Only on Quadrilogy

Rating: 6/10 (24 September 2008)

See here's the thing. Alien3 went through something of a hatchet job for it's theatrical release and it left the film, frankly, another uninspiring slasher sequel. What did this was the removal of an additional sub-plot involving the character Golic and the capture and release of the Xenomorph.
With all evidence of this sub-plot removed a lot went with it. Not only was Golic shifted from an intriguing madman to a 'wtf character' but viewers were left far less acquainted with only survivor Morse. Thankfully the Assembly cut, an additional feature on the Alien Quadrilogy box-set re-instates this massive plot-hole. It also brings more focus to the religious aspects of the picture, adding over 30 minutes of film.
Basically the Assembly Cut make Alien3 a worthy sequel to it's predecessors. But if you're going to watch the theatrical version? Well, don't expect it to get anywhere near Aliens of Alien. Really that version's only useful for playing 'spot the cool British actor'.