Premiering on NBC in 1986, ALF (Alien Life Form) became a bonafide hit for the network, reaching tenth place in the Nielsen ratings during the series second season. However, by the fourth season ratings plummeted and the season cliffhanger “Consider Me Gone” became the unexpected finale when NBC cancelled the series in 1990. Six years later, ABC resolved the cliffhanger with the TV movie Project: ALF. The Tanner family is now in Iceland, part of the Witness Protection Program. When the series ended, ALF (Paul Fusco) had been captured by the Alien Task Force. Since then, he has been under military custody, subjected to all sorts of tests and experiments.
Nonetheless, ALF has adapted quite well to his new life. He has the run of his designated area on the base. With ALF eating them out of house and home, a governmental panel has been set up to decide what to do with him. almost everyone seems to enjoy having the furball around, except Colonel Gilbert Milfoil (Martin Sheen) who believes that his mother was driven insane as a result of experiments done on her by extraterrestrials. As a result, he has made it his life’s mission to do away with ALF.
When Captain Rick Mullican (William O’Leary) and Major Melissa Hill (Jensen Daggett) learn of Milfoil’s plan, they kidnap ALF by knocking him out and stash him in a laundry basket, so they can safely take him off the base and save his life. Naturally, hijinks ensue as the three drive across country, all while narrowly avoiding the pursuing Colonel. The trio eventually reach the home of the home of Dexter Moyers (Miguel Ferrer), a former NASA scientist, let go because of his willingness to discuss the existence of alien life. He agrees to help hide ALF, but it soon becomes clear that he has his own plans for our extraterrestrial friend.
Blessed with a surprisingly strong cast (Martin Sheen?!) Project: ALF is much more fun then I anticipated. As a fan of the original series, this provides a satisfying conclusion. The biggest laughs come during a montage of psychological tests ALF is put through. There are also some one liners that will put smiles on the faces of fans.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Liberation Hall has provided a solid 1080p transfer. Depth is good throughout, as are detail and clarity. colors are vibrant and flesh tones look natural. Black levels are full and the image is clean and clear throughout.
The English language LPCM 2.0 Stereo track performs well. Well balanced throughout, there are no issues with distortion.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Voice Actor Paul Fusco
- Text Bio’s of some cast and crew