'Probably' everything that James Cameron ripped off

He's brought us classics such as Aliens and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but there is a dark side to Canadian supremo.

The Terminator (1984)

Common knowledge, but hey ho.

Harlan Ellison accused all concerned of stealing plot from Soldier¹, an episode he wrote for The Outer Limits in 1964.

An undisclosed out of court settlement was agreed in 1986 and for subsequent home releases, filmmakers were forced to insert 'Acknowledgement to the works of Harlan Ellison' near the beginning of end credits.

Cameron vehemently denied plagiarising work and in 2009 said:

"Harlan Ellison is a parasite who can kiss my ass."

It's also entirely plausible that the concept of Skynet was lifted from I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, as after achieving sentience, a supercomputer takes revenge against humanity for its imprisonment deep underground by bringing about a nuclear holocaust.

Allied Mastercomputer renames itself AM and tortures five survivors (Ted, Benny, Ellen, Nimdok and Gorrister) for 109 years.

¹Adapted from short Soldier from Tomorrow.

Dark Angel² (2000)

First season of TV series bears striking similarities to Argentinian comic Cybersix (1991-1999).

Max Guevera vs Cybersix

Donald Lyedecker vs Doctor Von Reichter

Nape barcode vs Arm tattoo

Logan Cale vs Lucas Amato

Genetically-enhanced superhumans were born inside a laboratory.

Lyedecker created the Chimera series for the military to build a superior army, whereas Von Reichter wanted to form a loyal army to help Nazi scientist conquer the world.

The Chimera are identified by a barcode tattoo, complete with serial number.  The Cyber series are recognised by arm tattoo and individual's number.

Logan and Lucas enter romantic relationships with Max and Cybersix respectively.

Max's genetic flaw causes her to have seizures and tryptophan helps control them.  In order to survive, Cybersix must drink sustenance liquids.

Max and Cybersix escaped when they were nine-years old.

Just... FUCKING INCREDIBLE.

Writer Carlos Trillo and illustrator Carlos Meglia filed a lawsuit against Cameron and Fox, but due to financial issues, legal proceedings never came to fruition.

'Changes' made to second season included the removal of Max's seizures and writing out Lyedecker very early on.

How convenient.

It bombed, and series was cancelled.

Robert Heinlein's 1982 novel Friday was no doubt another 'inspiration' for Dark Angel.

²ntbcw alternative title to 1990 Dolph Lundgren film I Come in Peace.

Avatar (2009)

One of the highest-grossing films of all time had a few things to thank.

Summary

In 2154, paraplegic naval officer Jake Sully is selected to participate in Project Avatar, a program which implants human genes into Na'vi natives so poisonous jungle planet Pandora and inhabitants can be exposed and researched.

Oh, superconductor unobtanium sells for 20 million a kilo.

As time marches on, Jake literally feels more at home with the Na'vi and becomes at odds with his own kind on Earth.

Prequel

Ubisoft Montreal developed video game in conjunction with Cameron while film was shot between 2007 and 2009.

Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Giovanni Ribisi provided voice talent, but Sam Worthington and Zoë Saldana did not.

All versions were released a week or so before spectacle hit cinemas.

Films

Nothing like:

The Emerald Forest (1985)

Dances with Wolves (1990)

FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

Pocahontas (1995)

Princess Mononoke (1997)

The Last Samurai (2003)

Literature

Call Me Joe (1957)

Poul Anderson's novelette debuted in Astounding Science Fiction.

Wheelchair-bound astronaut Ed Anglesey telepathically connects with an artificially created lifeform (nicknamed 'Joe'), that enables him to explore Jupiter's harsh surface.

Geezer gradually goes native.

Noon Universe

Arkady and Boris Strugatsky named cosmos after first book Noon: 22nd Century (1961).

Of the planets that appear throughout ten-strong series, Pandora raises eyebrows, because it's a jungle out there and aliens are called the Nave.

Back in 2010, Boris was reported as saying, "The Americans have borrowed our idea - it's very unpleasant. But I won't take them to court. Or shall I?"

Borrowed? Stole more like.

Legal action never came to pass and Boris died in 2012.  Sibling passed years before in 1991.

For shits and giggles, Navi is Link's guardian fairy throughout 1998 classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Did Nintendo have the Noon Universe in mind?

No.

Here's the story.

Yoshiaki Koizumi confirmed Navi began as a triangle to make the Z-targeting system work and make it easier for players to tell which enemy they were targeting.  Shape eventually became the loud-mouthed fairy we've all come to know and love/hate.

