89
Metascore
34 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Dallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufDallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufThis is the breakout role for Sigourney Weaver, whose iconic presence still propels this ride beyond the scores of substandard imitations that followed. Why see it on the big screen? Because it's bloody brilliant.
- 100San Francisco ChroniclePeter HartlaubSan Francisco ChroniclePeter HartlaubFeels like a streamlined improvement on the original.
- 90The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsDespite years of imitators, sequels (some great, some not so), and edited-for-television broadcasts, Alien has lost none of its power, and the big screen only intensifies its impact.
- 90Los Angeles TimesManohla DargisLos Angeles TimesManohla DargisTwenty-four years later -- digitally spruced up, with some scenes shaved and others padded with previously cut material -- Scott's film still shreds nerves.
- 88ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe most important features of this "new" version are the digital cleaning of the print and the re-mastering of the sound. There are a few added scenes, but they are mostly insignificant and have been previously seen (at least by fans of the movie) on the laserdisc or DVD releases.
- 88Baltimore SunChris KaltenbachBaltimore SunChris KaltenbachAlien, even with some scene tinkering that has left this "director's cut" one minute shorter than its original release, is still one of the creepiest, scariest, most shocking films ever.
- 88Boston GlobeTy BurrBoston GlobeTy BurrWhat's most unusual about the original 24 years later, though, is its elegant minimalism.
- 88Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonAn old nightmare, made shiny new.
- 88New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickMostly it's worth seeing Alien, which established Scott as an A-list director, in a theater because his brilliant and often expansive visuals have always worked better on a big screen than on video.
- 30Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumAn empty-headed horror movie (1979) with nothing to recommend it beyond the disco-inspired art direction and some handsome, if gimmicky, cinematography.