In 1986, James Cameron achieved the feat of giving the cult film “Alien” a sequel that is both equal and independent.

Legacy Effects' Oscar-nominated duo Shane Mahan and Lindsay MacGowan share tales from the trenches of 1986's 'Aliens' ...

40 years later, James Cameron's follow-up remains the clearest blueprint for expanding a franchise without repeating it.

Forty years ago today, on July 18, 1986, 20th Century Fox put a sequel into American theaters that had no business working.