Rent Aliens (1986)

Probably one of the most perfect sequels of all time (watch extended version) - Aliens review by TB

This film is a masterpiece.

It is a perfect follow-on from Alien. Everything fits together seamlessly, whether it's the continuation of the Alien universe, the music, sets or acting.

Sigourney Weaver is magnetic, Michael Biehn magnificent, Lance Henriksen perfect.

One element which to me never is mentioned enough but deserves absolute reverence is the puppetry. In 1986, there was almost no CGI. What the puppeteers and special effects team have achieved is staggering.

And at the centre of all of this is the maestro himself, James Cameron. To me, this is his masterpiece.

The final thing I will say is simply that for the best experience, watch this back to back with Alien. I almost, even though they are different genres (Alien a thriller horror and Aliens an action thriller,) consider them one film.

Alien/Aliens is to me one of the reasons why films exist and why I love them so. Watch this and be blown away

very good sequel - Aliens review by CP Customer

Alien was a very good film and not very often that the sequel is as good a film. Very good story and more action in this film.

4k Aliens. - Aliens review by SB

This is a review for the 4k version of Aliens.

The picture quality on this disc is simply stunning. You can see every last detail of the Aliens waiting on the ceilings when the marines enter the building, searching for the missing colonists. Something you cannot see with the dvd and bluray.

Sadly, and yet again Disney have not included the director's cut on this disc. Just the theatrical and special editions. Still it is probably the best this film is ever going to look on disc. Absolutely superb.

Action Science Fiction - Brilliant - Aliens review by GI

A fantastic, exciting and gutsy sequel to the 1979 science fiction classic and it cleverly takes the story in a completely different direction and sets itself as a combat film over a basic horror narrative. It also focuses on the central character of Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) giving her more complexity and depth. After drifting in space for 57 years Ripley, the sole survivor from the first film, is rescued but finds the 'company' deny any culpability in the deaths of her crew mates. She is forced to return to the planet where the derelict alien craft was located because communications with the new colonists there has stopped. Ripley accompanies a team of tough marines who have no idea what dangers the plant holds. Plenty of action, tension, scares and a gripping plot make this a film that is the equal of the original and arguably it's one of director James Camerons best films. Considering the franchise that followed this introduces the theme of motherhood into the main character but ultimately this is science fiction action cinema at its very best. It's a visual treat with a dreary, industrial vision of the future including vehicles and advanced weaponry. There's a brilliantly haunting score and a first rate cast including Michael Biehn and the late, great Bill Paxton. A top film that never fails to entertain, and one to most definitely see if you enjoyed the 1979 original. The version to check out is the 1991 'Special Edition' which replaced scenes removed from the theatrical release but which enhance the story and action.

As near to perfect as you'll get - Aliens review by SV

Sometimes I'll rewatch a film just because it happens to be on, but this is more or less the only film I actively, deliberately go back and watch again and again.

What sets this apart from all other action films is that there is no deux ex machina. Everything that happens is a logical consequence of what happened before and the choices made by the protagonists given their circumstances - there is no moment where something you didn't already know about intrudes to change the course of things, and no moment where people make unfathomable decisions, given who they are. It's also true that the plot only plays out the way it does because of the conflicting interests and motives of the protagonists - despite a sort of inexorable, slow motion trainwreck narrative, nothing that happens was actually inevitable.

It is also fabulously lean, without any guff that doesn't serve either to establish the characters so their subsequent actions make sense, or to move the plot along. I'm talking specifically about the theatrical cut - the director's cut should be avoided (or at least, saved for a later viewing) as it only adds crap which diminishes the film: an unnecessary opening sequence which only serves to destroy all mystery as to what the expedition finds when it arrives; the scene about Ripley's daughter which was intended to explain why she relates to Newt and connect her to the alien queen as a mother, neither of which is necessary; the corridor cannon scenes which only expose the aliens as men in rubber suits.

If I'm totally honest I also consider the final scene unnecessary - the film could have convincingly ended before that and been no worse for it - but it's an iconic scene and the rest of the film is so good, I can happily go along with it.

In short, if you're not an action movie sort of person, I'd say just for once case put aside your misgivings and watch this.