Aliens on 4K: The Reviews and the Controversy

Alien Theory24 minutes read

The 4K UHD release of James Cameron's Aliens includes a collector's edition with positive reviews but also controversy over the lack of pronounced grain and AI technology used in the restoration process. The remastered Aliens showcases vibrant colors, enhanced detail, and a modern appearance, sparking mixed opinions among fans and critics about the new look and the importance of physical media in a collection.

Insights

  • The 4K remaster of Aliens has sparked mixed reviews due to the absence of pronounced grain and the use of AI technology, dividing opinions among fans and critics.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of physical media like Blu-ray, DVD, VHS, and laserdiscs in a collection, expressing conflicted feelings about automatic updates to digital copies and recommends acquiring a 4K copy of Aliens while retaining other editions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the controversy surrounding the 4K remaster of Aliens?

    The controversy surrounding the 4K remaster of Aliens revolves around the use of AI technology to enhance the film, resulting in the removal of pronounced grain present in previous versions. Some reviewers find the absence of grain distracting, while others appreciate the improved detail and color accuracy.

  • What special features are included in the collector's edition of Aliens?

    The ultimate collector's edition of Aliens includes a 4K disc, a Blu-ray disc, and a bonus features disc. Special features like "Superior Firepower: The Making of Aliens" are also included in the physical release, providing insights into the production of the film.

  • How was the remastering process of Aliens conducted?

    The remastering process of Aliens involved reducing photochemical grain, enhancing image detail algorithmically, and grading for high dynamic range with Dolby Vision and HDR10 options. Lightstorm, in collaboration with Park Road Post, utilized a high-quality scan of the original camera negative to create a new 4K Digital Intermediate, possibly optimized by deep-learning algorithms.

  • What are the visual enhancements in the 4K edition of Aliens?

    The 4K edition of Aliens features vibrant colors, deep blacks, and bold highlights, with visible photochemical grain and fine image detail. The remastered version showcases remarkable clarity and detail, giving the film a more modern appearance compared to its original gritty look.

  • How have reviews of the 4K release of Aliens been received?

    Reviews of the 4K release of Aliens vary, with some praising the restoration for its color timing and Dolby Vision HDR presentation. However, there are criticisms regarding the absence of pronounced grain and the use of AI technology in the remastering process, leading to divided opinions among fans and critics.

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Summary

00:00

Aliens 4K UHD Release: Collector's Edition

  • James Cameron's Aliens received a 4K UHD release, available digitally in early 2024 and physically later.
  • The ultimate collector's edition includes a 4K disc, Blu-ray disc, and a bonus features disc.
  • The 4K remaster of Aliens has received positive reviews but is not without controversy.
  • Previous home video releases of Aliens have seen significant improvements over the years.
  • The 2011 Blu-ray restoration of Aliens faced controversy over grain removal and color-grading.
  • The 4K edition of Aliens features a new restoration with changes in color-grading closer to the original film.
  • The physical release includes new cover art, 3 discs, and special features like "Superior Firepower: The Making of Aliens."
  • Both the Theatrical and Special Edition versions of the film are available in 4K.
  • The Blu-ray included is not the 2011 version but a downgraded 4K transfer.
  • The 4K presentation of Aliens is visually stunning but lacks the grain present in previous versions, utilizing AI technology for enhancement.

12:30

Remastered Aliens: Clarity Divides Fans and Critics

  • Lightstorm, in collaboration with Park Road Post, utilized a high-quality scan of the original camera negative to create a new 4K Digital Intermediate, possibly optimized by deep-learning algorithms.
  • The remastering process for Aliens involved reducing photochemical grain, enhancing image detail algorithmically, and grading for high dynamic range with Dolby Vision and HDR10 options.
  • The remastered Aliens showcases remarkable clarity and detail, giving the film a more modern appearance compared to its original gritty look.
  • The 4K image of Aliens features vibrant colors, deep blacks, and bold highlights, with visible photochemical grain and fine image detail.
  • Reviews of the 4K release of Aliens vary, with some praising the restoration while others criticize the absence of pronounced grain and AI technology used.
  • The Ultra HD release of Aliens received ratings of 4 out of 5 and 5 out of 5 from different reviewers, with positive comments on the color timing and Dolby Vision HDR presentation.
  • Some reviewers express disappointment with the lack of pronounced grain in the remastered version of Aliens, while others appreciate the improved detail and color accuracy.
  • The absence of grain in the remastered Aliens is a point of contention among reviewers, with some finding it distracting and others appreciating the detail levels and color vibrancy.
  • The use of AI technology in the restoration process of Aliens has sparked controversy, with some praising the results while others criticize the unnatural sharpness and lack of grain.
  • The release of the remastered Aliens has divided opinions among fans and critics, with some appreciating the new look and others feeling nostalgic for the original grainy appearance.

25:43

"4K Media Updates: Collector's Dilemma"

  • The speaker expresses conflicted feelings about new technologies in media, particularly regarding the automatic update of a digital copy to 4K without the option to revert to the original version, emphasizing the importance of physical media like Blu-ray, DVD, VHS, and laserdiscs in a collection.
  • Despite the speaker's conflicted views, they recommend acquiring a 4K copy of the movie "Aliens" for collectors, with a caution to retain other editions, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the 4K version and thanking supporters on Patreon.
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