Alien 4K UHD (1979) (40th Anniversary Edition)

[koberulz]

But in this case the DC isn't a true DC, it's just a "we need an alternate version, change something" cut. I can't be too upset that it's missing, TBH.

[Bobbyjoe766]

I'm glad the DC (2003/10 cuts) exists - simply for the additional footage.

The ideal cut of ALIEN is still the original 1979 version.

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by The Beast Within

Yup, which is why I was pretty disappointed by the lack of DC on the Alien 4K disc. I tend to go theatrical with all the alien films I watch these days anyway but would have been great to have these be 'definitive' sets. My blu rays won't be going anywhere.

Ouch. No DC or whatever people want to call it on this 4K release? I’m probably out then. It’s my preferred cut and the subtle changes are excellent, IMO.

Why is this so hard for them to get this stuff right? UHD is supposed to be the pinnacle of home video as a format and they keep screwing these things up. Unbelievable.

Originally Posted by Bobbyjoe766

I'm glad the DC (2003/10 cuts) exists - simply for the additional footage.

The ideal cut of ALIEN is still the original 1979 version.

I disagree, the DC or EC is better IMO.

[Bobbyjoe766]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Ouch. No DC or whatever people want to call it on this 4K release? I’m probably out then. It’s my preferred cut and the subtle changes are excellent, IMO.

Why is this so hard for them to get this stuff right? UHD is supposed to be the pinnacle of home video as a format and they keep screwing these things up. Unbelievable.



I disagree, the DC or EC is better IMO.

I wouldn't have a problem with the DC if the bonus footage (except the cocoon scene) were just dropped in - without all the edits/trims made to the film.

The scene with Dallas and the ship's master computer ("What are my chances?") was a mistake to drop.

The speedier pace for the DC doesn't work as well as the 1979 edit, IMO.

[FLIR]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Ouch. No DC or whatever people want to call it on this 4K release? I’m probably out then. It’s my preferred cut and the subtle changes are excellent, IMO.

Why is this so hard for them to get this stuff right? UHD is supposed to be the pinnacle of home video as a format and they keep screwing these things up. Unbelievable.



I disagree, the DC or EC is better IMO.

Exactly!

The DC of Alien with the additional scenes is (imo) a better movie. Those two additional scenes are essential:

1. The "acoustical beacon scene" is extremely atmospheric and immersive. And the first half of Alien is all about atmosphere!

2. The "egg morphing scene" on the other hand is so evocative and haunting. It gives the whole movie a nightmarish and poetic quality. The whole story gets on a new level. Without it it’s just a creature killing off one after another - thats quite dull and unimaginative.

Alien is my favorite movie (along with "The Seventh Seal" from Bergman); I have watched it 30-40 times and even watched both the TC and the DC together occasional. The best thing (imo) would be a "Final Cut" with some of the longer, more atmospheric sequences from the TC and the additional scenes from the DC. I think almost all people would prefer such a "Final Cut"...

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by FLIR

Exactly!

The DC of Alien with the additional scenes is (imo) a better movie. Those two additional scenes are essential:

1. The "acoustical beacon scene" is extremely atmospheric and immersive. And the first half of Alien is all about atmosphere!

2. The "egg morphing scene" on the other hand is so evocative and haunting. It gives the whole movie a nightmarish and poetic quality. The whole story gets on a new level. Without it it’s just a creature killing off one after another - thats quite dull and unimaginative.

Alien is my favorite movie (along with "The Seventh Seal" from Bergman); I have watched it 30-40 times and even watched both the TC and the DC together occasional. The best thing (imo) would be a "Final Cut" with some of the longer, more atmospheric sequences from the TC and the additional scenes from the DC. I think almost all people would prefer such a "Final Cut"...

Yep. There is ZERO reason why they couldnt include both cuts. Just none. Ugh. So bummed now. I dont think Ill be buying this after all. The blu-ray isnt the best but it'll have to do until they do this right.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Agent Kay

A lot of love and work went into conceiving Hitler also

Dude...at least Hitler's parents didn't intentionally create a monster, whereas the dilberts who did T2's "remaster" knew exactly what they were doing.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Kakihara

So now the Blade Runner UHD is bad after having been praised?

It is, but not for any of the reasons you quoted

[OutOfBoose]

Shame about the alternative cut.

But at least we have it in great quality on blu-ray. Some films don't have even that.

[heinzw]

What is so bad about the BR UHD? Genuinely curious as I thought it looked pretty good.

[DR Herbert West]

Originally Posted by heinzw

What is so bad about the BR UHD? Genuinely curious as I thought it looked pretty good.

Poor compression, and it's missing the 2007 Final Cut audio mix.

[dallywhitty]

Originally Posted by Agent Kay

A lot of love and work went into conceiving Hitler also

I giggled.

[FLIR]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Yep. There is ZERO reason why they couldnt include both cuts. Just none. Ugh. So bummed now. I dont think Ill be buying this after all. The blu-ray isnt the best but it'll have to do until they do this right.

