- Internet Fanedit Database
- Fanedit Listings
- FanFix
- Aliens - Refined
Aliens - Refined
Updated
Faneditor Name:
Original Movie/Show Title:
Genre:
Franchise:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
1986
Original Running Time:
154 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
149 minutes
Time Cut:
5 minutes
Time Added:
0 minutes
Subtitles Available:
Available In:
- HD
- Surround Sound
Additional Links:
Synopsis:
A sympathetic visual upgrade to correct goofs and update any effects which are showing their age a bit. A few of the scenes added for the special edition which I found redundant have been removed.
Intention:
Aliens had already had a few VFX and editing changes made when it was released on Blu ray. Inspired by the likes of Adywan and Krausfader, I wanted to take this process further and fix as many of the goofs that have become apparent with repeat viewings as I could and update any VFX showing their age. My aim was to do this in a sympathetic manner, faithful to the original intent of the film makers. Ideally, someone watching the film for the first time wont even notice any of me edits but thise familiar with the film will appreciate a more immersive viewing experience.
I have also made some narrative changes, using the special edition as my starting point, I've removed some of the additional scenes I feel didn't add significantly to the experience
I have also made some narrative changes, using the special edition as my starting point, I've removed some of the additional scenes I feel didn't add significantly to the experience
Additional Notes:
Version 2 now released featuring a small number of additional fixes and surround sound.
Special Thanks:
AriochRN for his feedback and suggestions.
Bored at 3:00AM for his feedback and providing a subtitle file.
The Scribbling Man for his feedback and invaluable guidance and help with AI frame interporlation.
Bored at 3:00AM for his feedback and providing a subtitle file.
The Scribbling Man for his feedback and invaluable guidance and help with AI frame interporlation.
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
Director's commentary
Editing Details:
I used a combination of DaVinci Resolve, After Effects and Paint.net for visual changes. I had a list of scenes in my head that I wanted to change before I started but a combination of online research and going through the film with a fine tooth comb generated a full list of changes I wanted to make. For each edit I made, it was a case of reviewing and making incremental changes until I was satisfied with the final result.
Cuts and Additions:
Narrative edits:
I've left the scene on Hadley's Hope where Simpson and Lyedecker discuss the order to check the grid reference but have removed the scene where the Jordans encounter the derelict. I feel this scene is good world building without directly spoiling the upcoming Alien outbreak
I've removed the scene where Hudson brags about the marines firepower on the dropship. Other scenes establish the arrogance of the marines and as much as I absolutely adore Bill Paxton's over the top performance as Hudson, this scene just goes too far for me and is just a bit obnoxious and annoying.
Removed the scene where Hudson and Vasquez pick up a signal while exploring the complex and discover a hamster. I find this scenes kills the momentum and gradual build up dread rather than adding to it.
Removed the scene where Hudson compares the aliens to an ant hive and the possible presence of a queen. This just seems to on the nose.
Trimmed the scene where Ripley and Hicks exchange names as she prepares to rescue Newt. As she turns he simply tells her to not be long. He calls her Ellen but I think it's reasonable to assume that he was given her full name as part of the mission debrief and choosing to call her by her first name implies a degree of intimacy. I agree with many that this chat kills the momentum of this part of the film when Ripley is rushing to rescue Newt however I think it's reasonable to assume that Ripley is terrified at this point so a bit of hesitation is understandable and this is the last time these 2 fantastic characters are ever going to interact, I couldn't stand to cut it completely.
I have also made available versions of the edit which are exactly the same as the Theatrical and Special Editions while incorporating all of the visual upgrades.
Colour correction throughout to reduce the teal overkill introduced for the Blu ray release. This is not a recreation of the original theatrical release colour timing but somewhere between the two.
Added fan edit disclaimer at the start
Visual changes:
Reduced Ripley's eye flicker when she's in the hypersleep pod at the start
Added flashing lights to the Gateway Station matte painting
Adjusted the close up of Parkers photo during the inquest to better match subsequent views of it
Added Hudsons name to the digital roll call on the Sulaco
Adjusted the background of the scene as the hypersleep pods open to disguise the damaged mirror used to extent the set
Added an extra hypereep pod as Apone walks up the chamber to disguise the shortened set
During Bishops knife trick scene, edited to reduce flickering caused by the sped up footage, removed the scratches on the table and calmed down Apone's wild head movements.
Edited the fade between the matte painting and live action element during the pan in the Sulaco hanger to better integrate them. In the same shot edited the matte paiting on the left of the screen which shows Drake frozen in place and removed Hicks who appears from nowhere.
Disguised the exposed set rafters visible as Spunkmeyer loads a missile into the dropship.
Colour corrected blue screen shots of Ripley in the power loader, tidied up some of the matte lines and removed some of the cables trailing from the power loader
Colour corrected nearly all blue screen shots of the dropship to improve their integration with the background footage.
