The Thing 4K Arrow Limited Edition

THE THING [1982 / 2017] [Blu-ray] The Ultimate in Alien Terror! Man Is The Warmest Place To Hide!

The ultimate sci-fi horror extravaganza is back! From the director John Carpenter of films like ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ and ‘Halloween.’ The Thing returns from the cold, dark depths of outer space in this brand new restoration from Arrow Video.

A research team headed up by R.J. McReady [Kurt Russell] and based out in the snowy wilds of Antarctica find themselves besieged by a terrifying and menacing, shape-shifting alien creature which has found its way into their base. When it becomes clear that the creature can take the form of any organism it so chooses, the tension within the team reaches breaking point any one of them could be... The Thing.

Featuring some of the most stunning and grisly practical special effects ever created and punctuated by a suitably mood film score by Ennio Morricone. The 1982 ‘THE THING’ film critically panned at the time of its release, has now rightly gone on to become one of the most celebrated sci-fi horror efforts ever made and now newly restored by Arrow Video in a stunning 4K transfer supervised by John Carpenter and director of photography Dean Cundey.

Cast: Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis, Thomas G. Waites, Norbert Weisser, Larry J. Franco, Nate Irwin, William Zeman, Adrienne Barbeau (Computer voice) (uncredited), John Carpenter (video footage) (uncredited) and Jed (Dog Thing) (uncredited)

Director: John Carpenter:

Producers: David Foster, Larry J. Franco, Lawrence Turman, Stuart Cohen and Wilbur Stark

Screenplay: Bill Lancaster (screenplay) and John W. Campbell Jr. (story)

Cinematography: Dean Cundey (Director of Photography)

Composer: Ennio Morricone

Image Resolution: 1080p [Technicolor

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 [Panavision]

Audio: English: 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio, English: 4.1 Dolby Digital Audio Surround Mix and English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Subtitles: English SDH

Running Time: 108 minutes

Region: Region B/2

Number of discs: 1

Studio: Universal Pictures / Arrow Video

Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘THE THING’ [1982] was released in a summer packed with sci-fi/fantasy blockbusters, including the phenomenally successful E.T., John Carpenter's The Thing bombed at the box-office. Audiences clearly weren't in the mood for such a downbeat and gruesome film in 1982 and critics weren't enamoured either. 35 years later though it's regarded by many and including me especially as one of the greatest spine tingling horror films ever made. ‘THE THING’ has been released in many different formats and especial with varied amounts of Special Edition sets over the years, but it's now the brilliant people at Arrow Video, who have risen to the highest ranks of UK home distribution and they treat every film they release with the greatest care and respect. So of course, and personally hearing the news of this Blu-ray acquisition was cause for much rejoicing and I was thrilled to finally to get hold of a copy of their new Limited Edition Blu-Ray to give you the best Blu-ray review ever.

In June of 1982, a film would be released that would change the world’s perspective on our first contact with an alien species. It would go on to become a massive blockbuster hit, earn loads of accolades from critics, and further cement its director John Carpenter as a household name. It was released to lukewarm audience and critical reception, failed to produce a big return at the box office, and did not become a hit until its premiere on the VHS home video format!

‘THE THING’ horror film takes place during the winter of 1982 in Antarctica, and opens with a Norwegian helicopter pursuing “Jed the wolf-dog” across the frozen tundra. The sled dog eventually finds shelter at a United States’ Scientific Research Station, seeking safety with the confused Americans. The Norwegians land nearby and soon end up dead: One drops a Thermite grenade in the snow and fails to retrieve it in time, while the other is gunned down by Garry [Donald Moffat], the station commander.

Bewildered as to why their Norwegian “neighbours” has seemingly gone insane, Doc Copper [Richard Dysart] and helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady [Kurt Russell] fly to the neighbouring base to check things and investigate thoroughly. Upon arrival they find the burnt husk of the Norwegian camp and inside, they discover the corpse of an apparent suicide victim, and a block of ice that seems to have once contained something. But their most disturbing discovery is the charred, twisted body lying outside of the base. They wrap it up, and fly it back to the outpost, where Blair [A. Wilford Brimley] performs an autopsy on the horrific remains.

