Summary
Like many long-running series, theAlienfranchise has had many ups and downs. After the first two films became sci-fi horror icons, later cinematic entries have struggled to recapture the same magic, resulting in inconsistent critical scores and an uncertain future. 38 years on from the release of James Cameron’sAliens, and it’s still widely accepted that the franchise has never been able to match the heights of either the 1986 sequel or Ridley Scott’s seminal 1979 original. However, while everyAlienfan is familiar with these two movies, there’s a good chance that many remain unaware of the series' real “best” film.
The debate overwhetherAlienorAliensis the superior moviehas raged since the 1986 sequel first hit theaters. AlthoughAlienestablished the series' lore, boasts inimitable design, and gave audiences a monster that retains its power to terrify 45 years on,Aliensproved that injecting the series with action could produce thrilling results. Perhaps surprisingly for originalists, review aggregatorRotten Tomatoessuggests thatAliensis the superior movie, with a 94% rating versus the original’s 93%. However, accepting that this puts Cameron’s film slightly ahead, this rating ignores the fact that the movie most viewers are familiar with isn’t the best version ofAliens.
Aliens Special Edition Is The Best Version Of The Highest-Rated Alien Movie
It’s A Huge Improvement On The Acclaimed Theatrical Release
Thanks to its 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating,Aliensis the highest-rated movie in the entireAlienfranchise.Alienis a close second with 93%, with 2024’sAlien: Romulus' coming in third with 83%(at the time of writing). From there, the franchise drops further toPrometheuson 71% andAlien: Covenanton 65%.Alien 3andAlien: Resurrectionsit on 44% and 55%, while theAlien vs. Predatorspin-offs rank at 22% and 12%. And yet, whileAliens' credentials and reputation are beyond repute, the version of the film rated onRotten Tomatoesis a step down from the movie’s ultimate incarnation.
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Alien vs. Predator: Requiem(2007)
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First created for a CBS television broadcast in 1989, there’s a compelling case for saying thatthe so-calledAliens Special Editionis the best version of the highest-ratedAlienfilm. Released on laserdisc in 1991, as well as part of theAlien Legacy,Alien Quadrilogy, andAlien Anthologybox-sets, the extended edition has achieved cult-like status among franchise fans for its changes to the story and additional material. James Cameron himself has described the Special Edition as his preferred version, describing it as “the ride we always intended you to take” in the 2004 DVD commentary.
Why The Aliens Special Edition Is So Much Better Than The Theatrical Cut
It Improves Several Important Aspects
Many director’s cuts either make superficial changes that add little to the viewing experience or extend the runtime to such an extent that the flow of the story is compromised. TheAliens Special Editionis different.With 20 minutes of additional footage, taking the runtime to 157 minutes, it is certainly grander and more epic in scope. However, these changes aren’t simply arbitrary additions. In every case, they enhance and improve the story, helping explain plot holes and providing important backstory to key moments.
AdditionalAliensSpecial Editionscenesprovide a touching portrait of life on LV-426 before the Engineer vessel and the alien eggs are discovered. Not only does this turn Hadley’s Hope into a living, breathing community, but itmakes the fate of the colonists much more heartbreaking. There is also footage of Newt’s parents discovering the eggs, highlighting how Newt was just an ordinary child before her harrowing experience.
The extended cut also improves the movie’s already impressive action sequences. Most notable isthe addition of the sentry guns– remote turrets that hold the xenomorph scourge at bay before they’re eventually overwhelmed – demonstrating just how dangerous the threat is. There are also several exchanges that improve the marines' characterization, including one where a terrified Hudson successfully predicts thediscovery of the xenomorph Queen.
In perhaps the most touching scene in the entire franchise, Ripley is told by Burke that her daughter, Amanda, has died from cancer while Ripley was in stasis.
The most important change, however, concerns Ripley. In perhaps the most touching scene in the entire franchise, Ripley is told by Burke that her daughter, Amanda, has died from cancer while Ripley was in stasis.It’s a gut-wrenching exchange that simultaneously humanizes the steely Ripley and explains her attachment to Newt– a relationship that, having seen the extended cut, seems a little forced in the original. The scene also showcases Sigourney Weaver’s incredible skills as an actor, and may have been the difference between hersecuring an Oscar forAliens.
Aliens Special Edition Is Better Than Alien In Many Ways
It Adds So Much To An Already Incredible Film
TheAlienfranchise is no stranger to alternate versions. All four original films have theatrical and extended releases that dramatically alter the viewing experience. Perhaps the most infamous isAlien 3– a movie that, while widely panned on release,many critics agree has been dramatically improved as a result of subsequent edits. However, given their standing in the franchise, it makes most sense to compare theAliens Special Editionto its immediate predecessor.
Alienis correctly regarded as one of thegreatest sci-fi horror moviesever made. Its imagery and mythology remain hauntingly potent to this day, and the movie’s many iconic scenes remain cultural touchstones for multiple generations. Whilemany franchise fans argue thatAliensis more traditionally entertaining, with events playing out at a much greater pace than the original story,Alien’s defining impact on the science fiction genre and movie-making as a whole is impossible to ignore.
…the extended runtime helps recapture the same deliberate pace that makes the 1979 film feel so artfully constructed.
While the theatricalAlienscan’t compete with many ofAlien’s greatest strengths, such as its creeping dread and carefully drawn characters, the Special Edition takes things to a new level.Scenes like Ripley’s discovery of her daughter’s death instantly make her a more likable and relatable characterthan she was at any point in the originalAlien, and the extended runtime helps recapture the same deliberate pace that makes the 1979 film feel so artfully constructed. While both movies will always have their defenders, theAliens Special Editionpreserves the best aspects of the sequel while simultaneously recreating what madeAlienso significant.
Where To Watch Aliens' Special Edition
It’s Not As Easy To Find As You’d Hope
As part of Disney’s deal with Fox,all theAlienmovies are available to streamon Disney+ and Hulu. However, while this is a great way to introduce new fans to the original stories as first seen in theaters, it curtails the opportunity to see different versions of the films. As of writing,none of the extended cuts of the original quadrilogy are available on the platform, which means that many newer fans of theAlienfilms may not ever have seen theAliens Special Edition. This means that the best way for audiences to enjoy the alternate cut is to purchase it separately by another means.
DVDs and Blu-Rays containing the extended cut can still be purchased. Alternatively, the Special Edition is also available to rent or buy via Amazon and Google Play. Unfortunately, this means going above and beyond the standard Disney+ subscription that’s required for “ordinary"Alienmovies. However, considering how much theAliens Special Editionadds to the overall viewing experience, the extra expenditure is undoubtedly worth it.
