Critic Reviews
89
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
positive
31(91%)
mixed
1(3%)
negative
2(6%)
Showing 34 Critic Reviews
100
This is the breakout role for Sigourney Weaver, whose iconic presence still propels this ride beyond the scores of substandard imitations that followed. Why see it on the big screen? Because it's bloody brilliant.
100
Feels like a streamlined improvement on the original.
100
With the visuals and soundtrack given a wax and polish job for the big screen, Scott's masterful use of shadows, framing and sound has never been more terrifying. No matter how many times you've seen this, you'll still be hiding behind your fingers at every conceivable juncture.
100
Pay attention to the enhanced detail audible in a new six-track sound mix, which may be the most important cleaning job of all; silence and Jerry Goldsmith's score have never twined so hauntingly.
100
This edition -- clean and tight as Scott would have it -- presents a strong case for Alien as both the greatest horror film and the greatest science-fiction film ever made.
100
The scariest movie in history is actually a bit shy. The subtle, romantic score by Jerry Goldsmith is what keeps the tension at a simmer.
100
This is a five star film because it is one of the most perfect science fiction thrillers of all time.
100
The best thriller of 2003 was made in 1979.
100
I recognize how few horror movies I've seen before or since that ever manage to capture such a tangible feeling of menace.
100
Watching it again reminded me how remarkably the sound engineers did their jobs. Listen to the subtly amplified heartbeat - Ripley's? the ship's? - that pulses under the soundtrack through the last 15 minutes.
