How the Assembly Cut Fixes Alien 3

[@kylewarnke3664]

Which version do you guys prefer? Theatrical or Assembly? Dog or ox?

[@jamesabernethy7896]

Assembly and Dog if those are separate questions. The dog is a big fat Rottweiler, it's not a Chihuahua. We are predators, dogs are predators, ox's are prey. Simple as that.

[@JurassicRod]

Theatrical. Middle of Assembly is better but first and third acts of the theatrical are better than in Assembly. Also the alien coming out of a dead cow doesn't work anywhere near as well as coming out of a living dog. A cow alien does not seem scary.

[@repletereplete8002]

Assembly, but with dog burster.

[@vancouvercomicjunkie4508]

It's hard to say-- I love how the assembly cut is filled with so many beautiful shots that they cut out of the theatrical, but the assembly does feel overly long and the OX birth sequence just isn't as good of an introduction to our villain. All in all, I adore both cuts for different reasons and after learning how hard it was for Fincher to make this movie I am surprised either is good at all.

[@allaboutthevisuals77]

Assembly cut enriches the overall narrative for sure, but leave in the dog cut. Great analysis dude. 👏

[@andrewcharles4349]

If you hate Alien3 because it kills Newt and Hicks there is nothing about the assembly cut that will change your mind. If you have always liked Alien3 then the assembly cut is nice treat.

[@jusadude7162]

Where can I watch the Assembly Cut?

[@andrewcharles4349]

@ I got mine on amazon prime

[@rosshowarth3266]

You can tell this movie was initially in the hands of a great director. The original opening scene is brilliant. The penal concept was great, and Ripley, with a shaved head, come on

[@anon_y_mousse]

I do hate Alien3 because it kills off Newt and Hick. For that matter, I kind of also hate it for killing off Ripley in the end too, but I'd still kind of like to see this cut. However, given that there are so many that liked it, I'm wondering if anyone liked Alien Resurrection at all.

[@hallvardkirkaune677]

@@anon_y_mousse i did because after aliens the xenomorf wasnt as scary any more but the hybrid was disgusting, scary and inocent at the same time

[@kelpkelp5252]

Thanks for this. I've been watching the Assembly Cut for long enough that I'd forgotten what the original version was like.

[@kylewarnke3664]

My pleasure!

[@lornenoland8098]

I’m one of those weirdos that actually likes Alien III. Not a perfect movie at all, but I liked the tone, the style, and subversion of expectations. It felt like a Greek tragedy

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@lornenoland8098 same. It forged its own path, for better or worse, true to the spirit of the franchise.

[@360Fov]

I also like it. The atmosphere is so heavy, and the vibe of the planet is really well defined, in my opinion. The set design and the glimpses of the terrible weather conditions outdoors are oppressive and harsh. However, I cannot witness the poor CGI without feeling repulsed by the shockingly weak quality of the work. It is miserably disappointing to see how they can have cohesive sets and effective costume design, only to suddenly drop in quality so steeply when you see that peculiar GIF animated blob floating around the corridors lol The characters are actually interesting, with more depth than we usually get ... the layers of religion, redemption, survival etc... Rather than 'cigar smoking space marine dudes with oily faces and vests'. I'm glad the film exists, it adds much more nuance to the story of what humans are doing in this universe in the future - in a way that's loyal to the original. Whereas Prometheus really deviates and feels like a different universe entirely....though I absolutely love Prometheus, and Covenant... I'll say it loud and proud lol

[@lestatdelc]

Same here. This film gets way more grief from "fans" of the franchise that it deserves. I like that it has the balls to kill off Newt and Hicks right off the bat. I get that is not well liked by many (which I think is 90% of why people don't like it) but I think it is a better plot choice than keeping them alive, etc. The idea of Ripley, on a prison planet with inmates and no real weapons with a xenomorph on the loose is a solid one.

[@plaguedocphd]

Greek here. There were never 95% low angle shots in Greek tragedies!

[@lornenoland8098]

@ 🤔

[@ekathe85]

"I think they made a fatal mistake in killing off Newt, and Bishop, and... you know, you fight so hard for these people to survive, and then you go to the next movie and you know, and 'oh, but they're all dead'". James Cameron, writer / producer of Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

[@balsalmalberto8086]

Haha. He got us.

[@Cirwlos]

They did not made a "mistake". They made woke propaganda. So they impeded the movie to have children, males, whites, feminine Ripley.

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@ekathe85 lmaooooooo

[@Derpy1969]

Jokes on Cameron. I never saw Terminator Dark Fate.

[@Sea_Barb]

@@Derpy1969 Yeah, no desire from me

[@madmaxx426]

Assembly cut is way better. The flow and message (like you point out) hits harder rather than theatrical "monster of the week" style.

[@saintdave1985]

This has made me realise that the assembly cut is the only version I've ever watched. I've never seen a version of this movie where the alien emerges from a dog.

