Eh...I'm more concerned with all the "all these ancient civilisations were vistied by aliens that gave them this one symbol that became part of their mythology which leads us to the planet where..." stuff. That's never a good sign. Well, unless you count AVP good for not being AVP2.
Casual Shinji: Plus, the Prometheus is a state of the art laboratory vessel meant for discovery, and the Nostromo is basically just a rusty oil tanker.
"Alens" anyone ? 40+ years past "Alien" movie ? Sulaco ? Colonial Marines ? Army equipment ? Lcd-virtual-touch screens ? ...Noooooooooooooooooooooope.
You're being a bit anal about this, buddy.
The majority of what you see in the trailer is very intune with Alien's visuals. Both the Alien designs as well as the tech. And you have to understand the tightrope Ridley and the design team are walking; On the one hand they have to keep within the first film's visual spectrum, and on the other they have to show the audience something fresh and new. And from what I've seen they're doing a very good balancing act.
This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Casual Shinji: Plus, the Prometheus is a state of the art laboratory vessel meant for discovery, and the Nostromo is basically just a rusty oil tanker.
"Alens" anyone ? 40+ years past "Alien" movie ? Sulaco ? Colonial Marines ? Army equipment ? Lcd-virtual-touch screens ? ...Noooooooooooooooooooooope.
You're being a bit anal about this, buddy.
The majority of what you see in the trailer is very intune with Alien's visuals. Both the Alien designs as well as the tech. And you have to understand the tightrope Ridley and the design team are walking; On the one hand they have to keep within the first film's visual spectrum, and on the other they have to show the audience something fresh and new. And from what I've seen they're doing a very good balancing act.
This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Why can't we? There's no reason advancements in technology have to constrain our ability to make good movies.
"Alens" anyone ? 40+ years past "Alien" movie ? Sulaco ? Colonial Marines ? Army equipment ? Lcd-virtual-touch screens ? ...Noooooooooooooooooooooope.
You're being a bit anal about this, buddy.
The majority of what you see in the trailer is very intune with Alien's visuals. Both the Alien designs as well as the tech. And you have to understand the tightrope Ridley and the design team are walking; On the one hand they have to keep within the first film's visual spectrum, and on the other they have to show the audience something fresh and new. And from what I've seen they're doing a very good balancing act.
This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Why can't we? There's no reason advancements in technology have to constrain our ability to make good movies.
Who says this or any other movie is being constrained in its quality?
What I'm saying is that the way we make movies, the way actors act, and the way we use special effects changes as time goes on. And just because CGI is going to used for creature effects in this new movie doesn't automatically mean it's going to suck. Unless you're one of those sourpusses who hate all GCI regardless how well it actually works. In which case, you probably haven't enjoyed any movie these past 12 years.
Casual Shinji: You're being a bit anal about this, buddy.
The majority of what you see in the trailer is very intune with Alien's visuals. Both the Alien designs as well as the tech. And you have to understand the tightrope Ridley and the design team are walking; On the one hand they have to keep within the first film's visual spectrum, and on the other they have to show the audience something fresh and new. And from what I've seen they're doing a very good balancing act.
This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Why can't we? There's no reason advancements in technology have to constrain our ability to make good movies.
Who says this or any other movie is being constrained in its quality?
What I'm saying is that the way we make movies, the way actors act, and the way we use special effects changes as time goes on. And just because CGI is going to used for creature effects in this new movie doesn't automatically mean it's going to suck. Unless you're one of those sourpusses who hate all GCI regardless how well it actually works. In which case, you probably haven't enjoyed any movie these past 12 years.
I was actually very happy to see that the director who was making Alien was making another Alien movie. Then, I saw the trailer, and it looked like the sort of Alien movie J. J. Abrams would make. So, less about CGI being used in the movie, more about whether the CGI is being used in a way that fits the movie's tone.
hutchy27: Well one explanation is that the Prometheus is a hi-tech research ship and is outfitted with the best of the best technology of it time while the ship from alien is a less advance mining ship which might of had been using old technology.