Soon everyone becomes distrustful of each other and tensions begin to flare out of control. Who is still human? Who is THE THING? How can they tell the difference? When will it strike next? Can it truly be killed? These are the questions the men of Outpost No.31 must wrestle with, until their final showdown with the mysterious invader from outer space during the film’s fiery third act!

The original film of ‘The Thing’ was acknowledged as a classic, but has possibly been over-praised. Certainly it jettisoned the most interesting element of the story on which it was based, that the ‘thing,’ which has apparently been frozen in the Antarctic for millions of years, has the capacity to mimic exactly any life form it is able to absorb. It was one the first in a series of science fiction ‘shape-shifters’ that had seldom found their way into movies, although they did appear in the science fiction film John Carpenter loved as a youth and that was the film ‘It Came From Outer Space’ [1953].

The film is an abject lesson in building tension and atmosphere economically. It opens with a beautifully photographed scene of a husky fleeing across the snow, being pursued by a Norwegian helicopter trying to shoot it. It makes its way to an American research base. Why are the Norwegians trying to kill the nice doggie? We are instantly hooked. Building slowly, but giving extraordinary value when it reaches its climaxes, the film goes on from this mysterious opening to detail the slow growth of the horror of loss of personality, and of alienation from those close to you.

Rob Bottin, a young make-up artist who had also worked with John Carpenter on the film ‘The Fog,’ performed miracles with his large team of technicians, in creating the various effects. Most spectacular perhaps is the moment when electrodes are applied to a recent corpse in the attempt to stimulate a heartbeat. Suddenly the body’s torso grows teeth and bites the doctor’s arms off; its neck stretches obscenely and lowers the corpse’s head to the floor. Its head extrudes an enormously long tongue which whips around a table leg and pulls itself along, and then it grows legs like a spider and scuttles away.

In John Carpenter’s films there is usually a shape or a thing, a malevolence out there waiting to get us. One of the paradoxes of fantastic cinema is that many of us want the catharsis of imagining ourselves being got, and there is one element of comfort in his films: While Evil may be formidable, it is not irresistible. John Carpenter also believes in the strength of humans to cope with it. It’s very well-made. It’s thoughtful. It’s disgustingly-awesome. It’s terrifying, but all in all it is a great deal of fun and worthy of regular viewing.

Blu-ray Image Quality – Universal Pictures and Arrow Video presents us with a stunning and awesome 1080p image presentation and an equally impressive 2.35:1 original theatrical aspect ratio that really enhances the film and as always Arrow Video have done a really professional job. This 4K restoration is a vast improvement over the 2012 Blu-ray release and the difference in sharpness and picture detail is very impressive. Arrow Video’s transfer results in a visibly much better shadowy detail and a more pleasingly natural and very filmic look. There is some visible noise in the darker scenes, and in a couple of the scenes the black levels are a tad soften, but the gains in the clarity, detail and image richness fully justify this approach. The colour is also more pleasing than on the Universal Blu-ray disc and is definitely really excellent, and in some of the shots it really showcases the lighting and colour look utterly gorgeous here, so all in all this is a terrific transfer. The original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K resolution on a pin-registered Arriscan at NBCUniversal Universal City, California. Primary grading and picture restoration was completed at Silver Restoration in London, England. Director John Carpenter and Director of Photography Dean Cundey supervised and approved the final grading at Deluxe, Culver City, California. Please Note: Playback Region B/2: This will not play on most Blu-ray players sold in North America, Central America, South America, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Learn more about Blu-ray region specifications.

