They Live Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "They Live" offers a generally strong visual experience peppered with a few inconsistencies. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode showcases sharp, well-defined details with excellent visibility in the far distance, allowing viewers to discern fine textures on Nada's hiking gear, intricate facial lines, and the finer points of the alien creatures' grotesque features. Colors are vividly rendered yet natural, highlighting everything from faded denim to the bizarre hues of the aliens' faces as seen through the protagonist's sunglasses. Skin tones maintain accurate reproduction, and black levels are penetrating with fine shadow delineation. However, certain scenes exhibit minor aliasing around finer lines, with edge enhancement creating a slight ringing effect on some objects.

Despite these minor issues, the Blu-ray image remains quite stable overall. Grain retention solidifies remarkable detailing across both characters and environments, from the wear on garments to the textures of stucco and concrete. Some moments appear overly processed with a pasty, noise-reduced look and occasional softness, causing an unnatural glow around various objects due to edge enhancement. Contrast seems slightly boosted in places, adding to this effect. Yet, these flaws are infrequent and do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. The subtle intricacies of Carpenter's film are conveyed impressively well, offering fans the finest home viewing quality to date for this cult classic.

In conclusion, while the presentation encounters minor setbacks such as smudging, edge enhancement issues, and occasional aliasing, it still delivers an impressive and stable image quality. The combination of vivid yet balanced colors and detailed textures makes this Blu-ray a worthwhile enhancement for home viewing, ensuring "They Live" fans will find much to appreciate in this upgraded presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "They Live" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that elevates this cult classic's viewing experience. Despite the film's modest budget and era-specific audio characteristics, the track delivers a robust and engaging presentation. The introduction of bass might initially seem overdone, reminiscent of overzealous car audio systems, but it quickly stabilizes into a cleaner and more controlled audio experience. Musically, the front-end spacing is well-defined with excellent clarity, enriching general atmospherics like the noise of a bustling city or intense moments filled with sirens and helicopters. Gunfire retains its distinctive 1980s heft, which, although exaggerated, fits perfectly within the film's context. Dialogue is appropriately centered, ensuring clear and precise delivery throughout.

Additionally, Scream Factory has included both the inventive 5.1 surround sound and the original 2.0 stereo audio options. The 5.1 mix provides an immersive sound environment with satisfactory directionality and active rear channels, particularly proficient during musical segments which spread into the back speakers, creating a spacious sound profile. However, it occasionally feels somewhat hollow, primarily due to an overemphasized bass that might feel disproportionate given the film's age. The 2.0 stereo track shines as well, presenting an expansive soundstage with excellent channel separation and balance. Off-screen effects are meticulously accurate, and sound transitions across channels are seamless. The mid-range clarity and upper-frequency detailing are notably exceptional, enabling each musical note and action sequence to stand out pristinely. The low-end support is robust, delivering depth without overwhelming the mix.

This Blu-ray edition represents a substantial upgrade from previous releases, cementing "They Live" as a cherished piece in any movie aficionado's collection. The care taken in restoring the audio elements ensures both versions—whether you choose the surround sound or the nostalgic stereo—offer a captivating listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "They Live" from Shout! Factory offer an extensive and engaging compilation of features that fans and collectors will thoroughly enjoy. The centerpiece is the exceptional audio commentary by writer/director John Carpenter and actor Roddy Piper, packed with intriguing anecdotes and insights into the film’s production, themes, and more. Complementary features include interviews with Carpenter and key cast members Meg Foster and Keith David, each shedding light on various aspects of the film from technical details to thematic explorations. The inclusion of behind-the-scenes footage, fake television clips, and promotional material adds further depth, rounding out a comprehensive package for any enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Fast-paced commentary by John Carpenter and Roddy Piper.

Independent Thoughts: Interview with John Carpenter.

Woman of Mystery: Interview with Meg Foster.

Watch, Look, Listen: Discussion on visual style, stunts, and music.

Man vs. Aliens: Interview with Keith David.

Original EPK: The Making of They Live: Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

Never-Before-Seen-Footage: Fake TV clips made for the film.

TV Spots

Still Gallery

Trailers: Trailers for "They Live," "Halloween II," and "Halloween III."

"They Live," directed by John Carpenter, offers a potent blend of science-fiction, horror, and action with compelling social commentary. Starring professional wrestler Roddy Piper as Nada, a drifter who stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal hidden truths about the world—subliminal messages, societal control, and aliens disguised as humans—the film delivers a critique of consumerism and the elite's power over the masses. Piper's portrayal of the everyman hero, a stark departure from his WWE persona, brings authenticity to his character, who is both a symbol and an active agent fighting for autonomy. Keith David complements Piper with a grounded performance as Frank, a pragmatic worker navigating the same oppressive system.

The narrative effectively examines themes of class disparity, the manipulation of media, and the illusion of personal freedom. Nada's journey from a hopeful yet disenfranchised laborer to a resistant force exposes the stark realities of societal structures. The film’s sociopolitical undertones resonate strongly with ongoing debates about economic inequality and media influence, making its message timeless and provocatively relevant. Carpenter’s choice to present these themes through an unrefined but humorous lens strengthens the impact, ensuring audiences engage with the critique without feeling overwhelmed by it.

Critically acclaimed for its ability to intertwine subtle metaphors with overt action sequences, "They Live" manages to balance suspense with thought-provoking narratives. Roddy Piper's iconic line, "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum," encapsulates the film’s unique blend of satire and defiance. Despite its lack of nuanced acting or intricate plot structures, the simplicity works in favor of its message. The chemistry between Piper and David enriches the story, providing both emotional depth and a sense of camaraderie essential for the film's success. This Blu-ray release, particularly appreciated for its high-quality transfer and reflective cover art, serves as a valuable collector's item for fans and cinephiles alike.

They Live's Blu-ray release by Scream Factory earns high praise for its superb presentation of a classic 1980s film. John Carpenter's direction and writing, paired with standout performances by Roddy Piper and Keith David, create a thought-provoking narrative cloaked in the guise of an action-packed sci-fi thriller. The film is a scathing critique of 1980s consumerism and societal excess, offering a mix of sci-fi, horror, action, and dark humor. The technical aspects of the Blu-ray do justice to the movie's legacy, showcasing excellent video quality along with an outstanding audio presentation that enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray set goes beyond the film itself, offering a rich collection of supplemental materials. An insightful and entertaining audio commentary track by John Carpenter and Roddy Piper sets the tone for the additional content. Four new featurettes provide behind-the-scenes perspectives with interviews from key figures, including actors Meg Foster and Keith David, capturing their insights into the production. The disc also includes the original Electronic Press Kit (EPK) "Making-Of", movie-related commercials, TV spots, a still gallery, and trailers for other Carpenter films like Halloween II and III, providing fans with a comprehensive and nostalgic package.

They Live is a legitimate classic that cleverly intertwines social commentary with action and sci-fi elements. This Blu-ray release faithfully preserves and enhances this iconic film, offering both fans and newcomers an excellent way to experience Carpenter's work. Highly recommended for its strong technical presentation and extensive extras.