[@kriswingert1662]

I watched this movie the day it came out and have NEVER seen this version, only the one WITH the dog. So... how did you skip the one all of us saw?

[@maxstraight8240]

You're lucky

[@maxstraight8240]

They never saw the movie in the theater

[@THAC0MANIC]

hate the horror genra but i have love ones / family that love it, and i like being with em so ive seen plunty of horror films and games and such, ive ONLY seen the one with the dog this is interesting but i wont watch it till family do and im visiting / being with my loved ones ... then sure i just use it as an excuise to force snuggles / cuddles later on.

[@eelektrik1138]

The version with the dog was the version I watched as a kid in the 90s on VHS at a friend's house. I do prefer the Assembly Cut, but haven't watched it in so long either I forgot they got rid of the dog. I still associate Alien 3 with the dog despite having not seen the theatrical version in even longer than watching the assembly cut, so this comparison between the two versions was a worthy watch. Clearly I am due for a rewatch.

[@Randomcorpse]

Once I saw the assembly cut, there was no going back to the theatrical. I always loved so many elements of Alien 3, but I found the queen bursting out at the end so cheesy, and I always felt like I was filing in so many gaps. The change from the dog was odd, but still works fine. So much more establishing shots and the Golick sub-plot was amazing. Such a wonderful thing to bring into the universe.

[@wabba67]

Same here. I think I haven't watched the theatrical version since 2004-ish, since the Assembly Cut is my go-to version. Might do a back-to-back someday, though.

[@charlieevergreen3514]

I missed WHERE the assembly cut is available. Is it the boxed set extras?

[@Randomcorpse]

@@charlieevergreen3514 came with the quadrilogy box set. There are two versions of each film. That's how I saw the cut or even heard of it, gave it a spin, and was thrilled with what I got. So much more dignified.

[@CDee-if9og]

Is the egg in the ship ever addressed ?​@@Randomcorpse

[@Randomcorpse]

@CDee-if9og Eggs. From memory I don't think anyone really delves into it. The egg-laying queen got onto the Sulaco in Aliens.

[@Kali_spell]

Very interesting, thanks for your work. I saw this movie in 1992 then 20 years later, I honestly did not remember it enough to notice all these differences. I have always loved this episode, felling something desperate in it. And the echoing sequence of the Alien's birth with the funeral speech is one of the most moving scene I've seen (sorry if my english is not fluent enough to express things clearly). Fincher might deny this movie, but it shows that we were discovering an amazing director. And he's got balls the size of Montana to have the guts to take down Newt & Hicks while everyone was eager to see how their triangle would have evolved. Respect, man.

[@aaronlewis6325]

Kyle, I think you've tapped into something interesting with comparing versions of films and detailing the differences. I'm interested in more of this as there are plenty of examples of movies like this. Thank you!

[@LeighWHeard]

Thank you for this. I have that Alien Quadrilogy boxset, and have watched the assembly cut of Alien 3 a fair few times. Probably more than I have watched the theatrical cut, to be honest. I've also watched the special features for all four movies. Another thing the special features point out is: that the facehugger the inmate picks up and exclaims "what's this?" at the end of the scene where they bring the ox inside, is actually a queen facehugger. It's the facehugger that was attached to Ripley's face while she was in cryosleep, explaining (sort of) where the queen embryo came from.

[@JordanGrimmer]

This is a fantastic video, I love this film and haven't seen the differences laid out like this.

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

Great presentation. Thanks. Cinematically well informed. I'm an Alien 3 groupie, it has the most outstanding immersive moody cinematography of the entire Alien franchise. Cheers from Melbourne ❤ PS I prefer the assembly cut, those opening scenes are absolutely epic and cinematic gold... as you can see, I'm a cinematography nut 😂

[@mrsam0496]

It's was like Blade Runner in the Alien franchise

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

@mrsam0496 Great way of putting it. Cheers 😁❣️

[@shmehfleh3115]

The novelization of Alien 3 follows the Assembly Cut. After seeing the theatrical cut and then reading the book, I always wondered why they were so different, and I wished the movie we got followed the book. I was thrilled when I learned about the Assembly Cut.

[@elscorchio82]

Likewise. Watching this video, I actually can't tell if I've seen the Assembly cut before, or the footage just lines up with half-memories from reading the novelization.

[@EyesofWrath]

Great analysis man. Before watching this cut I remember my overwhelming impression of the theatrical version being 'confusion. As you say, the expanded investigation of the personalities of the inmates doesn't just give the films a moreature and lived-in feeling, the events make more sense, the world feels more alive and the characters more complex and real, and aside from issues with inaudible dialogue I've always remembered it as a far superior film.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thank you so much! I agree as well.

[@TheJamesM]

In case you've only seen the Quadrilogy version of the Assembly Cut, from what I recall the uneven sound and image quality were tidied up considerably for the Anthology version. It's been a while since I've watched either, so I don't know if the inaudible dialogue you're referring to has been addressed, but it's worth checking out if you haven't seen it already.

