Ridley Scott promises 'tough' 3D Alien prequel

Director Sir Ridley Scott has revealed that his 3D Alien prequel will be "really nasty" and will respond to the standard set by James Cameron's Avatar.

Speaking to Screen Daily, the film-maker said the movie, set in 2085, would be "the dark side of the moon".

Sir Ridley, who directed the original Alien film in 1979, paid tribute to Cameron's technological innovation.

"Jim's raised the bar and I've got to jump to it," said the 72-year-old. "He's not going to get away with it."