Customer Reviews:
An ok sci-fi movie for the 50's.......2007-11-19
I general like watching black and white movies regardless of genre. However having read John W Campbells short story Who Goes There several times this movie has little to do with it. Carpenters version of The Thing stuck more closly to the book. But if you can forget about book and the 80's movie then enjoy it for what it is an ok B movie.
Watch the Skies!.......2007-11-12
Unforgettable film. Watch the skies. Always watch the skies. I'd seen it before of course and would only have lowered my rating if there was a problem with quality. Love the acting. Great bunch. Perfect 1950s movie character regular guys; except for the Nobel Prize winning scientist and the monster from outer space. The action isn't as continuous and intense as some movies today. This is 1950s vintage. It does not make you numb. But for the modern crowd, let me put it this way. The actors are definitely so good that they're not all the same and even tempo does not equal monotony. The acting still carries me through and it can even feel like it's over a bit too soon. A viewer as young as I was when I first saw it will likely feel all the same things we did in the olden days.
John Carpenter's commentary is on disk ONE, black & white version; start it by selecting set-up. Odd, but true.
This 2 disc set does not come with tons of extras. As other reviewers have already pointed out, old b&w and colorized (disk 1) and cleaned up b&w (disk 2).
"Keep watching the skies!".......2007-09-19
Based on the novel 'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell Jr, 'The Thing From Another World' drops us right into the action when a team of scientists based at the North Pole register a strange explosion and come to the conclusion that something has crashed nearby. Captain Hendry and a small team are sent to investigate. What they find has far reaching consequences, not only for the small isolated base, but also for the rest of the world ....
Despite its age, 'The Thing From Another World' is a masterpiece of film-making and truly stands the test of time, which not many movies of its era can boast. The actors all seem very comfortable in their roles, treating the whole thing seriously and reacting with each other and the set as though this were their normal working environment. Worth particular mention is the dialogue, which is crisp and intelligent, often with several characters talking at once. To the director's credit, this isn't confusing, but simply adds to the easy pace and the authentic air. Also, watch out for the scene in which the scientists pace out the shape of the crashed aircraft. As they spread out across the ice, the music swells to a crescendo of strident horns and the shape of the aircraft is revealed. It's round!!
Whenever I watch 'The Thing From Another World', I always find myself keeping an eye on the doors! Characters are constantly coming in or going out through them, opening and closing them, standing and chatting by them - all of this lulling the viewer into a false sense of security. Until the greenhouse door is opened and the creature is standing right behind it! Sheer genius!
'The Thing From Another World' is one of my top ten movies, and quite rightly so. It is a well-made, classic example of a genre favourite, and stands head and shoulders above other movies of the same era. I have no hesitation in recommending that you give it a viewing! Who knows, it may end up in your top ten also!
I've aged but The Thing hasn't.......2007-08-29
I saw this many years ago as part of a weekly double bill on tv,But this version is great!The colourised version is so good it almost brings new life to a classic.The aeroplane is the only thing that shows that this is a fairly old movie.Who can worry about that-this is a classic that looks better in colour than the excellent black and white version.This is the style of movies past which I loved as a youngster-nothing gory and no foul language-just a bit of early sci-fi fun.I can't think of any reason to complain about a missing couple of minutes,unless you're a real purist-but its a fun romp in the arctic-they don't make them like this anymore.Buy it and just enjoy it.
Classy.......2007-08-17
I prefer this original version to the Carpenter one which I found a bit gross and over the top. Though, OK, the modern version has it's moments, and the end, I think is great. But, back to the original.
There are no distractions in this film from the chills, as in the modern version i.e a head with legs. The waking of the alien is subtle.
This is not in the slightest bit silly unlike some films of that period. The acting is fine, and there is some humour.
Another reviewer refers to the carrot comment. The character, Scotty, is very good.
I just love watching this because it makes a change from loud explosions and cliched characters.
Customer Reviews:
An ok sci-fi movie for the 50's.......2007-11-19
I general like watching black and white movies regardless of genre. However having read John W Campbells short story Who Goes There several times this movie has little to do with it. Carpenters version of The Thing stuck more closly to the book. But if you can forget about book and the 80's movie then enjoy it for what it is an ok B movie.
Watch the Skies!.......2007-11-12
Unforgettable film. Watch the skies. Always watch the skies. I'd seen it before of course and would only have lowered my rating if there was a problem with quality. Love the acting. Great bunch. Perfect 1950s movie character regular guys; except for the Nobel Prize winning scientist and the monster from outer space. The action isn't as continuous and intense as some movies today. This is 1950s vintage. It does not make you numb. But for the modern crowd, let me put it this way. The actors are definitely so good that they're not all the same and even tempo does not equal monotony. The acting still carries me through and it can even feel like it's over a bit too soon. A viewer as young as I was when I first saw it will likely feel all the same things we did in the olden days.
John Carpenter's commentary is on disk ONE, black & white version; start it by selecting set-up. Odd, but true.
This 2 disc set does not come with tons of extras. As other reviewers have already pointed out, old b&w and colorized (disk 1) and cleaned up b&w (disk 2).
"Keep watching the skies!".......2007-09-19
Based on the novel 'Who Goes There?' by John W. Campbell Jr, 'The Thing From Another World' drops us right into the action when a team of scientists based at the North Pole register a strange explosion and come to the conclusion that something has crashed nearby. Captain Hendry and a small team are sent to investigate. What they find has far reaching consequences, not only for the small isolated base, but also for the rest of the world ....
