It has been 25 years since the classic sci-fi/horror film Aliens set a new standard in film design. Often imitated never matched (*cough* Starship Troopers *cough*), Aliens was a ground-breaking roller-coaster of a ride in cinematic history. One of the strongest points of Aliens, is that you actually give a damn about each of the Marines. They are not – thanks in part to the iconic Mess Hall scene – faceless names to be dispatched by the Xenomorphs. Rather they are distinguishable characters with individual personalities and eminently quotable lines, whom we want to survive the Aliens’ unrelenting onslaught. And let us not forget the glorious action. Director James Cameron teases us with shots of military hardware and high-calbre weaponry – much like Chekhov’s Gun – for a full hour before the carnage begins.
Despite being a sequel to the iconic Alien by Ridley Scott, everything about Aliens was unique whilst remaining faithful to what had been previously established. We return to LV-426, newly terra-formed and renamed Acheron, with a human colony called Hadley’s Hope. We learn about the Xenomorphs’ parasitic lifecycle, and finally witness the queen of their colony. Most importantly we have the return of Lt. Ellen Ripley, now burdened with the knowledge about the Xenomorphs’ existence, which climaxed into the ultimate bitch fight.
Aliens rocked. And so, on 24th and 25th September, twenty five years since it’s UK release, the National Space Centre will be hosting the 25th anniversary of Aliens; celebrating the past, present, and future of the Aliens franchise.
Special guests include the Colonial Marine Pvt. Frost (Ricco Ross) “What the hell are we supposed to use man? Harsh language?”, Dropship pilots Cpl. Ferro (Colette Hiller) “We’re in the pipe, five by five.” and Pvt. Spunkmeyer (Daniel Kash) “What’s this crap supposed to be?”, Corpsman Cpl Dietric (Cynthia Scott) “Not enough to have to wake up to your face, Drake.”, and inestimable Pvt. Wierzbowski (Trevor Steedman).
Also present on Sunday will be Terry English, creator of the Colonial Marines’ Armour. The design of Colonial Marine armour is impressive, for despite being 25 years old, the armour remains contemporary and functional, and not unlike the combat armour currently in development today.
On the Saturday night, there will be a VIP Charity Dinner and Charity Auction, attended by the special guests. Tickets for the charity dinner will be available throughout the weekend.
For me, one of the highlights of the weekend will be the opportunity to once again experience the incredible Alien Encounter live action event. You are guided through a Weyland-Yutani Bio-Research laboratory by a squad of Colonial Marines, but don’t worry, everything is perfectly safe. Trust me.
The jaded amongst you may scoff at how scary it could be. But when you are edging forwards through thick dry ice, with amber hazard lights flashing, klaxons blaring, and a Colonial Marine screaming in your ear to get down while his laser sight sweeps across the darkened corridor ahead; you just may find the atmosphere insidiously creeping under your skin.
Throughout the weekend, there will also be a series of panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions, including:
25 Years of Alien Panel: with stars from the movies discussing their thoughts on the legacy of Aliens and the impact it has had.
On the Prometheus Panel you will learn inside info on the new Ridley Scott movie from the experts themselves, where we will finally have the definitive answer of whether this is an Aliens movie or not, and just what does Ridley Scott mean when describes his film as having “DNA of the Alien movies”…
On Saturday there will be an Aliens Special FX Panel: featuring the FX experts themselves; Christopher Trice (Senior Modeler AVP), Chrissie Overs (Aliens Creature Sculptor) & Steve Begg (Aliens SFX supervisor)
On Sunday there is a Colonial Marine armour panel: featuring none other than USCM armour creator himself, Terry English.
The Aliens Anniversary weekend will play host to be Harry Harris Aliens Collection & Archive, where Harry will be displaying his collection of original props and costumes from Aliens films.
The Alien Encounters Documentary will explain its background to the live action event, with an introduction by Trevor Steedman.
Finally, if like me you felt Alien3 and Alien: Resurrection was a gross disservice to the Aliens legacy, there is the Aliens Epilogue fan film. Here fans of the franchise offer what they feel is the truer epilogue to the Aliens film.
The National Space Centre’s similar Sci-Fi themed Movie Mania weekends, whilst family orientated, have always at the heart been dedicated to genre fans, and never disappointed. With the Aliens Anniversary event they are taking it to a whole other level…
Entry price will be at the standard rate, and can be booked in advance online through the National Space Centre website.
Source : http://www.spacecentre.co.uk