Blu-ray Audio Quality – Universal Pictures and Arrow Video presents us with three audio presentations, which are 2.0 LPCM Stereo Audio, 4.0 Dolby Audio Mix and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and were produced and delivered by NBCUniveral. The 2.0 stereo audio track is okay, but if you want to experience the awesome sound at its maximum quality then you must choose the either of the surround audio tracks, which are both first class and is the only way to go in how the film should be heard, because you a much more richer, clearer and more inclusive sound experience, and it boasts of a far better low frequency bass. There is also no trace of any damage or background hiss and you get to experience a wonderfully clear reproduction of dialogue, sound effects and music and the howling of the wind alone will have you reaching for your overcoat and hiding behind your sofa, expecting The Thing is in your home.

Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:

Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative supervised and approved by director John Carpenter and director of photography Dean Cundey

High Definition Blu-ray 1080p presentation

Original 2.0 LPCM Stereo Mono Audio, 4.0 Dolby Digital Surround Audio Mix and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Audio Commentary with director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell: Here we are introduced to director John Carpenter and joining him is the actor Kurt Russell that was originally featured via the special edition DVD audio commentary, and while the titles appear, John Carpenter comments that it was very unusual to have the white lettering on a black background, instead of starting a film with the usual Universal Picture’s logo. Anyway, while the film is being commented on, you can easily tell they are clearly really good friends who enjoyed working with each other, especially on other John Carpenter films, and there is a consistently entertaining mix of technical information, memories of the shoot and light-hearted anecdotes and we also get informed that this film started shooting after the release of the film ‘Escape From New York.’ Both have praise aplenty for the work of their collaborators, including Dean Cundey's lighting and the acting skills of the dog. It was interesting to hear that audiences were more freaked out by the low-tech finger-cutting effect than the more elaborate creature effects. They talk about the wild helicopter pilots who were used and how they called them “Lawrence of Alaska,” and the scene where Kurt Russell flies the helicopter, he had a pilot it next to him for the take off, then let Kurt take the controls. They talk about Jed the dog, and that once he got use to the camera rolling and the cast and crew, he was a total natural. Sometimes and very annoying, John Carpenter keeps stating the obvious in what we are watching and also annoying is Kurt Russell keeps laughing out loud, profusely. As the credits appear John Carpenter and Kurt Russell comments that they really enjoyed making the film and working together and hoped we also enjoyed watching the film with their commentary.

Audio Commentary with Mike White, Patrick Bromley and El Goro: This is a 2017 new audio commentary by Mike White from “The Projection Booth” podcast, Patrick Bromley from the “At This Movie” podcast and El Goro from the “Talk Without Rhythm” podcast. All three commentators are over the top fans of ‘THE THING’ film and somewhat over enthusiastic, to the point of obsession and very annoying at the same time. One thing I agreed with them, was when they mention the nasty comments by the critics and the general public that were so nasty and so negative towards the film when it was released in 1982. They also mention that the film was loosely based on the 1938 science fiction novella by “Who Goes There?” John W. Campbell, Jr., and was originally brought to the screen with the 1951 film ‘The Thing From Another World.’ Mike White comments that he likes the distinct white typeface font Albertus that was designed by Berthold Wolpe in the period 1932 to 1940 for the British branch of the printing company Monotype, which of course is the typical typeface that John Carpenter likes to use and they were all glad he uses the same typeface for the word THE THING in homage to the original film. El Goro comments he loves the opening shot with the helicopter chasing the dog, and suites the widescreen format. They also all totally lambastes the negative comments by the critics and the general public who gave it such harsh critical comments. One thing they all praise profusely is Dean Cundey’s awesome cinematography and terrific subtle shades of lighting effects and the other praise is the set up scene with Jed the dog in the dog pound, that really sets up what we will experience throughout the film of total shocking and jaw dropping moments. But the other scene they all really love is when Kurt Russel tests the blood to find out who the alien is and how people will be shocked by what they view with that certain scene. As we get near to the end of the film, the three idiot commentators get totally pompous and over the top and especially the annoying El Goro, if it had been three English commentators, we would have got a much more refined intelligent audio commentary, and that is why I feel the John Carpenter and Kurt Russell audio commentary was far superior in content and intelligence and this Mike White, Patrick Bromley and El Goro audio commentary should have been left on the cutting room floor.