Sure, it IS some kind of explanation, but once again. "Aliens" movie taking place 40+ years after "Nostromo's accident". "Sulaco" - vessel packed with Colonial Marines, army equipment, "we've got guns and stuff" - still no virtual touch screens and glowing neon like gadgets. :]
And that's good explanation kind sir, still, i'm fed up with explaining all this bs directors and producers are throwing at us, and using "artistic vision" as a shield impervious to all arguments.
fix-the-spade: If CG Aliens start dropping out and doing the Conga... well...
Unfortunately that's not completely out of question. I'm afraid that Scott took a course to the land of "let's add more CGI, MOARRRR, also Justin Timberlake as the Alien and Rihanna as Ripley". :|
Captain Pirate: I see your point, it's rather ridiculous, like Star Wars. From elite Clone fighting force with high-tech starships, to clumsy, expendable soldiers and slow ugly ships.
Technological discrepancies aside, this looks incredible, like Avata crossed with Alien. One first-class ticket for the hype train, please.
It's looking f*cking awesome ! ...Then again, let's not forget about the shitstorm that came with prequels and the things they ruined. The technological leap wasn't the only thing to blame, but it wasn't either helping. :\
CODE-D: That movies need to adapt as technology adapts and time goes on. That Back to the futures view of how 2015 would be is totally wrong and is the perfect example of this. Yes, Im glad thats clear.
Nope. You can't add wooob wooob wooob wooob wooob to Beethoven's 5th Symphony and call it "upgraded official version". It's perfectly fine the way it is. You see, additions like CGI aren't just enhancing things. They change them. It's like fake tits - you don't look at the girl anymore. You're preoccupied with those round, bouncing, almost too perfect... I hope you know what i mean. ;]
Thats under the impression they makes changes to the original(like george lucas does) but this is a new film. Some people do add woob woob woob woob woob to beethovens 5th but they are remixing it into a new song and nobody considers it the original. This tech will be original to prometheus and isnt editing alien, but if alien were to be remade or rebooted it should have this new tech. That way it will actually look futuristic and you can keep your original that you hold so fucking dear.
Thats under the impression they makes changes to the original(like george lucas does) but this is a new film. Some people do add woob woob woob woob woob to beethovens 5th but they are remixing it into a new song and nobody considers it the original. This tech will be original to prometheus and isnt editing alien, but if alien were to be remade or rebooted it should have this new tech. That way it will actually look futuristic and you can keep your original that you hold so fucking dear.
Since when does "looking futuristic" matter more than maintaining tone and/or continuity?
Thats under the impression they makes changes to the original(like george lucas does) but this is a new film. Some people do add woob woob woob woob woob to beethovens 5th but they are remixing it into a new song and nobody considers it the original. This tech will be original to prometheus and isnt editing alien, but if alien were to be remade or rebooted it should have this new tech. That way it will actually look futuristic and you can keep your original that you hold so fucking dear.
Since when does "looking futuristic" matter more than maintaining tone and/or continuity?
Alien is implausible unless it takes place in the future because our current tech doesnt really support that kinda exploration. And it looks cool but i guess you dont think it does.
I don't care on tech really. It's Ridley Scott doing another fucking Alien movie. I'm ready to get the shit scared outta myself, and I don't care if he's using a Mac in it, as long as I jump outta seat and scream bloody murder.
Flamezdudes: I bet this will be the ship that was found in Alien or the other ship those creatures are trying to get off the planet with. It will have the birth of Alien at the end or will lead to it.
Yeah, the trailer heavily heavily implies that's what's going down. It's particuarly frustrating because the original Alien trailer was awesome because it gave nothing about the movie away:
I mean, it's a zoom out of a thing you realise is an egg, then a series of people running down dark corridors scared out of their wits, theres mayhem, screaming, a cat, and suddenly you zoom out to see the stunning view of the spaceship floating across a planet with the chilling tagline "In space no one can hear you scream. You feel then just how completely isolated, completely alone, with no help coming, no escape routes, it's the perfect trap.
That single ending visual sums up everything you'll ever need to know about creating an atmosphere
We can be really quick to criticise professionals, but sometimes it seems like they don't have a clue. Advertising people, don't give away the entire plot and twists of your horror thriller in the trailer you braindead buffoons!