Removed any visible wires during the live action model dropship shots
Special edition only: slightly rejigged scene order during Hudsons speech to disguise as much as possible Hicks switching between being asleep and awake.
As the APC drives towards the south lock removed the crew member visible peering over the building model
Added some bullet damage when Drake fires into the ceiling when Newt first emerges
Added blinking lights to the atmospheric processor as the APC drives into it.
When Frost is set ser on fire and tumbles down the stairwell removed the crew member foot which is briefly visible.
Removed any visible wires on the Alien stunt performers.
Removed any times the ammo belts on the smart guns are visible (only present when the guns are required to fire blanks) and any visible ejecting cartridges.
Closed Gormans eyes when he is knocked out by the falling cases in the APC
Added fire element to the side of the APC as it runs over the alien
Added hole to the window of the APC as it drives along the corridor after it was smashed by the alien.
Colour corrected the projection screen during the dropship crash scene to better match the foreground element.
Changed the smartgun ammo count from 500 to 490 to take into account the test shots fired when the guns were set up.
During the second smart gun scene replaced the recycled footage of Aliens being shot in the hive with footage repurposed from later in the film and the back ground replaced with shots of the corridor.
Adjusted the shot of the favehugger jumping onto Ripley to hide the jump cut (this had already been improved significantly for the Blu ray but I've tweaked it further to completely hide it)
Altered shots or Hudson shooting wildly into the ceiling and then from the hip immediately after in the next shot
During the shootout in operations and the ducts, removed any visible ejecting cases (the pulse rifles are supposed to fire futuristic caseles ammunition)
Removed any visible wires/harnesses on the aliens
Removed the wires lifting the alien's tail as it rises up behind Newt
Added burns and smoke to Hicks' face in the elevator to match injuries visible in later scenes.
Added barrel holes to any shots where stunt pulse rifle used and blocked end is visible.
Changed pulse rifle ammo counter from 42 to 95 as Ripley goes down in the elevator
Added flamethower pilot light to any scenes in the hive where it is not present until Ripley leaves the queen's chamber.
Disguised the exposed armature in the neck of the aline queen and the 'hollow' parts of her head just after Ripley first fires her flamethower.
Removed any visible explosive charges in the egg sac
Slightly tweaked the Alien Queen puppet which stays very still as Ripley and Newt prepare to leave the hive (would have liked to do more to this one if I'm honest but couldn't get it quite right)
Colour corrected the rear projection shots of Ripley and Newt as the atmospheric processor burns
Tweaked the dropship as it rises up behind Ripley and Newt to make it look less like a background element
Added a second engine light and tweaked the matte artifacts on the drop ship as it flies up to the Sulaco
Removed wire visible as the Queen's tail pierces Bishop
Removed any visible wires during the Queen power loader fight.
Restored the power loader light so it no longer shatters as it tumbles into the airlock.
Replaced the missing tip of the Queen's tail as it lies at the bottom of the airlock
Replaced airlock visible under the Sulaco as the queen falls into space to better match the live action set.
Calmed down the animation of the Queens arms as she falls into space
Added moving film grain to disguise the use of a still image of Ripley and Newt in their hypersleep chambers as the film fades to black.
I've left the scene on Hadley's Hope where Simpson and Lyedecker discuss the order to check the grid reference but have removed the scene where the Jordans encounter the derelict. I feel this scene is good world building without directly spoiling the upcoming Alien outbreak
I've removed the scene where Hudson brags about the marines firepower on the dropship. Other scenes establish the arrogance of the marines and as much as I absolutely adore Bill Paxton's over the top performance as Hudson, this scene just goes too far for me and is just a bit obnoxious and annoying.
Removed the scene where Hudson and Vasquez pick up a signal while exploring the complex and discover a hamster. I find this scenes kills the momentum and gradual build up dread rather than adding to it.
Removed the scene where Hudson compares the aliens to an ant hive and the possible presence of a queen. This just seems to on the nose.
Trimmed the scene where Ripley and Hicks exchange names as she prepares to rescue Newt. As she turns he simply tells her to not be long. He calls her Ellen but I think it's reasonable to assume that he was given her full name as part of the mission debrief and choosing to call her by her first name implies a degree of intimacy. I agree with many that this chat kills the momentum of this part of the film when Ripley is rushing to rescue Newt however I think it's reasonable to assume that Ripley is terrified at this point so a bit of hesitation is understandable and this is the last time these 2 fantastic characters are ever going to interact, I couldn't stand to cut it completely.
I have also made available versions of the edit which are exactly the same as the Theatrical and Special Editions while incorporating all of the visual upgrades.
Colour correction throughout to reduce the teal overkill introduced for the Blu ray release. This is not a recreation of the original theatrical release colour timing but somewhere between the two.
