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Click above to purchase "Alien Nation" at amazon.com
Alien Nation
review by Anthony D.
Rated R
Studio: Fox
Running Time: 90 minutes
Starring Mandy Patinkin, James Caan, Terrence
Stamp
Written by Rockne S. O'Bannon
Directed by Graham Baker
Retail Price: $22.98
Features: Featurette, Behind-the-Scenes Short,
Theatrical Trailers
Specs: 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Dolby
Digital 4.1, English Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround,
English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Chapter Search
In the not too distant future, when a certain alien race
of beings, The Newcomers, have been assimilated into Los
Angeles' culture, crime is still rampant and under the
faithful watch of the L.A.P.D., the bigoted, boozy, seedy
and almost-gone to pot Lieutenant Matthew Sikes (James Caan)
loses his partner in a hail of Newcomer bullets. His resolve
to solve the crime teams him up with Sam Francisco (Mandy
Patinkin sporting a plethora of make-up), a Newcomer, the
first of his race to be awarded the rank of "detective."
What follows is an often humorous, always entertaining
"buddy flick," disguised as a science fiction thriller. The
circuitous route of this crime-busting duo, like that in any
good detective yarn, leads them down roads closer to the
truth than the powers-that-be would like them to get.
Friends in the mayor's good graces also fall under a shadow
of suspicion, while seemingly unrelated slayings occur.
Terrence Stamp, as a sort of Newcomer Donald Trump, who
seems about to fall from the mayor's good graces with the
drop of a clue, is a classic study in how to portray
villainy with flair. "Alien Nation" is a first-rate thriller
made special by its unique blend of elements.
Fox has delivered an outstanding anamorphic transfer of
this thirteen-year-old film. The early scenes, taking place
in the night-drenched streets, show next to no elements of
grain. Here the streets glisten, the darkness is just black
enough to be menacing and the contrast levels of shadows are
presented to near-perfection. "Alien Nation" as this
transfer presents it, shows its age more in the thematic
elements than in the pictural element. Colors are as near to
true as can be, though often the flesh-tones appear to be on
the lilac side. Though there are reds, their chroma level is
reduced. The highly detailed make-up work on The Newcomers,
maroon-colored tattoo-like markings benefit highly from this
digital presentation. Daylight scenes, interior and
exterior, are well-represented by the properly framed
Panavision (2.35:1)camera lens, giving the viewer a true
sense of depth. Though not a perfect transfer, "Alien
Nation" comes quite close.
I'm almost loathed to admit this, but: "Alien Nation"'s
Dolby Digital 4.1 (mono surrounds) is every bit as exciting
as some 5.1 mixes out there. Sporting an aggressive bass
that kicks in almost immediately once the film begins, as
well as some nifty directional sounds, realistic enough to
make you duck your head as bullets buzz by. Dialogue is
clean and well defined, if often on the manufactured side.
The surrounds of course are limited to ambient sounds and
music. "Alien Nation" also has both English and French 2.0
surround tracks to choose from. Opt for the 4.1, and you're
certain not to be disappointed.
In the "Extra Features" menu, you'll find an Original
Theatrical Trailer, which unfortunately gives away far too
many plot points for the uninitiated viewer. The trailer is
also in full-frame for some bizarre reason. Other full-frame
offerings are two short features: the "Featurette" is a
precursor to HBO's 'Behind the Scenes' features, and has
brief comments from the three leads: Mandy Patinkin, James
Caan and Terence Stamp. It's always nice to see Mandy
outside of his "potato head" make-up, as well as Terence
Stamp. Under the "Fox Flix" heading are five additional
trailers, all for sci-fi related films: "The Abyss," and
"Independence Day" are presented in widescreen, whereas
"Aliens," "Enemy Mine" and "Zardoz" are represented with
full-framed frazzled and faded prints.
In spite of a clever script, which often works in
information not followed up on, "Alien Nation" never quite
takes off beyond its confines. Fortunately, good, solid work
from James Caan and Mandy Patinkin does hit pay dirt. There
obviously was enough audience response to this film to
generate a television series based on "Alien Nation's"
concept, still seen in syndication, television's version
featured none of the original cast members. There's so much
to like about "Alien Nation," as evidenced in this dvd
presentation: good characterization, minimal gore,
intriguing premise and arresting action sequences - - but
viewers expecting a science fiction monsterfest will likely
be disappointed, and fans of the "Lethal Weapon" series will
find a nice alternative to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover's
mismatched policemen. Not a classic, but a nice visit to an
alternative Los Angeles of the future.
 (3.5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (4/5)
(4/5)
 (1.5/5)
(3.5/5, NOT an average)
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