Review: Alien³ [2003 Special Edition]

I've been watching the Special Edition of Alien 3 for the first time, and am of the opinion that its a really pretty good film.
There is an extra 30 mins or so, and I was anticipating alot of extra footage including extra character development (of which there is plenty, especially the minor characters such as Paul McGann's), but what I wasnt expecting was that some of the cinematic release stuff has been replaced - one notable example being that in the original 92 version the Alien bursts from a dog. In the new (2003) cut it is an Ox, with a whole sequence filmed including some CGI (which is ok looking, although not up to modern standards).

This is a film that I always liked, or at least liked the idea of, with some very strong acting but equally can see why it was slated on release - this newer cut makes up for some of that.

At 2 hrs 24 long its a little slow in places, but overall very worth a watch.

The book was actually quite a good airport read. Not very accessible if you hadn't seen both the prequels though.

Agreed, i liked how they took the alien saga to a completely different setting. definitely one of the underrated movies out there!

You've made me go and pull it off the shelf for a re-watch now.

Always thought this was the best of the bunch, maybe I need to get hold of th especial edition versions

When I seen it at the cinema I wasnt impressed at all by it as it didnt really follow the book that well. On the other side of things though, I watched the special edition version when I got the Alien Quadrilogy and really enjoyed it. They managed to fix the film and it follows the book more closely. Has more depth, and the extra chunk where they actually manage to trap it then one of the inmates frees it was welcome.

I've never actually seen the special edition so after this heads up I'm looking forward to it now. I always liked A3, it had a more 'gritty' feel to it than the others almost a hark back to the original. That's not to say A2 isn't still one of my all time favorite 80's action flix of course! Granted some of the CGI was a little bit 'meh' but it was done well enough to be forgiveable for its time.

Having picked the bluray boxset up over xmas, I have to say I was massively suprised how well the special effects have held up over time - as you say, they arent perfect, but in context and considering how old they are now, theyre actually pretty good!

I really enjoyed the spedicial edition cuts as well, they just make the films feel more like I always wanted them to be :)

Plus the HD remasters are stunning!