They Live 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 82
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
They Live's 4K release: a must-have for Carpenter fans, blending eerie satire with top-notch visuals and sound.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
DTS-HD MA
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 86
They Live's 4K UHD release impresses with film-like visuals, accurate colors, and detailed textures, staying true to Carpenter's vision.
Audio: 83
The Dolby Atmos upgrade on 'They Live' enhances its soundstage with precise dialogue, dynamic range, and immersive atmospheric effects, standing out as the superior audio mix.
Extra: 73
They Live Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions feature enriching commentary by John Carpenter and Roddy Piper, extensive interviews, and unique insights into the movie's making, visuals, and stunts, alongside never-before-seen footage and trailers.
Movie: 85
John Carpenter's 'They Live' melds sci-fi and social critique into a thrilling tale of aliens concealing their takeover and class struggle, spotlighted through special sunglasses.
Video: 86
John Carpenter's "They Live" makes its mark on 4K UHD with a presentation that mirrors the director's original vision, enhanced for modern home viewing. This genre film has been elevated with a 2160p (2.35:1 aspect ratio) Dolby Vision transfer that pulls from the same 4K scan of the original camera negatives used in the Scream Factory and Studio Canal UHD releases. Graded for high dynamic range and supervised, graded, and approved by Kibbe, the image offers a faithful reproduction that enhances detail without compromising the film’s distinctive cinematography. Colors are more vibrant and saturated than ever, with lush primaries and nuanced secondary hues, while maintaining organic skin tones and a balanced contrast that deepens blacks and brightens whites without succumbing to overexposure or blooming effects.
Throughout the presentation, the grain structure presents as stable and organic, honoring the film's 35mm photochemical origins with Panavision Panaflex cameras and high-speed anamorphic lenses. The HEVC-encoded transfer boasts improved definition, bringing out the nitty-gritty of Los Angeles's cityscape, from the shantytown's clutter to the sleek lines of downtown's buildings, and even finer facial textures of the cast. Alien masks and costuming benefit significantly from this sharpness, revealing fibrous details and makeup nuances that were previously muddled in lower definitions. Despite occasional dips in resolution and moments of mild noise reduction, the overall fidelity remains impressive, preserving the filmic aesthetic with minimal digital touch-up.
In terms of HDR execution, "They Live" on 4K UHD shines with a subtle yet effective grade that enhances both shadow depth and highlight detail, contributing to a more immersive and cinematic experience. Specular highlights are carefully handled to add realism to metallic and glossy surfaces without overpowering the scene's integrity. The Dolby Vision presentation slightly outperforms its HDR10 counterpart in terms of saturation and dimensional depth, although the difference is minimal, ensuring that whichever format viewers choose, they are treated to a visual experience that significantly surpasses previous HD SDR versions in clarity, color fidelity, and overall cinematic texture.
Audio: 83
The recent release of "They Live" on Blu-ray elevates the movie's audio experience significantly, particularly through its new Dolby Atmos track. This mix, while not excessively bombastic, enhances the original feel of the movie, adding a rich layer of immersion that was previously unattainable. The soundstage is noticeably expanded, allowing for a detailed perception of low-level nuances and a broader dynamic range that seems to breathe new life into every scene. The Atmos mix shines with its application of overhead sound objects, making use of the soundscape to generate an engaging half-dome experience, especially during scenes involving police helicopters which demonstrate exceptional directionality and immersion. Moreover, the score by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth receives a substantial boost, with instruments sounding sharp and dramatic support being notably enhanced, filling the atmosphere with weighty, rumbling low-end tones that complement the movie's ambiance perfectly.
The Blu-ray also includes previous mixes in 7.1 Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats, offering versatility in audio consumption. However, it's clear that the Dolby Atmos track stands out for providing a comprehensive aural experience. Dialogue remains crisp and balanced across all formats, ensuring that every line delivery is clear regardless of the chaos unfolding on screen. The intricate use of atmospherics and delicate layering of city sounds across surround and height channels further cements the Atmos mix as superior, maintaining constant engagement through cleverly used atmospheric cues.
Despite the technological advancements evident in the audio presentation, one oddity found in the Atmos track— a deep bass pulse at around the 01:23:57 mark—marks a curious moment in the otherwise stellar mix. It's a minor issue in what is predominantly an exemplary upgrade. This enhanced auditory experience ensures that "They Live" doesn't just look practically new but sounds it too, with its flawless dialogue, atmospheric depth, and a score that benefits massively from the added spatial dimensions offered by Dolby Atmos. The clarity and fidelity provided across all aspects of the soundtrack make this version a must-have for fans and audiophiles alike, breathing new life into this cult classic.
