Blu-Ray Feature: 2010 High-Def Holiday Gift Guide

For Everyone:

“Alien Anthology”

Possibly the best Blu-ray release of not just the last year but ever, “Alien Anthology” has something for everyone, including at least two great films, FIVE DAYS worth of special features, multiple versions of one of the most influential franchises in history, and gorgeous HD picture and sound — this is why Blu-ray was invented in the first place. All four films are presented with pristine video and audio quality, but it’s the first two movies, the ones most of you really care about, that are the most remarkable. They look spectacular. The contrast levels, the color choices, the line detail — they’re jaw-dropping. Even the grain level has been perfectly rendered so the films don’t look unnatural. Apparently, the “Alien 3” and “Alien Resurrection” transfers weren’t as upgraded although they still look great — just not as refined or remarkable as the first two films. As for special features, everything from the “Quadrilogy” set has been transferred over and enhanced by Blu-ray functionality. In terms of new special features, each of the films come with a new isolated score audio track but that’s just the beginning. Believe it or not, the original documentary about the making of “Alien 3,” “Wreckage and Rage,” was censored by Fox when it was released in the “Quadrilogy” to soften Fincher’s opinion about what went wrong with the production. It’s been uncensored. About 100 “Riddleygrams,” art sketches done by Ridley Scott for the first film, which were not available last time, are here now. And all of the documentaries from the last release have additional footage and information totaling about four hours.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com