The Thing
John Carpenter
1982
104 mins approx
Fantastic DVD of a fantastic film, this one has it all, great story and actors, great director and awesome special effects which still stand up against today's computer generated blockbusters.
A twelve man research team working in the middle of the Antarctic uncover a frozen Alien and Spacecraft which have laid there for thousands of years. Soon the alien is back on the loose and threatening everyone's lives. Kurt Russel plays the unwilling Helicopter pilot who ends up leading the group of survivors against the Alien. Unfortunately the Alien is a shape shifter and can perfectly imitate any living creature that it absorbs. Panic and paranoia rule the camp with everyone watching their backs, not knowing who the enemy is. This leads to a dramatic final confrontation which will decide the fate of mankind .
Pure class from start to finish, this is one film you shouldn't miss .The alien transformation effects have yet to be equaled and the tense atmosphere created by Carpenter is top notch. This DVD transfer does the film justice with picture quality which is better than seen before and an excellent list of extras. A fine example of the quality UK releases should be aiming for.
Extras
80 min Documentary
Running commentary with Kurt Russell and John Carpenter
Outtakes
Cast production notes
Storyboards and conceptual art
Location Design
Production Archives
Production Background Archives
Theatrical Trailer
Production notes
Post Production
Cast and Filmmakers notes