Added fan edit disclaimer at the start
Visual changes:
Reduced Ripley's eye flicker when she's in the hypersleep pod at the start
Added flashing lights to the Gateway Station matte painting
Adjusted the close up of Parkers photo during the inquest to better match subsequent views of it
Added Hudsons name to the digital roll call on the Sulaco
Adjusted the background of the scene as the hypersleep pods open to disguise the damaged mirror used to extent the set
Added an extra hypereep pod as Apone walks up the chamber to disguise the shortened set
During Bishops knife trick scene, edited to reduce flickering caused by the sped up footage, removed the scratches on the table and calmed down Apone's wild head movements.
Edited the fade between the matte painting and live action element during the pan in the Sulaco hanger to better integrate them. In the same shot edited the matte paiting on the left of the screen which shows Drake frozen in place and removed Hicks who appears from nowhere.
Disguised the exposed set rafters visible as Spunkmeyer loads a missile into the dropship.
Colour corrected blue screen shots of Ripley in the power loader, tidied up some of the matte lines and removed some of the cables trailing from the power loader
Colour corrected nearly all blue screen shots of the dropship to improve their integration with the background footage.
Removed any visible wires during the live action model dropship shots
Special edition only: slightly rejigged scene order during Hudsons speech to disguise as much as possible Hicks switching between being asleep and awake.
As the APC drives towards the south lock removed the crew member visible peering over the building model
Added some bullet damage when Drake fires into the ceiling when Newt first emerges
Added blinking lights to the atmospheric processor as the APC drives into it.
When Frost is set ser on fire and tumbles down the stairwell removed the crew member foot which is briefly visible.
Removed any visible wires on the Alien stunt performers.
Removed any times the ammo belts on the smart guns are visible (only present when the guns are required to fire blanks) and any visible ejecting cartridges.
Closed Gormans eyes when he is knocked out by the falling cases in the APC
Added fire element to the side of the APC as it runs over the alien
Added hole to the window of the APC as it drives along the corridor after it was smashed by the alien.
Colour corrected the projection screen during the dropship crash scene to better match the foreground element.
Changed the smartgun ammo count from 500 to 490 to take into account the test shots fired when the guns were set up.
During the second smart gun scene replaced the recycled footage of Aliens being shot in the hive with footage repurposed from later in the film and the back ground replaced with shots of the corridor.
Adjusted the shot of the favehugger jumping onto Ripley to hide the jump cut (this had already been improved significantly for the Blu ray but I've tweaked it further to completely hide it)
Altered shots or Hudson shooting wildly into the ceiling and then from the hip immediately after in the next shot
During the shootout in operations and the ducts, removed any visible ejecting cases (the pulse rifles are supposed to fire futuristic caseles ammunition)
Removed any visible wires/harnesses on the aliens
Removed the wires lifting the alien's tail as it rises up behind Newt
Added burns and smoke to Hicks' face in the elevator to match injuries visible in later scenes.
Added barrel holes to any shots where stunt pulse rifle used and blocked end is visible.
Changed pulse rifle ammo counter from 42 to 95 as Ripley goes down in the elevator
Added flamethower pilot light to any scenes in the hive where it is not present until Ripley leaves the queen's chamber.
Disguised the exposed armature in the neck of the aline queen and the 'hollow' parts of her head just after Ripley first fires her flamethower.
Removed any visible explosive charges in the egg sac
Slightly tweaked the Alien Queen puppet which stays very still as Ripley and Newt prepare to leave the hive (would have liked to do more to this one if I'm honest but couldn't get it quite right)
Colour corrected the rear projection shots of Ripley and Newt as the atmospheric processor burns
Tweaked the dropship as it rises up behind Ripley and Newt to make it look less like a background element
Added a second engine light and tweaked the matte artifacts on the drop ship as it flies up to the Sulaco
Removed wire visible as the Queen's tail pierces Bishop
Removed any visible wires during the Queen power loader fight.
Restored the power loader light so it no longer shatters as it tumbles into the airlock.
Replaced the missing tip of the Queen's tail as it lies at the bottom of the airlock
Replaced airlock visible under the Sulaco as the queen falls into space to better match the live action set.
Calmed down the animation of the Queens arms as she falls into space
Added moving film grain to disguise the use of a still image of Ripley and Newt in their hypersleep chambers as the film fades to black.
Faneditor Name:
Original Movie/Show Title:
Genre:
Franchise:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
1986
Original Running Time:
154 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
149 minutes
Time Cut:
5 minutes
Time Added:
0 minutes
Subtitles Available:
Available In:
- HD
- Surround Sound
Additional Links:
Synopsis:
A sympathetic visual upgrade to correct goofs and update any effects which are showing their age a bit. A few of the scenes added for the special edition which I found redundant have been removed.
Intention:
Aliens had already had a few VFX and editing changes made when it was released on Blu ray. Inspired by the likes of Adywan and Krausfader, I wanted to take this process further and fix as many of the goofs that have become apparent with repeat viewings as I could and update any VFX showing their age. My aim was to do this in a sympathetic manner, faithful to the original intent of the film makers. Ideally, someone watching the film for the first time wont even notice any of me edits but thise familiar with the film will appreciate a more immersive viewing experience.
