The definative way to own the Alien series on DVD? [Archive]

Vinyl-Pants

08-10-2001, 21:42

Like with the Die Hard trilogy, you have the the best possible versions of the films all boxed together - is the same true of the Alien Legacy box set? If not - what are the definative versions of each film? Most importantly of all, are there any plans within the next year to re-release any/all of the films and create an "Ultimate" box set or equivalent?

pmdf

08-10-2001, 21:51

Rest assured that Alien Legacy is certainly the definitive way of owning the Alien series - it's an outstanding collection and already is the "ultimate" box set, so no need for a re-release there! All discs are excellent in just about every capacity. The R2 contains the 5th disc containing a superb documentary... the R1 required purchasers to send off a voucher to receive the bonus disc and I don't know whether that offer is still valid...?

Vinyl-Pants

08-10-2001, 21:55

So I presume R4 is the way to go as it is identical to R2 but costs a lot less?

pmdf

08-10-2001, 21:58

I'm not familiar with the R4, but it does seem popular around these parts so, presuming it is identical, go for it...

Alan. b

08-10-2001, 21:59

Originally posted by pmdf
The R2 contains the 5th disc containing a superb documentary... the R1 required purchasers to send off a voucher to receive the bonus disc and I don't know whether that offer is still valid...?

I believe the offer has expired, And I am pretty sure that they stated that they will not ship it to anywhere outside the US.

Vinyl-Pants

08-10-2001, 22:13

I thought I remember seeing something about this in the bargain forum (amongst all non-dvd related "bargains" which is about 99% of that forum) and I was right - its only £29.99 at woolies if you can get your hands on it - im gonna ring my local store first thing tommorrow :)

Andy_C

08-10-2001, 22:17

The R1 voucher expired some time ago.

Look <a href="http://www.ucalgary.ca/~naflande/dvd.html">here</a> for full info about the R1 boxed set (contains information pertinent to R2 and R4 also).

Sharpline Arts (the company who made the 5th disc) released a cover and inlay for the 5th disc. You can get them <a href="http://www.deepspacefranchise.net/alien/">here</a>.

I've gone for the R4, since my local Woolies doesn't have any copies of the R2...

(if you don't frequent the Bargain forum, <a href="http://thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19880">this thread</a> has the details about the cheap R4...

Jimmyboy

08-10-2001, 23:10

Originally posted by Vinyl-Pants
I thought I remember seeing something about this in the bargain forum (amongst all non-dvd related "bargains" which is about 99% of that forum) and I was right - its only £29.99 at woolies if you can get your hands on it - im gonna ring my local store first thing tommorrow :)
The problem with Woolies bargains is that when they run out of stock on their shelfs, they refuse to get anymore in until the offer has expired. :(
All though they wont actually admit it, instead they keep saying "we're expecting some more tomorrow", and they keep saying that everyday until the offer has ended, then surprise surprise, they suddenly have aload of stock left over. :rolleyes:

Vinyl-Pants

08-10-2001, 23:16

I will kick up a fuss - the customer is always right :)
If they try to fob me off with some lame excuse like its first come first serve, I can legitimately rant on about my incapacity to currently go down to the shops :) (Leg injury thus unable to drive/work - shame :) )

The Boogerman

08-10-2001, 23:26

Originally posted by Vinyl-Pants
I will kick up a fuss - the customer is always right :)
If they try to fob me off with some lame excuse like its first come first serve, I can legitimately rant on about my incapacity to currently go down to the shops :) (Leg injury thus unable to drive/work - shame :) )

The problem with this argument is that there is no legal reason for them to sell you the boxset at this price or at all. Many large chains have a in-house policy of customer relations going above and beyond customer expectations, even honouring blatent misprices, but leagally they can tell you to sling your hook, and I think that Woolies will tell you exactly that.

Vinyl-Pants

08-10-2001, 23:35

Well you gotta try havent you, for gods sake. No point in being so pessimistic all the time....

Jimmyboy

08-10-2001, 23:48

Well can someone tell me what my position would be on this.

After hearing about the Alien boxset offer I rang my local woolies asap on friday and was told they were selling them, I reserved a copy and told them that I would pick one up on saturday which I did. However, I didnt notice until I got home that the sales assistant decided to write my name and collection date/time in pen on the box.:eek:
Great !, I travel straight back into town to find that surprise surprise, they cant replace the set because they've sold out.
They were expecting more stock today (remember the sale dosnt officially start until today) but when I phoned to ask them, I was shocked ;) to discover that their new stock didnt turn up today but their expecting more tomorow (I've heard that one more than once before).
So my gut instinct tells me that I'll be fobbed off over the next week with the usual "we're have some more in tomorow" ********.
If they don't shelf new stock until the sale ends, putting the price back up to £60 odd quid, have I still got the right to request one for £30 ?.