Thats under the impression they makes changes to the original(like george lucas does) but this is a new film. Some people do add woob woob woob woob woob to beethovens 5th but they are remixing it into a new song and nobody considers it the original. This tech will be original to prometheus and isnt editing alien, but if alien were to be remade or rebooted it should have this new tech. That way it will actually look futuristic and you can keep your original that you hold so fucking dear.
Casual Shinji: This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Please allow me to answer with the same argument : New film ? No longer 70's ? Then what's the reason to re-use the setting, creatures and other elements ? Why prequel instead of sequel ? Why stylize it after original "Alien" and call it "not Alien" ?
Thats under the impression they makes changes to the original(like george lucas does) but this is a new film. Some people do add woob woob woob woob woob to beethovens 5th but they are remixing it into a new song and nobody considers it the original. This tech will be original to prometheus and isnt editing alien, but if alien were to be remade or rebooted it should have this new tech. That way it will actually look futuristic and you can keep your original that you hold so fucking dear.
Casual Shinji: This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Please allow me to answer with the same argument : New film ? No longer 70's ? Then what's the reason to re-use the setting, creatures and other elements ? Why prequel instead of sequel ? Why stylize it after original "Alien" and call it "not Alien" ?
Theyre using different creatures and there have been sequels to alien and they arent that good. Also people like the update, you may not, get over it.
Casual Shinji: This movie is never going to feel completely at home as Alien's prequel, because it's being made 40+ years afterward; The landscape of cinema has changed. We can't return to that initial 70's grit of the first film, because it's no longer the 70's.
Please allow me to answer with the same argument : New film ? No longer 70's ? Then what's the reason to re-use the setting, creatures and other elements ? Why prequel instead of sequel ? Why stylize it after original "Alien" and call it "not Alien" ?
You're misunderstanding what I'm saying.
What it comes down to is that Alien was made with a 70's mindset and sensibility, and Prometheus is made with a post 2000 mindset. By that definition alone the new prequel will feel very different; That's basically the curse of almost every prequel. You can bet that The Hobbit will probably suffer a bit from this problem as well, despite not too much time having past since Lord of the Rings.
But even with this in mind, I think Prometheus looks very intune with the first film. This is because a lot of the designs look similar yet snazzy; The Prometheus spaceship has a lot of corners and squares in its design, the bubble dome space suits, the lunar rover-esque ground vehicles.
But the movie won't have that 70's sensibility about it, because it wasn't made in the 70's.
And try to keep this in the back of your head; It's a prequel, but we don't know how much time before Alien this is taking place. In Alien, when they get to the Space Jockey, they say it's been dead a long time, it's fosilized and grown out of the chair. And that Space Jockey makes his living appearance in Prometheus. So who knows how big the chronological time span is between these two movies.
CODE-D: Theyre using different creatures and there have been sequels to alien and they arent that good. Also people like the update, you may not, get over it.
I'm a human being, i have the right to express my mind in the way i see fit. I can, i will, get over it.
Casual Shinji: What it comes down to is that Alien was made with a 70's mindset and sensibility, and Prometheus is made with a post 2000 mindset. By that definition alone the new prequel will feel very different; That's basically the curse of almost every prequel. You can bet that The Hobbit will probably suffer a bit from this problem as well, despite not too much time having past since Lord of the Rings.
I understand that, but it doesn't mean i agree with that artistic vision. ;] It's like i said before : if there's no way to skip the technological leap, then why create prequel instead of sequel ? The scenario wouldn't change that much - in the case of "Prometheus" it's the matter of details after all...
Casual Shinji: What it comes down to is that Alien was made with a 70's mindset and sensibility, and Prometheus is made with a post 2000 mindset. By that definition alone the new prequel will feel very different; That's basically the curse of almost every prequel. You can bet that The Hobbit will probably suffer a bit from this problem as well, despite not too much time having past since Lord of the Rings.
I understand that, but it doesn't mean i agree with that artistic vision. ;] It's like i said before : if there's no way to skip the technological leap, then why create prequel instead of sequel ? The scenario wouldn't change that much - in the case of "Prometheus" it's the matter of details after all...
Because the Alien franchise has become a ridiculous pile of steamy nonsense. And there's nothing a sequel could do to rectify that, it would only add to it.
