Alien³ Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Alien³" Blu-ray, alongside its siblings in the Alien Anthology, delivers a stunning visual upgrade that both purists and newcomers will appreciate. Starting with "Alien," the introduction of a new 4K master and 1080p/AVC encode brings an unprecedented clarity to the film. Fine film grain, deep black levels, and a balanced contrast enhance the chilling atmosphere of the Nostromo and reveal the intricate details of its design and the alien creature like never before. The integrity of dark scenes is impeccably preserved, showcasing vivid moments of color amidst the intentionally bleak palette, which highlights the fidelity to the film's original aesthetic.

"Aliens," under James Cameron's meticulous remastering, emerges sharper and clearer despite initial fears of excessive digital noise reduction (DNR). While some grain has been minimized, the film retains its natural, filmic appearance without the dreaded smearing effects often associated with DNR. Even with occasional softness and mild issues of inconsistency, the visual presentation strikes a balance between enhancing detail and preserving the original texture of the cinema experience. The leap in clarity from DVD is significant, making "Aliens" a compelling visual feast in its own right, albeit not quite reaching the pinnacle set by its predecessor.

For "Alien 3" and "Alien Resurrection," while they may not dazzle to the extent of the first two films due to a slightly softer presentation, both see considerable improvements from their DVD releases. Their grain structure remains stable, with color balance and absence of compression issues marking a noteworthy upgrade. Particularly, "Alien Resurrection" stands out with its richer color palette, characteristic of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's style. On a rating scale considering fidelity to each film's intended appearance, "Alien" easily earns a perfect score, with the subsequent films receiving slightly lower marks for minor picture quality (PQ) shortcomings. Collectively, the Blu-ray renditions of the Alien Anthology signify a major advancement in home cinema viewing, warranting the replacement of DVD versions for an enhanced viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Alien³," along with its siblings in the Alien series, showcases a notable leap in audiovisual experience, particularly with its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. This upgrade is akin to an aural feast, enhancing the overall experience of the films drastically. The Alien saga begins with a more horror-centric tone, using its sophisticated sound design to immerse viewers in the eerie silence of space, punctuated by the unsettling noises aboard the Nostromo. From the atmospheric rumble in the low-end frequencies to the detailed ambient sounds that fill the rear channels - such as skittering, dripping water, and clanking chains - the audio presentation lays a solid foundation for an immersive experience. This impeccable clarity and depth are maintained across all films, serving as a testament to the quality of this Blu-ray release.

As the series progresses, the audio dynamics shift to accommodate the varying thematic and narrative directions of the sequels. "Aliens" amplifies the tension with a more aggressive soundscape, featuring a barrage of gunfire and explosive sounds that fully utilize the rear speakers, offering a stark contrast to the original's more subdued horror. By the time we reach "Alien³," directed by David Fincher, there's a noticeable shift back towards darker tones, with resolved audio issues from previous versions and improved ADR contributing to a refined auditory experience. The dialogue remains crisp and well-balanced against the backdrop of each film's score, composed by industry legends such as Jerry Goldsmith and James Horner, showcasing an exceptional dynamic range and clarity that breathes life into these iconic scores.

The consistent quality of the audio presentation throughout these films, including "Alien³," cannot be overstated. From atmospheric soundscapes that enhance the tension and horror, to clearly balanced dialogue and dynamic musical scores, this Blu-ray release ensures an optimal auditory experience. The technical prowess displayed in fixing past audio issues and elevating the soundscape to match the stunning picture quality makes this upgrade essential for both audiophiles and fans of the franchise alike. Engage your surround sound system and prepare for an auditory journey that complements the visual spectacle of "Alien³" and its sequels, making them more vivid and engaging than ever before.

The Blu-ray release of "Alien³" goes above and beyond to deliver an unrivaled treasure trove of extras that both newcomers and veterans of the franchise will find comprehensive and deeply engaging. With over 60 hours of special features, the inclusion of all material from previous DVD releases, Easter eggs, and the expansive LaserDisc supplements, this collection is exhaustive. Notably, the fully restored "Wreckage and Rage: The Making of Alien 3" documentary offers an unflinching look at David Fincher's directorial challenges, making it a standout for fans. The addition of nearly five hours of new Enhancement Pods further enriches the offering with behind-the-scenes footage, raw dailies, and newly conducted interviews. Coupled with an intuitive menu system for easy navigation, and over 12,000 images comprising storyboards, sketches, production stills, and cast portraits, this package sets a new standard for cinematic extras. The integration of MU-TH-UR Mode offers an interactive viewing experience, albeit its practicality may vary per user preference, highlighting Fox's effort to innovate how viewers engage with content. Overall, this release is a testament to Fox's commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of "Alien³".

