John Carpenter and others at their best.

Rating: 10/10 (10 November 2005)

John Carpenter's first big studio motion picture and he's all business with this movie. From the beginning scenes, an ominous feeling hangs over the film all the way to the grim ending. Thankfully, screenwriter Bill Lancaster adhered closely to the original story by Don A. Stuart- Who goes there? This movie centered around paranoia, which makes for a much better story than the 1951 version. And FX wiz Rob Bottin raised the bar for alien special effects in this 1982 classic, which was a dud a box office. The digital, anamorphic version is nearly perfect, with rich color reproductions. And plenty of extras that satisfy even the most hardcore fans. Lead star Kurt Russell joins John Carpenter for the commentary track. Their recollections reveal many interesting behind the scenes stories. Finally, Ennio Morricone's hauntingly beautiful, dissonant score is a perfect match for this very scary, very dark film. Truly, one of the best (horror) movies of all time on many levels!