But the franchise is to big of a money pot to ignore either. So the only way to make another movie with some real credibility to it is to totally ignore all the bullcrap from the last two films. Making it a prequel is one way to do that.
So I know that it's been kind of hammered that there's a technological difference in the ships due to one being a mining vessel vs. the other being an exploration vehicle. However there's a much better answer to this that actually makes sense if you think about it.
We're not actually entirely sure that the Prometheus was build prior to the Nostromo. If we look at it, the Nostromo was built to haul cargo from Thedus back to Earth. We also know that it was on it's way back from Thedus when it ran into Archeron LV-426. The Prometheus, from what we can gather from the trailer was headed directly to Archeron LV-426.
We can infer from the Tech. on the Prometheus that it is most likely a more sophisticated ship technologically. Speed could be an outcome of the better technology.
So it is possible that this list of events could have occurred.
1) Nostromo is commissioned and launched, destination being Thedus for mining operations Decades pass 2) Archaeological breakthrough mentioned in Prometheus trailer 3) Prometheus is commissioned and launched, destination being Archeron LV-426.
Edit: oOOoo 999 posts. 3.1) Nostromo arrives at Thedus and beings mining operations Years pass 4) Prometheus arrives (Events of Prometheus Movie occur) 5) Nostromo completes mining operations and begins trip home 30 years passes 6) Nostromo receives distress beacon and redirects navigation to Archeron LV-426. 7) Events in Alien occur 57 Years Pass 8) Aliens
So it's possible for a technologically inferior ship to still be in service while a more technologically sophisticated ship is just getting built.
CODE-D: Theyre using different creatures and there have been sequels to alien and they arent that good. Also people like the update, you may not, get over it.
I'm a human being, i have the right to express my mind in the way i see fit. I can, i will, get over it.
Casual Shinji: What it comes down to is that Alien was made with a 70's mindset and sensibility, and Prometheus is made with a post 2000 mindset. By that definition alone the new prequel will feel very different; That's basically the curse of almost every prequel. You can bet that The Hobbit will probably suffer a bit from this problem as well, despite not too much time having past since Lord of the Rings.
I understand that, but it doesn't mean i agree with that artistic vision. ;] It's like i said before : if there's no way to skip the technological leap, then why create prequel instead of sequel ? The scenario wouldn't change that much - in the case of "Prometheus" it's the matter of details after all...
Well thats worth nothing and the film is how I want it to be so....theres really nothin to say.
I have to say this is just a problem with prequels, I mean in the story it is the future and in the future of that universe (In aliens) all the starships look like they are from our past (in outer words they look like real life space shuttles of the last decade) so in Prometheus they need to look worse than Alien. Notice the problem?
If they do this it is still better technology in the past. as in our real world tech you in I currently own components of (none of us have a star ship... do we?)do not exist in the future.
Still not getting it? Okay so 2 universes Our and theirs.
In real world 2012 we have touch screen phones that have all kind of insane apps an powerful tools. In Alien universe 2012 they have phone that look like a wireless land line from 1995 but work they way a cellphone does. No texting exists, no apps, no tools it is just a phone it likely can not fit in your pocket and is compared to what really exist in real life 2012 is utter shit and yet we are supposed to be in the future.
Think about how tech has advanced in the early days if video games you had a console about twice the side of my laptop that only played games on cartage with no save feature, now that system fits on the palm of you hand hold it entire fucking library and had a GPS, Clock, Radio, Phone and a few game from the next systems after it. I mean FUCK that used to take 3 systems to do and only a single game per cartage each pushed to their limit of technology now in something half the size of one cartage yet contain they entire system all the games, they system after it, its games and the system after that and it's games.
DANEgerous: I have to say this is just a problem with prequels, I mean in the story it is the future and in the future of that universe (In aliens) all the starships look like they are from our past (in outer words they look like real life space shuttles of the last decade) so in Prometheus they need to look worse than Alien. Notice the problem?
If they do this it is still better technology in the past. as in our real world tech you in I currently own components of (none of us have a star ship... do we?)do not exist in the future.
Still not getting it? Okay so 2 universes Our and theirs.
