All customer reviews

Although 'The Thing' (it itself a remake of a 50's classic) was poorly received upon it's initial release over the past three decades it has grown in reputation and legend. Kurt Russell plays his role fantastically given scripts have never been John Carpenters strongest skill. The special effects were then breath-taking and downright disgusting - a benchmark in modelling and technology rarely surpassed. No one who claims to love horror should go without missing "The Thing" - and this Blu-ray also has a great set of extra bonus features that really show you the effort that went into making some of the ghastly creations. Which brings me to the 2011 production of "The Thing". This prequel attempts to explain what happened in the mysterious 2nd base in Carpenters film - unfortunately it appears that the near 30 year gap in between these productions has not taught the director Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. how to expand upon the source material. The film follows the plot of the original almost exactly - even the interrogation scene is almost identical! I appreciate nods to another film as fan service - this film does attempt to explain certain mysteries of Carpenter's film for example - however it simply doesn't attempt to try anything new enough to truly make it worth while. Sadly Mary Elizabeth Winstead also does not have Russell's charisma and although no-one plays their role poorly I think you would be hard pressed to remember any characters from this film a few days after having seen it. Finally - the special effects need addressing in this 2011 version - as mentioned previously the John Carpenter edition was a benchmark in special effects - breath taking and stunning to behold given it was entirely hand made effects. The 2011 forgoes this style and replaces it with the Hollywood standard CGI which looks shiny, out of place and indeed much less impressive than a film near 30 years it's elder. If you ever want to settle an argument as to why modern CGI is detrimental to film making I believe watching these two films back to back would be ideal for this. In conclusion - a great set as you are getting the John Carpenter classic with all it's bonus features - although the prequel is a let down it is interesting for comparisons in film making techniques.

There are great special effects in both The Thing films, although the prequel isn't as taught and "edge of the seat" as the '82 version. Perhaps that's down to the fact I'm not 10 anymore... Still, they're a bargain at Zavvi's price, and well worth adding to your collection!

Really good price for 2 top sci-fi films, a must for any collector.

Great value.

The Thing (1982) / The Thing (2011) box set has both the original, brilliant 1982 version of The Thing, plus the passable 2011 prequel. It's great value.

The Thing (1982) / The Thing (2011) are both great movies! The Thing (2011) is more of a prequel as a remake which makes it even better!