Alien Quadrilogy: Alien / Aliens / Alien 3 / Alien Resurrection

Yeah, it's me again. I decided to write a review on the Alien Quadriolgy because, once again, I have a few disagreements with your review. Not to say that I'm right and you're wrong or that your review has no merit, but I just want to voice my opinion, even if I'm annoying.

Anyway, as far as your review goes, you're totally right on certain points: Alien and Aliens are undisputed classics and definetly the best of the series. The extras are very informative yet almost overwhelming (50 hours or so!?!). My only disagreement with your review regards "Alien 3".

Every critic and most Alien fans hate this movie, thinking it too dark, depressing, boring, etc. I can't understand this. While "Alien 3" is NOT the best of the series, it is a hidden gem that is still a better-than-average sci-fi movie. It was very bleak, since Newt, Hicks and the android were all killed in the very beginning. Also, Ripley dies at the end of the movie since she has an alien inside her. But if you think about it, Ripley having an alien inside her was the next logical step to the series and was a perfect way to escalate the conflict and make the climax with Ripley and the aliens more personal to her character. The sets and visual look of the film are amazing, as is expected with David Fincher films. Speaking of Fincher, Fox and him had lots of arguments over the movie and the theatrical cut was a "botched" version of the film in Fincher's eyes. While the Special Edition is not a Director's Cut, it is a fascinating insight into what could have been. It's not necessarily better than the theatrical cut, but it is very interesting and some of the scenes should have been included in the final cut. I think that the Theatrical Editions of the movies are all better than the Special Editions with the exception of Aliens. Ressurection's alternate opening was kind of bad, but the alternate ending was awesome. Back to Alien 3, while most of the characters of the prison were under-developed and some of the CGI was fake-looking, Alien 3 is a very emotional movie with the best ending of the series.I especially liked the special edition as part of this set, although it made me mad that the scene of Ripley falling in the lava didn't have the alien bursting out before she sunk in. The Special Edition of Alien 3 was my main incentive for buying this set, but I also wanted the series on DVD. Luckily, the theatrical cut is added so I can still watch that part. Anyway, just though I'd mention my praise for Alien 3. While Alien Resurrection is good but not great, the set is definetly a great purchase and I reccomend it to everyone. My ratings for the movies go as follows:
Alien- 9
Alien Director's Cut- 8
Aliens- 8
Aliens Special Edition- 9
Alien 3- 8
Alien 3 Special Edition- 7.5
Alien Resurrection- 7
Alien Resurrection Special Edition- 6.5

Picture Quality- 9
Sound Quality- 9
Extras- 10
Packaging- 6

Overall- 9

Also, Alien Vs. Predator movie is supposed to come out this summer with the drector of Resident Evil on deck (I didn't like Resident Evil). Lance Henriksen (Bishop) is supposed to be in it, although chronologically that is totally flase since A vs. P is in present day. I don't think Sigourney Weaver is going to be in it (bad idea). Will it be good? I don't expect much, but we'll see...

You're never annoying, TGP. Thanks for providing another, contrasting opinion. It's what reviews are all about.

John

Not bad, TGP. Your opinion is respected here at DVDtown. In fact, I agree with some of your thoughts. A very good analogy on your part.

;)

Whooa! Hold Your horses. Don't push that "Buy Now" button. Before you splash out on this "Ultimate" DVD collection. Spare a thought for the poor Japanese Region 2 people who on the 30th April 2004 are about to be hit with an all singing, all dancing, all DTS on all 4 movies boxset of Alien Quadrilogy. Some reviews think that a compromise will be made on picture quality to accomodate the DTS soundtrack. Me? I can't see the Japanese accept less than perfect.

As there is more than enough information on quality, and contents of these DVD's in the current comments listed, I'll just lend my opinion. These films are my all time favorite in the Sci-fi horror genre. The first film I think has the best suspense, and all around scariest feel. The second I like because you can side with the Marines that are going in to teach the aliens a lesson. The third... I liked the directors cut of this film much better than the theatrical release. I found it made much more sense, and had a whole new depth to it than it did in theaters. Consequently, the theatrical release of "Alien 3" seemed to be the most disliked of the series. Until the directors cut, I would have agreed. The fourth film "Alien Resurection" was to me the most disturbing of the films. Director "Jean-Pierre Jeunet" took the Alien experience in an all new and creative direction. This film has some elements that are so shocking, and gruesome that it's hard for me to watch. Don't get me wrong, it's a great film! I think that I've just become re-sensitized to "gore" in films.

- Josh

In regards to your review on bitrates for the films. I believe that all of the films utilise seamless branching for the 2 versions of the films. Therefore you don't have to have a full version of each on the disc. I wouldn't think bitrates are that much of an issue in that case. Just a little add-on to your technical part of the review.