In real world 2012 we have touch screen phones that have all kind of insane apps an powerful tools. In Alien universe 2012 they have phone that look like a wireless land line from 1995 but work they way a cellphone does. No texting exists, no apps, no tools it is just a phone it likely can not fit in your pocket and is compared to what really exist in real life 2012 is utter shit and yet we are supposed to be in the future.
This, kind of how some aspect of our lives have surpassed the first era Star Trek. Sadly we will always have better tech in the past it appears. By the way any one know when Alien or Prometheus is set? I mean Imagen if it is 2200 and the ships look like they do or worse than in Alien, does that sound reasonable? No
So I know that it's been kind of hammered that there's a technological difference in the ships due to one being a mining vessel vs. the other being an exploration vehicle. However there's a much better answer to this that actually makes sense if you think about it.
We're not actually entirely sure that the Prometheus was build prior to the Nostromo. If we look at it, the Nostromo was built to haul cargo from Thedus back to Earth. We also know that it was on it's way back from Thedus when it ran into Archeron LV-426. The Prometheus, from what we can gather from the trailer was headed directly to Archeron LV-426.
We can infer from the Tech. on the Prometheus that it is most likely a more sophisticated ship technologically. Speed could be an outcome of the better technology.
So it is possible that this list of events could have occurred.
1) Nostromo is commissioned and launched, destination being Thedus for mining operations Decades pass 2) Archaeological breakthrough mentioned in Prometheus trailer 3) Prometheus is commissioned and launched, destination being Archeron LV-426.
Edit: oOOoo 999 posts. 3.1) Nostromo arrives at Thedus and beings mining operations Years pass 4) Prometheus arrives (Events of Prometheus Movie occur) 5) Nostromo completes mining operations and begins trip home 30 years passes 6) Nostromo receives distress beacon and redirects navigation to Archeron LV-426. 7) Events in Alien occur 57 Years Pass 8) Aliens
So it's possible for a technologically inferior ship to still be in service while a more technologically sophisticated ship is just getting built.
Er, what? The Nostromo was out there for decades with the same crew? That's not what happened, surely. Ripley had a twelve year old daughter back on Earth. Sure, they go into suspended animation and can last that way for decades, but they aren't supposed to be asleep anywhere near that long.
SmashLovesTitanQuest: I'm just a little pissed they spoiled the whole plot in the trailer. No point in watching it now.
Exactly this. From the trailer, we see...
Spoiler: Click to ViewPHA+VGhlIFByb21ldGhldXMgd2FzIHNlbnQgdG8gZGlzY292ZXIgc3R1ZmYsIHRoZXkgZGlzY292ZXJlZCBtZWFuIEFsaWVucyB3aG8gdHJpZWQgdG8gY29tZSB0byBFYXJ0aCwgdGhlaXIgZ29hbCBpcyBub3cgdG8gc3RvcCBFYXJ0aC4gV2Ugd2F0Y2ggc2V2ZXJhbCBtYWluIGNoYXJhY3RlcnMgZGllIGFuZCB3ZSBrbm93IHRoYXQgb25lIGdpcmwgaGFzIGFuIEFsaWVuIGluIGhlciBhdCBzb21lIHBvaW50LjwvcD4=
SmashLovesTitanQuest: I'm just a little pissed they spoiled the whole plot in the trailer. No point in watching it now.
Exactly this. From the trailer, we see...
Spoiler: Click to ViewPHA+VGhlIFByb21ldGhldXMgd2FzIHNlbnQgdG8gZGlzY292ZXIgc3R1ZmYsIHRoZXkgZGlzY292ZXJlZCBtZWFuIEFsaWVucyB3aG8gdHJpZWQgdG8gY29tZSB0byBFYXJ0aCwgdGhlaXIgZ29hbCBpcyBub3cgdG8gc3RvcCBFYXJ0aC4gV2Ugd2F0Y2ggc2V2ZXJhbCBtYWluIGNoYXJhY3RlcnMgZGllIGFuZCB3ZSBrbm93IHRoYXQgb25lIGdpcmwgaGFzIGFuIEFsaWVuIGluIGhlciBhdCBzb21lIHBvaW50LjwvcD4=
I deeply regret watching that trailer.
Want to know a little secret?
