Alien: Resurrection (Special Edition) ***½ (7/10)

Rating: 7/10 (4 February 2018)

Available on Blu-ray Disc (Region B)
USA 1997 English (Colour); Science Fiction/Horror/Thriller (Twentieth Century Fox/Brandywine); 116 minutes (18 certificate)
Crew includes: Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Director); Josh Whedon (Screenwriter, from Characters created by Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett); Gordon Carroll, David Giler, Walter Hill, Bill Badalato (Producers); Darius Khondji (Cinematographer); Nigel Phelps (Production Designer); Hervé Schneid (Editor); John Frizzell (Composer)
Cast includes: Sigourney Weaver (Ripley), Winona Ryder (Call), Dominique Pinon (Vriess), Ron Perlman (Johner), Gary Dourdan (Christie), Michael Wincott (Elgyn), Kim Flowers (Hillard), Dan Hedaya (General Perez), J.E. Freeman (Dr Wren), Brad Dourif (Gediman), Raymond Cruz (Distephano), Leland Orser (Purvis)
"Witness the resurrection."
Two hundred years after sacrificing herself, an impregnated Ripley (Weaver) is cloned by scientists via her DNA, in order to remove the Alien queen from her body for use by the military, and with torn loyalties (being half human, half monster now) warily aids a ragtag group of mercenaries to vanquish the latest threat to mankind.
Unexpected fourth instalment (following the heroine's definitive demise in 3) from another fresh, visionary director, with two strong, female leads (Ryder for the youngsters), and black humour injected successfully into the mix.
Surprising pathos is also added by the introduction of the Newborn, with its sad, expressive eyes (missing entirely from all previous aliens).
Blu-ray Extras: Original Version (109 minutes), Commentary, Documentaries, Featurettes, Deleted/Extended Scenes, Interviews, Music-only Track, Screenplay, Storyboards, Stills Galleries, Outtakes, Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Multi-Angle Sequence, Production Notes, Trailers, TV Spots. ****½ (9/10)