The Thing Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Thing" by Scream Factory, utilizing a 2K scan of the interpositive overseen by Dean Cundey, delivers a substantial upgrade from previous versions. The AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio ensures a marked improvement in clarity and detail, particularly when compared to the 2008 Universal release. The new color timing introduces a cooler, bluish hue that enhances the film’s desolate winter setting. Additionally, the finer details in textures, such as fabrics and prosthetics, are more distinctly rendered. Noteworthy is the enhanced differentiation between the tones in outdoor scenes, characterized by a nuanced grainfield that adds to the film's gritty realism.

In terms of technical prowess, the Blu-ray’s black levels are excellent, maintaining rich, deep shading without any significant detail loss or crushing. The overall sharpness and clarity see significant enhancement, with a noticeable increase in the perceived depth, making movements smoother and more cinematic. The film grain is more apparent yet controlled, preserving the film's authentic 35mm appearance without introducing excessive noise. While some nominal dirt and specks are still present, they do not detract from the viewing experience.

Color reproduction stands out as particularly impressive, with whites and blues prominently highlighted yet restrained from oversaturation. The natural coldness of flesh tones is consistently rendered across scenes, vividly showing intricate details such as snow bits and frostbite. The careful shot-by-shot restoration method used ensures that the bluish hue complements rather than overpowers the film’s aesthetic. Despite some slight grain chunkiness in darker scenes, compression artifacts are minimal, affirming an overall stellar video presentation that revitalizes "The Thing" for both old fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "The Thing" by Scream Factory features a newly created DTS-HD Master Audio 4.1 mix, drawn from the original 70mm six-track Dolby Stereo soundtrack. In addition to this new mix, the previously available DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mixes are also included. The 4.1 mix stands out with a detailed reproduction of dialogue, dynamic range, and Morricone's haunting score, demonstrating a crispness and cleanness that significantly enhances the viewing experience. While some subtle ambient differences exist between the 4.1 and 5.1 options, both offer natural fidelity and consistent sound quality.

Reviewers highlighted some initial concerns with sync issues in early screeners, but Scream Factory has assured customers that these problems have been fully resolved before retail release, ensuring that all copies available to consumers are free of this issue. The bass within the Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) channel is notably robust, especially effective during scenes involving fire, explosions, and creature effects. Surround sound channels are well-balanced and provide an engaging spatial experience that accurately depicts on-screen actions and character movements. Overall, the 4.1 mix breathes new life into "The Thing," making it a compelling option even alongside the fuller yet impressively clean 5.1 track.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Thing" offer a comprehensive and immersive behind-the-scenes experience that will surely thrill fans of the film. Disc One includes three engaging audio commentaries featuring John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, Dean Cundey, and Stuart Cohen, providing in-depth insights into the film's production. Additionally, viewers will appreciate the theatrical and teaser trailers, TV and radio spots, and an extensive array of still galleries that include behind-the-scenes footage, lobby cards, posters, and storyboards. On Disc Two, the bonus features delve even deeper with interviews, featurettes, a network TV broadcast version, and detailed making-of documentaries. Highlights include the “Requiem for a Shapeshifter” interview with John Carpenter, the extensive “The Men of Outpost 31” cast interviews, and the indispensable “Terror Takes Shape” documentary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Dean Cundey, Stuart Cohen, John Carpenter, and Kurt Russell.
• Theatrical and Teaser Trailers: Various trailers including a German version.
• TV Spots: Collection of three TV spots.
• Radio Spots: Featuring Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition'.
• Still Galleries: Behind the scenes images and artwork.
• Requiem for a Shapeshifter: Interview with John Carpenter.
• The Men of Outpost 31: Interviews with cast members.
• Assembling and Assimilation: Interview with editor Todd Ramsay.
• Behind the Chameleon: Visual effects and makeup insights.
• Sounds from the Cold: Insights from sound designers.
• Between the Lines: Interview with author Alan Dean Foster.
• Network TV Broadcast Version of The Thing: Edited TV version of the film.
• John Carpenter’s The Thing: Terror Takes Shape: In-depth documentary.
• The Making of a Chilling Tale: Vintage featurette.
• The Making of The Thing: Additional archival making-of piece.
• Featurettes: Various vintage promotional materials.
• Annotated Production Archive: Detailed production artwork and storyboards.

John Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi horror classic, The Thing, while initially overshadowed by powerhouse releases like Blade Runner and E.T., has since garnered widespread acclaim as a seminal work in Carpenter's filmography and the horror genre. Set in an isolated Antarctic research station, the film masterfully utilizes its remote, frozen setting to heighten the palpable sense of paranoia and claustrophobia among the twelve-man team. The plot centers on an extraterrestrial being that can mimic any life form it assimilates, creating an environment of mistrust and tension. The ensemble cast, led by Kurt Russell as the rugged yet vulnerable R.J. MacReady, delivers uniformly strong performances, adding depth to a story that revolves around the very essence of human survival and suspicion.

Where The Thing truly excels is in its groundbreaking practical effects, which remain some of the most celebrated in cinematic history. The creature's transformations are as horrifying as they are visually stunning, blending seamlessly with the film’s grim atmospherics. Despite mixed reviews upon release and a lukewarm box office performance, largely due to its direct competition with other blockbuster releases and audience expectations shaped by E.T., The Thing has endured the test of time. The grisly visuals and potent psychological themes now command a revered status among horror and sci-fi aficionados.

The new Blu-ray release by Shout Factory underlines this transformation in public perception. Featuring a pristine 2K scan approved by the film’s Director of Photography, Dean Cundey, this edition addresses previous audio issues while offering a cornucopia of bonus features. This new transfer may raise some eyebrows for its slight deviation in color grading from the original, but overall, it stands as a testament to the film's lasting influence and technical achievement. For those already entranced by Carpenter's chilling vision, this Collector’s Edition is an indispensable addition, solidifying The Thing’s place as a near-perfect cinematic masterpiece.

Scream Factory's new 2-disc Collector's Edition of John Carpenter's "The Thing" is a masterful release that exceeds even the highest expectations. With a meticulously executed transfer, the film's visual and audio quality has been significantly enhanced, capturing the eerie, chilling atmosphere with remarkable clarity. The color grading might spark some debate among purists, but it's evident that the overall technical execution is impeccable. The intricate balance between shadow and light, critical to the film's suspenseful tone, is handled adeptly, offering an immersive viewing experience reminiscent of the original release.

Complementing the superior audiovisual presentation is a wealth of bonus materials, many of which are brand new and highly insightful. These supplements delve into various aspects of the film's production, providing invaluable context and depth that both long-time fans and new viewers will appreciate. Archival features and contemporary interviews combine to give a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at this horror classic. The meticulous curation of these extras evidences Scream Factory's commitment to honouring the legacy of "The Thing," making this release far more than a simple reissue.

The original 1951 film has often been interpreted as a commentary on the pervasive fear of communism during its time, a theme that John Carpenter's 1982 rendition sidesteps in favor of a more direct approach to fear and unease. Despite this shift, the 1982 film effectively builds upon its predecessor’s atmospheric tension. The exceptional technical merits and thoughtfully curated extras of this Blu-ray edition make it indispensable for any serious collector or horror aficionado. This new release not only stands as the definitive home video version of "The Thing" but also ensures it remains a vital piece of cinematic history. Highly recommended.