[@earthcitizen3939]

Watch the assembly cut, I like it.

[@neilmcnasty]

Great video! Loved every second of it! You got a good thing started here! GO! GO! GO! Looking forward to enjoy your future videos!

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thanks so much!!

[@sounds-of-oblivion]

Alien 3 is a childhood memory to me. The way the alien bursted out of the dog still gives me nightmares. Way to go with this video. Didn''t know there was a story behing this movie. Cudos to you dude!

[@ENTIAComics]

Wow! Great quality comparison! Now I want to make my own "Alien 3 Fan Cut" with the best parts from both!

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thanks! Check out some of the comments here, someone is already working on that!

[@Dark.Shingo]

I was thinking there has to be a fanmade one with these. Hopefully someone already did it.

[@ketolcob]

You might like Alien 3: Third Cut!

[@bjordan429]

Oh wow. I have the Assembly cut and didnt know it wasn't the Theatrical cut; it isn't labelled as either. I love it. Thanks for this video. Spot-on with the assessment; it would be a shame to remove the Golic parts. I cant believe they cut out all the good parts. I found it compelling with the religious tones, and the extra focus on the prisoners made it all feel lived-in.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Glad I could help!

[@ericwoll]

I watched Alien 3 last year and am not realizing that it was the Assembly Cut. I didnt remember enjoying it as much as I did this last time through. I even own the BluRay Quadrology and learned that the Assembly Cut is present there as well. Good vid!

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thank you!

[@7783DEATH]

After watching Romulus… Alien 3 is still better.

[@vincoletto2]

I loved Alien 3 since the first time I watched it back then and loved the themes and back to a claustrophobic place. Didnt see issues with it. Only much later in life I realised a lot of people disliked it.

[@AllenAlberti]

best youtube video i have watched all month. you have a true talent for film documentaries.

[@kylewarnke3664]

high praise! thank you

[@pluto_rising]

Alien 3 is a great movie if you dont think too hard and enjoy it for what it is. Ive always enjoyed it. I love that unique dirty brown hue the movie has...and its overal vibe, its nothing like Alien or Aliens and holds its own 👍 never seen a movie like it ever again!

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

Totally agree. Love it for the same reasons.

[@sweezlesquee]

It's a cozy movie. I feel like the Riddick universe was inspired by it.

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

@@sweezlesquee Cozy?

[@HeresWhyItsCool]

Excellent work, man! You've earned a subscriber! I LOVED "Aliens" as a kid, and I remember seeing Alien 3 in the theater when I was 11 years old, and I had nightmares for a week! I'm sure I watched it on video after that... but my brother and I watched the Assembly Cut when that box set came out in 2003, and I enjoyed it a LOT more than the theatrical cut. Great video... looking forward to more of yours!

[@kylo.the_bastard333]

dude ur videos are seriously high quality asf! super underrated

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thank you so much!

[@tetleyT]

Love the theatrical version. Saw it in cinemas when it first came out and have never agreed with the popular opinion that it's a bad movie. I see a lot of excellence in the style and the acting and considering what Fincher wen through to get it made it's a bordeline miracle. Takes a lot of narrative risks and is easily the 3rd best Alien movie.

[@alaric_]

Alien3 was the first Alien-movie i saw and i loved it then and i've continued to love it ever since. Watched it so many times i know it almost by heart. That said, the Assembly Cut is better version with the increased character building and aspects mentioned in this video. Someone should make a mix of Assembly + Dog Scene, would be literally perfect.

[@ChristopheJOUAN-qd3xu]

I saw "Alien 3" in a theater when it was released and I already noted at that time that several pictures I had seen before were missing in the movie. So, I knew that the Theatrical Cut wasn't the original version because of the missing Trap Scene and the sudden disparition of Golic. When the Assembly Cut was released, I could finally see the story that was described in the novelization: this Assembly version, despite not being perfect, was already way more better than the Theatrical version we saw in theaters! For me, the best version of "Alien 3" is a mix of the Assembly Cut for the main part and of the Theatrical Cut to complete it : 1) Beginning of the movie with Clemens walking alone and finding Ripley on the shore, shots of the ox used to tow the EEV, shots of the dog barking at the EEW and the Face Hugger, 2) More exposition time about the Fury 161 prison colony and about the different prisoners, 3) Birth of the Alien from the dog because of the feline form of the Alien (sorry for the dead Royal Face Hugger, pals!), 4) The successful ambush and capture of the Alien, 5) All scenes with Golic, 6) Ripley's suicide without the birth of Alien Queen Chestburster (despite the fact that I really looove this final Alien creature, it's the last time we see Ripley and at that moment we really need to see her go in Peace at last, like at the end of both "Alien" and "Aliens"). I'll never forget the sadness I felt when Ripley died and the movie ended on this dark note, but it felt to be the right end with such a nightmarish creature like the Alien. I'll never thanks Charles de Lauzirica enough and his team to have given us the Assembly Cut of "Alien 3": David Fincher's vision was dark but necessary after the happy ending of "Aliens" (and I say that even if, me too, I miss Newt and Hicks a lot!), and it needed to be shown as the Theatrical Cut was really truncated. So, thank you very much for your awesome work, Mister De Lauzirica! 🙂💯👍

