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Jonno

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3-Feb-2006
Last activity
5-Aug-2025
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868

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Post
#271713
Topic
Alien Appendix #3: The Alien Archive (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271713/action/topic#271713
Time
Originally posted by: Murch
I have an original epk (on 3/4 inch tape) for Alien3 if anybody is interested, has a LOT of unedited BTS b-roll and interview clips, all of which can be played with either production sound or narration, it's pretty cool to watch if you're a fan of the film...there are some deleted scene shots if I remember correctly...it would be a nice project if somebody made a dvd out of it (all of the interview clips have a text question, followed by a reply by the actor..lends itself to a menu breakdown...) lemme know if you guys are interested in it for the appendix....


Hi Murch, thanks for stopping by! That potentially sounds like a very interesting addition (to what will probably be AA5) - could you turn your PMs on so I can ask a few questions without taking this thread off track? Thanks!
Post
#271319
Topic
Alien Appendix #3: The Alien Archive (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271319/action/topic#271319
Time
Not initially - at least, not from me!

Did NTSC versions of discs 1 and 2 get into circulation? I passed on an NTSC version of Evolution to Meedermow so that disc 1 could be done (I think that was for you, DFNYC!), and he may well have done disc 2 as well (maybe the original version was NTSC?! The source material certainly was) but in those cases we were dealing with one or two separate elements whereas on this disc we have… well, quite a few more

If there's a quick method that anyone can recommend (to handle menus as well as straight video files), I'm all ears, otherwise I'll happily send a master to anyone else who wants to give it a shot.
Post
#271302
Topic
Alien Appendix #3: The Alien Archive (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/271302/action/topic#271302
Time

It’s time for a quick update on the thrilling next instalment in the Alien Appendix series!

Disc 3 - which we should have ready to go by the end of this month - will be the Alien Archive (not to be confused with the Ebay Alien Archives discs of old).
This DVD is intended to wrap up our exploration of the original Alien movie with a collection of supplements and rarities, not to be found elsewhere (at least, not commercially).

The collection will be headlined by Giger’s Alien (which should need no introduction) and Shock and Awe, a UK TV documentary broadcast around the time that the Director’s Cut was released.
This dual-layer disc will also feature a number of smaller items from various sources, including some nice treats for the true Alien enthusiast!

A terrific cover is on its way from Ash595 (I’ll leave it to him to share it when he’s ready) and if anyone is in a position to torrent this one, I’ll see they get one of the first copies.

Cheers

Jonno

Post
#270109
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/270109/action/topic#270109
Time
Hey fellas!

Alien Appendix 3 is indeed on the way. I'm having a slightly frenetic week work-wise (anyone else at the Video Forum show at Earl's Court this week - working or visiting?) but expect a proper release thread to be opened at the weekend. This one's going to be a goodie!

(Jambe - unless they're on their way from MM, I can easily hook you up with parts 1 and 2 - least I can do for RTJ! Let me know...)
Post
#268933
Topic
//RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC &amp; PAL DVD
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/268933/action/topic#268933
Time
Originally posted by: Jambe Davdar
Did anyone like the Alternate Sail Barge Music sequence which I re-edited to fit the music?


Oh yes! I've been wondering how well that would work since hearing that track in the 1993 CD boxset. Nicely done - didn't realise you'd actually trimmed the footage to match.

There are other alternates such as the ewok battle and Vader's funeral pyre - did you decide against including those for space reasons?
Post
#268500
Topic
//RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC &amp; PAL DVD
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/268500/action/topic#268500
Time
Originally posted by: Jambe Davdar

Hell's Angel Stormtrooper???


Think he's talking about the bearded rebel who dresses in the scout trooper's uniform. Lovely detail, completely unnoticed til now!

The most intriguing aspect of this piece is the very subtle commentary on the Lucas/Marquand relationship. I was surprised to see so much footage of Marquand working fairly autonomously on set, and to hear so many comments from him about his input into the story and events.
Of course, there's plenty that suggests the size of Lucas' role in proceedings, from the effects artists' description of his constant screening of their work, to his own comments on how much he was 'needed' on set. In this context, the gag in the AT-ST cabin is very telling...
Post
#268480
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/268480/action/topic#268480
Time
This is the life cycle as originally conceived by Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett - in addition to simply eating its prey, the lone adult alien will cocoon some of its victims. These unfortunates (Dallas and Brett in this case) then provide the raw biological material to create new eggs, thus completing the cycle.

That was still 'canon' until 1986 - even though the scene was cut from the film (simply for pacing reasons), it is still in the novelisation, the 'Book of Alien' making-of, 'Giger's Alien' and various magazine articles from the time.
Then James Cameron came along, and came up with the alien queen, thus re-writing the life cycle (something he was fully aware of - when interviewed in 1986, he was asked about this and he replied that he felt justified, since comparatively few people would have been aware of the original cocoon scene).