I have also made some narrative changes, using the special edition as my starting point, I've removed some of the additional scenes I feel didn't add significantly to the experience
I have also made some narrative changes, using the special edition as my starting point, I've removed some of the additional scenes I feel didn't add significantly to the experience
Additional Notes:
Version 2 now released featuring a small number of additional fixes and surround sound.
Special Thanks:
AriochRN for his feedback and suggestions.
Bored at 3:00AM for his feedback and providing a subtitle file.
The Scribbling Man for his feedback and invaluable guidance and help with AI frame interporlation.
Bored at 3:00AM for his feedback and providing a subtitle file.
The Scribbling Man for his feedback and invaluable guidance and help with AI frame interporlation.
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
Director's commentary
Editing Details:
I used a combination of DaVinci Resolve, After Effects and Paint.net for visual changes. I had a list of scenes in my head that I wanted to change before I started but a combination of online research and going through the film with a fine tooth comb generated a full list of changes I wanted to make. For each edit I made, it was a case of reviewing and making incremental changes until I was satisfied with the final result.
Cuts and Additions:
Narrative edits:
I've left the scene on Hadley's Hope where Simpson and Lyedecker discuss the order to check the grid reference but have removed the scene where the Jordans encounter the derelict. I feel this scene is good world building without directly spoiling the upcoming Alien outbreak
I've removed the scene where Hudson brags about the marines firepower on the dropship. Other scenes establish the arrogance of the marines and as much as I absolutely adore Bill Paxton's over the top performance as Hudson, this scene just goes too far for me and is just a bit obnoxious and annoying.
Removed the scene where Hudson and Vasquez pick up a signal while exploring the complex and discover a hamster. I find this scenes kills the momentum and gradual build up dread rather than adding to it.
Removed the scene where Hudson compares the aliens to an ant hive and the possible presence of a queen. This just seems to on the nose.
Trimmed the scene where Ripley and Hicks exchange names as she prepares to rescue Newt. As she turns he simply tells her to not be long. He calls her Ellen but I think it's reasonable to assume that he was given her full name as part of the mission debrief and choosing to call her by her first name implies a degree of intimacy. I agree with many that this chat kills the momentum of this part of the film when Ripley is rushing to rescue Newt however I think it's reasonable to assume that Ripley is terrified at this point so a bit of hesitation is understandable and this is the last time these 2 fantastic characters are ever going to interact, I couldn't stand to cut it completely.
I have also made available versions of the edit which are exactly the same as the Theatrical and Special Editions while incorporating all of the visual upgrades.
Colour correction throughout to reduce the teal overkill introduced for the Blu ray release. This is not a recreation of the original theatrical release colour timing but somewhere between the two.
Added fan edit disclaimer at the start
Visual changes:
Reduced Ripley's eye flicker when she's in the hypersleep pod at the start
Added flashing lights to the Gateway Station matte painting
Adjusted the close up of Parkers photo during the inquest to better match subsequent views of it
Added Hudsons name to the digital roll call on the Sulaco
Adjusted the background of the scene as the hypersleep pods open to disguise the damaged mirror used to extent the set
Added an extra hypereep pod as Apone walks up the chamber to disguise the shortened set
During Bishops knife trick scene, edited to reduce flickering caused by the sped up footage, removed the scratches on the table and calmed down Apone's wild head movements.
Edited the fade between the matte painting and live action element during the pan in the Sulaco hanger to better integrate them. In the same shot edited the matte paiting on the left of the screen which shows Drake frozen in place and removed Hicks who appears from nowhere.
Disguised the exposed set rafters visible as Spunkmeyer loads a missile into the dropship.
Colour corrected blue screen shots of Ripley in the power loader, tidied up some of the matte lines and removed some of the cables trailing from the power loader
Colour corrected nearly all blue screen shots of the dropship to improve their integration with the background footage.
Removed any visible wires during the live action model dropship shots
Special edition only: slightly rejigged scene order during Hudsons speech to disguise as much as possible Hicks switching between being asleep and awake.
As the APC drives towards the south lock removed the crew member visible peering over the building model
Added some bullet damage when Drake fires into the ceiling when Newt first emerges
Added blinking lights to the atmospheric processor as the APC drives into it.
When Frost is set ser on fire and tumbles down the stairwell removed the crew member foot which is briefly visible.
Removed any visible wires on the Alien stunt performers.
Removed any times the ammo belts on the smart guns are visible (only present when the guns are required to fire blanks) and any visible ejecting cartridges.
Closed Gormans eyes when he is knocked out by the falling cases in the APC
Added fire element to the side of the APC as it runs over the alien
Added hole to the window of the APC as it drives along the corridor after it was smashed by the alien.
Colour corrected the projection screen during the dropship crash scene to better match the foreground element.
Changed the smartgun ammo count from 500 to 490 to take into account the test shots fired when the guns were set up.