[@amnitziel]

awesome work dude - subscribed .. i look forward to more of your stuff in the future

[@elkanovitch]

I've always preferred the Assembly Cut. The juxtaposition of them catching the alien and then having it less loose makes the whole final gambit/sacrifice that more heart wrenching.

[@jesseharper6669]

Really great essay. I've only watched the Assembly Cut the last 4-5 times i watched Alien 3 and have long since forgotten what it even changed, so this was a nice reminder. I'm Assembly Cut all the way, including the Ox burster, which I think is fine even though it's dead (presumably the infection and most of the gestation occurred while it was still alive). I do still think I prefer having the Ripley chest burst at the end from the theatrical cut tho.

[@Rogue-a-Pogue]

I think it works better from the religious significance as well. Ripley as Jesus with the cross pose illustrating her sacrifice is effective but her cradling the alien as it bursts free gives a very 'Madonna and Child' vibe, tying into the 'immaculate conception' of her being impregnated at the beginning of the movie.

[@NICE-EYES]

That was crazy informative fr!

[@karlgreene2177]

Alien 3 is my favourite film in the franchise!

[@jaxxrr]

3 > 1+2

[@ChrisRollason]

Agreed!

[@DavidK-Delta]

Alien 3 killed the franchise... FACT !!!

[@jaxxrr]

@ that fact is only in your brain

[@superquad7]

I'd like to see a fan cut that combines all of the good elements from both and discards the negative ones from each.

[@Ravedaze.]

I have the Quindrology box set.. it’s awesome, and I really love Alien3

[@ErikJ82]

Assembly cut with Ox. Realistically a prisoner would not be allowed to keep a pet like a dog especially if it has to be transported from earth in cryo.

[@Herosoyyo2]

And adding to the sacrifiicial element the video brings up, the alien didn't use Newt; Newt would've been the obvious sacrifice to take. She represents Ripley's redemption and we start off worried it's gonna be in there. But instead she died from a random chaotic factor like drowning, and the alien comes out of this gross dirty ox the inmates couldn't wait to get rid of anyway. AND that also works as a setup for the queen gestating in Ripley all along, since Ripley might be the one character we value even more than Newt. Which all adds to the inevitability of the creature as well; it's smart enough to take the biggest sacrifice but will still adapt and kill you if it can only have what you treat as garbage. It's even more of a nightmare apex predator (more of a "dragon") for that. I hadn't even thought about the "copying of the host" element, it always just seemed to me like xenomorphs need food and maybe warmth to grow. My explanation for it being different was like maybe it's a lesser version that takes a little less time; since it only has a dead creature this time around. Someone might know reasons that's right or wrong in the lore, I haven't even seen the ones after 3 yet.

[@robertgreen7593]

They could fix the Newt, Bishop, Hicks issue quite easily. They just have her ejected from the main ship due to contamination. The main ship continues and leaves her stranded. The rest are still alive. Just edit out the interactions with Bishop, etc.

[@inthefade]

I think I would have liked that.

[@kylewarnke3664]

So the three of them are alive offscreen but not in this story? I'm not sure I like that. Feels like it's trying to have its cake and eat too by removing them from the story without killing them. It's either one or the other.

[@danielt.8573]

There's no point saving Newt, Bishop and Hicks. Ripley still dies in the end and we'd never see the group together again. The whole movie needs to be decanonized and a brand new Alien 3 should be made while the actors are all still alive.

[@stevenwest1494]

​@@danielt.8573not with today's talent producing the crap they make today. All the best now make terrible movies today, especially with today's thirsty Hollywood.

[@daneparsons725]

@@kylewarnke3664 I would rather them alive off screen then dead on screen, having them dead makes thw whole rescue/ battle with the queen redundant, at least Newt is alive somewhere.

