Aliens 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Ultimate Collector's Edition
Score: 88
from 8 reviewers
Review Date:
The 4K UHD release of James Cameron’s 'Aliens' delivers a highly detailed and crisp Dolby Vision HDR presentation along with a demo-worthy Dolby Atmos track, though some viewers may miss the original film grain.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
DTS-HD MA
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 80
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of *Aliens* offers stunning close-up detail and vibrant color enhancements through Dolby Vision and HDR10, but the reduction of film grain and instances of ringing artifacts result in an inconsistent, over-processed image that may leave purists preferring previous Blu-ray versions.
Audio: 91
The Dolby Atmos mix for Aliens offers a superbly immersive audio experience, with clear dialogue, engaging surround effects, tight and punchy LFE, and dynamic use of overhead channels. Highlights include intense scenes like the dropship crashes and firefights, making this the definitive way to enjoy the film.
Extra: 96
The Aliens 4K UHD Blu-Ray edition offers comprehensive bonus features, including both Theatrical and Special Edition cuts with seamless branching, James Cameron's 2003 audio commentary, Dolby Digital 5.1 isolated scores, and an exhaustive three-hour making-of documentary. New features, though limited, enrich the wealth of legacy content.
Movie: 89
Aliens 4K UHD is a flawless blend of action and suspense, rendered in breathtaking 2160p resolution with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. James Cameron injects relentless intensity into this follow-up, expanding the Alien mythos and delivering an exhilarating, immersive experience through impeccable practical effects, riveting performances—especially Sigourney Weaver’s indelible Ripley—and top-tier production design. Essential for sci-fi aficionados.
Video: 80
The 4K UHD presentation of "Aliens" provides a visually mixed yet noteworthy upgrade from previous releases. Utilizing a 2160p HEVC/H.265 encoded transfer in its native 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the original 35mm film was meticulously processed into a 4K Digital Intermediate, supervised by James Cameron and Park Road Post. This version includes high dynamic range formats Dolby Vision and HDR10. Close-up scenes reveal astonishing detail, enhancing textures of skin, weaponry, and set materials with remarkable clarity. Facial textures, scuffs on armor, and worn clothing appear sharply delineated, while static shots lay out fine image detail. However, the image takes on a processed look, replacing the original film's graininess with a more digitized appearance.
Color grading shows a shift from steely blues to greener/teal tones, offering richer flesh tones and pronounced reds and greens via Dolby Vision. Improved black levels contribute to overall depth, but whites lack the intensity expected from HDR, diminishing effects like marine shoulder lights. The restoration smooths over some texture in backgrounds and dynamic scenes, leading to a mixed visual experience: razor-sharp details in close-ups against somewhat murky medium or background shots. There is minor aliasing and moiré fringes in sharper lines but no significant compression artifacts, preserving a pristine digital look.
While technical advances give "Aliens" impressive new highlights and improved saturation, such as the vibrant reds during intense action scenes, the deep-learning algorithms used for grain reduction result in occasional waxy textures and ringing artifacts that may detract from the intended viewing experience. Despite the processing's drawbacks, this iteration offers an immersive update with superior detail and engaging color dynamics, presenting "Aliens" in its best visual fidelity yet. The inevitable trade-offs between purist filmic qualities and modern digital enhancements will influence individual viewer preferences, making this release both a technological marvel and a subject of debate among fans.
Audio: 91
The Dolby Atmos upgrade for "Aliens" delivers a highly immersive and spatially engaging audio experience, far surpassing previous DTS-HD MA versions. The Atmos track takes full advantage of the overhead channels, enhancing the 3D space with ambient effects such as dropship crashes, xenomorphs moving within the colony, and the pulsating tension of the action sequences. Dialogue is always clean, clear, and precisely directed, ensuring exceptional intelligibility even amid the chaotic moments. Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) are robust, providing substantial but not overwhelming bass, while maintaining excellent distribution of sound across all channels.
The soundstage is significantly broader, with subtle atmospherics enveloping the listener. Dynamic range exhibits room-penetrating clarity, especially evident during explosive firefights and vehicle movements. Surround sound activity remains constant, driving the film forward without distraction. Height channels are effectively employed, delivering overhead effects that contribute to the film's intense atmosphere—whether it’s the rain seeping through colony barricades or the screeching of xenomorphs. James Horner's score is well-integrated across the entire soundfield, adding depth and richness to both atmospheric and action-packed sequences.