Special Feature: Who Goes There? In Search of ‘THE THING’ [2017] [1080p] [2.35:1] [77:47] This is an all-new feature length documentary produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures exploring the history of ‘THE THING,’ from the original novella to John Carpenter's terrifying science fiction classic film. Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew, as well as authors, historians, and critics. One thing that made me really angry is that we hear that all the critics who reviewed the film ‘THE THING’ on its release gave it the worst review ever for a sci-fi horror film and it really hurt John Carpenter’s pride, and they should have been thoroughly and totally ashamed of their barbed comments and one critic even commented that you should not take your child to view the film, well what a thick idiot and should have never been employed as a critic, as he is not even worthy to go to and review films and I hope now on reflection that he is totally ashamed of his ignorant comments and was a total insult towards the brilliant director John Carpenter. Contributors include: Justin Humphreys [Author/Film Historian], Ted Newson [Filmmaker/Historian], John W. Campbell [Author/ Audio only], C. Courtney Joyner [Author/Film Historian], John Goodwin [Make-Up Artist/Historian], Stuart Cohen [Associate Producer/Audio only], John Kenneth Muir [Author of “THE FILMS OF JOHN CARPENTER” and Film Historian], Anthony Taylor [Author/Film Historian], Daniel Schweiger [Film Music Historian], Todd Ramsay [Film Eeditor], Dean Cundy [Cinematographer], Larry Franco [Associate Producer/First A.D.], Bill Taylor [Matte Photographer], Robert L. Brown [Production Manager], Ken Diaz [Make-Up Effects Coordinator], Dave Kelsey [Mechanical Effects Coordinator], David Clennon [Palmer/Actor], Keith David [Childs/Actor], Susan Frank [Minature Supervisor/ Audio only] and Alan Howarth [Composer/Additional Sounds].

Special Feature: 1982: One Amazing Summer [2017] [1080p] [2.35:1] [27:20] Once again we have another all-new retrospective documentary that has once again been produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures about the unforgettable amazing films that were released in the summer of 1982. Contributors include: Nathaniel Thompson [Film Historian], John Kenneth Muir [Author of “THE FILMS OF JOHN CARPENTER” and Film Historian] and Anthony Taylor [Author/Film Historian].

Special Feature: John Carpenter's THE THING: Terror Takes Shape [1998] [1080i] [1.37:1] [84:00] This is an archive documentary on the background and production of the film ‘THE THING,’ and is a totally revealing and insightful look into the making of this underrated horror film. This totally brilliant documentary takes a close look at the making of John Carpenter's ‘THE THING.’ John Carpenter is joined by cast members and crew. With so many original members on hand you can imagine that quite a bit of detail is given on the making of the film and as John Carpenter says, “it's rather amazing that they were able to do what they did in the conditions that they were working in.” You hear various stories about the production of the horror film, which was often hampered by the heavy snow and freezing cold conditions and there are a few great stories from the cast members dealing with a troubled bus ride just getting to the location. Rob Bottin, was the man behind the ground-breaking special effects, tells a lot of stories including how he met John Carpenter, how he got hired and of course there is talk of how all the special effects were achieved. As usual John Carpenter is great to listen to and he really gives you a great idea of what he wanted out of the film and he also talks about the original film and story and why he wanted this one to be different. Cast members share plenty of stories as well including what it was like working on an all-male cast. Of course, another big subject is how the film didn't do too well at the box office only to gain popularity on video. Fans of ‘THE THING’ are really going to enjoy seeing so many of the original cast members and the stories are really great and well worth listening to. Contributors include: John Carpenter [Director], David Foster [Producer], Bill Lancaster [Screenwriter], John J. Lloyd [Production Designer], Todd C. Ramsay [Film Editor], Rob Bottin [Special Effects Make-Up], Kurt Russell [MacReady], Richard Masur [Clark], Charles Hallahan [Norris], Peter Kuran [Special Optical Effects], Susan Turner [Model Maker], Dean Cundey [Cinematography], Albert Whitlock [Matte Artist], Stan Winston [Additional Creature Effects] and Joel Polis [Fuchs].

