Ranks with Alien

Rating: Null/10 (20 May 2002)

I recently obtained the Collector's Edition DVD after having seen this film in theaters and countless times on VHS. Still one of the best in the thriller/horror/SCI-FI genre, not quite as good as it's predecessor ALIEN but very close.
The paranoia of the hapless research station staff is palpable. Enhanced by the claustrophobic surroundings of the station buildings and inclement polar weather outside. And in 1982 if the director wanted a special effect they actually had to BUILD it. No CGI here. To my mind the effects hold up well considering it was 2 decades ago. Thankfully a second-rate sequel was never made, preserving the impact of the thought provoking ending.
THE THING is a classic. I recommend the DVD - wide screen being the only way to view John Carpenter's vision. An updated "making of" documentary with cast/crew recollections is also quite interesting.