The Boogerman

09-10-2001, 00:22

Originally posted by Vinyl-Pants
Well you gotta try havent you, for gods sake. No point in being so pessimistic all the time....

Exactly, you can try as much as you can/want. I wanted to inject a sense of realism and not pessimism. And with a leg injury I felt it fair to point out that you may need to decide if the journey is worth it.

feverpitch96

09-10-2001, 02:31

Originally posted by The Boogerman

Exactly, you can try as much as you can/want. I wanted to inject a sense of realism and not pessimism. And with a leg injury I felt it fair to point out that you may need to decide if the journey is worth it.

Given the leg injury, given the Woolies ******** and carry-on (although after all, I imagine like all other retailers they have a certain amount of stock marked for a "promotion" like this and then thats all there is), you might still want to consider the (equally perfect) R4 as someone said, but get it currently on special from EzyDVD HERE (http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/1117/id=lfi51:ONNVD) for around £36-37 delivered. Not as good an offer as Woolies, but more reliable, less crap, and zero legwork.
:)

Sneeka

09-10-2001, 10:38

Given the leg injury, given the Woolies ******** and carry-on (although after all, I imagine like all other retailers they have a certain amount of stock marked for a "promotion" like this and then thats all there is), you might still want to consider the (equally perfect) R4 as someone said, but get it currently on special from EzyDVD HERE for around £36-37 delivered. Not as good an offer as Woolies, but more reliable, less crap, and zero legwork.

unless you get taxed by customs... in which case.. um.. bugger :rolleyes:

salty

09-10-2001, 11:10

Jimmyboy, if you've still got the scribbled on boxset it couldnt be easier mate, just wait for them to get another in stock or ask them to source one from another store. You've purchased that item at that price, it doesn't matter what happens to the price subsequently they're still pretty much obliged to replace it if its problematic. (Especially given their staff have scribbled on it.) If you've already got a refund and returned it, then its probably a no-go. I would expect them only to replace at that price by special arrangement.

andy4

09-10-2001, 22:59

On all 4 movies,check ya R2 and R4,alien 3 and Alien Ressurection,NOT THX IM AFFRAID.I Have got both R1 and R4 as a collector.

Jimmyboy

09-10-2001, 23:10

Originally posted by andy4
On all 4 movies,check ya R2 and R4,alien 3 and Alien Ressurection,NOT THX IM AFFRAID.I Have got both R1 and R4 as a collector.

and that means what exactly ?.
Theres certainly no difference in quality, its more likely a packaging mistake.

I've just heard that Mark Kamode (spelling?) from Channel 4 is doing one of his documentrys on the Alien saga saturday night at 10.40.
It contains his usual insightfull ramblings along with interviews with Sigourney Weaver, Ridley Scott, & James Cameron.
Apperently, Weaver is supposed to confirm that there will be an Alien 5, and she will be in it.
Thats gonna balls up our Alien Legacy boxsets if it turns out to be true.:( :D

john316

10-10-2001, 00:42

There is no way the Alien boxset is the defintive versions of these DVDs. For one, only Alien had a commentary on it. None have DTS tracks and the last two discs contain virtually no extras at all. If and when Fox decide to release 5 Star Collection versions of all four (or five if it comes out) then we will have a definitive box set that matches the Die Hard boxset.

andy4

10-10-2001, 01:18

THX,Packaging error??? Do you get the THX intro at start of alien3 and ressurection on r2 and r4.I THINK NOT MOST SENIOR MEMBER,I guess you no, not everything,eh.Have you actually watched these discs????????????????????????????????????

danrees

10-10-2001, 08:30

What?! :confused:

Jimmyboy

10-10-2001, 17:24

Originally posted by andy4
THX,Packaging error??? Do you get the THX intro at start of alien3 and ressurection on r2 and r4.I THINK NOT MOST SENIOR MEMBER,I guess you no, not everything,eh.Have you actually watched these discs????????????????????????????????????

Forgive me If I don't have an overwelming urge to rush to my DVD setup and shove Alien 3 & 4 in the tray just to see if a THX logo comes up. It really isnt that high on my list of priorities, & to be honest I havent had time as you only posted your ingenious discovery last night.
Still, I repeat, There is no noticable difference in quality between the various regions, which makes any THXspotting irrelevent.
Although, I have heard plenty of people claim that the R1 version is not so easy on the eyes compared to its PAL opposite.