[@Albert-lj5jb]

Great watch thanks. I already liked the theatrical cut Alien 3, but when I saw the Assembly Cut, I loved Alien 3. I do agree with the Dogburster scene, in that just about everything about it makes much more sense from a lore perspective. I prefer the Oxburster scene overall, though, in set design and because of the fact that it at least showed the Super/Queen/Royal Facehugger on screen. I completely agree with Ripley's sacrifice, although I love the animatronic Queen Chestburster, it simply looks fantastic, the scene is just too contrived.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

When i first saw Alien³ i felt it to be a pretty confusing mess but on a second and third time watching i started to like it a lot more. Especially for the absolutely gorgeous cinematography and the overall vibe and mood of the movie. The third act if you want really is absolutely dark, devoid of any hope and yet.... this is really what the story needed. Especially as final act for Ripley (if you consider Alien Resurrection as non-canon and completely ignore it). It is a very cinematic tragedy and Drama. And when i watched the Assembly cut for the first time it absolutely felt like a MUCH better movie. And i prefer it not only for that but also for the fact that it is a LOT closer to Fincher's vision. Not perfect and definitely not the whole directors vision but still better than the Theatrical cut. And what can i say... i love a dense atmosphere, amazing character actors and of course REAL anamorphic cinemascope. It's a shame how much 20th Century Fox did play David Fincher dirty but he still managed to move on and make movies he wanted to do his way. And at least you can see a lot more of the amazing stuff he shot in the assembly cut.

[@Flint-Dibble-the-Don]

I still get excited seeing Del Preston/ Danny the Dealer in anything.

[@turorock]

Amazing job mate!

[@kylewarnke3664]

Appreciate it!

[@bearlyplayin]

Crackin' video, man... Such a good job!

[@QuarantineV1]

I was pretty lucky, in that my first viewing of the film was the Assembly Cut. Having seen both cuts, the Assembly Cut is miles ahead. It's worth enduring the one gripe about the ox not being as fitting of a host. Also, didn't realize that was Paul McGann.

[@cyryc]

As someone who was born in the 80s, grew up in the 90s, I can remember when the assembly cut was almost mythical as the deleted scenes from ALIENS. I remember the grainy sound of all the deleted scenes from Alien, Aliens and Alien 3 and how excited I was for the ALIEN Quadrilogy DVD set. That had grainy weird audio for Alien 3 assembly cut, but I'm glad that's been cleaned up in subsequent versions. Alien 3 Assembly cut is amazing fully restored.

[@Albert-lj5jb]

haha yeah I remember the audio being shit in the dvd original, but I accepted it anyway, then when they did finally clean it up I was gobsmacked. If only they gave this much care and attention to Alien 3 when it was actually being made..... who knows

[@alaric_]

I doubt there ever was more mysterious lost footage then the "Cocoon Scene" from Alien where Ripley finds Dallas fixed to the wall with him asking her to kill him. I managed find and download the sound clip back in 1995-96 (Netscape ftw) and then it took years before the actual video clip was put into the Directors Cut.

[@mitkoogrozev]

The dead ox is the only part I think should be changed back to the dog. It fits the grim and hopeless nature of this movie. An already dead ox has no emotional impact, and it doesn't contrast as well to what the preacher is saying while the footage cuts from alien birth to him speaking.

[@vincoletto2]

At some point probably there will be a fan edit putting the dog back into the assembly cut

[@kriswingert1662]

It also does not fit with having to have a live host for the Alien to gestate in, as in all of the other movies. The Alien we see is fast and sleek BECAUSE it came from the dog DNA.

[@TheJamesM]

There is a kind of gothic quality to the ox version somehow; there's the stuff mentioned in the video, and I suppose having the alien bursting from a corpse kind of evokes the undead. In those ways I think it's kind of fitting, but I also absolutely agree that the dog version is more logical, both in terms of the alien's lifecycle and its abilities. It also functions more as a traditional horror scene; there's the pathos of seeing the poor dog suffer, as mentioned in the video, and it also does more to ramp up the tension, I think. Still, I can't really decide which version of that scene I prefer overall. I'd certainly be interested to see a fan edit splicing the dog scene into the Assembly Cut.

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@TheJamesM I suspect that was the idea, and paralleling with the religion, all very much more gothic in totality.

[@d.l.9517]

Killing the dog makes the audience want to see the alien killed more. Any dead animal with an alien wouldn't make any sense based on every alien birth we've seen.

[@lukejw11]

I have come to really like Alien 3 and think the Assembly Cut is great. It is a satisfying final part of the original trilogy. In Alien, Ripley is the victim. In Aliens, Ripley is the hero. In Alien 3, Ripley is the monster. She is the one risking the lives of others to achieve her aim. Its beautifully shot and some of the best acting of the series. The real issue with Alien 3 was the fact that, due to change of genre from horror to action, Aliens left its characters alive. To return to horror, Ripley needed to be alone in this movie and so it was left needing to dispose of a bunch of beloved characters. It could spend half of the runtime wrapping up Aliens (and probably still not do justice to those characters) or just do so brutally and get on to its own story. The latter is the harder and better choice for the Alien franchise. If you want to see what Alien 3 would have been like with Hicks, Newt and Bishop, you can read the William Gibson script (or graphic novel). Its not great as it struggles with the issue of having to spend a lot of time dealing with decisions made in Aliens, and is not as good as where Alien 3 went IMO

[@HumanHamCube]

Catching the alien was pivotal to the final act. All the prisoners knew they could trap it and using themselves as bait could work.

