Alien Appendix 2: The Virtual Workprint

While it was interesting to see the outtakes and deleted/extended scenes that went into "Alien", it certainly wasn't a seamless cinematic experience with the variable A/V quality, and it really dragged interminably in certain areas. If anything, this edit showcased what a masterclass in editing the theatrical cut of "Alien" really was: streamlined and paced perfectly for maximum effective storytelling.

I would recommend this workprint as a novel curiosity for "Alien" fans, but I'll stick to the theatrical as my preferred "Alien" cut.

Not necessarily the ideal way to see Alien, as there's variable A/V quality, scenes interpolated in that were clearly outtakes, and out-and-out bits with Ridley Scott shouting direction at the actors. But if you're someone who has seen this, the greatest science-fiction movie ever made innumerable times and wants to experience in a maximalist way, this is how you do it. Beyond mere curiousity, the scenes between the two female crew members give both characters much needed character growth, and the extra footage of the Big Chap himself, while not always effective, is appreciated as an insight into how future films in the franchise would showcase the titular beastie. And for novice editors/directors/writers, you can watch the "roll call" scene shortly after the crew awakens and decide for yourself whether it's effective or not in terms of introducing your characters.

Lots of fun, but definitely a supplement to the official cut, not a replacement.

An age-old edit that still fully captures the essence of Alien.

Although a cut from the early ages of fan-editing, the cut by far delivers the most complete narrative of the Alien movie like any other. The use of several sources to make the extended sections without any color and quality discrepancy can be a bit jarring specially if you're accustomed to a seamless viewing experience, but through the bulk of it, I can say that its acceptable. As with the latter, audio quality at some points are very "sharp".

The full extension of the movie can be a hit-or-miss to others due to the sudden length shift and that's what I love about it.

Alien is one of my favorite films of all time. I could watch Alien over almost any movie any day, so i was immediately interested in watching this. It was definitely and interesting watch.

It's easy to tell why the majority of footage was deleted from movie, even from the director's cut that was later released. A lot of it contributed nothing. The footage that was re-implemented is definitely a watch though, if only for the hardcore Alien fans.

Considering the sources used for this edit, i wasn't expecting the quality of the audio and video to be all that high. Since this is the closest thing we could get to a workprint, i can forgive the implementation of it. The footage and sound cues are put together as best they can.

I would still recommend this, even if it's only to the really big Alien fans.