Special Feature: NoTHING LEFT UNSAID: Texas Frightmare Panel [2017] [1080p] [1.78:1] [55:08] This is ‘THE THING’ special recording of the anniversary panel discussion that was filmed at the 2017 Texas Frightmare Weekend of 16th to 17th of May, 2017, and is moderated by the idiot Ryan Turek, and features on the panel Dean Cundey [Cinematographer], and actors Thomas G. Waites [Windows], Keith David [Childs] and A. Wilford Brimley [Blair]. This was a very entertaining viewing, but wish they had a much better moderator. The whole session was littered with amusing anecdotes about the shoot, some of which really are laugh-out-loud funny, especially what they got up to when visiting bars in Alaska. Dean Cundey was a delight, as were the rest of the guest up on the stage and commenting on how devastating nasty critics can be, especially about the film ‘THE THING.’ But especially A. Wilford Brimley, who was very droll and loved his comment saying, “Critics shut down a play, overnight, that had a song in it called “All the Things You Are,” but they leave “Les Misérables” playing for forty f@#%&?$ years, that’s the most aptly named show…" Totally brilliant and very engaging must watch viewing.

Special Feature: THE THING: 27,000 Hours [2017] [1080p] [2.35:1] [6:01] Here we get to view a short film by Sean Hogan, made as part of a series of John Carpenter tribute shorts for the 2011 London FrightFest Film Festival, that took place at The Empire, Leicester Square in London and with this short film recreates the blood test scene from John Carpenter's film ‘THE THING,’ but done on a micro-budget, but with a very interesting twist. As a bonus, you can also play this with an audio commentary by Dan Martin who does the Arrow Films and Video podcast, plus actor and writer Sam Ashurst and director Sean Hogan who discuss the inception of the film project, the actors and the location. Because the running time is very short, it does not leave much opportunity to elaborate on the short film.

Special Feature: Fans of THE THING: Here we get a selection of three separate features and they are as follows:

01. Outpost #31: History and Impact of the Fans [2017] [1080p] [2.35:1 / 1.78:1] [15:42] Here we get to hear comments from Todd Cameron, who is based in St. Petersburg in Florida, who is the founder of “The Thing” fansite Outpost #31 website and looks in-depth at the film ‘THE THING’ past, present and future plans, especially the 40th ANNIVERSARY COUNTDOWN on the 25th June, 2022. We also find out about Todd Cameron and Steve Crawford who were the first to go north and locate the Outpost #31 camp that is located in Canada and brought back parts of the set left strewn in the area and especially the rotor blades from the Norwegian helicopter that was blown up in the film.

02. "We've Found Something in the Ice" – A Fan's Journey [2017] [1080p] [2.35:1] [5:38] Here we get to meet ‘THE THING’ massive fan Peter Abbott and his fiancée from Manchester in England and talks about his 2016 trip to the film location in Stewart, British Columbia and brought back part of the Norwegian helicopter wreckage via his suitcase and showed it to director John Carpenter who was totally amazed with his dedication towards his film and personally autographed the actual object.

03. THE THING Tribute Artwork by Danny Wagner: Here we get to view 25 glorious images in this gallery of Danny Wagner's own photos, and includes his personal paintings and sculptures that was inspired by ‘THE THING’ horror film. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

Special Feature: Production Archive: Here you get to view nine entries, all of which are sourced from the earlier special edition DVD release.

