Alien - The Archive
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Book published by Titan Books for info click here
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Review by Paul Fiander
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It's hard to imagine that it has been 35 years since we were first told "in space no one can hear you scream" . In an effort to celebrate the passage of time Titan Books have released a celebration of all things in the cinematic Alien universe.
It's called Alien Archive but for fans this feels more like a treasure trove. The sizable hardback tome covers all four of Ellen Ripley's adventures and is filled to the brim with visual and narrative gold. Whether you prefer cast and crew shots or an insight into a directors process everything is lovingly crafted to make this a wonderful reading experience. The book for obvious reasons is split into four distinct sections each one covering a film. It works as the films are so distinctive that giving each one it's own section allows for a deeper look at the craft behind the camera. This includes some previously unseen imagery as well as cast interviews. Most prominent among the cast is Sigourney Weaver, she helps to open the book and acts as almost a constant reference point for each film. She speaks candidly about her experience as well as letting us on in on things that were to be in the film but in the end were cut from the story. Although the interviews are great it is the images that will draw most to the book. From original artworks to photographic records detailing the shoots the imagery spans the films in their entirety. Perhaps though the most illuminating visuals are the Alien creation pictures, obviously with Alien we get to see some of H. R. Geiger's original work and from then on we get his influence feeding into the rest of the versions of the meanest Xenomorph there is. I think everybody has their own favourite and it's interesting to see how each rendition of the character is slightly different from the last. The book is laid out in a seemingly haphazard fashion as we get a mixture of page designs from splash pages to pages filled with small Polaroid style pictures. This mixture helps to keep the book fresh and at 320 pages this can be a big help. This is not a one sitting book by any means but you can not help to read just one more page and the layouts are a big reason for this. |
If you are an Alien franchise fan then this really is one of the best windows into a movie series there is. The combination of content helps to fill the rich tapestry of the films and even let's light shine on unknown tidbits that I as a fan of the series never knew. Overall I think this is a great buy and it comes highly recommended.
TM & © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Book and Imagery received from Publisher
Book and Imagery received from Publisher
