Fox is presenting the Alien films on dvd, available in either individual editions, or the entire 4-film collection in a boxed set, "The Alien Legacy".  While only the purchase of the boxed set allows consumers to purchase a special   "making of Alien" dvd for an additional $4.75, a more substantial advantage is the discounted price in owning all 4 films.  True, the third and 4th films, are the weakest of the series, they each have some worthwhile moments, and the anamorphic transfer along with dolby digital 5.1 sound offers great quality over the previously available laserdisc versions.

"Alien", the best film of the series, and one of the great horror films of all time, receives an excellent transfer.  While the master appears to be from the same source as the recent laserdisc, the 16:9 enhancement allows for sharper clarity, even with some graininess, and consistent color values.  In addition there is audio commentary with Director Ridley Scott, a featurette, deleted scenes and an outstanding live-action menu.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound is extremely active with extensive rear speaker effects.

"Aliens" is offered with the restored footage, previously only available as a special laserdisc offering.  While it still appears a little too grainy at times, it offers an outstanding dolby digital 5.1 sound mix with non-stop directional effects.   The 16:9 enhancement is also an improvement in overall quality when compared to the laserdisc.  The restored footage adds greatly to the film's narrative, and even minor segments, a 30 second sequence here and there, increase the tension to some scenes.

"Alien 3" is the most controversial addition of the series, not due to its quality, but rather it's distinct and cold detachment to everything in its environment.   Filmed with a highly stylized atmosphere by Director David Fincher,   "Alien 3"  is so detached from human emotion, it makes the other Alien films appear warm and uplifting.  While most critics have panned it, we applaud Fincher's boldness and creativity.  He's created a world out-of-touch with the commercial feel of the other "Alien" films, but it always seems convincing.   The 16:9 enhancement provides extreme clarity to almost every scene.  The dolby digital 5.1 sound mix is incredible with eerie environmental  effects that provide a unique experience for the viewer, in some ways more chilling than the sound mixes on any of the other films.

"Alien Resurrection" offers a sharper transfer than the previous laserdisc versions.  The contrast levels and fleshtone quality is also superior in comparison.   While the DTS laserdisc version offers more defined effects in rear channel activity, the dolby digital 5.1 soundmix is on par with the dolby digital 5.1 laserdisc offering..

"The Imposters" is one of those small independent films that is certain to win over a cult-following like "Waking Ned Divine".  It certainly requires the viewer to have great patience for the film's pacing and characters/plot development, but it's worth the trip.

The dvd transfer is sharp.  The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact, and the fleshtones are excellent.  The dolby surround offers few directional effects, but presents a fine musical background.

A wonderful, uplifitng film, "Waking Ned Divine" is available in a wonderful dvd from FOX.  While we wish that there had been a dolby digital 5.1 soundmix, the dolby surround mix is more involved than most. The 2.35:1 aspect ratio is intact, and anything less would severely hinder the films well conceived production design.   Wonderful for repeated viewings.

Director Mark Lester succeeds in making "Commando" more fun than its limited budget would suggest.  An action film by design, the strong script from veteran action writer, Steven E. De Souza, is more intelligent than many films of the genre.   There is some real character development and although Schwarzenegger isn't at his best, he's adequate.

The 1.85:1 aspect ratio is intact.  The dvd transfer isn't too sharp, though adequate.  Contrast and fleshtones are fine, but colors appear subdued.  The dolby surround soundtrack appears somewhat dated with few rear speaker effects.