Just wanted to chip in about this one.
The movie’s storyline and setting may be divisive, but this particular re-edit of it is terrific!
Alien 3: Third Cut by 15MaF is a satisfying mixture of the ‘Theatrical’ and ‘The Assembly Cut’ with some added spit and polish, making it the best version I’ve come across.
I’ve always preferred the notion of the alien being born from a rottweiler as opposed to an ox, and the ‘dog-burster’ scenes are much more compelling I reckon.
But it’s the likes of 15MaF’s re-grading and subtle enhancements along the way which really make this a comprehensive ‘special edition’ for me, giving an improved look to the alien SFX shots overall - especially during the iconic moment in the infirmary when it goes right up to Ripley’s face - as there’s now added dripping ‘drool’ when it first approaches Ripley, which ties in much better when we then cut to the close-up of the drooling alien head prop. The re-grading, enhancements, and re-framing done to this somewhat dodgy effects shot all combine to make it much more effective now - and there’s a pic of it at the bottom of this link - https://ifdb.fanedit.org/alien-3-third-cut/
And extra kudos for the way the various EEV shots have been melded together nicely, with the creepy shot of Newt incorporated too. Some neat, subtle enhancements to tie things seamlessly together there.
All in all, this is the definitive version of the movie for me now…even though I choose to look on it’s storyline as merely a ‘cryo-sleep nightmare’ that Ripley is having on her journey home with ‘Newt’ and co. - which the ‘unexplained egg’ and different-looking ‘Sulaco’ exterior, ‘Newt’ actress, and ‘cryo-tubes’ all help to reinforce for me. 😃
There are several editors around here who’s ideas and efforts have greatly impressed me over the years, and I’m definitely adding 15MaF to that group now. In addition, it was interesting to read his thoughtful intentions and neat enhancements for some of his other edits too, so I’m including links below to certain threads here for anyone else who may care to check those out -
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull - Non Paternal Cut
Blade Runner - The Analogue Cut
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/Blade-Runner-The-Analogue-Cut/id/62356
Blade Runner 2049 1.1
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/Blade-Runner-2049-1-1/id/65496
EDIT: I came back to this post to add another project which 15MaF eventually went on to do also -
Dune - Deluxe Edition
https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/d-u-n-e-d-e-l-u-x-e-e-d-i-t-i-o-n-r-e-l-e-a-s-e-d/id/79476
(There’s a list of the enhancements and changes on page 2 of that thread)