Extra: 73
The Blu-ray edition of "They Live" stands out for its rich compilation of extras that dives deep into the making and legacy of this cult classic. Fans are treated to insightful audio commentary by director John Carpenter and actor Roddy Piper, shedding light on the film's iconic moments and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The disc brims with interviews, including Carpenter's reflection on sci-fi influences and Reaganomics, Keith David's transition from theater to screen, and Meg Foster's analysis of her character. The technical crew's contribution is thoroughly explored in "Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights & Sounds of 'They Live'", highlighting the film's visual, stunt, and musical achievements. Unique to this release are never-before-seen faux advertisements and a detailed panel discussion from the Texas Frightmare convention. Whether it's the background on the infamous fight scene or the aesthetics of Carpenter's dystopian vision, this collection of extras is indispensable for understanding the enduring appeal of "They Live".
Extras included in this disc:
- Audio Commentary with John Carpenter and Roddy Piper: Insights from the film's director and star.
- Independent Thoughts: An interview with John Carpenter.
- Man Vs. Aliens: An interview with actor Keith David.
- Woman Of Mystery: An interview with actress Meg Foster.
- Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights & Sounds of 'They Live': Explorations with the crew.
- Original The Making Of They Live: Behind-the-scenes overview.
- Footage From Commercials Created For The Film: Faux advertisements.
- Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots: Promotional materials.
- Still Gallery: Collection of images from the film.
- 'They Live' Panel Discussion: Actor reunion at Texas Frightmare convention.
- Never-Before-Seen Footage: Extended clips.
Movie: 85
John Carpenter's "They Live" stands as a riveting amalgam of science fiction and social commentary, deftly exploring themes of class disparity and consumer culture under the guise of an alien invasion narrative. As Carpenter directs with a mix of suspense and directness, the film serves as a powerful critique on the consumer-driven, media-saturated society of the 1980s, characterized by Reaganomics and a growing chasm between the rich and poor. The narrative follows Nada (Roddy Piper), a drifter and construction worker who, upon discovering a pair of special sunglasses, uncovers the grim reality of extraterrestrial beings controlling humanity by masquerading as humans and manipulating society through subliminal messages in media and advertising.
The depth of Carpenter’s critique extends beyond mere entertainment, delving into the dynamics of power, control, and socioeconomic divides. The portrayal of Nada and Frank (Keith David) as blue-collar workers caught in a struggle against a seemingly unbeatable foe resonates deeply with themes of resistance and awakening. Their journey from skepticism to rebellion is punctuated by moments of dark humor and action, most notably in a protracted alleyway brawl that symbolizes the painful process of coming to terms with uncomfortable truths. The film does not shy away from the consequences of its message, showcasing the protagonists' fight against an oppressive system ingrained within the fabric of society.
The casting choice of Roddy Piper as Nada lends a unique edge to the film, bridging the gap between the fantastical and the everyday struggles of the working class. This dichotomy amplifies "They Live"'s core message about the invisible chains of consumption and control, making it a compelling narrative that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about media influence and societal complacency. By infusing his sci-fi plot with potent social critique, Carpenter ensures that "They Live" transcends its genre confines, challenging viewers to question the world around them while mesmerizing them with its inventive storytelling and visual ingenuity.
Total: 82
John Carpenter's "They Live" emerges on Ultra HD Blu-ray, thrilling both enthusiasts and cult classic aficionados with its North American release from Shout! Factory. This meticulously crafted combo pack boasts superior video quality, showcasing HDR10 and Dolby Vision encodes, alongside a Dolby Atmos audio track available on both the Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray versions, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The addition of legacy bonus material, including a notably entertaining commentary by Carpenter and engaging interviews with key production staff, complements the high technical standards of this release. Missing, however, are some unique features exclusive to the 2018 Studio Canal 4K release, though the selection remains substantial and satisfactory.
Beyond its technical merits, "They Live" captivates with its blend of sci-fi, horror, and action genres, interwoven with dark humor and a sharp critique of 1980s consumerism and social inequality. Its narrative, centered around the concealed alien elite manipulating society, resonates strongly, particularly in today’s socio-political climate. Carpenter's film is celebrated not only for its innovative premise but also for its direct and effective storytelling, enhanced by another memorable synth score crafted by Carpenter and Alan Howarth. This release does justice to the film's legacy as a prescient portrayal of America's unchecked power erosion, making it eerily relevant in the modern day.
In conclusion, this Ultra HD Blu-ray release of "They Live" represents a significant upgrade over previous editions, marrying exceptional audio-visual quality with comprehensive supplementary content that honors the film's status as a cult classic. It remains a must-have for fans and collectors alike, reinforcing the enduring appeal and relevance of Carpenter's visionary work. Whether for longtime admirers or newcomers discovering "They Live" for the first time, this edition underscores the movie’s critical commentary on societal manipulation and inequality through its compelling blend of entertainment and insight.
Blu-ray.com review by Brian OrndorfRead review here
Video: 90
Highlights aren't striking, offering more subdued flashes of lighting, in line with the original cinematography....
Audio: 90
The 7.1 Dolby TrueHD mix handles with depth, offering lively atmospherics with work sites and group activity, keeping surrounds active with various atmospherics and mild panning effects....
