Alien Vault: The Definitive Story Behind the Film

This book is a must-have for any fans of the movie. A MUST-HAVE! I first saw it in France where it was issued with a different cover, the xenomorph's mouth (which is the back of the book in this edition), a solid good-sized hardcover book.It's what everybody wanted to know about this movie.Not only does it tell a lot of backstories about the movie, it also fills it with personal experiences from the crew, people from the industry. Even the writer's own recollection of the movie. It's like watching the movie with a pop-up commentary.It has a lot of praise, and so if you are totally in love with this movie, this book will make you so happy. I never thought I could like a book this way. Seriously, buy it, you will not regret it.There are a lot of pictures, but there is a lot of text, and coming from someone like me who usually only loves picture books, this text is very welcome, because I can never get enough of reading about this iconic movie, especially if it's praise. Because, let's face it, it's a masterpiece. Hands down.The book is covered by an opaque film, the front is Ripley in her space suit, the back is the xenomorph's mouth. The spine is glossy/laminated, as it's the only part of the book that can be seen when it's inside the box, which is also laminated. Here's where I think the French edition made it better: it is all opaque and velvety.The front of the box is what is show here, the egg and the green light coming out of it. Classic.There are several pages in the book that are pockets containing reproductions of early poster variations, storyboards, even the Nostromo's crew suit patch as sticker! It's good value for money.

I'm a big fan of Ridley Scott's Alien and I was very excited to get hold of this book. Usually the "Vault" books are replete with minutia that even the most hardcore fan can appreciate. But alas, while this book does have some interesting info, it is all, for the most part available in documentary form on the Alien Legacy or Alien Quadrilogy DVD box sets.Given the wealth of info on the making of this film that exists even on YouTube (look up the three part video about the design and physical processes of constructing the Nostromo for example) to pay for a book that seems to recount the same old info (yes we know about the cast knowing nothing about the Chestburster scene lets not spend a chapter on it) so unless you like blueprints on baking paper and a couple of stickers. You'd be much better off getting the book Gigers Alien, The book of Alien by Paul Scanion and watching the DVD extras for more comprehensive collection of information.EDIT - 13/08/2020 - Just to add to my final comment about getting a better book, may I strongly suggest J. W. Rinzlers "The Making of Alien" which was released in 2019. It is an absolute definitive last word on the making of the film with some fantastic information, anecdotes, behind the scenes gossip and makes the Alien "Vault" (which I note is due for rerelease in September 2020), look even more embarrassingly lacklustre and now means I can't, in good conscience, even give it three stars. Especially as Rinzlers book is more info rich, more lavishly formatted in a beautiful coffee table format and five pounds cheaper.

Essential for ALIEN fans still. it covers the first movie only, and has updated drawings and sketches from the era with quite a lot of rework, making them somewhat less authentic, more collectable. Presentation has lots of scribbly lines all over the pages that are not part of anything ALIEN-ish, just added on for some reason, spoiling the presentation. Text has many additional, interesting bits from the original, (which I have from 1979 era). Poster history interesting too. Worth adding to any Sci_Fi Movie book collection.

High quality hardback in a box with lots of pull outs, bit gimmicky maybe but if you're a fan of the film and want an insight into the amazing work of the artists and technicians that worked on one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made, then you won't go wrong with this book. That said if you are a fan of the film you'll probably know a lot about the development of the film already, but it's still a great book obviously produced by people who are themselves fans of the film.

This is a must have item for alien lovers,some of the inserts were missing but I was aware of this,the only wierd thing about the one I recieved is that the last chapter is in french!!!

I absolutely love this book, it is very detailed and informative giving the reader a glimpse behind the scenes of the Alien Movie.The reproduction "collectables" are a really nice touch too and make an already wonderful book that bit more special.If you love the Alien movies then this is a must have.

Excellent book

I wouldnt say this book is essential but if you are a fan of Alien, you really need to have this to go along with your Alien blu-ray box set. Lots of nice little extras inside too - would make a great Xmas present for any Alien fan and Ive already recommended it to others.