The audio presentation is meticulously mixed, offering a comprehensive auditory experience that enhances every layer of the film's sound design. Sudden bursts of LFE provide startling effects that shake up the viewing experience, with directional effects and movement being both smoother and more aggressive. Whether it's Ripley's machine gun resonating through every channel or the detailed background clamor of spaceship tech sounds, the Dolby Atmos track ensures a satisfying hemispheric soundscape. Aliens' new Dolby Atmos mix stands as a masterclass in cinematic audio, delivering an impactful, immersive experience that is both technically proficient and deeply engaging.
Extra: 96
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Aliens" compiles a comprehensive assortment of bonus content, catering to both returning enthusiasts and newcomers. Both the Theatrical and Special Edition cuts, along with James Cameron's commentaries, provide substantial value. Legacy features such as the extensive "Superior Firepower: Making Aliens" documentary, which delves into pre-production, creature design, and weaponry meticulously over three hours, remain highlights, supplemented by an hour of enhancement pods focusing on additional technical facets. Noteworthy is a new feature, "The Inspiration and Design of Aliens," with Cameron providing fresh insights into the film’s visual style. This exhaustive collection is housed across three discs, ensuring an in-depth exploration of the film's creation.
Extras included in this disc:
- James Cameron Introduction: A brief message from the director.
- Audio Commentary: Discussions with Cameron and cast/crew.
- Isolated Scores: Final and original compositions by James Horner.
- Direct Access to Scenes: Additional scenes from the Special Edition.
- The Inspiration and Design of Aliens: Insightful 30-minute feature with Cameron.
- Superior Firepower: Making Aliens: Extensive 3-hour documentary.
- Superior Firepower: Making Aliens Enhancement Pods: Supplementary hour-long feature.
- Pre-Production: Art galleries and video features.
- Production: Behind-the-scenes footage and image galleries.
- Post-Production and Aftermath: Deleted scenes and legacy footage.
- Main Title Exploration: Alternative designs for the film’s title sequence.
- Theatrical Trailers: A collection of teaser and main trailers.
Movie: 89
James Cameron’s Aliens stands out as a prime example of a sequel that both honors and expands upon its predecessor. Released in 1986, Aliens diverges significantly from Ridley Scott's original Alien, shifting from a suspenseful horror setting to a high-octane action thriller. This transformation, guided by Cameron's confident direction and screenplay, combines frenetic action sequences with grandiose violence and compelling character arcs. The Colonial Marines, led by Lt. Gorman, are central to this shift, bringing a macho, militaristic injection to the story. Their initial cockiness gives way to desperate survival as they confront a greater threat than anticipated on LV-426, underscoring themes of corporate exploitation and personal valor.
Sigourney Weaver reprises her iconic role as Ellen Ripley, delivering what many regard as one of her most definitive performances. Ripley's journey is deeply emotional, transitioning from a trauma-scarred survivor to a determined protector. Her relationship with Newt (Carrie Henn) adds a powerful maternal layer that becomes central to the film's narrative. Cameron masterfully balances this character development with relentless action, particularly highlighted in the film's latter half where the tension never relents. Scenes involving the Alien Queen and Ripley's ultimate showdown epitomize the blend of practical effects and intense storytelling that defined 1980s blockbuster cinema.
Technically, Aliens benefits greatly from Stan Winston's exceptional practical effects, which enhance the film’s grounded reality. The meticulous production design, combined with James Horner’s evocative score, elevates the film's atmosphere. The 4K UHD Blu-ray release does justice to these elements, presenting a detailed visual and auditory experience that heightens both the horror and action components. By retaining scenes that further develop Ripley's backstory and motivations, especially in the Special Edition, this release ensures a richer viewing experience that highlights Cameron’s nuanced approach to sequel-making.
Total: 88
James Cameron's Aliens remains a landmark sequel, expertly blending action, horror, and sci-fi in a way that expands upon Ridley Scott's original. Released on 4K UHD, this classic is presented with a Dolby Vision HDR upgrade and a stunningly immersive Dolby Atmos audio track. While the quality of these enhancements is indisputable, the image has been subjected to extensive processing, resulting in a deeply divided reception among fans. The grain reduction delivers an exceptionally crisp and detailed picture but may not satisfy those who prefer a more traditional, film-like texture.