Of course, that scene was officially released to the general viewing public in the 1992 special edition laserdisc, and the subsequent 'facehugger' VHS set (boy, was that an exciting day!)

Quite a few people (myself included) prefer the original concept, since it is a truly 'alien' method of procreation as opposed to the slightly more familiar egg-laying queen. Ridley Scott obviously likes it too, since he elected to reinstate the scene in his 2003 director's cut. Which kind of opens up a new can of worms, because rather than being a simple footnote or curiosity, the scene is now part of the official story!

To be honest, I don't see why both can't be equally valid - different situations demand different approaches, a lone alien will need to make eggs on its own, and once the hive is established and a queen appears they go into mass production. It's still caused a fair bit of confusion, though...

Hope that answers your question
Post
#268309
Topic
//RETURNING TO JEDI\\: NTSC &amp; PAL DVD
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/268309/action/topic#268309
Time
Just finished watching - at the risk of sounding redundant, I loved it. Brilliantly constructed both in terms of content ("I hope he's included a bit about... he HAS!" ad infinitum) and of technique.

Two small issues:

1 - I had the same chapter 23/24 issue as Gallandro. This is on a single layer copy DVDshrunk from the DL download (didn't have a DL disc, and couldn't wait!) Could be an authoring prob?

2 - A small typo - in the onscreen text regarding the original plan for the introduction of the ewoks, it reads 'acavern' rather than 'a cavern'. Tiny detail of course, but if there's another tighten-up sometime it would be worth addressing.

Otherwise, pretty much seamless...


Oh, if I can interest anyone in the UK with SL copies, PM me. Seeding right now too...
Post
#266449
Topic
Need help on this custom cover for ROTE...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266449/action/topic#266449
Time
Latest version looks great, but just a quick thought - while the black bar behind the logo helps it to stand out nicely, it looks a little odd protruding out of the sides like that.

Perhaps you could extend the red lines/margins to the full width of the cover to match? Or cut down the black, and have the red wrap fully around the logo (as with the logo on the menu screenshot).
Post
#266070
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/266070/action/topic#266070
Time
Originally posted by: tb1971
Hi. It brings a genuine joy that our Alien Appendix project is in full throttle and even new more materials surfaced. Don't forget that theis parallel thread discusses the Alien Appendix project (in case someone isn't following the posts there): http://www.originaltrilogy.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=11&threadid=2931&highlight_key=y&keyword1=alien


You make a good point there, TB - there's a lot of important info spread between these two threads, we wouldn't want to miss anything! Maybe we should start a new thread for AA3 / AA4 (Alien and Aliens supplements respectively) to focus the discussion?
Post
#264669
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/264669/action/topic#264669
Time
Quick relist, taking into account more known quantities.


(Items and source - all PAL unless otherwise noted)

ALIEN:

Giger's Alien (Ebay DVD - NTSC)
Shock & Awe - The Return of Alien (TB1971 – a huge improvement on the archives version)
Excerpt from Ridley Scott documentary - Eye of the Storm (Jonno)
Alien DC featurette (ASH595 - NTSC)
Alien DC trailer x2 (ASH595 - NTSC - and TB1971)
Alien DC TV spots x6 (TB1971)
Alien DC Yaphet Kotto interview (TB1971)
Alien Widescreen VHS trailer (Meedermow)

ALIENS:

Aliens: James Cameron - A Director and His Work (Alien Archives)
Aliens TV spots x2 (from TB1971) and x6 (en route from fezza2000)
Saturday Night Live: Alienses (TB1971)

ALIEN 3:

Making of Alien 3 UK (Alien Archives)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien 3 visual effects (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien 3 Charles S Dutton interview (TB1971)
MTV Alien 3 preview (TB1971)
MTV Alien 3 visual effects (TB1971)
Alien 3 Pepsi commercial (Meedermow - someone else originally?)

ALIEN RESURRECTION:

Alien Resurrection - Behind the Scenes (Ron Perlman) (TB1971)
Making of Alien Resurrection (Brad Dourif) (TB1971)
Alien Resurrection TV spots x3 (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien Resurrection LA Premiere (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien Resurrection Weaver/Ryder interview (TB1971)
Alien Resurrection TV interviews and reviews (Triffid)

GENERAL:

Alien War - 2 short pieces (TB1971)
Aliens - Ride at the Speed of Fright (TB1971)
Quadrilogy Trailer (Jonno)
Sharpline Arts laserdisc interview


I was thinking we should start work on the Alien/Aliens disc(s) at the end of this month, which will hopefully allow Meedermow to put the CBS Aliens disc to bed in the meantime. So if there's more to add please act fast! (Particularly keen to hear word from Triffid on his recent finds).


