Extremely Underrated Alien Sequel.

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2005)

Ripley has crashed landed in Fiorina 161, a bleak planet inhabited by former inmates of a maximum security prison. Her escape pod is destroyed. Hicks and Newt (The Survivors of Aliens) have died in the escape pod. Ripley discovers that it might be a alien have destroyed her escape pod and the prison have no advanced technology or modern weapons. When the inmates finally see the alien, they have no choice to help Ripley to kill it but the biggest shock is yet to come.
Directed by David Fincher (The Game, Panic Room, Se7en) made an brilliant near perfect sci-fi/thriller that is absolutely unique. Fincher actually disowned this film, because Fincher never got his final cut on his directorial debut. This is the hardest Alien film to make. Weaver gives one of her best performances in her career. The film has some solid supporting performances by Charles S. Dutton (Who was once a prison inmate for manslaughter), Charles Dance, Brian Glover, Danny Webb & Paul McGann. The Special Edition of Alien 3 is the most complete version with 30 minutes of additional footage. Fincher didn't have any part of this better extended cut. Editor:Terry Rawlings (Alien, Legend) edited the film somewhat closer to Fincher's vision.
DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong-digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an interesting commentary track by Cinematographer:Alex Thomson B.S.C., Editor:Terry Rawlings, Alien Effects Designers:Alex Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr., Visual Effects Producer:Richard Edlund and Actor:Paul McGann. DVD also contains the original theatrical version.
Disc 2 on the DVD contains over 2 hours and 40 minutes documentary on Alien 3. The Production Team, Producers and Actors talks about the Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production of this much troubled film. Disc 2 also contains photo galleries. This was a Box Office disappointment. Alien 3 went on to be a well respected sequel over the years. Some might dislike the extended cut but you have to admit, the scene deleted are interesting. Judge it for yourself. Story by Vincent Ward (What Dreams May Come). Screenplay by David Giler (The Money Pit), Walter Will (The Warriors) and Larry Ferguson (Highlander). Co-Produced by Weaver. (*** ½/***** for the theatrical cut) (**** ½/***** for the extended cut). Oscar-Nominated for Best Visual Effects. Panavision. Followed by Alien Resurrection.