scene ruining alien's image. Showing that it can be caught takes away from its portrayal, image and mystique. Especially when hes shown as a dumb animal falling into trap TWICE and THE SAME WAY chasing food/prey like those dumb animals in Looney Tunes
3. I thought chestburster queen was a nice touch and closure
The problem with dropping the entrapment is that they lost a lot of good stuff from the fire sequence with it.
Quote from: SM on Apr 21, 2011, 03:01:19 AM
The problem with dropping the entrapment is that they lost a lot of good stuff from the fire sequence with it.
Well some stuff in AC was nice too, I would add quite a few snippets from AC to TC, but some stuff I would definitely drop
I really liked how Junior (Mr. Rape Goggles) kicked it in the AC.
It was hinted that he actually felt remorse and sacrificed himself to atone for it. That was some good stuff right there.
It really is hard for me to chose which cut of Alien3 is better. I like both a lot really.
QuoteIt was hinted that he actually felt remorse and sacrificed himself to atone for it. That was some good stuff right there.
Yep, that's the exact bit I was talking about. If they coulda kept that but without trapping the Alien, woulda been sweet.
I prefer the theatrical versions of all of 'em except Alien3. It's overly long, but I like some of the added/alternate material too much too to choose the TC over it. As SM has said before, the best version of the movie is probably something in the middle of the two cuts (i.e., something closer to the structure of the workprint).
I'ma say theatrical cut for all of them.
Yeah, even A³. It loses out on a lot of good stuff, but it also lacks a lot of unnecessary crap as well. I don't watch the TC for it any more, but I have a pretty high tolerance for meandering crap.
The only worthwhile deleted scene in Aliens is the derelict ship as far as I'm concerned, and only then because it makes the jump from "OMG u have peeps on LV-426?!!?!" to "ONO we lost contact" less ... convenient. The extra 17 minutes, for me, is the difference between tolerable and just-a-bit-too-long.
I pretty much think that I prefer the Theatrical cut for all of the films.
For Alien, the theatrical cut is a film that almost reaches perfection. Egg-morphing scene is not by far something that makes the film better. Other than that, I really liked when the Alien 'smacked' Jones' cage.
For Aliens, I loved the extra Derelict scene and the 'bees' discussion, but it was killed with the Sentry Guns scene.
For Alien3, the Assembly cut indeed adds some more things and feels more complete, but while doing so, adds more continuity issues and plot holes. Plus I prefer the Queen actually chestbursting, as the scene is incredibly more powerful with it (when Ripley 'embraces' her and falls to her fate).
For Alien: Resurrection, there was the Bug Opening. Jesus Christ, No. No. No. It's absurdly awful, and builds up for a silly film (which Resurrection isn't). The theatrical opening, while breaking from the 'Space' pattern the other films had, is way better. From the extended cut I only liked the complete chapel scene and the reference to Newt.
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 21, 2011, 07:52:41 AM
For Alien: Resurrection, there was the Bug Opening. Jesus Christ, No. No. No. It's absurdly awful, and builds up for a silly film (which Resurrection isn't).
Eh, Im not gonna touch it. I think by now everyone knows how I feel about this...
thing (A:R)
Yeah, I know perfectly that you worship Alien: Resurrection 13 hours per day and offer it animal sacrifices, while pronouncing words such as 'Ia, Ia Ph'ngrui Mtlw'nafht k'traa Alien: Resurrection!'.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi848.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fab43%2FOmegaZilla95%2FHumorous%2520Images%2520and%2520GIFs%2FAlientrollface.png&hash=09992e7d902f219bb31f945eeddfaf61ca018624)
Quote from: OmegaZilla on Apr 21, 2011, 08:24:35 AM
Yeah, I know perfectly that you worship Alien: Resurrection 13 hours per day and offer it animal sacrifices, while pronouncing words such as 'Ia, Ia Ph'ngrui Mtlw'nafht k'traa Alien: Resurrection!'.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi848.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fab43%2FOmegaZilla95%2FHumorous%2520Images%2520and%2520GIFs%2FAlientrollface.png&hash=09992e7d902f219bb31f945eeddfaf61ca018624)
I told you theyre too brightly lit, you can clearly see the face! :D
Hearing those aliens and the guns going off and watching that ammo counter go lower...lower...lower.
The use of sound and a relatively simple visual proved very effective in creating suspense. Plus we get more stuff with the titular characters.
QuoteHearing those aliens and the guns going off and watching that ammo counter go lower...lower...lower.
The use of sound and a relatively simple visual proved very effective in creating suspense.
Unfortunately undermined by Hudson's dumb running commentary of the bleeding obvious.
Alien TC. AS per Scott's wishes. I actually like the extra scenes in the DC, but it's TC for me.
Aliens SE. I love all of the extra scenes, bar the hamsters and sentry guns. They're extraneous and the last thing Aliens needed was more tension - the TC was so tenseful that Roger Ebert complained of feeling sick for a week. But the TC skips Ripley's family and I think the jump from "LV426 is fine" to "We've lost contact"is jarring, I prefer the colony scene buffeted in there. Derelict and we get a feeling of doom for those colonists.