During the second smart gun scene replaced the recycled footage of Aliens being shot in the hive with footage repurposed from later in the film and the back ground replaced with shots of the corridor.
Adjusted the shot of the favehugger jumping onto Ripley to hide the jump cut (this had already been improved significantly for the Blu ray but I've tweaked it further to completely hide it)
Altered shots or Hudson shooting wildly into the ceiling and then from the hip immediately after in the next shot
During the shootout in operations and the ducts, removed any visible ejecting cases (the pulse rifles are supposed to fire futuristic caseles ammunition)
Removed any visible wires/harnesses on the aliens
Removed the wires lifting the alien's tail as it rises up behind Newt
Added burns and smoke to Hicks' face in the elevator to match injuries visible in later scenes.
Added barrel holes to any shots where stunt pulse rifle used and blocked end is visible.
Changed pulse rifle ammo counter from 42 to 95 as Ripley goes down in the elevator
Added flamethower pilot light to any scenes in the hive where it is not present until Ripley leaves the queen's chamber.
Disguised the exposed armature in the neck of the aline queen and the 'hollow' parts of her head just after Ripley first fires her flamethower.
Removed any visible explosive charges in the egg sac
Slightly tweaked the Alien Queen puppet which stays very still as Ripley and Newt prepare to leave the hive (would have liked to do more to this one if I'm honest but couldn't get it quite right)
Colour corrected the rear projection shots of Ripley and Newt as the atmospheric processor burns
Tweaked the dropship as it rises up behind Ripley and Newt to make it look less like a background element
Added a second engine light and tweaked the matte artifacts on the drop ship as it flies up to the Sulaco
Removed wire visible as the Queen's tail pierces Bishop
Removed any visible wires during the Queen power loader fight.
Restored the power loader light so it no longer shatters as it tumbles into the airlock.
Replaced the missing tip of the Queen's tail as it lies at the bottom of the airlock
Replaced airlock visible under the Sulaco as the queen falls into space to better match the live action set.
Calmed down the animation of the Queens arms as she falls into space
Added moving film grain to disguise the use of a still image of Ripley and Newt in their hypersleep chambers as the film fades to black.
I've left the scene on Hadley's Hope where Simpson and Lyedecker discuss the order to check the grid reference but have removed the scene where the Jordans encounter the derelict. I feel this scene is good world building without directly spoiling the upcoming Alien outbreak
I've removed the scene where Hudson brags about the marines firepower on the dropship. Other scenes establish the arrogance of the marines and as much as I absolutely adore Bill Paxton's over the top performance as Hudson, this scene just goes too far for me and is just a bit obnoxious and annoying.
Removed the scene where Hudson and Vasquez pick up a signal while exploring the complex and discover a hamster. I find this scenes kills the momentum and gradual build up dread rather than adding to it.
Removed the scene where Hudson compares the aliens to an ant hive and the possible presence of a queen. This just seems to on the nose.
Trimmed the scene where Ripley and Hicks exchange names as she prepares to rescue Newt. As she turns he simply tells her to not be long. He calls her Ellen but I think it's reasonable to assume that he was given her full name as part of the mission debrief and choosing to call her by her first name implies a degree of intimacy. I agree with many that this chat kills the momentum of this part of the film when Ripley is rushing to rescue Newt however I think it's reasonable to assume that Ripley is terrified at this point so a bit of hesitation is understandable and this is the last time these 2 fantastic characters are ever going to interact, I couldn't stand to cut it completely.
I have also made available versions of the edit which are exactly the same as the Theatrical and Special Editions while incorporating all of the visual upgrades.
Colour correction throughout to reduce the teal overkill introduced for the Blu ray release. This is not a recreation of the original theatrical release colour timing but somewhere between the two.
Added fan edit disclaimer at the start
Visual changes:
Reduced Ripley's eye flicker when she's in the hypersleep pod at the start
Added flashing lights to the Gateway Station matte painting
Adjusted the close up of Parkers photo during the inquest to better match subsequent views of it
Added Hudsons name to the digital roll call on the Sulaco
Adjusted the background of the scene as the hypersleep pods open to disguise the damaged mirror used to extent the set
Added an extra hypereep pod as Apone walks up the chamber to disguise the shortened set
During Bishops knife trick scene, edited to reduce flickering caused by the sped up footage, removed the scratches on the table and calmed down Apone's wild head movements.
Edited the fade between the matte painting and live action element during the pan in the Sulaco hanger to better integrate them. In the same shot edited the matte paiting on the left of the screen which shows Drake frozen in place and removed Hicks who appears from nowhere.
Disguised the exposed set rafters visible as Spunkmeyer loads a missile into the dropship.
Colour corrected blue screen shots of Ripley in the power loader, tidied up some of the matte lines and removed some of the cables trailing from the power loader
Colour corrected nearly all blue screen shots of the dropship to improve their integration with the background footage.
Removed any visible wires during the live action model dropship shots
Special edition only: slightly rejigged scene order during Hudsons speech to disguise as much as possible Hicks switching between being asleep and awake.
