Theatrical v Special Edition (Director´s cut)

BOTH...THE ORIGINAL CUT WAS SO BURNED INTO MY MEMORY FROM REPEATED VIEWINGS BEFORE THE SPECIAL ED EVER CAME OUT...IVE SEEN IT MANY TIMES NOW TOO...THEY ALWAYS SEEM LIKE DIFFERENT THINGS IN MY HEAD THOUGH...IF I HAD TO PICK I GO ORIGINAL BASED SOLELY ON THATS HOW I SEE THE FILM IN MY HEAD.

The sentry gun scene was desperately needed, because the theatrical cut lacked a sense of siege, IMHO. I have no problem with other added scenese either. I understand why some dislike the colony scene with Newt and her parents, but I think it made pacing of the story better. The theatrical cut jumps straight from Ripley's interrogation to the lost colony signal scene. It was also nice to see the colony full of life before the aliens came. It made a contrast. Sure, you lose some mystery atmosphere because of that scene, but you know already what has happened there if you have seen the first movie.

Director's cut all the way for me.
The other scenes are kind of cool.. but also slow the movie waay down.

I vote Theatrical all the way.

I find all of the scenes of the Special Edition to be absolutely unecessary.

Ripley finding out the fate of her daughter - I totally got that Ripley is parentally protective about Newt without this information upon first viewing. Unnecessary.

Newt's parents finding the derelict / eggs - cheapens the impact of the hive revelation scene and Newt's survival also becames less of a surprise. Also completely throws off the pacing, the slow suspense build up reaches the absolute high point when the marines find the hive... but we already know they will. Of course you can say that the title of the movie itself is giving this fact away, but still, it's unnecessary to show someone being facehugged, since we know that's the only way the infestation to start.

Hudson bragging about weaponry - could go either way, but I don't miss it from the Theatrical version

Automatic sentry gun scene - nice scene, but ultimately doesn't add anything to the plot, interferes with the pacing of the final third of the movie.

All in all - the Theatrical cut has superior pacing and packs all the information you need to understand certain character decisions and the overall plot.

Directors cut, but remove all the colony moments and scenes with Newt’s parents, and it would be perfect.

I first saw Aliens at the Theatre and I bought the Special Edition VHS (that takes me back!) it was never called 'Directors Cut' and I'm pretty sure what was shown at the Theatre was the cut Cameron intended. It's just Special Edition. Can't imagine a studio exec overruling Cameron on what the Theatrical cut should be!

Anyway I can see why the colonist scene was cut, I find the station acting hammy and the external rover shots look like a toy. It also takes away the tension of 'what the hell happen here' when marines arrive.

I did like the sentry gun stuff and the added jeopardy that brings. The other scenes are ok interesting enough but probably cut for timing it's a long enough film without them.

I don't really there being much a difference...I'll have to watch it tonight.

Nothing really triggers my memory other than Newt's parents and a scene with Ripley on a park bench with a hologram like background...which was pretty cool.

director's cut is what i prefer