Aliens is a film like no other, a rare sequel that is arguably as good or better than the original. It’s horror, but even more so than the original Alien, it is a science fiction classic in its own right. Aliens was ahead of its time, a successful blockbuster from James Cameron, who quickly put together a story treatment and sold the studio on his vision of the follow-on to Ridley Scott’s unique and acclaimed original. Last month here at borg.com we reviewed Aliens–The Set Photography, a new book chronicling the creative work behind Aliens released for the film’s 30th anniversary. Action-packed with top-notch acting from Sigourney Weaver and a great supporting cast, plus some of Stan Winston’s best creature work, Aliens rightfully is getting the 30th anniversary treatment this month in Blu-ray.
Aliens is one of about a dozen science fiction or horror films to earn Academy Awards. It won two, for visual effects and sound editing. It was also nominated for art direction, sound, film editing and original score. Better yet, Sigourney Weaver earned her much deserved first nomination for best actress. Weaver’s Ellen Ripley is among science fiction’s best performances, and Weaver the core of what made the franchise and this film successful. The anniversary release includes two previously released versions, the 1986 original theatrical version and the 1991 extended edition. If you missed the extended edition, it’s well worth your time. Ripley gets more screen-time, and more character development, including the dichotomy between the death of Ripley’s daughter mirroring the Alien queen’s protection of her offspring–it’s great fun to see a character you think you know in scenes not included in the original version you saw in the theater.
The extended edition commentary track is as good as you’ll find on any disc. Where most releases these days include the director or producer and one or two cast members, the commentary accompanying the extended edition includes a treasure trove of content and insights into the film. You’ll hear details on movie making from director James Cameron, producer Gale Anne Hurd, the late, great, alien effects creator Stan Winston, visual effects supervisors Robert Skotak and Dennis Skotak, miniature effects supervisor Pat McClung, and actors Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Jenette Goldstein, Carrie Henn, and Christopher Henn.