This release is packed with an exhaustive collection of special features, including nearly all previously released content and some fresh additions, making it an extensive and appealing package for diehard fans. It’s worth noting that there appears to be a balance between impressive fine detail and the absence of organic 35mm grain, which could polarize videophiles looking for that nostalgic visual feel. Despite the controversy regarding the aesthetic choices in the remastering process, this edition undeniably reflects James Cameron's vision for the film.
In conclusion, James Cameron’s Aliens in 4K UHD is a compelling and invaluable addition to any film library, especially for avid fans of the franchise. The physical 4K Ultra HD release offers both versions of the film, supported by remarkable new highlights from Dolby Vision HDR and a highly engaging Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Overall, while the pronounced image processing may take some adjustment, the treasure trove of bonus features and the director's intended presentation make this release highly recommended.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 80
The black level is deep, giving ok shadows and helping with frame depth, but the white scale lacks permanence; one of the benefits of greater resolution and HDR is the intensity and push that the white...
Audio: 90
There is a crispness to the effects, and it is altogether a more robust and enjoyable track....
Extras: 100
Blu-ray Theatrical Version Special Edition Version with Intro Direct Access - New/Additional Scenes from Special Edition Audio Commentary – With James Cameron and the Cast and Crew from 2003 Final Theatrical...
Movie: 100
Going through the paperwork, I discovered that he was an actor, an American, living and working in England, which invariable led to the conversation of what he had been in, he said, “oh just a little thing...
Total: 80
Everyone agrees that the Dolby Atmos track is terrific, and the extras are great; but that picture … why we have to ‘get used to it’, rather than just adore it is the crux of the matter....
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
This is another presentation where anyone wanting a recreation of a traditional 35mm viewing experience is probably going to be disappointed, but as with both of the other Cameron films receiving 4K UHD...
Audio: 90
The Atmos track takes full advantage of both overhead and just general vertical effects in any number of establishing scenes offering spacecraft, but there's even clear engagement of the Atmos speakers...
Extras: 100
Pre-Production offers various galleries, some with video components: Development Original Treatment by James Cameron Footage Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Videomatics offer optional commentary by Pat...
Movie: 80
Aliens is the outlier of the three James Cameron films Disney / Buena Vista is offering in new if evidently to some fans unimproved 4K UHD versions, since, unlike The Abyss 4K and/or True Lies 4K, this...
Total: 100
I'd personally rate the three in terms of video quality as The Abyss, Aliens and True Lies, in that order, in terms of preserving at least some semblance of an organic 35mm appearance, but as with the...
Blu-ray Authority review by Matt BrightonRead review here
Video: 90
He’s done so on just about every one and odds are that the version we’re seeing here is vastly different, visually, than the one in theaters in 1986....
Audio: 100
The sound seems to resonate though every channel and really provides a great viewing experience....
Extras: 80
Main Title Exploration – Running three minutes, this essentially gives us an alternate look at some of the different fonts and styles that were considered for the film....
Movie: 0
Of course, no one believes her, and in fact a mining colony is now located on the same planet as the alien attack....
Total: 90
Aliens is one of those movies, like Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day, that many consider the sequel to be superior to the original....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 90
For its release on Ultra HD, Lightstorm, working with Park Road Post, appears to have utilized the best-available scan of the original camera negative (possibly new and 4K, but it’s also possible that...
Audio: 95
The height channels are employed more subtly for overhead completion, but they do play a more noticeable role occasionally, such as when the Sulaco’s dropship is firing up its engines (and the camera pans...
Extras: 95
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Movie: 0
And no one takes her story seriously, of how the Nostromo landed on an uncharted planet and encountered a deadly alien lifeform, which killed the rest of her crew....
Total: 93
While Aliens in physical 4K Ultra HD (and remastered Blu-ray) is a remarkable experience, featuring a striking restoration of the film that improves upon the 4K Digital experience in all the ways you would...
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 40
Grain does remain, but it’s slight, and the reduction is notable enough to smother anything not in close....
Audio: 80
The landing is mesmerizing, with exterior winds pounding the ship’s interior, and when outside, the howling, whipping air uses all available channels, including some marvelous overhead use....
