We Pick the Ten Greatest ‘Best Picture’ Movie Posters

Nowadays, even before a movie hits the theaters, the store shelves are flooded with every manner of books, games, graphic novels, t-shirts, and toys. However, whenAlien first arrived back in 1979, the concept of movie tie-ins was still in its infancy, and the only merchandise related to the classic sci fi-horror masterpiece was a novelization, a graphic novel adaptation, a photo-novel, and an ‘art of’ book. Since then, the movie has gone on to spawn a franchise and the acid-spewing bio-mechanoid has entrenched itself firmly into pop culture. Yet, in over thirty years, a detailed account of the famous production has been sorely lacking. Although there have been articles in such film magazines as Cinefex and Cinefantastique, each merely scratched the surface on Ridley Scott’s monster hit.
Finally, somebody took on the task of chronicling the production, from script to final cut: author and executive editor of Empire Magazine Ian Nathan. In it, Nathan has collated interviews and anecdotes, and amassed a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes material that has rarely been seen before… and Voyageur Press’ Alien Vault is the result.
Well, the writing is clear, concise, and makes for an entertaining and informative read, and the pages are illustrated with a good number of never-before-seen photos, paintings and screen captures. Particularly interesting is the description of how the project came to be, from the initial inspirations to the studio green light. I especially liked the on-set accounts of the filming of key scenes, although Nathan feels the need to put it in context by recounting the film’s plot, which should be unnecessary by now.
Throughout, Nathan prefers to stick with the main players; director Scott, writer O’Bannon, and other central figures, but it seems many of the other key players only get a passing mention. For instance, the book devotes an entire chapter to actress Sigourney Weaver, yet glosses over the rest of the cast. Other crew members are also mentioned, but only fleetingly. Full in-depth interviews with special effects supervisor Brian Johnson, artists Ron Cobb, and H.R. Giger, would have been a great addition, but are sadly missing.
If I had any reservations about the book it’s that the whole package could have been designed a little better. On first glance, the publication certainly looks very impressive. However, given that many publications of this sort opt for a large format, it is surprising that the Alien Vault comes in a smaller 8 3/4″ x 9 3/4″. The slipcase, while giving the impression of a quality keepsake, is unnecessary and the book’s hardcover is of a lesser board quality than a more expensive cloth-binding.
Inside, the overall layout is functional if a bit clinical and the book’s smaller format diminishes the impact of the dazzling visuals by restricting enlargement sizes. For the easily amused, the book is also peppered with pouches for photos, mini posters, storyboards, and stickers. The most impressive of these is an orthographic drawing of the Nostromo, however, at a mere 11″ x 17″, I would have preferred a larger set of blueprints attached as a fold-out rather than the other bells and whistles that come with the book. Conspicuously missing are the blueprints for many of the other tech; the Refinery Ship, the Narcissus, weapons, as well as detailed pictures of the costumes, graphics, miniatures and props. Many of these photos exist on the internet and in other publications, so why not here? Instead, the book features quite a number stills from the movie, many that we’ve seen before.
At $35 USD, Alien Vault is relatively inexpensive; it’s a book for those interested in a good general overview of the production’s background and history, and while it certainly contains many pictures and other materials not found elsewhere, I would have gladly paid extra for a more complete compendium of all things Alien and dispensed with the gimmicky extras. For a film so visually arresting and innovative, it would have been nice for the book’s concept and design to echo that aesthetic. As it is, the layout of Alien Vault feels a bit pedestrian rather than a fitting visual tribute. While I am glad a publication such as Alien Vault exists, part of me is still waiting for the ultimate account of the making of this horror classic.