Alien
I got about Big W today in search of the DVD sales.
And in doing so, I happened upon both Alien and Aliens in the bargain bin, $12.87 each, both 2-disc ‘Definitive Editions’, digitally remastered and packed with bonus features, all in a cool cardboard cover.
So I walked out with two new DVD’s.
Ironically, it had only been this week that I had been debating buying the Quadrilogy pack which was on sale at Video Ezy - but then these special editions are both remastered and cheaper. Sometimes you get lucky.
It’s been years since I’ve seen the original Alien movie.
As a kid, I remember staying up and watching it on late-night television. Now, I never used to get really scared watching movies, but Alien was right up there with delivering scares and that sci-fi genre format that I loved so much as a youngster.
Watching it today, you realise how dated things become. I know, it was made in 1979, so at 28 years old (older than me!), you have to give it some credit - much like me, its no spring chicken in modernism that’s for sure.
They all run these whiz-bang ‘computers’ which is basically colours and numbers on a DOS-looking screen. And the Alien is sooooo much a ‘puppet on a string/stick’ that its actually quite hilarious at times.
Nonetheless, it is this return to the real quality sci-fi that makes you appreciate both how great the vision was back then and how far we’ve come today. Our expectations have surely lifted that’s for sure. In fact, I admire the producers, directors, artisans, modellers, CGI dudes, prosthetics etc. that go into films these days. It must be so difficult to deliver convincing, powerful images that won’t age like milk.
Hopefully they release 3 and Resurrection in this ‘Definitive Edition’ format. Looking forward to watching the series through again soon.
katie said,
October 22, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
Wasn’t a bad movie, towards the end anyway. I secretly had my eyes closed for the first half hour I have to admit! I was so so tired.
Even though like you said the graphics were sometimes laughworthy I have to admit it still wasn’t bad. It is obviously outdated but it must have been really quite elaborate for it’s time. And hey, who knows, you might actually find one day that the movies you gawk at today will be hilarious in 30 years time when you’re seeing movies of even better standards…
becca3003 said,
October 23, 2007 @ 4:57 am
I love the Alien movies!!
Got the Quadrilogy several years ago now, it’s great, all the films plus they all have a bonus disc and I think one extra one so there’s about 9 discs in it altogether 
it was really expensive when it first came out, glad someone else got it for me at the time 
it’s now on sale in HMV for £20 which isn’t bad at all!! 
Must get into watching these again, it’s been ages. I’m not fussed that they’re old and the graphics are no way as good as they are these days, but still, they’re very cool films! 
Remember watching them when I was younger and hiding behind my duvet as I got scared, and even though I’m so much older now, I still have to hide 
ScottyB said,
October 23, 2007 @ 9:19 am
Katie,
You had me fooled. Didn’t realise you were sleeping at all until you told me. Though it should have sunk in now I think about it - you didn’t ask any questions for the first half-hour
We’ll have to start watching the series.. got 2 ready to go - and might just hire out 3 and Resurrection rather than wait! There effects of the later ones were brilliant (well I remember them being great anyway! hehe)
Bec,
Much cheaper to buy them separately here! You’re lucky you have that duvet by the sounds of things Bec 
Remember you saying about the Quadrilogy yeah! Seen it about here.. the price ranges from late $50’s to about $120!