Despite its age, 'The Thing From Another World' is a masterpiece of film-making and truly stands the test of time, which not many movies of its era can boast. The actors all seem very comfortable in their roles, treating the whole thing seriously and reacting with each other and the set as though this were their normal working environment. Worth particular mention is the dialogue, which is crisp and intelligent, often with several characters talking at once. To the director's credit, this isn't confusing, but simply adds to the easy pace and the authentic air. Also, watch out for the scene in which the scientists pace out the shape of the crashed aircraft. As they spread out across the ice, the music swells to a crescendo of strident horns and the shape of the aircraft is revealed. It's round!!
Whenever I watch 'The Thing From Another World', I always find myself keeping an eye on the doors! Characters are constantly coming in or going out through them, opening and closing them, standing and chatting by them - all of this lulling the viewer into a false sense of security. Until the greenhouse door is opened and the creature is standing right behind it! Sheer genius!
'The Thing From Another World' is one of my top ten movies, and quite rightly so. It is a well-made, classic example of a genre favourite, and stands head and shoulders above other movies of the same era. I have no hesitation in recommending that you give it a viewing! Who knows, it may end up in your top ten also!
I've aged but The Thing hasn't.......2007-08-29
I saw this many years ago as part of a weekly double bill on tv,But this version is great!The colourised version is so good it almost brings new life to a classic.The aeroplane is the only thing that shows that this is a fairly old movie.Who can worry about that-this is a classic that looks better in colour than the excellent black and white version.This is the style of movies past which I loved as a youngster-nothing gory and no foul language-just a bit of early sci-fi fun.I can't think of any reason to complain about a missing couple of minutes,unless you're a real purist-but its a fun romp in the arctic-they don't make them like this anymore.Buy it and just enjoy it.
Classy.......2007-08-17
I prefer this original version to the Carpenter one which I found a bit gross and over the top. Though, OK, the modern version has it's moments, and the end, I think is great. But, back to the original.
There are no distractions in this film from the chills, as in the modern version i.e a head with legs. The waking of the alien is subtle.
This is not in the slightest bit silly unlike some films of that period. The acting is fine, and there is some humour.
Another reviewer refers to the carrot comment. The character, Scotty, is very good.
I just love watching this because it makes a change from loud explosions and cliched characters.
Customer Reviews:
two great films for the price of one.......2007-12-31
This set contains the original Howard Hawks classic "The Thing From Another World" and John Carpenter's 1980's remake "The Thing". There are many adverse comments on Amazon's listing of the original film, mainly missing scenes, colourised version, 3 different versions of the same film on two discs etc. This set is perfect. It has just one version of the original, and although the packaging from Universal Studios says it is the uncleaned version with commentary from Carpenter, this is incorrect, it is the superbly remastered print without commentary. Add the Carpenter remake to the classic 1951 original makes this a great bargain and one you won't regret adding to your collection.
Things that go bump in the dark!.......2007-08-23
I first saw Carpenter's version as a 13 year-old at secondary school
on a rained off playtime lunch break with about 30 other teenagers about
20 years ago,i shat myself.(what were the teachers doing letting 13 year-olds
watch a 18 cert i hear you cry?!!!) it was a different time back then!
I couldnt watch beyond the point where Bennings is caught changing into the
'Thing'.I made some excuse and left the hall. Over the years
(still mentally scarred) i managed to watch 10 minutes here and 10 minutes
there until i finally managed to sit through the whole film.I have since become
the 'Thing's' greatest fan (and Carpenter fan - Halloween,Prince of Darkness, the Fog and
the Mouth of Madness (my favs) and watch it about once a year around Halloween time.
It has a great ensemble cast with no hollywood big chinned stars apart from Kurt Russell,
whom Carpenter made several films with around this time.
The atmosphere in this film is what makes it superior to other horror/
gore films of the 80's. Its a study of mistrust and paranoia,
reflecting the then times (Russia,AIDS) with some great shock moments and
splendid SFX from make-up prodigy Rob Bottin. So impressive and thought provoking was
the story, that i decided to seek out the classic 1951 Howard Hawks B/W version.
I was suprised, although pleased, to see differences and similarities
between both versions. Both have a feeling of the 'End of the world is nigh'
(as in 'Night of the Living Dead'),both have the 'trapped in the
house with...' feeling of dread (as in 'Alien').
The B/W version does however slightly disapoint with its 'THING',a rather
Frankenstein's monster type of creation and not the shape changing alien
of the remake but still that's a very small gripe.
Both are rated 5 stars in my opinion, the 50's version for it's
influence on all other 50's paranoid, cold war horror flicks(i.e.Body snatchers,
The day the earth stood still)and Carpenter's 80's stomach churning cult classic.
I have since read the original source material, John W. Campbell's 'Who goes there?',
a short story that Carpenter followed more closely than Howard Hawks did.
As for the DVD presentations, the 80's version is a extremely comprehensive overview of the complete pre & post production and fans reaction, with an excellent 50 min documentry and amusing commentary with Carpenter and Russell. As for the 50's version im unsure whether you get the remastered version or the original version with a new commentary from Carpenter.
So whether you believe 'Man is the warmest place to hide'
or we should 'Keep watching the skies',turn the lights down
and enjoy the 'Things'. eddy, london
DVD:
- The Thin Man Collection : The Thin Man / Shadow Of The Thin Man / The Thin Man Goes Home / After The Thin Man / Another Thin Man / The Song Of The Thin Man (6 Disc Box Set) [1934]
- This Gun For Hire [1942]
- Viridiana [1961]
- Wild Strawberries [1957]
- Witchfinder General [1968]
- 1940s House
- A Canterbury Tale [1944]
- Alfie [1965]
- An Evening With Kevin Smith 2 - Evening Harder [2006]
- Annie Get Your Gun [1950]
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