Search - Aliens [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Not For Children, Profanity, Gore, Sci-Fi Violence, Children in Peril Movie Release: 1986 DVD Release: 03/21/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Restored/Remastered,Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 34 mins Studio: 20th Century Fox Members Wishing: 20 Genres: Science Fiction, Sci-Fi Action, Creature Film, Sci-Fi Horror See Also: Aliens [Collector's Edition], Aliens [Widescreen]

Big-budget special effects, swiftly paced action, and a distinct feminist subtext from writer/director James Cameron turned what should have been a by-the-numbers sci-fi sequel into both a blockbuster and a seven-time Oscar nominee. Sigourney Weaver returns as Ellen Ripley, the last surviving crew member of a corporate spaceship destroyed after an attack by a vicious, virtually unbeatable alien life form. Adrift in space for half a century, Ripley grapples with depression until she's informed by her company's representative, Carter Burke (Paul Reiser) that the planet where her crew discovered the alien has since been settled by colonists. Contact with the colony has suddenly been lost, and a detachment of colonial marines is being sent to investigate. Invited along as an advisor, Ripley predicts disaster, and sure enough, the aliens have infested the colony, leaving a sole survivor, the young girl Newt (Carrie Henn). With the soldiers picked off one by one, a final all-female showdown brews between the alien queen and Ripley, who's become a surrogate mother to Newt. Several future stars made early career appearances in Aliens (1986), including Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, and Reiser. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Sigourney Weaver - Ellen Ripley
Carrie Henn - Newt
Michael Biehn - Cpl. Dwayne Hicks
Lance Henriksen - Bishop
Paul Reiser - Carter Burke

Like its prequel, the "director's cut" DVD of Aliens is packed full of special features, and is a very high-quality presentation of the film as well. Most notably missing from the disc's special features is a commentary track with director James Cameron, but this is compensated for by an extended onscreen interview conducted just prior to the film's release. Other extras include an extensive still photo/concept art section detailing every aspect of the film, behind-the-scenes footage, theatrical trailers, and best of all, almost 20 minutes of essential, restored footage. Technically, the film has received first-class treatment as well, with a beautiful anamorphic transfer digitally remastered in THX. Aliens won several awards for visual effects, including an Academy Award, and the disc's producers have taken great pains to preserve these visuals in as pristine a manner as possible. There is almost no spotting or pixilation on the transfer, and the colors are well balanced with deep blacks and non-bleeding lights. The soundtrack has been faithfully reproduced and remastered in digital 5.1 THX, which serves the many action scenes well and creates a strong, eerie surround presence. Between the excellent transfer and comprehensive extras package, this disc is the definitive version of Aliens. ~ Andrew Hercock, All Movie Guide