Rating: 
Summary: Bashful's DVD Summary #024
Review: Best:1) The "Alien" movies are well-known for their high production values, great acting, realistic sets, outstanding creature effects and eerie atmospheres.
2) For all 4 films, there's an original theatrical version (the best for pacing) and an expanded DVD version (with deleted scenes restored). The original versions are still the best, but the expanded versions add more character information and answer questions that diehard fans have asked for years.
3) People who weren't huge fans of "Alien 3" or "Alien Resurrection" have a new incentive (through restored scenes) to give each another look.
4) In addition to newly-made commentary tracks for each film, there's enough special features to choke an elephant. With the many hours of extras, you get SO much behind-the-scenes information you might say "enough already". Worst: 1) The plastic spindle plates that hold the discs in place come loose easily, so you may have to get out the glue.
2) I, like many, am still ticked that I already spent good money on the "Alien Legacy" set (that we THOUGHT was the definitive collection at one time) only to turn around and spend an equal amount to get this REAL definitive collection. Recommendation: This movie series is absolutely legendary and the special features for this collection are simply tremendous. It's a no-brainer - get this set NOW (whether "Quadrilogy" is really a word or not).
Rating:
Summary: Quadrilogy Review
Review: I must say that this is the best DVD set I have ever owned. The uniqueness of this set brings to life the entire Alien films. It gives all of the films justification in a perspective of different dimensions revealing more of the characters that are portrayed. The supplemental discs for each movie sheads more light on each film from the crew's and actors/actresses involved. If you have seen all of the movies in the theaters, then buy this DVD set which will have never before seen footage, which I think is awesome to watch. But, if you like the original theatrical release only, then, you will have the option of watching the originals while still getting the supplemental discs. This set will not disappoint you in any way.
Rating:
Summary: the most scary munster to come out ever
Review: This DVD set kicks ass. I think if you put the alien in the same ring with the predator - the alien would kick his sorry ass.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Collection for the Alien Fan
Review: I am a die hard Alien fan. I have read just about all of the comics, have books, and own multiple copies/versions of each film. This is the best set to date. I would recommend it to just about any Alien fan (or sci-fi fan for that matter). I have had this set for about a week now and I still haven't hit all the features. My two favorite films in the series are Alien and Alien 3. Now before you freak out and say "Alien 3? Is this guy nuts?!", let me explain. I am also a huge David Fincher fan. I believe that his films are some of the most influential to date. Now Alien 3 is not his best film, that is sure. But, I have to commend him for what he did. He took a corporate hacked, practically useless storyline and made it very watchable. He didn't even have a script! That alone amazes me. He presented a very unique and interesting vision in the Alien series that really sets it apart from the rest. He also brought back some of the suspense from the original Alien which was overshadowed by action in the second installment (which is also a great film by the way). In any case, that is my second favorite. My first is Alien of course. Why not? It is in fact THE original film and is a complete display of Giger's original design. Nonetheless, this is a great set for the price and as far as I know the 9th disc is only available in it which is a definite plus. My only concern is the lack of involvement of Fincher in Alien 3. I know that he doesn't agree with the extended cut, but I want him to know that at least one person enjoyed the additional and alternate scenes. I thought that they enhanced the story positively, while bringing the characters to life in a way we haven't been able to see before.
Rating:
Summary: Things that go BUMP in the night...
Review: I honestly can't remember the first time I watched Alien...its one of those movies that's just always been there as part of my film psyche. To me, this is the biggest testament to its enduring appeal - a landmark for science fiction, horror, and the history of cinema in general. It's difficult to overstate the significance of this film and its role in defining a genre - just think of the number of subsequent movies that pitch an ill-prepared and frightened rabble against a solitary unknown alien/ witch/ tooth-fairy beast...usually in the confines of a steam filled labyrinth. Dry-ice sales alone owe a great debt to this film. Clearly it wasn't just MY imagination that was sparked. James Cameron also thought the idea was a peachy one; he followed up with the equally acclaimed 'Aliens' (damn clever title too) and succeeded in rounding out a deliciously dark universe with plenty of great (Oscar-winning) special effects, memorable characters and rollercoaster action ("Punch it Bishop!!"). The third movie, the adroitly named 'Alien3' suffered famously from studio interference and this is reflected in the somewhat directionless pace and backtracking that mars an otherwise consistently striking performance from Sigourny Weaver as Ripley, a character by now ingrained in Sci-Fi gospel. The, at times, ungainly special effects don't really help matters, but at heart this sequel of a sequel remains a flawed but highly enjoyable romp through an expanded and nightmarish universe. So what was left to say? Well, the Joss 'Buffy' Whedon treatment of the Alien: Resurrection script seemed to have much to add...the underlying themes of genetic tampering and perverted sense of responsibility are powerful indeed, but somehow got lost in the gloopy splatty drooly effects overkill. The bizarre choice of French director Jean Pierre Jeunet, of Amelie (and, City of Lost Children) fame did at least pay off in the lavish visual style of the film, with good production values and some choice scenic set pieces clawing the film back from the brink. This collection then, sporting its smash hit vs. loveable miss lineup, is absolutely crammed with extra features, and it should be applauded that the Alien3 and Alien: Resurrection discs are as consistently interesting and well presented as the others. Indeed, this goes a long way to explaining how both the fans and the moviemakers themselves regard this series - as one big happy family.