As the APC drives towards the south lock removed the crew member visible peering over the building model
Added some bullet damage when Drake fires into the ceiling when Newt first emerges
Added blinking lights to the atmospheric processor as the APC drives into it.
When Frost is set ser on fire and tumbles down the stairwell removed the crew member foot which is briefly visible.
Removed any visible wires on the Alien stunt performers.
Removed any times the ammo belts on the smart guns are visible (only present when the guns are required to fire blanks) and any visible ejecting cartridges.
Closed Gormans eyes when he is knocked out by the falling cases in the APC
Added fire element to the side of the APC as it runs over the alien
Added hole to the window of the APC as it drives along the corridor after it was smashed by the alien.
Colour corrected the projection screen during the dropship crash scene to better match the foreground element.
Changed the smartgun ammo count from 500 to 490 to take into account the test shots fired when the guns were set up.
During the second smart gun scene replaced the recycled footage of Aliens being shot in the hive with footage repurposed from later in the film and the back ground replaced with shots of the corridor.
Adjusted the shot of the favehugger jumping onto Ripley to hide the jump cut (this had already been improved significantly for the Blu ray but I've tweaked it further to completely hide it)
Altered shots or Hudson shooting wildly into the ceiling and then from the hip immediately after in the next shot
During the shootout in operations and the ducts, removed any visible ejecting cases (the pulse rifles are supposed to fire futuristic caseles ammunition)
Removed any visible wires/harnesses on the aliens
Removed the wires lifting the alien's tail as it rises up behind Newt
Added burns and smoke to Hicks' face in the elevator to match injuries visible in later scenes.
Added barrel holes to any shots where stunt pulse rifle used and blocked end is visible.
Changed pulse rifle ammo counter from 42 to 95 as Ripley goes down in the elevator
Added flamethower pilot light to any scenes in the hive where it is not present until Ripley leaves the queen's chamber.
Disguised the exposed armature in the neck of the aline queen and the 'hollow' parts of her head just after Ripley first fires her flamethower.
Removed any visible explosive charges in the egg sac
Slightly tweaked the Alien Queen puppet which stays very still as Ripley and Newt prepare to leave the hive (would have liked to do more to this one if I'm honest but couldn't get it quite right)
Colour corrected the rear projection shots of Ripley and Newt as the atmospheric processor burns
Tweaked the dropship as it rises up behind Ripley and Newt to make it look less like a background element
Added a second engine light and tweaked the matte artifacts on the drop ship as it flies up to the Sulaco
Removed wire visible as the Queen's tail pierces Bishop
Removed any visible wires during the Queen power loader fight.
Restored the power loader light so it no longer shatters as it tumbles into the airlock.
Replaced the missing tip of the Queen's tail as it lies at the bottom of the airlock
Replaced airlock visible under the Sulaco as the queen falls into space to better match the live action set.
Calmed down the animation of the Queens arms as she falls into space
Added moving film grain to disguise the use of a still image of Ripley and Newt in their hypersleep chambers as the film fades to black.
Trusted Reviewer reviews
2 reviews
Overall rating
9.7
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
9.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
8.0
This review is for the editor’s hybrid cut, blending the theatrical and special editions based on their preferences. And wow, I'm absolutely stunned that this is their first edit. They tackled some difficult VFX fixes, and they succeeded 100% in pulling them all off.
There’s really nothing that needs fixing IMO—other than redoing the audio in surround. This edit is an improvement of the originals in every way. My score of the visual work is a solid 9. I'd have scored it a 10 if the static grain on the new cryosleep roster (the one that adds Hudson) wasn’t so noticeable (that grain is not in the original; and grain should never be static, which breaks immersion of picky people). But coming from me, a very picky reviewer, getting a 9 is basically perfection.
My enjoyment score is at an 8, but mainly because I’d love to experience this with full surround sound. The stereo audio holds it back just a bit since the lack of an LFE channel means my subwoofer isn’t hitting in the right places. That said, the edit was done in Resolve, so I’m pretty sure all it would take is switching over the tracks and adjusting the bus in Fairlight to 5.1 for an easy re-render to surround. The only VFX that still look goofy/dated are some of the ships flying that were clearly just a bad cut-out pasted onto the screen. They've been improved by making them less overly sharpened, but the director, James Cameron, really dropped the ball on the total lack of "tracking" done in those few goofy VFX shots.
The audio transitions are seamless, and the visual quality is top-notch, with the original grain intact and no noticeable encoding artifacts. The release feels professional, a definitive version of the film (aside from the stereo audio). Seriously, how is this the editor's first project? This kind of talent off the bat is practically unheard of. Am I a little jealous? Yeah, probably.
All in all, I’m blown away. Seriously, thank you for this fantastic work.
There’s really nothing that needs fixing IMO—other than redoing the audio in surround. This edit is an improvement of the originals in every way. My score of the visual work is a solid 9. I'd have scored it a 10 if the static grain on the new cryosleep roster (the one that adds Hudson) wasn’t so noticeable (that grain is not in the original; and grain should never be static, which breaks immersion of picky people). But coming from me, a very picky reviewer, getting a 9 is basically perfection.
My enjoyment score is at an 8, but mainly because I’d love to experience this with full surround sound. The stereo audio holds it back just a bit since the lack of an LFE channel means my subwoofer isn’t hitting in the right places. That said, the edit was done in Resolve, so I’m pretty sure all it would take is switching over the tracks and adjusting the bus in Fairlight to 5.1 for an easy re-render to surround. The only VFX that still look goofy/dated are some of the ships flying that were clearly just a bad cut-out pasted onto the screen. They've been improved by making them less overly sharpened, but the director, James Cameron, really dropped the ball on the total lack of "tracking" done in those few goofy VFX shots.
The audio transitions are seamless, and the visual quality is top-notch, with the original grain intact and no noticeable encoding artifacts. The release feels professional, a definitive version of the film (aside from the stereo audio). Seriously, how is this the editor's first project? This kind of talent off the bat is practically unheard of. Am I a little jealous? Yeah, probably.
All in all, I’m blown away. Seriously, thank you for this fantastic work.
User Review
Format Watched
Digital
(Updated: October 20, 2024)
Overall rating
9.7
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
9.0
A lot of subtle but hard work done here and much to be proud of. While I wasn't actively looking for the changes, I read through the cutlist before kicking back for more context, as a lot of it can go by in the blink of an eye. I didn’t notice anything off visually, and I have seen examples leading up to release that have stood up to scrutiny.
One very minor technical point: there is a visual change where the gun in the medbay ceases firing as it moves up toward the ceiling, but the gunfire audio doesn't sync up and it threw me. I think the audio of the gunfire could be tweaked to be in sync with the new visual change.
I think if NickShimmy wanted to revisit this at some stage, there’s room to. The compositing has been significantly improved, but I also wonder if some of the vehicle models' motion can be improved./smoothed. Surround sound would also be nice. While not everyone will have a preference for this, it seems fitting that a release that makes such significant visual changes should also have the best option included for audio. Here’s hoping that can be incorporated at some stage. We do get the commentary track included though and subtitles as well, which is great. Not many bother to do that.
I chose to watch the Hybrid/Refined Cut, which I definitely prefer to the extended, but ultimately the only scene I care to add into the theatrical is the scene about Ripley’s daughter. Regardless, this was a great watch and an edit I’m sure many fans will appreciate.
One very minor technical point: there is a visual change where the gun in the medbay ceases firing as it moves up toward the ceiling, but the gunfire audio doesn't sync up and it threw me. I think the audio of the gunfire could be tweaked to be in sync with the new visual change.
I think if NickShimmy wanted to revisit this at some stage, there’s room to. The compositing has been significantly improved, but I also wonder if some of the vehicle models' motion can be improved./smoothed. Surround sound would also be nice. While not everyone will have a preference for this, it seems fitting that a release that makes such significant visual changes should also have the best option included for audio. Here’s hoping that can be incorporated at some stage. We do get the commentary track included though and subtitles as well, which is great. Not many bother to do that.
I chose to watch the Hybrid/Refined Cut, which I definitely prefer to the extended, but ultimately the only scene I care to add into the theatrical is the scene about Ripley’s daughter. Regardless, this was a great watch and an edit I’m sure many fans will appreciate.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
User reviews
5 reviews
Overall rating
9.9
Audio/Video Quality
9.8(5)
Audio Editing
9.6(5)
Visual Editing
10.0(5)
Narrative
10.0(5)
Enjoyment
10.0(5)
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
First thank you for this and you are a PRO !
What can be added or removed from your versions? Nothing . This is the most complete collection of the movie ! Cuts and inserts are flawless ! Reconstructing this was hard and this guy did a brutal job !
10/10 for me and the to go versions of Aliens !
What can be added or removed from your versions? Nothing . This is the most complete collection of the movie ! Cuts and inserts are flawless ! Reconstructing this was hard and this guy did a brutal job !
10/10 for me and the to go versions of Aliens !
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
(Updated: November 09, 2024)
Overall rating
9.5
Audio/Video Quality
9.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
i watched the refined version, good work overall by Nickshimmy and i would recommend.
i liked the edit decisions to trim some of the directors cut down. the vfx fixes were great (many shots are too quick to appreciate the work done by Nickshimmy). the work done to better match the live elements over the matte or projection background elements is an improvement but some still stick out. the color grading is done well, however i prefer the greenish bluray color grade myself. some shots i felt it could have gone further to improve luma levels over the original shots. (color grade is subjective, no points against the review for this). there seems to be at least two or three audio cuts that needed more attention/fixing. the audio is only stereo vs surround. i didn't watch the movie with the extra commentary track, but a quick check it seemed to be ok. i also didn't watch with subtitles but a quick check of the subtitles i noticed some issues, at least one bad line and a bad reoccurring character.
again, good work done by Nickshimmy. it is an improvement to the originals.
i liked the edit decisions to trim some of the directors cut down. the vfx fixes were great (many shots are too quick to appreciate the work done by Nickshimmy). the work done to better match the live elements over the matte or projection background elements is an improvement but some still stick out. the color grading is done well, however i prefer the greenish bluray color grade myself. some shots i felt it could have gone further to improve luma levels over the original shots. (color grade is subjective, no points against the review for this). there seems to be at least two or three audio cuts that needed more attention/fixing. the audio is only stereo vs surround. i didn't watch the movie with the extra commentary track, but a quick check it seemed to be ok. i also didn't watch with subtitles but a quick check of the subtitles i noticed some issues, at least one bad line and a bad reoccurring character.
again, good work done by Nickshimmy. it is an improvement to the originals.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Overall rating
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
Aliens has been one of my most watched films over the years since it released and I can quite happily say that Aliens Refined is the best it has ever looked. This is the sort of work that needs to be done on classic films like these, not low effort machine upscaling (with not very good results) like the recent Aliens 4K release.
I’ve watched the SE and Refined edit and can only heap praise on the work that’s been done. To be honest, the only visual errors I’d noticed prior to watching Nickshimmy’s cut were the ejecting shell casings/dangling ammo belts and the blank-fronted stunt pulse rifles - so seeing the list of changes and side-by-side comparisons of all the other changes made has been a real eye opener. There has been a lot of meticulous work carried out and it has really paid dividends.
I’ve docked a point for audio due to the very minor Hudson rifle medbay bit as pointed out by other reviewers - it is a *very* minor error that doesn’t detract my enjoyment at all (and it’s definitely something you have to look-listen for) but it is a discrepancy that stops a perfect score.
I hope that there is going to be a version 2 sometime in the future with a few further changes, but even if there isn’t I’ll be happy watching this version going into the future.
Kudos, Nickshimmy!
I’ve watched the SE and Refined edit and can only heap praise on the work that’s been done. To be honest, the only visual errors I’d noticed prior to watching Nickshimmy’s cut were the ejecting shell casings/dangling ammo belts and the blank-fronted stunt pulse rifles - so seeing the list of changes and side-by-side comparisons of all the other changes made has been a real eye opener. There has been a lot of meticulous work carried out and it has really paid dividends.
I’ve docked a point for audio due to the very minor Hudson rifle medbay bit as pointed out by other reviewers - it is a *very* minor error that doesn’t detract my enjoyment at all (and it’s definitely something you have to look-listen for) but it is a discrepancy that stops a perfect score.
I hope that there is going to be a version 2 sometime in the future with a few further changes, but even if there isn’t I’ll be happy watching this version going into the future.
Kudos, Nickshimmy!
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
Outstanding work from Nickshimmy on this one! I consider Aliens one of the best films ever made, and I wouldn't dare to cut anything out, so the Refined Special Edition was the version I watched. The visual improvements are subtle (to be perfectly frank, the Alien Queen's missing stinger was the only one I've ever noticed in my multiple viewings), but exceptionally done and completely untraceable! I had to play the scenes side by side with the original to notice the difference. Even the desynchronized audio issue in the med bay scene that the other reviews mentioned was so minor, that took several playbacks to notice it.
So, it is a perfect 10/10 for me and the only way to watch Aliens from now on!
So, it is a perfect 10/10 for me and the only way to watch Aliens from now on!
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
(Updated: November 18, 2024)
Overall rating
10.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
I had the chance of seeing this in advance by messaging the editor and all I can say is that it's an impressive work that visually corrects those itsy bitsy mistakes that somehow weren't noticed by James Cameron throughout the various physical media editions.
The version that I reviewed is the refined edition and it's the perfect balance between the two official cuts that are available; the one thing that prevented me from giving this edit the perfect score in my original review was a slightly unsynchronized audio that occurred in the scene when Hudson shoots at the window of the medical bay to allow Hicks to destroy the glass easily, but overall it was such a brief moment that I almost did not notice it (I took notice of it due to The Scribbling Man's review; version 2 synchronized the audio in the correct way).
Overall Aliens refined is an excellent work of quality that corrects various details, enriching the experience of seeing one of the greatest action horror movies of all time; excellent work, Nickshimmy!
The version that I reviewed is the refined edition and it's the perfect balance between the two official cuts that are available; the one thing that prevented me from giving this edit the perfect score in my original review was a slightly unsynchronized audio that occurred in the scene when Hudson shoots at the window of the medical bay to allow Hicks to destroy the glass easily, but overall it was such a brief moment that I almost did not notice it (I took notice of it due to The Scribbling Man's review; version 2 synchronized the audio in the correct way).
Overall Aliens refined is an excellent work of quality that corrects various details, enriching the experience of seeing one of the greatest action horror movies of all time; excellent work, Nickshimmy!
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched
Digital
