The packaging for this disc is a standard flipper box. You'll remove the meat of the box from an outer case and flip open to whichever disc your looking for. When it's fully outstretched, you'll be looking at a set that is over 5 feet long. It's an awe-inspiring site to say the least. There are 4 movie discs, a special features disc for each movie, and a 9th disc that deals only with special features. Each of these films are available seperately in 2-disc form, but the ninth disc is included only with this set. The only problem that does exsist with this set is with the outside paper and secrity sticker. The foil, glossy print on the outside of the box has a piece of paper glued to it. Removing this removes some of the gloss and foil from the case. Since it's not on their very well to begin with (and it's only their for advertising purposes), it's either going to be torn off or simply fall off by itself. Either way, your left with a mark on your case. The security sticker is stuck onto a corner of the box right underneath the paper. Why this piece of plastic has been attached to the outside of the case is bewildering since it detracts from the look of the set and surely anyone who plans on stealing this set won't have a very difficult time in doing so. Oh, and don't even think of tearing it off. Think the glue from the paper is bad? You haven't seen how much damage can be done yet.
Now for a slight change of pace and commentary: What is it with Alien 3 that fans don't like? I can see the awful use of CGI being a major downer, but the sheer amount of violence, gore, and overall dark feel that mimics the original film is great. Yes, the egg on the ship is a stretch, but if you can believe in an alien boarding a space ship in the first place, then believing it left an egg isn't that much more to swallow. The new extended cut may turn a few people around, but I think most will already have their minds made up before going into it. The action and inginuity of battling the deadly beast without any major weaponary is far more exciting than James Camerons approach of big guns. It's a shame that Fincher had so much trouble on this one and practically refuses to really acknowledge it's existence. Alien Ressurection on the other hand, well, that I can see. It's a mess. With the exception of Ripley's "alien child" thing dying (in one of the coolest death scenes ever in a film) and the underwater segment, the movie is filled with corny lines, cheap comedy, and a strange directorial feel that doesn't mesh at all with the previous 3 movies. Maybe the recently announced Alien vs. Predator film can pick this series back up and truly ressurect it.
Article comments
1 - jadester
I actually thought Alien 3 was slightly better than Aliens, but there ya go. Alien 4 is just pitiful though. By then, they had no excuse not to have the aliens reach earth and cause havoc.
2 - Tom Johnson
Alien 3 was a letdown because it didn't go anywhere from Aliens. They just borrowed a lot of the ideas from Aliens. While I agree it's nowhere near as bad as most have said it is, it's a pretty big step down from the masterpieces that Alien was and the near masterpiece that Aliens was.
I got this on my Xmas list, so I hope I find this thing under my tree . . . along with McFarlane's amazing new Alien figures (the Queen has to be seen to be believed.)
3 - Matt Paprocki
Tom, that Mcfarlane Alien Queen is awesome. Just be careful when setting her up. She has major tipping issues!
4 - Tom Johnson
Matt, you make me jealous! I haven't even gotten to see it in real life yet. I finally tracked down the Warrior at a Suncoast . . . I could only look at it, hopeful it would wind up under our tree on Christmas. I so, so wish I'd bought the $150 vinyl model of the Queen I drooled over for a couple years as a teen. I saw a finished one at the state fair and couldn't believe how big it was. The detail was amazing. I'll make up for it with the McFarlane "toys." (Like anyone plays with them.)
5 - toddword
A fine film.Does justice to the series without being overbering,and does a fine job explaining how certain things came about.The lead actress comes off as an extention of Ripley rather than a rip-off.To her credit,she really worked her butt off trying to establish a character film-goers could empathise with.All in all,a worthy effort-hope she is in the sequel
6 - Luke
"Near masterpiece"? Excuse me, but Aliens is a masterpiece.