All DVD Reviews [16] DVD Review - Last Updated - Thursday, August 8, 2002
Disc Details

A

Alien
Aliens
Alien 3
Alien Resurrection

D

Dinosaur

G

Gone In 60 Seconds

H

Hollow Man

M

Mummy Returns, The Special Edition

P

Pitch Black

R

Resident Evil (Import)

S

Saving Private Ryan
Shawshank Redemtpion, The

T

The Cell
Tomb Raider

X

X-Men

V

Vertical Limit

Features

Scene Access
Original Theatrical Trailer
James Cameron Interview
Behind the scenes footage
Photo gallery

Language:
English 5.1

Menu:
English

Aspect Ratio:
1.85:1

Sound Tracks
N/A

Region:
2 UK & Europe

Running Time:
128 Minutes

DVD Media:
{TypeDisc}

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Aliens

Tomb Raider could well have been an inspired look into the conception of a female hero probably aided by films like Aliens. If you picture a woman who can handle herself in a room full of grunts, blow up drooling aliens and still have time to take care of a shy girl, then you have what could be acclaimed as one of the best sequels ever. What makes this sequel so great is that it surpasses its original in the many ways you won't forget. The first Alien movie was inexplicably a very big hit in 1978, who would have though a sequel could wait any longer than 7 years later for a 1985 massive return. Aliens is that sequel you wanted and have.

The Ripley character, begins as a city woman, no concern, but a survivor of a terrible ordeal which occurred in Alien. She returns in Aliens to prove to the board that the planet she escapes is ridden with a predator which is unstoppable, and the planet must be destroyed. The story, including the aliens having acid for blood and they lay eggs inside the host is disregarded by the board. However her knowledge is needed as a disaster occurs on the planet - now known to be inhabited by colonies - Ripley must be sent in to stop them with a team from the military.

Video Quality

The film was produced on a high definition master, although there are small grain artefacts most of the picture is free from enhancements which are over powering. The black level is very good, if indeed the grain is noticeable. The colour and depth of field is also very nice to see.
By toady's standards it isn't great, however for its age it has been remastered pretty well. Most of the textures are more well defined, and a lot of detail has been retrieved. The last video format I saw this on was VHS and the difference is amazing. The aspect ratio is a very good 1.85.1, this is backed by a good THX certificate.

The lighting of most of the scenes give it a very dark and unfamiliar feel, the enclosed camera angles and the unique way Cameron uses a 1st person viewpoint is truly inspiring. The special effects have all been enhanced.

Audio Quality

While the remastered sound track is deeply chilling, there are some aspects to the quality of the sound which don't sound truly impressive. There is a noticeable trace of distortion, the same could be said about most films of this age. The surround sound Dolby Digital gives a great sense of presence and atmosphere, not quite used to full benefit.

There is a lot of kick and impact to the sound track, although not much music, sound effects and weaponry give of that authentic feel.

Extras

There is plenty of nice menus, the directors cut is good and the behind the scenes footage is really entertaining to watch. There is a full package of extras, but no ROM.

 

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Scores: (Max 5)

This DVD Was Viewed Using LG DVD 4950, Kenwood KRF-V5050, Mission 701 & m7C1& Sony KV-32FX20 or PlayStation 2, Kenwood KAF-3030R, Eltax LR 6.5 & Sanyo C21EF25NB

 

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