[@madderhat5852]

There is a way to I thought to save Newt and Hicks and still keep whichever version of A3 you like. It would have to be an Alien 2.5.

[@Jgame5]

I think the assembly cut is closer to fincher's vision. It gets my vote for 'definitive' edition

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@Jgame5 it's more definitive than the theatrical, for sure.

[@earthcitizen3939]

It seems that it's closer to his vision at least

[@lostinalbion4223]

I prefer the Assembly cut, it's actually a pretty good film. Still hate the Newt/Hicks/Bishop thing though.

[@Fiorwestcoast]

Assembly cut is far superior. If the studio didnt meddle it would have been so much better.

[@jachyra9]

How exactly is it "far" superior?

[@kylewarnke3664]

Indeed. Would have been really interesting if Fincher was involved in the Assembly Cut.

[@jachyra9]

@@kylewarnke3664 - How so?

[@Fiorwestcoast]

​​​@@jachyra9golic. And the ox. The opening is perfect visual story telling about the planet and the Dr. The ox is a mythological symbol and it was specifically used to be just that. Religion plays a massive role and it shows how golic worships the dragon or demon. You have the idea of trapping it but you know it will get out because the only path is a Ripley sacrifice. Giger was working non stop on the ox and bambi burster sequence. After landeu got involved he pushed Fincher out and when that happened Giger also dropped. Rawlings started to fight the studio as well. The studio didn't understand the mythological symbol with the ox and wanted something "shocking" so they pushed the dog in and got rid of all the Giger designs. The assembly cut is far superior in visual story telling and if fincher was given the respect and time it would be incredible. The theater version was a studio messing with someone's vision. And that never works.

[@arvinjay336]

​@@jachyra9 some of the characters get more screentime and get developed and shown on screen rather than end up disappearing halfway through the film. Funny nowadays you people would complain if side characters get less screen time and lacking in development, here comes the Assembly cut and you don't like it lmao

[@GudetamaEggson]

Solid video, you have gotten a solid subscriber.

[@kylewarnke3664]

@GudetamaEggson much thanks!

[@ObserverAlistair]

The assembly cut is longer, restores a lost subplot and expands on the religious themes of the film

[@DavidK-Delta]

None of which fix any of the major objections to the film... 🙁👎

[@gregorystoakes6151]

Nice job Kyle. Thanks for this solid video.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thank you for watching!

[@gharbadtheweak3421]

Alien 3 is massively under rated and is a great wrap up of Ripley's story despite it's flaws. The scene with the alien inches from Ripley's face is one of the most iconic from the series.

[@11274reece]

I don't think you know what underrated means man.

[@dabund2]

I LOOOVE the assembly cut. We get a glimpse of Finchers masterpiece that could’ve been.

[@YourLordshipBalthazar]

The assembly cut made alien 3 my favourite of all alien films

[@jeoltem]

I absolutely agree, Best atmosphere, creative vision. Aliens (second movie) made my route for the xenomorphs.

[@earthcitizen3939]

I totally agree

[@paulbowler5345]

Great video. The Assembly Cut of Alien 3 tranformed the film for the better. It's my favourite version of the movie.

[@91lifetime23]

Its crazy how this movie was so problematic during production and still the assembly cut is my favorite Alien film, coming from a huge Alien fan that has spend thousands of dollars in this franchise

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@91lifetime23 for all its flaws, even the theatrical cut is a miracle considering all the problems this movie faced.

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

Me too. I love it. ❤

[@bdeananderson]

A couple of points: I could be mistaken, but I believe the Workprint is closer to Fincher's version than the Assembly Cut. By the time of the workprint the host had changed to the dog. The opening is more similar to the theatrical version, though the intercuts between the funeral and the bursting aren't there. With the exception of the early finding Ripley, EEV, and Ox shots, the Assembly and WP mostly align. There's one (baffling) omission from the Assembly Cut that is in the Work Print. 85 waits for the "rescue" team, but when they arrive they have a small animal cage with them. They set it down and ask where Ripley is. 85 answers, but then says "you're going to need a bigger cage." I always liked the line, showing how little he understands of what's going on (the cage is for Ripley's chest burster, not the adult xenomorph). Why it's not in the Assembly cut I don't get, since it is in the Work Print.

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@bdeananderson yeah, I've heard of this version as well, but as it's not an officially released version, I decided not to include it. I'll have to go back through my notes to see if Charles mentions using the workprint at all.

[@shaunP.harley]

I disagree with what you said about the ending in the theatrical release. I personally think it puts more emphasis on Ripley because as the queen bursts out, Ripley uses her last ounce of strength to hold onto the creature.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Fair point, reasonable minds can disagree!

[@earthcitizen3939]

Wouldn't she have died by the bursting? 🤔To me it doesn't make sense, it's one of the reasons why I prefer the assembly cut.