Post
#264394
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/264394/action/topic#264394
Time
8t88 - no, this version is from a year or two earlier (possibly as early as '91) - it was one of the first batch of widescreen videos on the market (hence the explanatory trailer!) Here's the cover (from a recent Ebay listing):

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l108/jonnof/cc_1.jpg

Incidentally that copy didn't sell, so I've contacted the seller to see if they'd be prepared to do a direct sale to me. For £2 it would be worth it...
Post
#264211
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/264211/action/topic#264211
Time
A few queries regarding TB971's list - sorry if I'm going over old ground but we have a lot of balls in the air and it's tough to keep track!


Does the Alien DC promo tape (Triffid's?) contain anything that we don't already have listed? I can't imagine more than one featurette was produced, but it would be useful to know the running time for comparison. I expect some of the interviews might be new to us, so more details would be great.

Likewise the Alien 3 stuff - we already have the UK featurette (and US featurettes are included elsewhere on official releases), so it would be good to know what's new here.

A good copy of the Making of Aliens and a decent-length Alien War piece are possibly worth handing some money over for - TB1971 makes a good point about the exchange rate, and dividing 50 USD between 5 or 10 people shouldn't break anyone's bank!

I think the new, 'proper' Alien War documentary is outside the remit of our project - it isn't vintage and I imagine the folks behind it have their own plans for its distribution (if it is even completed).

Pepsi ad for Aliens? Is this different from the notorious Alien 3 Pepsi ad?


Regarding Triffid's earlier contribution, the VCD Making of AR was a little less impressive than TB1971's DVD version, so we'll stick with that. The Sci-Fi channel Making of AR is also slightly inferior, though it does have some nice 1997 vintage commercial breaks!

The Sharpline piece is very interesting, though - it runs for about 20 minutes, with a good chunk devoted to the Alien and Aliens laserdiscs. Even good ol' Bob Burns pops up at one point. Certainly a good addition to our 'misc' section...

The other disc is mixed bag indeed - lots of vintage TV pieces about AR. I admit to having got a little EPK fatigue midway through this, since the same goddamn clips and trailers come up again and again in each news report! I'll definitely sift out the unique interviews though, and Barry Norman's review has to be included for posterity…


Ok, let's aim to re-list after the weekend. Keep the updates coming!
Post
#263554
Topic
<em><strong>Official Release Thread - Alien Appendix</strong></em> - Updated with #2 info (Released)
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/263554/action/topic#263554
Time
Ok guys, let's get this thing back on track!

I haven't heard from Meedermow since the summer, I don't really know what's happening with his involvement just now. I hope he's still reading the forum at least, and that he might get back on board when he has a chance to.

Since Meeder was pushing forward with a fairly constant release plan, I've been quite happy to take a back seat and follow his lead until now. I think the last release planned was vol.3, i.e. the CBS Aliens. Did anyone ever get a copy of this? I know he already put a lot of work into it, but as to whether it was finished... It certainly didn't make it as far as a torrent.

Anyway, I agree that the best approach in his absence now would be a return to supplement-based discs, using the materials in hand. I summarised the current collection in a previous post (this is all the stuff I actually have on my hard drive, ready to use), here it is again. There may be many omissions, e.g. I haven't added the material from Triffid to this list yet, I need to download TB1971's Alien War find, and I'm sure there's even more out there (which may or may not have been mentioned before).


(Items and source - all PAL unless otherwise noted)

ALIEN:

Giger's Alien (Ebay DVD - NTSC)
Shock & Awe - The Return of Alien (TB1971 – a huge improvement on the archives version)
Excerpt from Ridley Scott documentary - Eye of the Storm (Jonno)
Alien DC featurette (ASH595 - NTSC)
Alien DC trailer x2 (ASH595 - NTSC - and TB1971)
Alien DC TV spots x6 (TB1971)
Alien DC Yaphet Kotto interview (TB1971)

ALIENS:

Aliens: James Cameron - A Director and His Work (Alien Archives)
Aliens TV spots x2 (from TB1971) and x6 (en route from fezza2000)
Saturday Night Live: Alienses (TB1971)

ALIEN 3:

Making of Alien 3 UK (Alien Archives)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien 3 visual effects (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien 3 Charles S Dutton interview (TB1971)
MTV Alien 3 preview (TB1971)
MTV Alien 3 visual effects (TB1971)

ALIEN RESURRECTION:

Alien Resurrection - Behind the Scenes (Ron Perlman) (TB1971)
Making of Alien Resurrection (Brad Dourif) (TB1971)
Alien Resurrection TV spots x3 (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien Resurrection LA Premiere (TB1971)
Entertainment Tonight - Alien Resurrection Weaver/Ryder interview (TB1971)

GENERAL:

Alien War (TB1971)
Aliens - Ride at the Speed of Fright (TB1971)
Quadrilogy Trailer (Jonno)


If you know of anything concrete to add to the list, PLEASE, now is the time to speak!

If there's good material in the pipeline (preferably a short pipeline!) we will of course wait, at least until impatience gets the better of us.

Similarly, any ideas at all regarding menus, covers, running order or anything else, please say! Looking forward to hearing from you all...