Review; Alien: Out of the Shadows: An Audible Original Drama |
Written by: Tim Lebbon, Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Rutger Hauer, Corey Johnson, Matthew Lewis, Kathryn Drysdale, Laurel Lefkow, Andrea Deck, Mac McDonald Length: 4 hrs and 28 mins Publisher: Audible Studios |
Review by Paul Fiander
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Audiobooks generally come in one of two types, the first is a straight narration. It can have a touch of musical interlude but for the most part it is a straight telling from the pages of the book. The second is an audiobook performance that takes on the shape of a radio play. These are usually multi player affairs with the use of sound effects adds to the feeling of a radio play. There are pro’s and cons to both but I generally enjoy both. Alien: Out of the shadows falls into the second category and this cast performance is one that will delight many though it does have it’s issues.
The book was written by Tim Lebbon as part of the ever expanding universe of the Aliens franchise but unlike other titles it goes back home with the addition of Ellen Ripley to the tale. I will say I was very dubious about this fact especially as the story is set between Alien and Aliens and although the story anomaly is explained it still feels a little awkward. This though is my biggest complaint as apart from this issue the story is exciting and packed with the character development that the Alien franchise is famous for. |
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The plot centres around a mining vessel that is circling a remote planet. Obviously they encounter Aliens and due to a series of unfortunate events they are forced to face the Xenomorphs in one way or another. The events are generally well crafted and there is very little in no points where you think why oh why? This is to the credit of Lebbon as he understands the need for plausibility in the disaster situations he creates.
The performance of the cast is top notch with Laurel Lefkow stealing the show as Ripley. You could be forgiven that Sigourney Weaver was present in the cast such is her vocal mimicry. This helps to add to the authenticity of the Warrant Officer’s presence on the Marion and her further interactions with the crew. There are other notable names in the cast such as Rutger Hauer who plays Ash (the voice change is actually a very well explained change) and Matthew Lewis who does a great American accent for a Harry Potter Alumni, even if sometimes his accent does wobble a bit. The rest of the cast play their parts well from the suspicious Kathryn Drysdale (Science Officer Sneddon) to the pragmatic Hooper (Corey Johnson). Director Dirk Maggs does a great job bringing all the elements of the performance together including the sound effects that help to elevate this book from narration to a true performance. While not an essential part of the Alien canon Out of the Shadows is nonetheless a great listen the cast do a great job and it's wonderful to spend time with Ripley again. There are issues around her presence but just go with the story till the end and you will be rewarded with a well spent 4 hours and 40 odd minutes of story. Voice cast
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Ash Rutger Hauer
Baxter Matthew Lewis
Garcia Regina Brandolino
Hooper Corey Johnson
Jordan Barbara Barnes
Kasyanov Andrea Deck
Lachance Mac McDonald
Powell Abdul Salis
Ripley Laurel Lefkow
Sneddon Kathryn Drysdale
Welford Nathan Osgood
Baxter Matthew Lewis
Garcia Regina Brandolino
Hooper Corey Johnson
Jordan Barbara Barnes
Kasyanov Andrea Deck
Lachance Mac McDonald
Powell Abdul Salis
Ripley Laurel Lefkow
Sneddon Kathryn Drysdale
Welford Nathan Osgood
