In ALIEN 4: RESURRECTION, the fourth installment of the wildly popular series of science fiction movies that began with ALIEN, a drop of Ellen Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) blood spawns a part human, part alien Ripley clone. Now that Ripley is dead, the clone has fallen into the hands of government scientists who want to harness the Ripley clone's breeding powers. When the new and improved Ripley lands on a ship of androids, her mere appearance sets the action rolling. Stepping in to help put a stop to the madness is tiny android named Call (Winona Ryder), as well as the ship's fellow crew members (including Dominique Pinon, Ron Perlman, and Michael Wincott).
For the first time in his feature film career, French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (DELICATESSEN, THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN) takes sole directorial credit, leaving his partner Marc Caro to concentrate on artistic direction. ALIEN RESURRECTION has far more in common with ALIEN 3 than the series' first two parts, most notably due to its overtly humorous tone. Jeunet also applies his traditional Gothic visual style to the slimy, effects-heavy riot, resulting in a work that is as reliant upon style as it is substance. Scripted by Joss Whedon, creator of the Warner Brothers television show, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, the film marks an energetic and flashy transition to Hollywood film making for Jeunet.
Released theatrically: November 26, 1997.
Shot on location in California and Ottawa, Ontario.
No camera tricks were involved in Sigourney Weaver's seemingly impossible behind-the-back basketball shot--she did it all by herself.
Excerpt: "I thought you were dead."--Distephano (Raymond Cruz). "Yeah, I get that a lot."--Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Disc 1:
Audio Commentary - 1. Jean Pierre Jeunet - Director, and Crew
1997 Theatrical Version
2003 Special Edition version
Jean-Pierre Jeunet Introduction (Extended Cut Only)
Disc 2:
Pre-Production
FROM THE ASHES: Reviving the Story
FIRST DRAFT SCREENPLAY: by Joss Whedon
FRENCH TWIST: Direction and Design
UNDER THE SKIN: Casting and Characterization
Test Footage #1 HAIR/MAKEUP
ADI EFFECTS
MARK CARRO PHOTO GALLERY
THE ART OF RESURRECTION: Conceptual Art Gallery
STORYBOARDS
PRE-VISUALIZATIONS: Multi-Angle Rehearsals
Production
DEATH FROM BELOW: Underwater Photography
PRODUCTION GALLERY: Photo Archive
UNNATURAL MUTATION: Creature Design
ADI Workshop
ADI TEST FOOTAGE
Post-Production
GENETIC COMPOSITION: Music
VIRTUAL ALIENS: Computer Generated Imagery
A MATTER OF SCALE: Miniature Photography
VISUAL EFFECTS GALLERY: Photo Archive
CRITICAL JUNCTURE: Reaction to the Film
SPECIAL SHOOT: Promotional Photo Archive
EASTER EGG: Alien Extra
Director of Photography
Darius Khondji: Cinematographer
Production Designer
Nigel Phelps: Production Designer, PEARL HARBOR (2001)
Costume Designer
Bob Ringwood: Costume Designer, EXCALIBUR (1981)
Review 1:
"...Weaver battles slimy monsters with a command only enhanced by middle age..." -- Rating: B+
Source: Entertainment Weekly
pp.78-9 05/08/1998
Review 2:
"...ALIEN RESURRECTION has an eerie, grunge look....Fierce, beautiful and sardonic, Ms. Weaver makes an impressive linchpin for this series..."
Source: New York Times
p.E1 11/26/1997
Review 3:
"...The reinvented Ripley is intriguing to watch....Weaver renders the resurrected Ripley with relish....Entertaining..."
Source: Box Office
p.56 02/01/1998