[@charlierhodes7271]

This is a really well done video essay

[@91lifetime23]

I was once so obsessed with this film that i watched 6 times in a week, each time it was a different experience, just an amazing film and end to an amazing trilogy

[@JurassicRod]

Agreed. I think it's the perfect ending to the Ripley story/trilogy.

[@brettrigby2226]

@@JurassicRod i've never disagreed with anything more. Alien 3 was a fking abomination of a movie. Killing off newt and hudson was an awful idea. the whole movie feels like a different franchise. i honestly wish they would write this off as non cannon so they could of had an older newt in the franchise as a survivor. this movie is directly responsible for resurrection which was also awful. They put as many big names in it that they could just to push tickets.

[@JurassicRod]

@@brettrigby2226 I liked that they killed off Newt and Hicks. Neither character was that deep beyond existing to develop Ripleys character. Having her so totally alone and isolated right from the start sets the nihilistic tone of the movie and gives Ripley even more development and strength. I guess I'm happy with the franchise having an ending. Not being dragged out with Newt replacing Ripley to repeat the same thing over and over. It is a horror franchise so a dark ending suits it. Not Ripley and Hicks living happily ever after adopting Newt with Bishop as the butler.

[@daviddowsett1658]

@@JurassicRod I'll watch that spin-off "Bishop: The Butler Years" set as a 90's sitcom with a laughter track ...

[@maryvasilakakos7387]

I love it too in all versions. It has a darkness and vibe unique to it. I don't watch cinema for mere plot developments, linear story telling is just so old hat, yeah, I wish they hadn't killed off Newt, but A3 is moody and immersive cinematography wise. I have a DVD with the two versions. I probably prefer the cow version but it's not a big deal. 😁 Cheers from Melbourne ❤

[@JONINXBOX]

Great breakdown video, thanks for posting.

[@sage11x]

There is no best version of this movie. It’s a cursed, beautiful, broken, fascinating mess.

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@sage11x I wholeheartedly agree with your second sentence lol

[@NicholasCook.hk.852]

I really enjoyed watching this. Very very good. Thank you.

[@MikV99]

The assembly cut is definitely better within the limits of what is possible, it still doesn't fix the worst thing about the movie, the deaths of Hicks and Newt. Plus it still contains some really bad CGI tricks, the digital alien looks really bad. It's amazing how bad the CGI is in a movie when Jurassic Park came out just a year later.

[@MS-ho9wq]

I love Fincher, but Killing Hicks and Newt will always be the biggest dick move.

[@oldmanchannel9090]

great explanation! One thing. The inmate that almost screws the plans at the end, does not die. He just vanishes in the air and the story stablishes only Morse survives... but where the hell is the other guy???

[@kylewarnke3664]

Appreciate it! And yeah, fair point. Another example of how much Alien 3 was a mess, not just during production but in the editing room as well.

[@musikmirage]

There is a very short shot that shows that guy dead on ground I think but it is hard to catch

[@earthcitizen3939]

I think that you mean the crazy guy (Golic). He is more featured in the assembly cut.

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

The Assembly Cut was also cleaned up more in the later boxsets versus when it was first originally included in the Quadrilogy boxset.

[@DulceDul217]

Im 1:45 in, and now thinking somehow I unknowingly watched the assembly cut 😮

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@DulceDul217 you got a better experience than most!

[@yoshix1234]

I like the theatrical cut much better. The only thing I prefer from the assembly cut is the ending mentioned. Thanks for the video!

[@negatywny.2005]

So. Alien 3 was supposed to be the end of the saga right? SO it had to be dark, nihilistic and depressing as faq. And the death of Newt and Hicks is the first step to the depression hell.

[@kylewarnke3664]

@@negatywny.2005 It's controversial for sure, but I'm a fan of killing off Hicks and Newt. And the movie doesn't gloss over it, there's a whole funeral scene to make the deaths linger. It does integrate those events into the story well.

[@negatywny.2005]

@ on the other hand. What would Hicks do? Without weapons etc ? The same with Newt? Her autopsy is a masterpiece. The shot with her eyes !!!

[@kdscool1536]

It wasn't supposed to be the end of the saga, initially it was planned as a 2-parter with a completely different story, but development and production was such a mess they put together whatever they had on their hands at the moment to meet a release date insisted by Fox.

[@citizen3000]

What’s with this “saga” nonsense?

[@lestatdelc]

@@kylewarnke3664 - Same here. I think it was a good choice (though most "fans" of the franchise disagree).

[@Dave.Weiss.]

I love both of the cuts- and I think its the film I have seen the most theatrically. I love the operatic bleakness of this film, the cast is superb, the score is truly beautiful and majestic - and I think its my favourite of the original trilogy.

[@MotiviqueStudio]

I’ve always had a soft spot for this film. I don’t like what they did with the characters, but I loved the atmosphere.

