1 review for The Thing (2011)

1. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Us – October 7, 2023

   **The Thing Blu-ray Review**

   *Reviewed by Alex Martin, January 20, 2019*

   **Synopsis:**
   Set against the backdrop of the chilling Arctic, “The Thing” takes viewers on a gripping journey into the depths of horror and science fiction. When a team of Norwegian researchers stumbles upon an extraterrestrial ship encased in ice, paleontologist Kate Lloyd gets roped into a suspenseful battle of wits and survival against a life-form that is as insidious as it is deadly. A game of mistrust unfolds as the creature begins to assume the identities of its victims, leading to mounting tension and dread.

   **Movie: 3/5**
   “The Thing”, directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., serves as both a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic and a standalone tale of suspense. The strength of the movie lies in its ability to weave elements of body horror, paranoia, and the unknown. While comparisons with its predecessor are inevitable, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s performance, combined with a compelling storyline, ensures the film stands on its own merits. The atmosphere of isolation and impending doom is palpable, with the Antarctic setting serving as a perfect backdrop for the escalating tension.

   **Video Quality: 4/5**
   Presented in 1080p with a VC-1 codec, the visuals of “The Thing” are crisp and detailed. The cold, desolate landscapes of Antarctica are beautifully captured, providing a stark contrast to the visceral, unsettling imagery of the creature’s transformations. Shadows and dark scenes are well-rendered, vital for a horror movie set in the perpetual night of the Arctic winter.

   **Audio Quality: 4.5/5**
   The film’s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers a robust auditory experience. From the eerie silences of the icy wilderness to the sudden, jarring sounds of the creature and the ambient score, the audio complements the visuals perfectly, immersing the viewer in the unfolding terror.

   **Overall Score and Recommendation: 3/5**
   While “The Thing” inevitably stands in the shadow of Carpenter’s iconic film, it still offers a fresh take on the story, complete with modern effects and a strong lead in Winstead. The Blu-ray does justice to the movie with excellent audio and video quality. Though the lack of extras is a letdown, the film itself is a must-watch for fans of the horror and sci-fi genres. Recommended for a chilling movie night!