US Box Office Gross: $85,160,248 Directed by: James Cameron MPAA: Rated R for monster violence, and for language. 1992 special edition Runtime: 137 min USA:154 min director's cut Country: USA / UK Language: English Color: Color (Eastmancolor)

Trivia: The music that plays when the Alien Queen appears as Ripley and Newt wait for the elevator is a reused piece from Jerry Goldsmith's score for the original Alien (1979). Thematically, the music appears in both movies at the same time: near the end, as Ripley tries to escape from an alien while the environment around her counts down to self-destruction (the Nostromo in Alien (1979), and the atmosphere processor in Aliens (1986)).
-The pulse rifles that the Marines use are made from a Thompson M1A1 machine gun with a Franchi SPAS 12 shotgun underneath.
-The M-56 smart guns and the sentry guns built for the movie were designed around German MG 42 machine guns.
-The helmets the Marines wear are modified M-1 ballistic helmets.
-The camo pattern worn by the Marines is actually called "frog and leaf" and its use and production has been discontinued.

Goofs: Continuity: When the marines set up the motion sensing cannons in the tunnels, there are four of them. Two are tested by throwing an object in front of them, and they work, shooting the test object. When they watch the ammunition levels later in the movie when the aliens are attacking, all of them start out full.

Review:
Aliens to me still stands as THE GREATEST sci/fi - action movie of all time. I have personally watched this picture over 100 times and it still has the same impact on me as the first time I viewed it. James Cameron is at his best, the direction is wonderful along with the cinematography, characters, screenplay, special effects, and of course the acting. Usually a sequel rarely surpasses the original but this is no-hands-down a true exception to the rule.
The plot is filled with tension that is occasionally broken by some of the most memorable one-liners in history. "Just tell me what the f*ck were supposed to do now. What're we gonna do now? May be could build a fire and sing songs."
The marines, the weapons, the aliens, and the attitudes all contribute to make this picture a very enjoyable viewing experience that you will enjoy time and time again.