The intention was to create a cute girl, but as that was beyond N64 hardware, Koizumi made a ball of light with wings instead, calling it 'Fairy Navigation System'.

When shown to Toru Osawa, he immediately came up with the idea of naming it 'Navi' because 'she navigates'.

The rest is history.

Comics

The Light and Darkness War (1988-1989)

Tom Veitch's first collaboration with Cam Kennedy concerns disabled veteran Lazarus Jones, (the only survivor of his platoon) who after a car accident is placed in a coma.

He's transported to the Outer Darkness in a star system called Abraxas, where war buddies (dubbed Light Warriors) are still alive.

They fight against Na, Lord of all Reality, and his motley crew of Deadsiders.

Mentep engineer Mu-Mun-Da-Mandra-Lu Urumm.

Name simply rolls off the tongue, right?

(Laughs).

Firekind³ (1993)

Botanist Hendrick Larson travels to Gennyo-Leil to study jungle planet's flora, fauna and indigenous race the Gennyans.

Locals attach symbiotic organism the lantrisant to domesticate huge dragons, with leech creature also being the source of valuable drug hexacrin.

Planet is frequently raided by ruthless poachers, who'll stop at nothing to acquire much sought after hallucinogen.

Aliens grow suspicious of Larson and cast him out, leaving ass to the mercy of unknown dangers.

John Smith writes and Paul Marshall deserves praise for impressive artwork.

Observe dragon rider.

And what about this?

Hmmm.

Cameron claims he wrote an 80-page treatment for blockbuster in 1994.

Leave it there.

³When originally serialised in 2000 AD, an editorial mistake (blamed on tight deadlines), saw Part 7 of hard SF to be omitted, with Part 8 run instead.  Series was eventually published in the correct order in 2000 AD Extreme Edition #8 (2005).

Timespirits 6: The Jungle Beat (September 1985)

Neytiri is Thorneypaws (left) and Fitz Rowr (right).

Sully behind bow and arrow.

And most disturbing of all.

OMFG!

Roger Dean

British artist rose to fame in the 70s, creating fantastical album covers for the likes of Yes, Asia, Uriah Heep and Gentle Giant.

He also produced a host of shit for Psygnosis.

Check out these 'coincidences'.

Hometree vs Pathways

Stone Arches vs Arches Morning

Hallelujah Mountains vs April 1st

Hallelujah Mountains (again) vs Stairway to Heaven

Thanator vs Paladin Charge

In June 2013, our man took geezer on, seeking damages of $50m, but Judge Jesse F. Furman threw the case out in September 2014.

The court ruled because paintings are static and not fluid, one cannot be substantially similar to the other.

HA HA HA!

Panzer Dragoon, Sega Saturn (1995)

Rail shooter is basically the ultimate evolution of Space Harrier, but could I be the first to suggest something else?

Seze vs Blue Dragon

Horny headdress may be missing, but proof is in pudding.

Panzer Dragoon Orta, Xbox (2002)

Even tail thing dangles.

(Frowns in amazement).

At one point, Neytiri rides Banshee against raging waterfalls.

Unless my eyes are playing heinous tricks, this is EXACTLY what happens during Episode 2.

No fucking way.

Verdict

Iron Jim is an unscrupulous bastard, devoid of guilt and seemingly untouchable.

The end.

Resident Evil (1996) - Goofs

Anthology series begins in July 1998 (affectionately known as the Mansion Incident).

Unless stated, PS1 original provides the entertainment.

Back art sets the standard.

A series of gory attacks in the area surrounding a remote biotech lab brings in S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Squad) to investigate.

Really?

And there was me thinking that S.T.A.R.S. stood for Special Tactics and Rescue Service.

HA HA HA!

Somewhat ironically, in Paul W. S. Anderson's live-action universe, it is Squad.

At least heavily cut European/North American intro got things right.

(Special Tactics And Rescue Service)

But newspaper headline has its own problems.

STARS isn't abbreviated, And should be lowercase and there's some awful spacing issues.

So instead of:

'STARS'(Special Tactics And Rescue Service)sent to save Raccoon City.

Daily rag should read:

'S.T.A.R.S.' (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) sent to save Raccoon City.

Perhaps more amusing is this.

In April 1996, Marvel published a free one-shot comic to promote original game's release, throwing in two discount coupons.

How generous.

It explains that after Bravo team's helicopter crash-landed, Richard Aiken fled to the isolated mansion.

Right off the bat.

While on a mission to investigate a series of disappearances in a remote mountain community, a team from Special Tactics and Rescue Squad (S.T.A.R.S.) runs into trouble.