Yes, it wouldn't be that much additional work to master the DC in 4K. Almost all scenes are identical (only 1-2 sec. shorter). Why did they introduce the DC, if they drop it now? We (the fans) bought all those Blu-Rays and DVDs over the years and learned to appreciate the DC.

They could even sell an "all cuts" edition, or some kind of luxury "Special Edition" (with some cover that can actually be called "artwork"). But I guess they make more money with selling kitschy plastic alien figures nowadays or smartphone games, than with selling the actual movies...

BTW:

I see that you have also got an OLED. When I bought my OLED two years ago I was mainly thinking about watching a future Alien UHD with perfect black levels. And when I finally saw the Blade Runner UHD, I started "dreaming" about how Alien would look in 4K HDR. The Blade Runner UHD looks absolutely stunning on an OLED, perfect inky blacks, I hope Alien comes close.

One question: You wrote "The blu-ray isnt the best". I always thought that the Alien Blu-Ray is very good. The only downside are the "altering" black levels. You can instantly spot if something is 0/0/0 black or slightly above when watching on an OLED. And sometimes (for example the "2001 shot" with the planetary system) the black background is slightly elevated in the Blu-Ray version and those near-black "grey" tends to be "bandy" and ugly on OLEDs. I hope they got rid of those elevated blacks for the UHD.

[lgans316]

I am in 2 minds. Got the fully loaded Alien-Promotheus Blu-ray Boxset for £9.99.

The BD of Alien looks pretty good to me. The UHD has to be super special like Blade Runner or 2001 ASO to warrant a purchase.

I have no idea both DC and Theatrical cuts can't be featured on the UHD. The shafting of consumers continues with UHD just like its predecessors.

[Agent Kay]

Originally Posted by DR Herbert West

Poor compression, and it's missing the 2007 Final Cut audio mix.

and frozen grain and only one choice of cut and more!

[cgpublic]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Ouch. No DC or whatever people want to call it on this 4K release? I’m probably out then. It’s my preferred cut and the subtle changes are excellent, IMO.

Why is this so hard for them to get this stuff right? UHD is supposed to be the pinnacle of home video as a format and they keep screwing these things up. Unbelievable.

My thought is the DC will be available in 4K HDR by purchasing/redeeming the digital release.

[FLIR]

Originally Posted by lgans316

I am in 2 minds. Got the fully loaded Alien-Promotheus Blu-ray Boxset for £9.99.

The BD of Alien looks pretty good to me. The UHD has to be super special like Blade Runner or 2001 ASO to warrant a purchase.

I have no idea both DC and Theatrical cuts can't be featured on the UHD. The shafting of consumers continues with UHD just like its predecessors.

May I ask you a question:

The Alien UHD will support HDR10+ and not Dolby Vision. You have got an LG C8 OLED and the Panasonic UB820 (Dolby Vision/HDR10+).

LG OLEDs have no HDR10+ support. Can the UB820 "convert" HDR10+ to Dolby Vision for the LG OLED?

I ask because I have also got an LG OLED (C7 with DV) and dont know how I will be able to watch the Alien UHD (HDR10+).

[Jimllfaxit]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

the wire tugging the buoy at the beginning was erased, ships visible in the background when the Orca is at sea were also erased.

I was disappointed that they removed the wire. I always remember it. It was part of my childhood. Jaws just isn't the same for me now.

[lgans316]

Originally Posted by FLIR

May I ask you a question:

The Alien UHD will support HDR10+ and not Dolby Vision. You have got an LG C8 OLED and the Panasonic UB820 (Dolby Vision/HDR10+).

LG OLEDs have no HDR10+ support. Can the UB820 "convert" HDR10+ to Dolby Vision for the LG OLED?

I ask because I have also got an LG OLED (C7 with DV) and dont know how I will be able to watch the Alien UHD (HDR10+).

I doubt it. On my player, got both formats + HDR optimiser Turned ON. Never bothered to check what it was internally doing with HDR10+. With DV, the DV flashes up on my LG on the top right hand corner. DV looks nice most of the times besides couple of Netflix programmes which appears to have some metadata errors.

If HDR10+ or DV is not supported by your TV then it will default to HDR10.

[singhcr]

Originally Posted by FLIR

May I ask you a question:

The Alien UHD will support HDR10+ and not Dolby Vision. You have got an LG C8 OLED and the Panasonic UB820 (Dolby Vision/HDR10+).

LG OLEDs have no HDR10+ support. Can the UB820 "convert" HDR10+ to Dolby Vision for the LG OLED?

I ask because I have also got an LG OLED (C7 with DV) and dont know how I will be able to watch the Alien UHD (HDR10+).

HDR10 is a mandatory feature of the UHD spec. If you cannot play HDR10+, Dolby Vision, etc, you can always play it in HDR10. Not to worry.