If this isn't my favorite horror/sci-fi film of all time

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2005)

It's in my top 3! I have had it on DVD for years, but I'll never forget seeing it when it first came out in the early 1980s. It scared the bejeezus out of me, and to this day after multiple viewings is still chilling (pun intended).
I've never been as huge of a fan of John Carpenter as a lot of folks are... I do admire his originality on many films and he is a master at creating an atmosphere of suspense, but this is absolutely his Citizen Kane.
You all know the premise, but one area that I really enjoy is the solid character acting. All of the actors (with the exception of Kurt Russell, and he's never done anything better than this) are generally well-regarded and very experienced character actors (many primarily from TV), and they are very believable and just do incredibly professional yeoman-like work. I particularly enjoy Wilford Brimley as the scientist Blair.
Also as others as pointed out the HP Lovecraft influences are there, and I feel that perhaps more than any other film captures his style of slow realization of impending doom and otherworldly horror.
A rare "10" in my book, and is absolutely a must see.