What is HAPPENING here?

The Mandela effect?

Wesker assembles Alpha team and Richard encounters Yawn.

12-page short ends when chopper lands, setting up iconic FMV intro.

Back to the game.

Files

Plant 42 Report
4 days have passed etc etc.
It has been effected by the T-Virus differently than other plants have been and shows unique shape in addition to its size.

This cock up has affected me more than you know.

Barry's Picture
Depending on player's decision-making, the beard to be feared can die either Underground or inside Laboratory.
With his dying breath, he will give Jill a family photo.
My dearest Moira and Poly.
Blah blah.
Your father will watching you all from heaven.

I'm reasonably confident they meant Polly.

How do I know?

Gamecube (2002)

Guess daughter changed name by deed poll.

Also, final sentence makes no sense, and should read:

Your father will be watching you all from heaven.

Fax
Regarding the "T-Virus" outbreak which occured recently, this Committee conducted a field survey.  According to the survey results, it occurred to me nobody knew how to spell.

Orders
3. Destroy the Arkley lab including all researchers and lab animals in a manner which will seem accidental.

Arklay Mountains seems destined to remain within the confines of picture frame, unless like Resi 7, Village makes reference.

Ever approached a door and witness hinged barrier miraculously change colour as it opens?

No? Me neither.

But this is a major problem inside the Spencer Mansion.

As so many examples exist, selection follows.

One more.

Skulking around kitchen attracts an unwelcome guest.

Door is rosewood (kinda).

CG of zombie walking downstairs shows door is grey/silver.

Exiting room.

Light-ish brown.

Anyway, how did zombie pick up Jill and/or Chris's scent?

Telepathy?

Miscellany

Portrait inside dining room is described as being A picture of a woman.
Remarkable really, as this is Altobello Malone's Portrait of a Gentleman (widely believed to be Cesare Borgia, Son of Pope Alexander VI).

Brilliant.

Using slides on projector reveals Wesker ain't Mr. Clean.

Title is Umbrella Bio-Organic Weapon Official Report.

Caption isn't even close.

"Umbrella Inc."
"Bio-weapon Materials"

Why even bother?

Jill finds Richard, who explains he was attacked by a huge... snake, and also... poisonous.

"OUCH!"

In the next room, we assume bloody handprint belongs to Richard.

So how the FUCK did 'terrible demon' sink poisonous fangs into our man when shield key is needed to access room?

Even after serum is fetched, endeavour is fruitless.
Before biting the dust, he gives Jill his invisible radio.

Here's a splendid continuity error.

You'll first encounter Yawn in the attic.

Fighting serpent is a waste of ammo, but does result in scaring bastard away.

Most importantly, monster bears no battle scars.

After defeating Plant 42, a fight to the death awaits back in the mansion.

Note that beastie has magically sustained physical damage. 

Hmmm.

Check this out.

Hunters turn up once Armour key is got.

Now compare above to CG.

Yup, heavy duty double-door is missing and after creature exits room, crest plaque has also mysteriously disappeared.

Jill and Barry observe the ultimate lifeform - Tyrant.

Ms. Valentine is all present and correct, but...

Where's Barry?

See what I did there?

(Laughs).

Same shit happens if playing as Chris.

Character bios

Additional comments made at my discretion.

Alpha Team

Barry Burton

Chris Redfield's old friend and partner. Former SWAT team member, Barry maintains and supplies for all S.T.A.R.S. members. He has over 16 years of experience, and has lead many projects to success. Barry is a trusty ally, but has had some troubles with his wife and 2 daughters recently. He may look or sound depressed at times.

Oops. Printing has led to a mistake.

Joesph Frost

Previous member of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team, and already stationed in Raccoon City. Joseph was recently promoted to serve as vehicle specialist for Alpha Team. Many members are jealous of his promotion, but he was moved up by Wesker himself. Joseph is young, enthusiastic and very curious.

As promotion has already happened, context should be past-tense, ie. 'were'.

Chris Redfield

After being kicked out of the Air Force, Chris became a drifter until he met Barry Burton. Barry recruited him for the newly formed S.T.A.R.S. Now Chris has been reassigned to a smaller unit at Raccoon City headquarters to prove himself quickly. A tough guy who possesses both a strong mentality and great vitality, Chris has a great advantage with weapons when surrounded by many enemies.

Jill Valentine

An intelligent soldier that has rescued many S.T.A.R.S. members from danger in the past. Jill has been reassigned to Raccoon City just like Chris. She is excellent with special mechanical devices such as lock picks. Jill has strong moral convictions and fights for what she believes in. While she has a great capacity for holding items, her small vitality puts her at an immediate disadvantage.