Spoiler: Click to ViewPHA+SSBkaWRudCBldmVuIGtub3cgYWJvdXQgdGhpcyBtb3ZpZSBiZWZvcmUgZmluZGluZyB0aGlzIHRocmVhZC4gUGxlYXNlIGRvbnQga2lsbCBtZSBmb3IgYmVpbmcgc28gaWdub3JhbnQuIEJ1dCBhbnl3YXksIHRoYXRzIHdoeSBpbSBub3QgcmVhbGx5IHRvbyBib3RoZXJlZC48L3A+
I don't really care about that and the movie is directed by Ridley Scott. Imo Ridley has never made a film I didn't like so there is no chance in hell that im going to skip out on this movie.
Flamezdudes: I bet this will be the ship that was found in Alien or the other ship those creatures are trying to get off the planet with. It will have the birth of Alien at the end or will lead to it.
Yeah, the trailer heavily heavily implies that's what's going down. It's particuarly frustrating because the original Alien trailer was awesome because it gave nothing about the movie away:
I mean, it's a zoom out of a thing you realise is an egg, then a series of people running down dark corridors scared out of their wits, theres mayhem, screaming, a cat, and suddenly you zoom out to see the stunning view of the spaceship floating across a planet with the chilling tagline "In space no one can hear you scream. You feel then just how completely isolated, completely alone, with no help coming, no escape routes, it's the perfect trap.
That single ending visual sums up everything you'll ever need to know about creating an atmosphere
We can be really quick to criticise professionals, but sometimes it seems like they don't have a clue. Advertising people, don't give away the entire plot and twists of your horror thriller in the trailer you braindead buffoons!
I honestly don't have a problem with the Prometheus trailer. But I do think its a nice touch that they are using the same lettering and music from the original Alien trailer. (I had never seen the original Alien trailer until you posted)
I don't get it, what are you complaining about? Oh... and it's been mentioned before that this could be a prequel to aliens, so yeah, that might be some kind of 'predator' related thing.
Er, what? The Nostromo was out there for decades with the same crew? That's not what happened, surely. Ripley had a twelve year old daughter back on Earth. Sure, they go into suspended animation and can last that way for decades, but they aren't supposed to be asleep anywhere near that long.
I'm just saying it's a plausible since we don't know the commission dates of the Nostromo and the Prometheus. The way "The Company" seems, I wouldn't put it passed them (what with trying to use the Xenomorphs as a biological weapon).
I'm just saying, from a corporate standpoint, you eventually develop the technology to go out to other parts of the galaxy but it's a very slow process since it's in its infancy. So do you wait for the technology to get better so that you can get their faster? No. You go out there and establish the mining rights to every rock that you can. As newer ships come online, you can replace the outdated ships (though i doubt a corp would do that). Take into account that you're unlikely to be able to predict how quickly this new engine technology will be able to be developed, let alone put online.
Half the fun of sci-fi movies is seeing the creators run wild with designs for future technology based upon modern (at the time) technology and aesthetics. And you wanna take that away because it wouldn't be in-keeping with a film that's 30 years old?
Why is everyone saying that this movie comes 40+ years after Alien? Alien came out in 1979. That's 33 years ago. I know that's not the point and I'm being nitpicky.
Odd that the main corporate type appears to be a woman. The Alien movies were supposedly a metaphor for male aggression. (The Alien implants it's off-spring to a host, the off spring kill the host. The first one to burst out of John Hurt even looked like a woody.
I'm with the OP. The new edgy tech ruins the tone. The original film used its tech to subvert the future. It wasn't showing us as a enlightened spacefairing race and we weren't all powerful thanks to the wonders of technology. We were reliant on that technology however. It was the only thing that that could keep the crew of the ship alive, yet it wasn't enough to save them from the alien. No level of technology could, that was where the horror came from (as well as the rape horror). If the alien race they found at the beginning, who was so advanced it was more tech than man couldn't beat the creature, what chance did the crew have. The same logic can be applied to the second film as well, but here trust in the strength of the military and the higher authority is thrown into the mix.
The trailer for Prometheus shows all these gadgets and examples of future tech and the message it sends is "we've progressed". How far have they progressed? Who knows? You might as well start calling it magic, since the director will be able to pull any in a situation to get the cast through. Deadly space monster ripping through your bulkhead? There's an app for that.
