Director's Cut vs Theatrical Cut

[fgadmin]

Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Alien

---

Broncho_Knight — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 12:51 PM)

I haven't watched the Alien movies in years and would like to re-watch all of them in the coming months to get ready for
Covenant
. The extended cuts of the sequels are obvious improvements, but which is a better cut of the original film?

[fgadmin]

bluersun — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 01:52 PM)

I'd go theatrical cut and then watch the scene with Brett and Dallas being cocooned as a kind of bonus - not that much more was added to the DC really

[fgadmin]

Broncho_Knight — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 02:10 PM)

Isn't the DC actually shorter? What did they cut out?

[fgadmin]

bluersun — 9 years ago(January 07, 2017 02:17 PM)

It's being discussed currently on another thread so I've just copied and pasted what someone else wrote:
prbronx5replied 2 days agoSeveral scenes are cut, example, Dallas talk with MUTHR before the airshaft scene.Some are added:Transmission on the bridge.Kane pulls out a laser gun while in egg chamber.Lambert attacks Riley outside the infirmary.Adult alien dangling among the chains in the landing gear. This is during the Brett death scene.Parker and Ripley run into the landing gear room, as alien drags Brett up into the airshaft.The Dallas Brett coccoon scene.Alien slaps the cat carrying case with Jones inside.

[fgadmin]

brownstones — 9 years ago(January 08, 2017 09:53 PM)

The TC, but there are very nice character beats in the DC. Personally I'd combine the TC and DC, but exclude the cocoon scene; not because it's bad, but much like the Burke cocoon scene in Aliens, it's good yet slows the final act a bit.
=w=

[fgadmin]

SimmyThompson — 9 years ago(February 11, 2017 01:07 PM)

I've only seen the theatrical cut. Need to give the directors cut a try next time I watch this.

[fgadmin]

preachcaleb — 4 years ago(February 17, 2022 04:21 PM)

The Director's Cut is good for the bonus scenes, but I much prefer the Theatrical Cut. It's a tighter experience and flows better.
So many stories, so little time.

[fgadmin]

bigbadwolf666 — 2 years ago(May 17, 2023 10:37 PM)

I think The Dc was better cause it was methodical and made more sense.
Without strife, your victory has no meaning.
Without strife, you do not advance.
Without strife, there is only stagnation.

[fgadmin]

prefect — 2 years ago(May 19, 2023 07:26 AM)

Explain medical ps.

[fgadmin]

bigbadwolf666 — 2 years ago(May 19, 2023 11:24 AM)

Methodical*
Without strife, your victory has no meaning.
Without strife, you do not advance.
Without strife, there is only stagnation.

[fgadmin]

prefect — 2 years ago(May 22, 2023 09:45 AM)

Ah! Now it makes sense.

[fgadmin]

AnthonyRocks — 4 years ago(February 17, 2022 04:26 PM)

I actually like the "Theatrical Cut" of the Movie more than the "Director's Cut" of it.

[fgadmin]

plantsrock93 — 4 years ago(February 17, 2022 05:30 PM)

Theatrical Cut, hands down.

[fgadmin]

Filmbuff29 — 3 years ago(March 13, 2023 04:01 AM)

Theatrical cut.

[fgadmin]

Melton1 — 5 months ago(October 04, 2025 03:25 AM)

Theatrical, but Director’s is a worthwhile bonus watch.

[fgadmin]

LorqVonRay1999 — 3 weeks ago(March 08, 2026 02:24 AM)

I think the director's cut is better and because of the inclusion of one scene near the end.
I can understand why Scott left it out but it is such an incredible scene.
But watch the theatrical and then the director's. They are both incredible.