[@xenoranger79]

With the exception of the queen bursting from Ripley, I agree. The queen bursting added that reminder of what was at stake.

[@jonesygrets6029]

Dog burster is far superior to me. But I like all the added stuff in assembly cut I think there is a fan version that adds all the good stuff back in plus keeps the dog. I also love that they killed the main characters off It’s ballsy. Sometimes shit doesn’t go how you want it. And story’s go in many directions

[@James-vv9dp]

It’s not been released yet, I’m looking forward it it, I believe its called a34k?

[@KaijuAlert]

Really great video. Keep em coming!

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thanks, will do!

[@oh-totoro]

It always blew my mind the hate that Alien 3 received. Especially to do with the death of Newt and Hicks. This is the Alien universe. Did people expect them to ride off into the sunset?

[@TheJamesM]

Yeah, a happy ending can only last as long as it takes to make a (direct) sequel. The only other solution is to have new protagonists each time, which I get the feeling would go (and has gone) down similarly badly with the same people.

[@AdrianMeredith]

There's literally nothing worse than off screen deaths

[@earthcitizen3939]

I agree

[@livefromthe3-066]

I liked alien 3. It reminded me of the first one More grounded then aliens The I liked that it took place in prisons and everything was make shift they really had to make use of the tool they had and outsmart the xenomorph

[@TheHuskyType]

I really love channels that make these love letter video essays to one of my most cherished iP’s and it’s truly a crime that this movie was the end consequence of the second film. Sigourney was still so young at the time, we could have waited another decade for a proper return to form, for potentially someone like James Cameron to really explore what the franchise had to offer on a second attempt. Prometheus was a good return to form for me, but then it quickly turned into the horror show that was alien 3. The first movie was a dare to invent and try something new, while now everyone is playing catch-up on how to squeeze out every dollar out of this dying IP.

[@adrianguth]

I like Alien 3 more than Alien 2, cause. at least Alien 3 IS an Alien movie. NOT a Space marines killing aliens movie.

[@scottishgeekguy]

"all of the nuance is lost in the theatrical cut" very true.

[@getsmart3701]

I loved Aliens 3, the location, the darkness and the beleakness made this a very good movie for me. This was always the third best Alien movie in the franchise and I have not seen this Aseembly Cut yet. Thank you for the heads up. Good work.

[@earthcitizen3939]

Get the assembly cut, it's better. This comes from someone that has the assembly cut as the favorite Alien movie.

[@richardb6260]

Newt, Hicks, and Ripley still die. It fixes nothing.

[@blammers]

My thoughts exactly. Nothing can fix this abomination of a film.

[@earthcitizen3939]

I never cared for that, I don't think that it's a happy franchise anyways. Things happen and people die.

[@DrGeta666]

Fantastic breakdown. Well done.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Glad you liked it!

[@runlarryrun77]

I've seen various cuts of Alien3 over the years. I honestly believe it's best fixed by just not watching it.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Lol it's got its flaws but I have a soft spot for it, warts and all.

[@lestatdelc]

Grow up.

[@TheDoctormadness]

That's a super interesting video you made!!

[@newshamhouse]

Please do more content 🙏 ❤

[@DVDhoarder]

Never seen the theater version, but I do love the longer version that I have watched several times 👍 great ending for the trilogy.

[@Eragarev]

Assembly cut + dog burster + queen erupts from Ripley = my personal favorite.

[@ExcelionYogi]

Check out the Legacy Cut project. I think you'll like it

[@Mister-Sinner0]

I prefer the dog burster, i think its way more impactful seeing mans best friend producing its worst enemy, but the assembly cut is a better movie.

[@jameswebber359]

Great video. Looking forward to your next one. A video covering each of the differences between the LOTR trilogy theatrical and extended versions would be most welcome 😁

[@kylewarnke3664]

Thank you! And believe me, the LOTR extended editions are on the list :)

[@sstavlo]

Alien 3 should be shown to studio heads when they start messing with a movie.

[@christermyrberg3661]

Assembly Cut is my favourite in the series

[@MOTIG1]

This is a topic that has been discussed a lot, but your take is solid, but maybe lacking a little insight (thinking about the big challenges during filming, editing and production) but you have very high quality in your production and the way you present the video is great. Hope to see more in the future. Happy new year and best of luck.

[@kylewarnke3664]

Really appreciate the feedback. What parts do you think I could have improved on? Always open to suggestions.

[@aidan_hp]

Opening - Assembly definitely (the atmospheric, bleak outdoor presentation is beautiful) Alien bursting - Theatrical (prefer the dog) Middle - Assembly Ending - Theatrical (love the alien burst at the end and less CG ish)

[@caseymmmaher]

This video is so well done. Thank you ✌️

[@lewhughes3079]

I Seriously enjoyed this video essay. ❤

[@oldmoviesinbwwithsubtitles3501]

Love the Alien films. Great work