01. Production Background Archive: Here we get to view the screenplay outline by Bill Lancaster on how the film came to be made, and is spread over 30 pages and in very large type, and illustrated with a couple of photos and extracts from the script. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

02. Cast Production Photographs: Here we get to view 12 photos of the main cast and was overseen by casting director Anita Dunn in collaboration with director John Carpenter. The images we view are of Kurt Russell, A. Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis and Thomas G. Waites. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

03. Production Art and Storyboards: Here we have with large text introductions, a fascinating look at the Early Creature Designs by Dale Kuipers and his collection of conceptual black ink artwork, with a couple of photos and some brilliant storyboard illustrations. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

04. Location Design: Here we get to view photos the LOCATION SCOUTING PHOTOGRAPHS taken in the Winter of 1981 in Stewart, British Columbia and more interestingly, we view the construction of the research station buildings. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

05. Production Archives: Here we get to view a selection of behind-the-scenes photos of the blowing up of the Norwegian helicopter, private production stills from the film, especially at Universal Studios refrigerated sets, and some really excellent storyboard drawings and concept art. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

06. The Saucer: Here we get to view two choices; one is with the “Frame by Frame” in-depth breakdown of photographic images of the building of the model alien flying saucer. But with the “Full Motion” item, we get the opening special effects shot of the alien ship approaching earth, plus footage of a number of the matte shots. These also featured in the archive documentary. To advance each images with the “Frame by Frame” item, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

07. The Blairmonster: Here once again we get to view two choices; one is with the “Frame by Frame” where we get to view an image gallery of Rob Bottin’s storyboard production artwork and behind-the-scenes photos of the climactic confrontation with the creature. With the “Full Frame” item you get the option to watch the complete effects shots of Kurt Russell throwing the dynamite at the alien that has just risen through the floor boards near the end of the film. To advance each image with the “Frame by Frame,” you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

08. Outtakes: Here once again we get to view two choices; one is with the “Frame by Frame” with an in-depth breakdown of photographic images we get to view of a number of deleted and extended scenes at the Norwegian camp, and we also get to view with the “Full Motion” outtakes of scenes from the film in the 1.37:1 aspect ratio.

09. Post Production: Here we get to view John Carpenter working with composer Ennio Morricone, we also get to view some early concept art images of the film’s title ‘THE THING.’ Plus advertising material, and the cover of Alan Dean Foster's novelisation. We also get to view images of ‘THE THING’ film premiere on Friday 25th June, 1982 at the Hollywood Pacific Theatre premiere that was hosted by Elvira. To advance each image, you have to press the right hand next button on your remote control.

Theatrical Trailer [1982] [480i] [1.33:1 [1:58] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘THE THING.’ Unfortunately, the quality of this trailer is of very poor quality and what a shame they could not have find a trailer in the right aspect ratio and in 1080p image quality. Despite this, it is still a great nerve tingling creepy presentation trailer.

PLUS: Brilliant printed new 24 page booklet containing new writings on the film, which includes SOME THING WICKED THIS WAY COMES . . . by Violet Lucca. ABOUT THE RESTORATION. PRODUCTION CREDITS. SPECIAL THANKS. We also get lots of rare colour images from the film.

BONUS: Beautiful Printed reversible Blu-ray sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin.

Finally, ‘THE THING’ is one of my all-time favourite films, and is easily one of John Carpenter’s best! Dean Cundey’s cinematography is fantastic, and the ensemble cast is totally brilliant, and Ennio Morricone’s minimalist soundtrack, and to my mind perfectly suits the film’s composed music score 100%. The impressive matte paintings utilized in the film were made by the amazing Albert Whitlock, and Rob Bottin created the film’s gruesome special effects, which remain as impressive as ever. In comparison to previous adaptations of the source material, this version hits closer to the mark, while paying some homage service to the film ‘THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD.’ The film, likewise, marries the subtly creepy to impressive and gory superb special effects. ‘THE THING’ is now recognized as one of the greatest horror films of the last fifty years and its reputation is likely to only grow as it absorbs new generations of viewers. Very Highly Recommended!

Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom