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Author
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Topic: Aliens
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Larry Arpin
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 953
From: Sunland, CA, USA
Registered: Dec 2006
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posted August 19, 2007 12:23 PM
I didn't see a review so I thought I would chime in. First of all, most of ALIENS is either in space or in dark places and I was very impressed with the definition in the blacks. The negative must have been made from an interpositive. For those who don't know, an interpositive is a positive low contrast image on a negative base. From this a perfect dupe negative from the same stock can be made. And this is what I see in this ALIENS print. I was always a little hesitant to purchase it as there is a longer version on DVD. But watching this I don't miss it at all. What you don't get is the matte shots that stand out like a sore thumb on video. Everything blends perfectly LIKE IT SHOULD, like it can only be on film. This was a used print already on 1200 & 1600 foot reels. Since I didn't have a 1600 foot reel this is actually a review of the first 1200 feet. But I assume the rest is the same. I will post the remainder later.
To continue, all I can add is that the picture is perfect. If you like action pictures, this is one to add to your collection. On a funny note, when I was watching it during a very intense sequence I got a phone call and my 12 year old son answered it and was giving me the phone up to my ear from behind me and I jumped up to the ceiling. He laughed and laughed and laughed.
Here is a screen capture of the film:
Here is a capture from my computer of the DVD of the same scene.
The DVD is very white and cropped top & bottom. It seems there is a little shift side to side but I'm sure it is cropped on TV. I'm sure Cameron prefers the film look.
[ September 30, 2007, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: Larry Arpin ]
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted October 12, 2007 06:25 PM
This is certainly one of my favourite S8 releases, although I think that the start of 'Alien3' slightly spoils the satisfaction watching it! I also have 'Alien' and in my case I don't think the print of this beats 'Aliens'. I always remember a show I put on with 'Aliens' which really impressed the audience, who were reponding to seeing 'the film' rather than 'the 8mm version of the film'.
I suspect Larry's print is a little warmer than some; mine has a more bluish look that was mentioned in one or two reviews when the S8 came out.
"What you don't get is the matte shots that stand out like a sore thumb on video."
Larry - I was curious about why this is?
"So here's a question for you who own the print. Is yours in Stereo? Mine is not."
Alan - Mine is stereo. I know that at around the time this was released, Derann were not able to re-record a film in stereo, so yours maybe one that someone returned because of a sound fault, and then got re-recorded in mono.
Funilly enough, although the quality is great, I think all prints have a minor sound fault, on one channel only, for about the first 9 mins of reel 4. There's some extra white noise-type sound that blends in well, but remains constant across changes of scenes. I returned my reel 4 and was sent an alternative, which was exactly the same in terms of sound, but the print was much warmer, so would have really stuck out. I immediately contacted Ged to say I'd like my original reel back, and was VERY relieved to find that it had not yet been re-recorded into mono!
[ October 13, 2007, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: Adrian Winchester ]
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Adrian Winchester
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Jake Mayes
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 119
From: Bath, UK
Registered: Sep 2012
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posted December 11, 2012 10:04 PM
I bought this print from steven sigel at the end of october. Due to having to move i paid him a deposit and paid for the print beginning of december/end of november. Got the print on saturday. I screened it with my partner, was the first time he had seen Aliens! He loved the movie, and i really enjoyed the print, Aliens is one of my favourite movies of all time. The print has been well used, shows some wear especially on reels 1 and 2 of the 5, but does not detract from the quality one bit, the tonal range of the image blows the blue-ray away! Reels 1, 2 and 3 are very slightly warm (reel 1 of 2 of the original 2 reel set up, the print was mounted onto 5 600' reels).
The tonal range shows tones that only film can show, especially on skin. Great fun to watch, will be screened often i guarentee!
I am certain this print is an early one, when the negatives were still ‘fresh’ if that is the right word. Well used, visible wear is there on reels 1 and 2 as I said, but is barely noticeable as the tonal range and the quality and life likeness blows one away! Lovley colour palette! Will get hours of use, I am sure being my favourite film of all time! Now to keep my eyes peeled for other features! The first Alien in particular. I also saw Alien 3 on 16mm on E-bay, wonder if it exists on super-8 as well?
Mono sound, my sanyko 702 handles the film really nicely connected to an external speaker system and amp. I keep the film path clean : - )
With cost and customs charges, total around £400. Worth every penny! Who would have thought i would want to spend that much on a movie! I did not until i discovered these features!
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