Alien 3 AC: My preferred version. Could've cut a scene or two out for the running time, but if I watch it I go for this version.
I don't watch the other movies.
Quote from: Sharp Sticks on Apr 21, 2011, 02:01:40 AM
Theatrical Cut for Alien, Special Edition for Aliens, Theatrical Cut for Alien³, and as for Res...Queen-teeth Bug opening, what the hell. Might as well go all the way.
ha! i didnt even know that exsisted! never felt compelled to watch the SE of Ressurection, just watched that opening on youtube tho, so bad!
It's a quick and dirty effect done solely for the Special Edition. It was never completed in 97. One they've pulled back from the close up a bit, it looks perfectly acceptable. It's just that the close up is hokey. And I hate zooms and pull backs through windows.
Look, I like the idea of a zoom at teeth, thinking it's an Alien, then boom, it's a simple bug. But what happens after the bug is revealed? Hell f**king no.
I watched it again the other day. Doesn't bug (take the pun as you wish) me as much as it used to. Really shows the enormous scale of the Auriga which is rather cool.
Alien - Im probably one of the few that actually prefers the DC. Ive never gone back to watching the TC since I first saw it. I dont know why but I just prefer it with the egg morphing scene in. Once Id seen it once, the mystery surrounding what happened to those characters was gone and I actually quite liked that scene, so ever since Ive watched that version.
Aliens - Definately the DC for me. Its the only version ive seen actually (saw it many, many years ago at my cousins house on laserdisc) so If I watched the TC it would feel incomplete to me. Same goes with Camerons other DC for Terminator 2, its the only ive seen as well.
Alien 3 - This is the tricky one. I like alot of what the DC adds to the film, especially character wise, and I like Golics expanded subplot and the extended fire sequence. The opening is much better too. But theres also alot I dont like about this version. I must admit ive never went back to the TC since I saw it and ive watched the DC four times now I think. Id say the DC but next time I watch it I might watch the TC and I could change mmy mind again.
Alien Resurrection - Like Alien 3 theres things I did like and things I didnt, but here I definately prefer the DC. The dialogue harking to Newt and a few other short scenes I really like but I hate that opening as much as alot of others seem to. I think of the four films this is the one where there isnt that much difference between the cuts anyway, but I like the references to Newt in this one so for that alone I watch the DC.
The DC of Resurrection is the theatrical cut.
It's Special Edition, Keg ;) To keep you on the right side of SM and Omega :P [Even though Cameron's director's cut was called a Special Edition, I know! It will get confusing.]
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 23, 2011, 09:49:41 AM
It's Special Edition, Keg ;) To keep you on the right side of SM and Omega :P [Even though Cameron's director's cut was called a Special Edition, I know! It will get confusing.]
you mean the assembly cut. ;)
Director's cu-
Special Editio-
Assembly cu-
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funnypictureblog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F04%2FExplodingHead.gif&hash=0eea004f1bad36fb7baaeb36f50f5f18aee2a44e)
Director's special assembly cut? In 3D?
Director's Special Assembly Cut: Special Edition: Uncut Version :P
I think I saw the A:Res alternate opening once back when the first DvD Quadrilogy came out. NEVER even dared myself to watch it again!
Quote from: Pn2501 on Apr 23, 2011, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 23, 2011, 09:49:41 AM
It's Special Edition, Keg ;) To keep you on the right side of SM and Omega :P [Even though Cameron's director's cut was called a Special Edition, I know! It will get confusing.]
you mean the assembly cut. ;)
In regard to Alien 4? Sure it's a Special Edition.
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 23, 2011, 04:24:51 PM
Quote from: Pn2501 on Apr 23, 2011, 11:27:58 AM
Quote from: Valaquen on Apr 23, 2011, 09:49:41 AM
It's Special Edition, Keg ;) To keep you on the right side of SM and Omega :P [Even though Cameron's director's cut was called a Special Edition, I know! It will get confusing.]
you mean the assembly cut. ;)
In regard to Alien 4? Sure it's a Special Edition.
I though it was in regard to alien 3.
Even then it's not a true assembly edit; it's a special assembly edit.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funnypictureblog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F04%2FExplodingHead.gif&hash=0eea004f1bad36fb7baaeb36f50f5f18aee2a44e)
This is all finchers fault. Mother$&@$er.
The closest thing to a Directors Cut of Alien3 is the workprint.
Alien - theatrical*
Aliens - SE
Alien 3 - SE
Alien: Resurrection - theatrical
* in fact, my own extended edition is my preferred version but it's not official.
Quote from: Gieferg on May 01, 2011, 05:50:27 AM
Alien - theatrical*
Aliens - SE
Alien 3 - SE
Alien: Resurrection - theatrical
I agree with Gieferg.
* Alien Directors Cut
- Eggmorphing is a pretty cool idea when there isn't a queen around
* Aliens Directors Cut
* Alien 3 Assembly Cut
- But i still prefer the dog bursting scene over the ox
- And i hate the fact they cut out the scene where ripley gets chestbursted
* Alien Resurrection Theatrical Version