Alien (1979) is legendary in the world of horror movies, right up there with classics like The Exorcist (1973), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), The Shining (1980), and John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). It’s a film that still manages to give you the heebie-jeebies even after all these years. But what about its sequel, Aliens (1986)? Can it live up to the terrifying reputation of its predecessor? Well, my fellow gamers, let’s dive into this Aliens (1986) 4K review and find out!
The story picks up where Alien left off, with our badass heroine Ellen Ripley (played by the amazing Sigourney Weaver) in cryo sleep on the Narcissus. After 50 long years adrift in space, she’s finally rescued by a salvage team. But her nightmares from the Nostromo still haunt her, and waking up is just the beginning of her troubles. Her employer, the shady Weyland-Yutani Corp, is less than pleased with her actions in the first movie and revokes her status. Now she’s stuck working a dead-end job as a loader, a far cry from the heroic role she played in defeating the alien threat.
Meanwhile, the planet where the original alien parasite was discovered is being terraformed. But Ripley knows the truth about the dangers lurking there, and when the company sends a sleazy agent named Carter Burke to recruit her for an investigation, she knows she can’t refuse. Joined by a group of tough-as-nails marines, Ripley sets foot on the planet and quickly realizes that the colonists are in grave danger. The aliens are back, and they’re out for blood.
Aliens is more than just a sci-fi action flick. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, with layers of symbolism and emotion that elevate it above your average shoot-’em-up. The movie draws heavily from the Vietnam War, with the marines facing an unseen enemy in the claustrophobic tunnels of the colony. The parallels to the Vietcong are clear, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous threats are the ones we can’t see.
But beneath all the gunfire and explosions, Aliens has a beating heart. In the extended ‘Special Edition’ cut, we see Ripley haunted by the loss of her daughter, a tragedy that occurred while she was adrift in space. It’s a deep wound that drives her to protect a little girl named Newt, who becomes her surrogate daughter. This emotional connection adds a whole new layer to the film, making it more than just a battle against aliens.
Now, let’s talk about the technical aspects of this 4K remaster. The visual effects have surprisingly held up well over the years. The sets feel real, and even though the aliens are just guys in suits, they’re still incredibly menacing. The gigantic alien queen is a marvel of practical effects, with a mix of large-scale puppets and animatronics bringing her to life. Sure, she may not have the same mobility as a CGI monster, but the physicality of the puppet adds a level of realism that’s hard to replicate.
The sound design is another standout aspect of the film. From the iconic sound of the mechanical doors opening to the beeping of the motion tracker, every sound is distinct and memorable. James Cameron and his team made some brilliant choices that have since become legendary in the world of sound design.
But perhaps the most significant impact of Aliens is its influence on the gaming industry. Countless game developers have taken inspiration from the film, incorporating its visual elements and themes into their own creations. The original Doom was even initially pitched as a tie-in to the movie, and while it ultimately became its own thing, you can still see the influence in the game’s corridors, creatures, and fast-paced action. Resident Evil 2 (1998) also shares some similarities with Aliens, with both featuring strong female protagonists driven by motherly instincts to protect a child from a monstrous threat. And let’s not forget the heart-pounding finales with ticking nuclear explosions, a staple of both Aliens and games like Halo.
In conclusion, Aliens (1986) is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Its blend of action, horror, and emotional depth makes it a standout in the sci-fi genre. And with this 4K remaster, you can experience all the thrills and chills in stunning detail. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness. Game on, my friends!