Personally, I love the new look, as the use of tech that is concievable to the time of the audiance really helps to ground the people in the world. The sterile, clean world also lends itself well to the sort of primal survivalism that pervades the alien series. Think about it for a moment, when you look at the way the whole premise is set up, the prometheus is very much a product of our time, it is staffed by the best and brightest and is sent on a mission to discover the new and exciting parts of the universe.
Now take that and lay it into the way that science is progressing now. We are cushioned by our comfertable lives and the franly amazing tech that supports us. We, think that there is nothing that our science cannot overcome, no problem that we can't simply puzzle out. When you introduce the alien into the mix it and those sterile walls become streaked with blood it can be effective in smashing that delusion of safety by showing that all these amazing things are nothing in the face of the truely unknowable.
When I watch this trailer, I pretty much see a movie version of an Alistair Reynolds novel with all the inhibitor, blood spire, melding plague and clockmaker horror that that holds.
Or you know, things like plot, characterisation, themeatic underpinning, direction, scripting and soundtrack could be irrelevent in the face of the set dressing.
Gorfias: Odd that the main corporate type appears to be a woman. The Alien movies were supposedly a metaphor for male aggression. (The Alien implants it's off-spring to a host, the off spring kill the host. The first one to burst out of John Hurt even looked like a woody.
I believe this is the original image by HR giger on the basis of which he was hired to design all the alien concepts (I could be wrong). But assuming I'm not it might give you a different perspective.
Spoiler: Click to ViewPHA+PGltZyBzcmM9Imh0dHA6Ly9sb3ZlY3JhZnQxODkwLmZpbGVzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20vMjAxMi8wMy9ocl9naWdlcl9kZXNrdG9wXzEyMDB4ODA4X3dhbGxwYXBlci0xNzkxNzEuanBlZyIgYWx0PSJpbWFnZSIvPjwvcD4=
The screenwriter actually said that he wrote the alien as a way to make rape imagery personally frightening to a male audience. Thus, I don't think the alien is male at all, I think it's deliberately ambiguous, because that makes it more unsettling. Heck, the costume was basically an elaborate dominatrix outfit with a big shiny black dildo for a head.
On topic. Seriously, can you not suspend disbelief for a minute? That stuff was the height of technology in 1979. It wasn't selected for kitschy stylistic purposes, it was just the stuff which was available.
JesterRaiin: Edit : Dafaq i recognize on his shoulder ?
LoL, Prothean with a Shoulder Cannon. :P
Anyways, I can see that you've got a valid point in the "This is supposed to be a prequel, why is there better tech?" category...however I really don't think it's that big of a deal.
I think the major problem is with the consumers as much as the advertiser's. As a consumer you want the bang for your buck, so advertisers give us a large chunk of the story and in some cases give away the plot or make it possible to guess easily, however they only do this so that you have more of a clue of what the films about and so you want to see the whole thing.
Compare it to say picking a book up in a book shop, you'll read the blurb and then you might flick to around half way to 2/3rds of the way through the book and pick up a significant piece to the story, it makes you want the book so you buy it. That's all it is. However could you imagine the shit storm that would have been kicked up if AVP2's trailer had been just like the 1979 trailer for alien? You wouldn't help but think that they'd done you over.
I personally am psyched about seeing Prometheus as even though I can try to guess what's going to happen from the trailer I still want to see it glued together as a whole.
Also people mentioning CGI, I think directors rely to much on them now days and not the bare bones of film making such as proper lighting and the right camera angles. The original alien film relied heavily on this, I quote Scott himself "I've never liked horror films before, because in the end it's always been a man in a rubber suit. Well, there's one way to deal with that. The most important thing in a film of this type is not what you see, but the effect of what you think you saw". CGI eliminates the "man in a suit" problem but means directors get "creative" going for big shots.
Eh...I'm more concerned with all the "all these ancient civilisations were vistied by aliens that gave them this one symbol that became part of their mythology which leads us to the planet where..." stuff. That's never a good sign. Well, unless you count AVP good for not being AVP2.
Also, yeah, likely to be a generic CGI fest.