Bapapapa

10-10-2001, 17:57

Jimmyboy

10-10-2001, 18:12

http://members.tripod.co.uk/Jimmy0boy/clock.jpg

Just Call Me Wanda

10-10-2001, 18:20

Andy_C

10-10-2001, 18:47

Getting a THX approved logo is always a moot point because it is still no guarantee of a quality transfer (can't think of the example - but there are some really dodgy THX discs out there).

On different, but related news, I got my R4 box set in today, and my CC statement. xe.net showed my final cost for the boxset + p&p as £32 - my statement showed £37. I use TSB, and they didn't use a nice exchange rate :(

And I got customs charges too - £7.09. Still fairly cheap though (don't mention Woolies!).

Back to main point. I already had R1 Aliens. It has a nice box, and a decent booklet. The R4 discs don't have booklets. And have not great case art. A small point; but like scratches on the bottom of the actual disc, I'd prefer to get the decent art.

As to the 'ultimate versions' question - I think there is a lot more that they could have done to improve Alien 3 + 4. Like leaving them out of the set!
:)

Bapapapa

10-10-2001, 19:07

john316

10-10-2001, 19:14

Just look at how many 20th C Fox R1 titles have the THX logo - nearly all of the recent releases have them but there is nothing special about the picture on most of them!

Paul490

10-10-2001, 19:25

shaun

10-10-2001, 20:14

You did ask for the minor differences between the regions.
I think it was a bit rude to dismiss Andy4's contribution out of hand as 'Packaging error'. It was a little patronising, though I can't condone his response.
Despite that, he does appear right. There is an absence of THX mastering on the R4 and R2. Looking at the different review sights I notice the bit-rate for the 5.1DD soundtrack is also lower on the R4 than the R1. This happens a lot (True Lies is another).
Anyone know the reason behind this?

Boink!

10-10-2001, 20:35

Andy_C: Thanks for the link for the Alien Legacy covers.
Just what I needed to make my R4 set complete [of course it does not fit in the box anymore...].
BTW: I got caught with Customs charges of £7.08 on my R4 order and I was unable to get any from Woollies, but I'm still 'appy.

Boink!:cool:

Paul490

10-10-2001, 20:58

andy4 - I thought your message was a bit rude, and I couldn't understand it. Sorry for my rather rude reply, but can you edit it into something readable?

andy4

10-10-2001, 21:35

Sorry folks,guess it was a bit of a snappy reply,only trying to make a point,i actually prefer the r1 picture to r4,seems somewhat sharper on my aiwa.Some people dismiss stuff here so quickly.Only they dont know everything,do they.Everyone is allowed to make a contribution,and the guy asked 4 the definitive way to own these movies.So i told him,agreed thx is not up to scratch on some discs.In my humble opinion thou,it is on r1 alien3 and r1 ressurection.

Jimmyboy

10-10-2001, 21:49

Originally posted by andy4
Sorry folks,guess it was a bit of a snappy reply,only trying to make a point,i actually prefer the r1 picture to r4,seems somewhat sharper on my aiwa.Some people dismiss stuff here so quickly.Only they dont know everything,do they.Everyone is allowed to make a contribution,and the guy asked 4 the definitive way to own these movies.So i told him,agreed thx is not up to scratch on some discs.In my humble opinion thou,it is on r1 alien3 and r1 ressurection.
Thats all well and good, but there is no definitive way to own the alien set because PAL & NTSC issues aside, there identical.
If you buy the R1 set now though, then im pretty sure you have no way of getting hold of the 5th disc, So if you had to choose the best available set at the moment I personally would favour the R2, especially if you are able to pick it up for £30.

I seem to remember people complaining about the 1st Alien film on R1 for some reason, cant quite remember the exact details, maybe someone can help ?.

Paul490

10-10-2001, 21:50

Yeah, OK. But counted up of the regulars, they do know everything! :D

I have the R4 version which only cost me £41.50. It has the superiority of PAL which some people benefit from (I do, I really should get a proper TV system sorted).

But it depends - do you want the correct speed or the 5th disc - Play (http://www.play.com) have the Region 1 for £69.99, and remember, without the fifth disc.

EDIT - And in my opinion, Alien3 isn't that good. The studios messed with it too much. Alien Resurrection is a terrible film, purely to make money. It is so poor. I hope there isn't an Alien 5. What would be the point? You just know it will be terrible.

andy4

10-10-2001, 22:02

how about dvd rom enhancements,screensaver(pc,mac)and web links on alien r1.There not on r2 and r4,I agree 5th disc is a winner,but you want the details,so i gave em

Just Call Me Wanda

10-10-2001, 22:07

I agree, I can't see how Alien 5 could be good. I still want to see it when it comes out, but I'll go in with my expectations extremely low. - AND, I'll probably buy it to complete the collection regardless of how bad it is.

