Amazon.com: Howard Hawks's original 1951 production of The Thing from Another World can be glimpsed playing on a TV that fateful October evening in John Carpenter's blockbuster hit, Halloween (1978). A few years later, Carpenter reteamed with his Escape from New York star Kurt Russell to do a remake. But while the first movie version of The Thing was in atmospheric black and white, Carpenter's 1982 version is in widescreen, full color, and features some of the most revoltingly explicit, surreally imaginative special effects (courtesy of FX-meister Rob Bottin) that have ever been seen on the screen. Researchers in the remote Antarctic dig up the remains of a spacecraft that has long been frozen in the ice. But the alien life unthaws and infects the living (not only humans but sled dogs too), living and gestating inside them. (This horrific concept was also explored in the two versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and the Alien movies.) This Thing is chilling in every sense of the word, with plenty of terrifying, adrenaline-pumping moments that build it to a powerful and shockingly nihilistic conclusion. It's a harsh and uncompromising movie (hewing more closely to the original 1930s story "Who Goes There?")--so much so that it probably never would have been given a green-light by any studio in the more cautious and doggedly upbeat 1990s. --Jim Emerson
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - A classic in HD
I've watched this so many times in Standard Definition, but it's like watching it again for the first time in HD. The video and sound quality is excellent!
Rating: - Best Horror Film Ever
The Thing (Collector's Edition)
An incredible film that shows that real characters and in credible practical effects make a horror film work rather than gore and CGI
Rating: - Carpenters best???
...I think it looks like!!!
Until now, this is the best piece of work, Carpenter directed. Dark, rough and absolutely claustrophobic. Some of the SFX look kind of cheesy, but don't forget: ... Read More
Rating: - Don't take Anything with you
When I first saw this movie,it was a sneak preview with the premiere of Blade Runner,another Sci-Fi classic.I had gone to the movie alone,with my friend "Laughing Sam's Dice"...ok?Anyway,I was just melting ... Read More
Rating: - A Remake That's Almost Better Than The Original
In 1982 John Carpenter remade one of the all time great, Sci-fi/Horror films"The Thing".This remake was in many ways scarier than the original,due to the way the creature could shape itself perfectly,like it's ... Read More
- A classic in HD
- Carpenters best???