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A movie collection that’s out of this world
A movie collection that’s out of this world
As a bevy of sci-fi classics lands on Sky Cinema, a survival expert reveals how to evade aliens, robots and more
As a bevy of sci-fi classics lands on Sky Cinema, a survival expert reveals how to evade aliens, robots and more
As cinematic genres go, few are as ambitious, enthralling or bone-chillingly terrifying as science fiction. And Sky Cinema has the films to prove it…
Sky Cinema Sky-Fi collection, available in Sky Cinema on demand and on Sky Cinema Sci-Fi & Horror HD (CH 411) from Monday 16 September to Sunday 13 October
From acid-bleeding aliens and relentless robots to more cerebral takes on existence and what it is to be human, sci-fi has captivated us for decades. Now, Sky Cinema is bringing together some of the genre’s greatest films in a collection that’s truly out of this world.
There are tonnes of movies available to watch, including unforgettable classics like Alien, Blade Runner, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Predator, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, plus loads of films from the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. If there’s such a thing as sci-fi movie heaven, this is it.
These iconic flicks present all kinds of freaky alternate realities and twisted dystopian futures, but the good thing is you don’t need to worry about any of it becoming a reality. Or do you? We’ve enlisted survival expert Megan Hine (who’s worked alongside adventurer Bear Grylls) to give you some tips on making it through to the other side should a scary sci-fi scenario befall you. Our advice? Take what she says very seriously…
How to survive… an alien invasion
Independence Day, available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12
“Firstly, if the movies are correct, aliens will usually attack the US first. If we can stay in hiding long enough, an American hero will come along and save the world. Alternatively, our cousins across the pond will provide enough of a distraction going full Independence Day for the rest of the world to observe the alien behaviour and come up with a plan. Survival here is about knowing your adversary and utilising this for your gain.”
How to survive… isolation in space
Gravity, available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 12
“Assuming you have the means to survive physically, isolation is about enduring the mental aspect of being alone. As pack animals, we function best with social interaction – without this it takes approximately three months before you start going “bushy”, a pioneer term for a bit mad. Mental exercises, talking to an object and following a routine will help you stay sane.”
How to survive… a robot uprising
Blade Runner, available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15
“Maybe they’ve risen up because they have realised humans are incapable of looking after the planet we have been given, and that they would make far better custodians. Then again, maybe not. Time to ditch any technology that might be connected to a central sever and revert to off-grid living well away from populated areas where tech is rife. Deep in the jungles and the bush are places where the robots might not be too bothered about you setting up home.”
How to survive… being hunted by an alien
Alien: The Director’s Cut, available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15
“A successful hunter needs to know its quarry and its environment to be able to hunt you down. You need to figure out fast what your hunter knows about you or the environment you’re in and use this against them. Think about your habits and break them, and head for an environment that the hunter isn’t familiar with.”
How to survive… a nuclear apocalypse
I Am Legend, available in Sky Cinema on demand. Cert 15
“An apocalypse is usually referred to as the end of the world as we know it. If you have survived a nuclear apocalypse you’ve totally got this, so just keep doing what you’re doing.”
Find out what’s on Sky Cinema
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Watch on the go
If you subscribe to Sky Cinema on Virgin TV, you can watch on the go with the Sky Cinema app on your mobile, laptop or tablet anywhere in the UK (or while temporarily in the EU) with a WiFi or broadband connection. Just download from the Apple app store, Google Play or the Amazon appstore and log into the app to start watching.
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TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV set, VHD Box. TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
Sky Cinema on demand: Sky Cinema subscription required.
Sky Cinema HD: Sky Cinema Premiere +1 not available in HD.
Sky Cinema apps: Only available via the Sky Cinema apps to customers who subscribe to these channels. Apps for selected iOS and Android™ mobiles and tablets. UK only (or while temporarily in EU). Maximum 6 registered devices. Maximum of one device can watch TV at any one time. Selected content may not be available to view. Separate terms and conditions apply to the Sky Cinema apps.
Premium channels (add-ons): 30 days’ notice required to remove premium channels/packs. Sky Cinema Premiere +1 not available in HD.
Interviews: Any opinions expressed in interviews are those of the interview subject and not those of Virgin Media.
Image credits: Close Encounters Copyright © 1977, renewed 2005 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Independence Day © 1996, 2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Blade Runner © 1982 Warner Bros.
I Am Legend © Warner Brothers Intl Television
Alien © 1979 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.