Here’s my serious question: all of the Alien films (except Prometheus, somehow) have alternate versions. Are any of them actually better?
No.
People hate on the Alien Director’s Cut a lot, which I think is pretty damn silly. I don’t think I would say it is better or even as good as the theatrical, but the difference between the two is so minimal that I don’t know how anyone could have such a strong opinion on it either way.
The cocoon scene breaks the tension and pacing at the end. Stops the film dead in it’s tracks and it just can’t recover after that.
As for fan edits, I haven’t seen almost anything. I’d be curious to hear if people have seen any good ones.
I’ve made on for Aliens that I prefer. Its pretty much the theatrical with the flamethrower/gun continuity fix and I also use the SE’s LV426 scene, but it’s heavily altered and much shorter (No family going to the old spaceship, just the guys talking in the corridors). Lots of little edits throughout.
I might put it online sometime, but I’m so nervous to put my edits up. Not sure why…