Extras included in this disc:

MU-TH-UR Mode: An interactive viewing experience offering in-depth insight into the films through an overlay interface.

Wreckage and Rage: Making Alien 3: A fully restored documentary detailing the production challenges faced by David Fincher.

Enhancement Pods: Nearly five hours of new material including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews exclusive to this release.

LaserDisc Supplements: A comprehensive collection of material previously available on LaserDisc.

Image Galleries: Over 12,000 images, including storyboards, sketches, production stills, and cast portraits, showcased in high definition.

Interactive Menu System: A user-friendly navigation system designed to help viewers easily explore the extensive collection of extras.

Restored Sections: Content previously removed for various reasons now reintegrated, offering a fuller view of the production process.

The Alien³ Blu-ray presented within the Alien Anthology set proves itself as an essential addition for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the franchise. This release offers a stunning high-definition transfer that revitalizes the dark, daunting aesthetic of David Fincher's much-debated third installment, ensuring that every shadowy corridor and metallic surface is rendered with incredible detail. Accompanied by dread-inducing audio that immerses viewers into the heart-pounding suspense, the technical presentation of Alien³ on this Blu-ray not only honours its place in the sci-fi horror genre but elevates it to a new level of experiential intensity.

Despite its reputation as the franchise's dark horse, Alien³'s presentation in this anthology garners newfound appreciation for its visual and auditory accomplishments, wrapped up in a package that seamlessly branches between two versions of the film. The Blu-ray format brings out the nuanced textures of the penal colony/smelting facility and the pallid hues of Fury 161, accentuating the bleakness and isolation pivotal to the movie's atmosphere. Furthermore, the clarity of sound underscores the eerie silence and sudden shocks that define many of the film's most gripping scenes, providing a wholly immersive viewing experience.

Technical prowess aside, the inclusion of both the theatrical and the special ‘Restored Workprint Version’ offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of Alien³'s contentious narrative. This exploration is bolstered by over 60 hours of special features that dwell deep into the lore and legacy of the Alien franchise. Through these supplementary materials, viewers can dive into the tumultuous production history of Alien³, offering insights that might temper criticism with understanding, or at least offer a deeper appreciation for what was achieved under less-than-ideal circumstances. This Blu-ray release doesn't just present a film; it offers an expansive look at a cinematic phenomenon, making it an indispensable treasure trove for aficionados of science fiction and horror alike.

The Blu Ray edition of "Alien³," as part of the Alien Anthology series, stands as an exemplary model of how to enhance a classic film for the contemporary home cinema experience. It builds upon the renown of the Alien Quadrilogy DVD release, offering significant improvements in both visual and auditory fidelity. By meticulously remastering the film, it presents an unparalleled clarity and depth, making it a must-have for aficionados of the franchise and cinephiles alike. The attention to detail in the restoration process ensures that each frame, from the foreboding corridors of the Sulaco to the desolate landscapes of Fiorina ‘Fury’ 161, is presented with an immersive depth and sharpness that was previously unattainable.

Further enhancing the experience are the supplemental features included in this release. The comprehensive array of behind-the-scenes documentaries, commentaries, and deleted scenes enriches the context of "Alien³," offering insights into its tumultuous production and the creative decisions that shaped the final product. This wealth of additional content ensures that the Blu Ray does more than just showcase the film; it serves as an exhaustive archive that celebrates its legacy. The technical specifications are faithfully preserved and presented with meticulous care, ensuring that enthusiasts and newcomers alike receive the definitive version of the film.

In conclusion, the Blu Ray presentation of "Alien³" within the Alien Anthology is an indispensable acquisition for any serious collection. It not only surpasses its DVD predecessor in terms of quality and content but also redefines what we can expect from home media presentations. With its superior audio-visual quality and enriched supplementary materials, it commands our highest recommendation. For those dedicated to preserving cinematic history or simply looking to experience this dark chapter in the Alien saga like never before, this release is unequivocally a pivotal addition.