Brad Vickers

Brad is a computer expert and is an excellent information gatherer. Unfortunately, his fear and dying and lack of enthusiasm for rushing into danger have earned him the nickname "Chickenheart". While Chris a qualified pilot, Brad has become the helicopter flier for Alpha Team.

Albert Wesker

Wesker has risen quickly inside the S.T.A.R.S. organisation and currently leads the Alpha Team. Viewed by many as a "cool guy", from his snappy haircut to perpetual shades, Wesker was recruited by a headhunter for his sharp insight and eventually founded the ST.A.R.S. unit in Raccoon City.

Bravo Team

Richard Aiken

A very important member of S.T.A.R.S. serving as Bravo's communications expert. The only link back to headquarters out in the field. Richard actually has to pull double duty as radioman for both units since Alpha Team really has no trained operator, except for Jill (who has a knack for technology). A very positive person, Richard greets new members warmly.

Rebecca Chambers

The youngest member of the group, Rebecca has been recruited for her knowledge of field medicine and First Aid. She is nervous around other members, both because of her age (18) and due to her lack of experience. Rebecca is eager to please and will take on any task assigned to her without hesitation.

Could final sentence be any more suggestive?

[Yak Yak Yak].

Enrico Marini

Bravo Team's leader, and Wesker's second in command for the S.T.A.R.S. unit. Enrico feels threatened by the arrival of Alpha Team, thinking that Chris or Barry may end up replacing him as #2 to Wesker. Nonetheless, Enrico is a dedicated S.T.A.R.S. operative and is always proud to lead the unit when Wesker lets him.

More soon.

Forest Speyer

Forest is a great sniper in addition to his duties as Bravo's vehicle specialist. He is a consummate professional, and his work earns him great respect from the other members. He instantly clicks with Chris, and it seems they'll end up good team-mates.

Again, I have a problem with context, as 'clicks' should be clicked.

Kenneth J. Sullivan

A quiet but very talented field scouting officer. Also is an expert on chemistry. He wonders why his chemical experience would be necessary in Raccoon City but quickly discounts his hesitancy since Wesker himself sought him for enlisting in S.T.A.R.S.

Now for Director's Cut.

Call the following whatever you want, but what they did is beyond reason.

First off, all names are in CAPS and there's a clear break between name and profile.

Apart from Wesker, all Alpha bios have been shortened.

WHY?

Barry's 'final' sentence is slightly reworded and corrects goof.

He has over 16 years of experience, and has led many successful projects.

Switching to Bravo, things get more interesting.

Richard

A very important member of S.T.A.R.S. serving as Bravo's communications expert. The only link back to headquarters out in the field. Richard actually has to pull double duty as radioman for both units since Alpha Team really has no trained operator.

Previously:

Richard actually has to pull double duty as radioman for both units since Alpha Team really has no trained operator, except for Jill (who has a knack for technology). A very positive person, Richard greets new members warmly.

Last act of Rebecca's blurb is changed to:

She is nervous around other members, both because of her age and lack of experience.

I kinda get why sexual innuendo was removed, but why leave out age?

Enrico

Enrico feels threatened by the arrival of Alpha Team, thinking that Chris or Barry may end up replacing him as number 1 to Wesker.

Checking back, he was threatened by the prospect of Redfield or Burton replacing him as #2 to Wesker.

I am very FUCKING confused.

Kenneth's is the final to be rewritten.

A quiet but very talented field scouting officer, Kenneth formerly worked as a chemist. He wonders why his chemical experience is necessary in Raccoon City but quickly discounts this hesitancy since Wesker himself enlisted him in S.T.A.R.S.

Title screen

Director's Cut: Resident Evil

Curious.

Especially since cover art disagrees.

Resident Evil: Director's Cut

Dual Shock Ver. is no different.

Bonus round

Ignoring ports (where no two are the same), I briefly dissect final remake on DS.

Deadly Silence offered two gameplay modes - Rebirth and Classic.

Latter speaks for itself, and although former is basically Director's Cut, new FPS knife sections utilise stylus and a host of rooms boast exclusive puzzles.

Oh, some areas have more than one type of enemy, which to this day - remains unique.

Anyway.

This is more cosmetic, but still a head-scratcher.

Tyrant CG bizarrely omits Jill/Chris. 

New director Minoru Nakai was unavailable for comment.

End credits doesn't list live-action cast, but 'special appreciation goes out to the original Resident Evil staff!'

Masterful Gamecube remake is up next.