To be perfectly honest I can't see it being worse than the truly terrible Alien 4.

Just for the record, I think Alien 3 is highly under-rated and, although no-way near as good as the it's two predecessors, is still an extremely enjoyable film. Pitty they killed off Hicks and Newt and a pitty they ditched Fincher's original vision (if rumours are to be believed); but at least it attempts something different and comes off with some merit. - Alien 4 couldn't even manage that.

Boink!

10-10-2001, 22:40

I liked four

Anyhew, if they had added the extras to three that were in the novel-of-the-film, then it would have made so much more sense!!!.

Boink!:cool:

Andy_C

10-10-2001, 23:00

Now that I've had time to watch some of the R4 set, I've got this to say.

Alien is really scary. I've not seen it for a while, but I almost pooped my pants tonight. I've seen it loads of times before, and I know every scene. But it was still scary....

As for disc comparisons - there are a few (minor?) differences between the R1 and R4 Aliens.

On the R1 disc, you get a nice animated thing at the start, cycling through the Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection and finally Alien Legacy logos. Just a small thing, but it's a nice touch that's not present on the R4.

So expect to see some R4 DVDs on eBay soon. Anyone know where I can get Alien, Alien 3 and Alien 4 R1 cheap?

Oh, one final thing. The first thing that greeted me on putting the R4 discs in my player was a UK and Ireland warning. Are these discs dual R2/R4 coded?

Paul490

10-10-2001, 23:03

Yes. The discs are R2 and R4, just with Australian packaging and an Australian picture for the design on the disc itself.

EDIT - I've just passed the 1,500 post point. And this is my 1,501st post!

Kit_Taylor

10-10-2001, 23:23

As far new Alien films go what I really is want Aliens, but better. I had the guns, the characters and the setting and it just can't be beaten on that front. Perhaps for a UE they could redo some of the dated effects, along with a new sound track with properly active surrounds.

Jimmyboy

11-10-2001, 02:27

I know most arent to fond of Alien 4, the plot is rather crap and they managed to balls up the chance of a decent 5th movie due to the ending.
However, it does contain some fantastic set piece's, and combines some of the things which made the 1st two movies great, & Its faster than part 3 with more guns on display.

As for whether or not the Alien Legacy box will be re-released, I don't know. I don't think there's much of a demand for another version of parts 3 & 4 and simply adding a DTS soundtrack isnt enough to justify a 2nd purchase for most.
I guess if a 5th film does happen, then a 5 star boxset might be released with all 5 movies complete with loads of extras.

orac

11-10-2001, 08:47

Heres how to get the Alien series -

Right well forget Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection they are both pants - especially Alien 3.

So you are looking for Alien and Aliens, i picked up mine for £5 and £7 s/h, they are R2 and R1.

SO thats the answer!

Well maybe not! Anyhow £30 for the box set is a good price, the first two would be £30 for them both on there own.

john316

11-10-2001, 13:22

I thought the ending to Alien Resurrection could lead in the fifth Alien movie to the Aliens landing on Earth - Ripley could produce another Alien which ultimately leads to Ripley and the Aliens destroying Earth which I think would lead to an ironic and superb ending to the Alien series.

orac

11-10-2001, 13:41

the name - "John 316" is that for real or are you taking the michael?

Anyway ALien Resurrection was poor and nasty in places. And 3 is a dreadful piece of work.

ALien/ALien - the travisty is the lack of doc. on these

Paul490

11-10-2001, 17:09

If you don't get the boxset and just get the films you want seperately, you miss a 5th disc with a 66-minute documentary on Alien. And I didn't get taxed when I bought mine from EzyDVD (http://www.ezydvd.com.au).

Just Call Me Wanda

11-10-2001, 18:29

I ordered the 'Alien' boxset from EzyDVD and didn't get stung by HM Customs.

This included the 'going cheap' House On Haunted Hill double DVD. It all came in a large box, but it got passed Mount Pleasant without the dreaded tax.

The extra 5th Disc is certainly worth it for the die-hard fan. Although, before buying I thought it was a docu about the Alien Legacy as a whole, it actually only covers the first film, but it does this extremely well and in-depth.

You'll soon find out that H.R Giger is a real weirdo....!!!

Roberto

11-10-2001, 18:40

the name - "John 316" is that for real or are you taking the michael?

John 3.16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son. so that everyone who belives in him may not die but have eternal life"

:)

I'm a Muslim myslef but i nice message never-the-less ;)