A MUST for horror/gore fans. Suspenseful and horrifying.

Rating: Null/10 (1 March 2000)

I saw this movie when it was on TV around 83. I was 9 or 10 at the time. I remember it scared the hell out of me. I wouldn't let kids watch it, even today. Some older horror movies were done so badly that you can really tell its fake. This movie is nearly 20 years old and it looks good today.
If you have a DVD player, get that version of it! It is not cheap, but worth every cent. DVD includes FULL commentary from Carpenter and Russell, and there is a LONG behind-the-scenes interview with the film crew. Rob Bottin (special effects) tells how he did almost every scene. It is AMAZING how he did it. Even after he tells you, then you see the scene, it still looks real.
Other things in the DVD are LOTS of extra pictures, the movie trailer, history of the movie, step-by-step frames and unused clips of the main monster, deleted scenes, and they even included some stills for a few scenes that were never filmed, but were planned!
If you are a fan of the movie, even if you don't have DVD, get the DVD version, because when you do get it, you'll love it!
This movie has all the key parts to make it a true horror flick. It's dark, chilling, suspenseful, jump out of your seat, and extremely gory. If you have a weak stomach, don't watch this when you're eating.
If you like older horror flicks and love gore, this is it. Out of dozens of horror movies I've seen, NONE have came close to the gross out special effects in this movie.
No holds are barred. Definitely NOT for the kids.
If you can't own it, rent it. You'll be glad you did. It ranks right up there with Alien and Aliens.