Like any family there are troublemaker and oddballs, but with a nostalgic heart it's easy to embrace them as a whole. Featuring both original release and director's cut editions for all four films means that fans and film-buffs alike can compare and contrast each episode, and the shear weight of features should bring a giddy smile to any Alien aficionado. All wrapped up in a stylishly embossed presentation case that positively sizzles with acid blood, this collection would make a worthy addition to the shelves of any Sci-Fi fan, but will be the pride and joy of any true Bug Stomper.
Rating: 
Summary: almost perfect
Review: After recieving this DVD set for Christmas and viewing some of the material I have came to an conclusion. Remeber the following statements are MY OPINION and may not necessarily reflect yours. THE CONTENT: The amount on the disks is stupendous. I could not believe the amount of extras crammed on these disks and some being actually interesting. Unfortuantely they did not have comments from either James Cameron or David Fincher which was a bit of a disappointment. But the sheer quantity of other material helped me over come this problem (4 / 5) THE RESTORATION: I was imperresed with how they restored ALIEN, ALIEN 3, and ALIEN RESURRECTION.I on the other hand was not imperresed how they restored ALIENS. The widescreen format was gone and the picture was less sharp. I am at a loss even though with the two versions (theatrical and special) it did not exceed 5 hours. Can't a DVD hold 7 at high resolution? Maybe there was other stuff. Oh well. (3 / 5). THE CD LAYOUT: I was imperresed with the layout of the multiple DVDS. It quickly allowed access to the 50+ hours of extras. They kept the movies (and their additional version) on one disk and the feautrattes on the other disk plus a seperate disk with additional features (9 disks all together) (4.5 / 5) THE MOVIES: I enjoyed the first 3 a lot (I do not understand the issues people had with the 3rd in the series). I on the other hand was not imperresed with the fourth (full up to the brim with plot holes) (3.75 / 4) THE PACKAGE: The box that it came in unfolded for about five feet making it very hard to work with. The box begin to break as soon as I opened it and one compartment came un glued partially. I had to re-glue it with crazy glue. I do not see how this box set will survive for 1 + year no matter how gently you treat it (1. 5 / 5) The total is 3.35 and I will round to a 3.5 (C -) for good content, good layout (DVD), fairly good movies, but terrible packaging.
Rating:
Summary: The Ripley Effect
Review: The Alien saga certainly has had its share of DVD releases, since the format took hold, a number of years ago. After working my way through the Alien Quadrilogy, 9 disc box set, I can safely say that, the reissue is well worth it. The original Alien has been written and talked so much over the last 25 years, I wonder what's left to say? Here goes... Alien has not lost any of its edge. It still is very effective and works very well even today. The film is about the crew of the spaceship Nostromo, that while returning to Earth,they must fight for surrvival, when an alien life form is brought on board. Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt) leads the crew of seven Lt. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is a tough talker who tries to keep it together as things spiral out of control. The rest of cast is great and has good chemistry with one another. Director Ridley Scott made a sci-fi/horror materpiece that set a standard and proved you can do "smart" horror. One of the most amazing things is how well everything is put forth to really scare you. If you have never seen this film before the script has some real surprises and the alien is truly the stuff of nightmares. Weaver came into her own as Ripley. Since then the character has been imitated but rarely duplicated. Thankfuly, the powers that be offer both the 1979 theatrical version (117 min.) and the 2003 extended cut (137 min.). It's great to have both versions and each works very well. Each version has a spliced together audio commentary with director Ridley Scott, select cast members and tech crew. This is a pretty good track but I also wish they included the track from the 99 release somehow--it was one of the best I ever heard. Disc 2 has a 4 part documentary retrospective, with some of the most in depth interviews, I've ever seen. James Cameron's mega sequel from 1986, ALIENS accomplishes something that very few sequels ever do. The movie takes the story of the original film and makes the follow-up seem like a natural progression of things. As ALIENS opens, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) wakes from hypersleep and is asked to consult on a rescue mission, to the same planet where the monster was first discovered. Reluctantly, she agrees, and is escorted by an elite group of special ops millitary soldiers to complete her task. The scares are quite intense and the F/X have been improved upon The supporting cast is filled with fine actors, Michael Beihn, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, and Paul Reiser. The movie's final 30 minutes is truly a pulse-pounder and Weaver says one of the most memorable lines in all of cinema. I wont repeat it in mixed company, but the line is often repeated as a pop culture reference in other films and TV shows. Disc three includes not only the popular special edition (154 min.), which Cameron actualy prefers, but also has the never released on DVD, theatrical version (137 min.) Fans finally get the chance to hear an audio commentary from Cameron and others who were there. Having both cuts of the film is yet another boon. The retrospective documentary on disc 4 is really well done. Combining new interviews, archival stuff, taking you through the entire process. David Fincher picks up the story with the contoversial Alien 3. Ripley crash lands on prision planet "Fury 161" and she is not alone. She finds herself and the prison population battling the beast. Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, and series veteran Lance Henrickson also star. The disc has 92's theatrical cut (114 min) and the work print version (155 min.) This cut is facinating and makes for a a better film in my opinion. The audio commentary by film editor Terry Rawlings and other tech crew members is OK. Due to a rough shoot and disagreements aplenty, Fincher chose not to participate in any of the supplements and that's a shame. For the retrospective material, everyone is quite candid about it all, and makes for "juicy" viewing. Alien Resurrection from 1997 finds Ripley cloned 200 years after the last film. Sharing alien DNA, we are not really sure where her loyalties lie. She is the only thing that stands between the crew of a miliitary vessel, a crew of rag tag space merchants, and death. From its script by Buffy and Angel creator Joss Whedon, to a fine underwater battle, and Weaver walking a fine line with Ripley, the film does have something going for it. When I first saw the film in 97 I didn't care for it much. While it's not a great film...director Jean Pierre Junet's take on the franchise is not a total wash. My feelings changed a bit, after watching both theatrical cut (109 min.), and an extended cut (119 min). The commentary by Jean Pierre Junet and other tech crew is solid, although, Junet's accent makes his comments tough to make out at times. His enthusiasm is infectious though Disc 8 features another interesting retrospective documentary about the film. It's all well produced and very comprehensive. Disc 9 is exclusive to the set and features additional material on each film. I think the stuff on the first film is the most interesting. There's Laser Disc Archives from the first two films Trailers and TV spots. Rounding out disc 9 is a Dark Horse Comics still gallery of images from their Alien series of books and DVD-ROM in the form of script to screen comparisons for all 4 films. Oh, and lest I forget to mention the booklet that's inside the last flap of the gatefold. Whew! The only downside is the horrible packagining. It's very poorly designed and seems flimsy. It's already coming apart--consider yourself warned. The gigantic set is still a must even if you don't like every film in the series.
Rating:
Summary: A great value on some great movies!
Review: This is quite a collection! Included you'll find all four Alien movies, from the original classic directed by Ridley Scott, to Alien Insurrection, each movie is a 2 DVD set special edition featuring both the original theatrical release of the film as well as either a directors cut or newly added scenes, as well as a ton of extra features, including interviews, documentaries, online exclusives, and original theatrical trailers. the nith DVD is devoted entirely to special features, packing in so much new material, that I truly wonder if even the most devoted of Alien fans will be able to get through all the material included in this set. There have been other Alien collections, but for the price, this is the definitive collection for any Alien or science fiction fan.
Rating:
Summary: Fincher's Alien 3...
Review: This box set is amazing, and anything I say won't be extraordinarily fresh or new. However, for all those who were disappointed in Alien 3 (which is a vast majority it seems!) buy this OR atleast the new Alien 3 DVD on its own! David Fincher's assembly cut totally re-invents the film, from even the first scene which was totally butchered and changed by Fox! The film is drastically better in the original state. With 100 x more suspense and even more amazing visuals, the Assembly Cut is well worth the cost of the DVD and redeems itself as the perfect end (pre #4) to the series.
Rating:
Summary: Every Nerd and Geek's dream come true!!!!
Review: This is simply the best dvd set ever made. This is exactly why they invented the dvd format. Almost 50 hours of incredibly amazing bonus material plus all the directors cuts!!! I think every Geek, Nerd and Sci-Fi freak should be in a video store looking for this box set right now!!! Every movie has a little of its own...Alien is just a pure melt down to the core classic.The bonus features are unbelievable and jaw dropping. Aliens is the pretty entertaining but not quite as good as the first. The bonus features for Aliens, explain why the production team had such a hard time working with a very egomaniac, insultative and stubborn director like Jim Cameron. Alien3 is the weakest of the box...but it has some very cool as hell elements that should keep you glue to the screen ...for example some very beautiful cinematography and production design. The bonus material explains why this film is so shallow and weak, even though it was brilliantly executed by great young director David Fincher. Alien resurrection it's a delight for the senses, amazing cinematography by Darius Khondji and jaw dropping direction by french director Jean Pierre Jeunet...this fourth installment and its bonus features are simply magnificent!!!! The 9th Dvd is quite good just for the incredible Alien 79 documentary and some theatrical trailers...but everythingelse I could do without, it was quite dissapointing. Anyway...this is a great box to an amazing "Tetralogy" (I don't believe there's such a thing as a "Quadrilogy") and I hope that in a near future...every dvd could feature amazing stuff like this one!!!!
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