Extras: 100
"Woman of Mystery" (5:20, HD) is an interview with actress Meg Foster, who remarks on the relevancy of the material and offers her impression of Roddy Piper, who was relatively new to screen acting at...
Movie: 90
While the casting of pro-wrestler Piper, the one and only "Rowdy Roddy," is initially unsteady, the actor sharpens when more physical activity is required, with Nada making himself a nuisance before taking...
Total: 100
Carpenter makes a wildly entertaining movie with effective twists and turns (supported by another knockout synth score from the helmer and Alan Howarth), but his prescient look at the erosion of America...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
The Dolby Vision may have a very slight edge in saturation and dimensionality over the HDR10 presentation, but it’s essentially a wash....
Audio: 95
Dialogue is clear and clean, with the surround and height channels used for nearly constant and delicately layered atmospheric cues—city sounds, street noise, etc....
Extras: 80
The commentary was recorded in the early 2000s for a European DVD release (you’ll hear Carpenter refer to French opening credits) and it’s a real hoot, but the teaser trailer appears to be new to this...
Movie: 90
Based loosely upon Ray Nelson’s 1963 short story Eight O’Clock in the Morning, John Carpenter’s They Live posits a world not unlike our own, where the divide between the haves and have-nots has become...
Total: 90
All in all, this is a great batch of both new and legacy content with which fans of the film are already well familiar....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Avoiding crush through the overexposed cinematography, black levels do wander, if proving themselves capable in reaching true black....
Audio: 80
Sound effects lack the sharpness from modern designs, but that’s merely reality for a mix rarely sounding of this world....
Extras: 60
The included Blu-ray hosts the rest, mirroring Shout’s previous release, the first being a 10-minute interview with Carpenter, that followed for five minutes with Meg Foster....
Movie: 80
It’s that resistance to truth, that refusal to even think the system works against a middle class existence, which finds David the needed depth in addition to They Live as a whole....
Total: 80
Breaking down myths of Reagan-era policies, They Live isn’t always so clear, but it’s a smart, calculated smear of a world burdened by inequality....
High-Def Digest review by M. Enois DuarteRead review here
Video: 80
Meanwhile, black levels are also a bit inkier and truer than in previous editions with excellent shadow delineation in the darkest, blackest shadows, providing a majority of the action with good, appreciable...
Audio: 90
The best part is arguably how much the score benefits from the extra-breathing room, displaying exceptional definition and fidelity throughout....
Extras: 50
Ultra HD Disc Audio Commentary with director John Carpenter and Roddy Piper Trailers (HD) Blu-ray Disc Audio Commentary with director John Carpenter and Roddy Piper Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights & Sounds...
Movie: 90
Opposite him is the equally terrific Keith David as hard-working construction worker Frank, a smart man aware of how the system works but finds life easier walking the straight and narrow line designed...
Total: 90
Although arriving with the same set of supplements as before, the overall UHD package nonetheless makes a worthy, highly recommended addition to the 4K collector's library....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 92
They Live has never made for a commanding visual experience on home video but, that was always sort of a given determined by the cinematography and the elements necessary to convey the film’s tone....
Audio: 88
The Atmos mix offers a noticeable improvement by opening up the soundstage, elevating the perception of low-level detail and seemingly offering broader dynamic range....
Extras: 80
Aliens" – An Interview With Actor Keith David • "Woman Of Mystery" – An Interview With Actress Meg Foster • "Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights & Sounds Of They Live" – A Look At The Visual Style, Stunts...
Movie: 80
Horror master John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this heart-pounding thriller in which aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public...
Total: 85
Factory featuring excellent overall video quality (including both HDR10 and Dolby Vision encodes), complimentary Dolby Atmos sound on both the Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray versions and legacy bonus material....
Director: John Carpenter
Actors: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster
PlotA drifter named Nada arrives in Los Angeles looking for work, embodying the plight of the economic downtrodden during the 1980s. He finds employment on a construction site, where he befriends a fellow worker named Frank. The two develop a bond over shared financial struggles and societal disenchantment. Nada's curiosity is piqued when he notices strange happenings at a small church across the street from the shantytown where he lives. His discovery of the church’s unusual activity leads him to a pair of sunglasses hidden in a wall, an item that drastically alters his perception of the world. Upon donning the glasses, Nada is shocked to find they reveal a starkly different reality: the upper echelons of society are composed of hideous creatures covertly controlling humanity.
Armed with this sobering knowledge, Nada confronts a world where billboards, magazines, and television broadcasts hide subliminal messages intended to keep the population subdued and consumeristic. Determined to expose the truth, he embarks on a one-man mission to resist the powerful forces that manipulate society from the shadows. Despite his efforts to convince others, few are willing to believe or accept the horrifying reality; even his friend Frank is skeptical of the extraordinary claims. As Nada struggles to find an ally in his fight against the alien oppressors, he delves deeper into the mystery, confronting the vast and insidious network that sustains the alien control.
Writers: Ray Nelson, John Carpenter
Release Date: 04 Nov 1988
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English