Best Version Of Alien (1979) On Home Media

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Introduction

This article is part of a series where we investigate which is the best version of particular movies on home media. In this article, we will look at the different releases of Alien (1979) on Blu Ray, UHD Blu Ray – and streaming if available – and look at the specs and quality of each release to determine the best way to watch Alien (1979).

Alien (1979) Summary

Alien (1979) is a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott. It follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo as they investigate a distress signal from a desolate planet. During the mission, they discover an alien organism that attaches itself to one of the crew members. Unknowingly bringing the creature aboard, the crew faces increasing danger as the alien grows more hostile and deadly.

The film is set in a confined and isolated space environment, where the crew must work together to survive. The story explores themes of fear, survival, and the unknown, using suspense and tension to build the narrative. With its atmospheric setting and gradual buildup of terror, Alien became a defining entry in the sci-fi and horror genres, praised for its innovative visual design and strong performances, particularly Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of the lead character, Ellen Ripley.

Alien (1979) Cast Summary

Actor	Character	Character Role Summary
Sigourney Weaver	Ellen Ripley	The resourceful warrant officer who becomes the film’s protagonist.
Tom Skerritt	Dallas	The captain of the Nostromo, leading the crew’s investigation of the distress signal.
John Hurt	Kane	The executive officer who encounters the alien organism during the mission.
Veronica Cartwright	Lambert	The ship’s navigator, who struggles with fear and anxiety as the danger escalates.
Harry Dean Stanton	Brett	The ship’s engineer, assisting in maintaining the Nostromo’s operations.
Yaphet Kotto	Parker	The chief engineer, more concerned with his share of the profits but key in the crew’s survival efforts.
Ian Holm	Ash	The ship’s science officer with a secret agenda related to the alien.
Bolaji Badejo	The Alien	Portrays the alien creature that becomes the deadly threat to the crew.
Helen Horton	Mother (voice)	The voice of the Nostromo’s computer system, which controls many of the ship’s functions.

Alien (1979) Home Media Releases (Blu Ray and Streaming)

Alien (1979) was published on the following contemporary home formats.

Table 1: Alien Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray Releases (Technical Information)

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Table 2: Alien Blu-ray and UHD Blu-ray Releases (Video & Audio Scores and Mastering Information)

Release Name	Video Score	Audio Score	DI Res	DNR Used	AI Used
Alien Anthology	4.5/5	4.5/5	2K	Yes	No
Alien 35th Anniversary Edition	4.5/5	4.5/5	2K	Yes	No
Alien 40th Anniversary Edition	5/5	4.5/5	4K	No	No

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Explanations:

• Release Name: Title of the release (this includes box sets or special editions).
• Format: The format of the release, either Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray.
• Release Date: The date the release became available.
• Video Codec: The codec used for the video track (AVC for Blu-ray, HEVC for UHD Blu-ray).
• Audio Codec: The type of audio codec used on that release (e.g., DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1).
• Video and Audio Bitrates: Left empty (unspecified in Blu-Ray.com reviews).
• Director’s Cut: Whether the Director’s Cut of the film is included.

In the second table:

• Video/Audio Score: Scores based on Blu-ray.com reviews.
• DI Res: The resolution of the Digital Intermediate (2K or 4K).
• DNR Used: Whether Digital Noise Reduction was applied during mastering.
• AI Used: Whether AI techniques were used in the mastering processes. This is left “M” (missing) when unconfirmed.

Please note that we have tried to make sure as much as possible that this information is correct by referencing multiple sources but still keeping it simple and accurate across release regions. Please let us know in the comments if you find any errors.

Alien (1979) Legacy Formats

Alien (1979) was also published on the following legacy formats:

Release Date	Format	Widescreen / Pan & Scan	Director’s Cut
1980	VHS	Pan & Scan	No
1982	Laserdisc	Pan & Scan	No
1992	VHS	Widescreen	No
1995	Laserdisc	Widescreen	No
1999-06-01	DVD	Widescreen	No
2003-12-02	DVD	Widescreen	Yes
2004	D-Theatre	Widescreen	No

Which version of Alien (1979) should you watch?

The best disc version of Alien (1979) depends on the customer’s priorities, such as video quality, audio performance, or extras like the director’s cut. Based on review scores and discussions in forums, here are the key recommendations:

Best Overall Choice: 2019 UHD Blu-ray

• Video Quality: The 2019 4K UHD release has been widely praised for its superior video quality, particularly due to the 4K digital intermediate (DI). The transfer offers excellent detail, contrast, and color accuracy, with no signs of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction), making it the most faithful presentation of the film’s original look.
• Audio Quality: While the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is the same as on previous Blu-rays, it delivers strong, immersive sound. Some audiophiles on forums suggest it should have included an Atmos or DTS mix, but it still holds up well.
• Director’s Cut: It includes both the theatrical and director’s cuts, giving flexibility for the viewer.

Best for Collectors: 2010 Blu-ray Anthology Set

• Video Quality: The 2010 Blu-ray release is also highly rated, with a sharp 1080p transfer. It’s one of the best high-definition versions available if UHD isn’t an option.
• Audio Quality: Great audio presentation with DTS-HD MA 5.1, and it’s well-regarded in forums for its balance between sound effects and dialogue.
• Extras: This edition comes with extensive bonus content, including documentaries, making-of features, and both cuts of the film.

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: 2014 Blu-ray

• Video Quality: The 2014 Blu-ray shares the same transfer as the 2010 release, offering excellent picture quality at a lower price.
• Audio Quality: The same solid DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is included.
• Director’s Cut: Yes, this version includes both cuts, making it a great value.

Consensus from Forums:

• Forums like AVS and Blu-ray.com generally agree that the 2019 4K UHD release is the top choice for video purists, with some saying it’s the definitive version.
• The 2010 Blu-ray Anthology is praised for its comprehensive extras, making it a favorite for collectors.
• For those on a budget or without 4K capability, the 2014 Blu-ray is still a great option, providing nearly the same experience in 1080p.

In summary, the 2019 UHD Blu-ray is the best version overall for both video and audio quality, while the 2010 Blu-ray Anthology is ideal for those seeking in-depth extras and a great Blu-ray transfer.

Why Audio and Video Calibration is Important?

Movies only play accurately on home systems if both the display and audio system are calibrated to reference. Here at Simple Home Cinema, we are fanatic about accurate playback to the way the director intended. This is why we created both free and premium calibration guides, so you can calibrate your audio and video for optimal playback.

Audio Calibration	Video Calibration
Audyssey – Dirac Live – YPAO – All	Free Guides
Premium Guides	Premium Guide