Extras: 100
This includes an additional hour of features that extend into test footage, pre-production, deleted scenes, and galleries....
Movie: 80
This ensures a grounded reality that makes everything else authentic too, from the unsympathetic corporate values to Ripley’s human, empathy-driven need to save everyone....
Total: 75
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High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Moreover, the 4K video also boasts razor-sharp details for a significant portion of the runtime with a few poorly-resolved moments that are both to be expected and thankfully, don't depreciate the overall...
Audio: 80
Imagining continuously feels broad and spacious with outstanding channel separation as background activity convincingly moves across the screen and to the top heights, generating a sweeping, half-dome...
Extras: 100
Direct Access to New/Additional Scenes from Special Edition Blu-ray Disc 1 Audio Commentaries Introduction (SD, 1 min) Isolated Scores Direct Access to New/Additional Scenes from Special Edition Blu-ray...
Movie: 80
Just as in the previous film, she is compelled to prove herself as a woman within a masculine society, which is in sharp contrast to Vasquez's just-one-of-the-boys appearance and posture....
Total: 80
A couple years shy of its 40th anniversary, the sci-fi actioner still holds up after four decades, delivering a suspenseful thrill-ride of action, adventure and horror with brains, a rare treat that can...
Home Theater Forum review by Neil MiddlemissRead review here
Video: 100
In the visual effects, the Dropship still has Matte lines noticeable during the initial descent over the white clouds of the planet and when it flies into the superstructure as Ripley goes to rescue Newt,...
Audio: 100
The Dropship descent to the planet, the dripping water through the colony barricades, and acid-damaged ceilings and floors as the rain falls in offer a sense of abandonment and eerie echo....
Extras: 100
While there weren’t any new special features created for the UHD release of Aliens (or the 4K digital release back in December), the legacy special features are plentiful and absorbing....
Movie: 100
Luckily, despite the tough shoot and personnel difficulties, Cameron, Hurd, and the crew made it work and the resulting film, a masterful assembly of filmmaking greatness, potent performances, and astute...
Total: 100
The Ultra High-Definition Disc release of Aliens is exceptional, though the grain situation, or rather the lack of pronounced grain compared to how we’ve seen this film in the past, will cause (and already...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
As with Titanic, The Abyss, and True Lies, Aliens comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray with the use of AI to help things have improved clarity and more range in sharpness....
Audio: 100
Low-Frequency Extension: Music, spaceships, landings, explosions, flame throwers and more, light up the subwoofer with nice bass extension....
Extras: 100
Also, you have a myriad of features to dive into!Special Features:James Cameron Introduction – A message from writer/director James Cameron introducing the Special Edition version of the film.2003 Audio...
Movie: 100
As she heads back into space with the macho group of Marines to LV-426, you just know something is amiss....
Total: 100
The new Dolby Vision and Atmos upgrade is worth the price of admission, and you’ll be reminded of just how different yet complimentary this film is to its original....
Director: James Cameron
Actors: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
PlotAfter drifting in space for 57 years in cryostasis, Ripley, the sole survivor of the commercial spacecraft Nostromo, is rescued by a deep-space salvage team. Upon her return to Earth, she discovers that the planetoid where her crew first encountered the deadly alien species is now home to a terraforming colony known as Hadley's Hope. When contact with the colony is mysteriously lost, Ripley reluctantly agrees to accompany a unit of high-tech colonial marines on a rescue mission to investigate the situation. Still haunted by her previous encounter, Ripley is driven by a need to confront her fears and ensure that the aliens are destroyed.
The team arrives at Hadley's Hope to find it deserted, with signs of a violent struggle everywhere. As they search the desolate settlement, they slowly piece together the horrifying fate of the colonists, confirming Ripley's worst fears. They encounter a traumatized young girl named Newt, the only apparent survivor, who provides insight into the aliens' nightmarish onslaught. With the terraforming station compromised and the situation increasingly dire, Ripley and the marines must work together to secure a means of escape while facing a deadly and relentless enemy, superior in number and adaptability. Their survival hinges on Ripley's experience, quick thinking, and the marines' firepower, as they confront the ruthless bio-engineered creatures that spared no one in their previous encounter.
Writers: James Cameron, David Giler, Walter Hill
Release Date: 18 Jul 1986
Runtime: 137 min
Rating: R
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Spanish