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    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Thing, The

    Featured In Issue 164, February 2012

    Picture4.5
    Sound4.5
    WSR Score3.5
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    Universal Studios Home Entertainment
    (Catalog Number):
    61119544
    (MPAA Rating):
    R
    (Rating Reason):
    Strong creature violence and gore, disturbing images and language
    (Retail Price):
    $34.98
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    103
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    Not Indicated
    (Theatrical Year):
    2011
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    01/31/12
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Matthijs van Heijningen
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    DTS HD Lossless 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    An expedition of a lifetime becomes a subterranean nightmare in The Thing, the prelude to John Carpenter's 1982 film of the same name. When a simple experiment frees the creature from its frozen prison, it unleashes a flood of chaos and paranoia upon the camp, pitting the team against one another. With the ability to mimic the physicality of anything or anyone that it touches, the shape-shifting creature makes everyone a suspect in this suspenseful psychological thriller. Based on the story Who Goes There by John W. Campbell, Jr. (Gary Reber)

    Special features include commentary with Director Matthijs van Heijningen and Producer Eric Newman, seven deleted and extended scenes (HD 09:15), two featurettes: The Thing Evolves (HD 14:00) and Fire & Ice (HD 04:47), BD-Live functionality, D-BOX® Motion Code™, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

    The 1080p VC-1 picture is nicely rendered with resolution that is revealing of fine detail in organic matter, facial features, hair, clothing, and object texture. Contrast is well balanced with generally deep blacks and revealing shadow delineation. The color palette is naturally hued with balanced tone and non-exaggeration. The fire generated from flame throwers appears perfectly natural as well. Fleshtones are accurately rendered under various lighting conditions. Overall, this is a well-produced picture with a satisfying visual presence that heightens the terror. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is holosonic® sounding throughout, with an active orchestral music score that energizes the soundstage, aggressively expanding into the surrounds. Atmospherics and sound effects are dimensionally placed throughout the soundfield and enhanced with energized sub-25 Hz .1 LFE. The soundfield is effectively directionalized with terrifying sounds that enhance the excitement. The D-BOX Motion Code effectively jars, shakes, and vibrates—appropriate to enhance the visceral experience. This is an effective soundtrack that nicely supports the thrills and terror and is sure to please. (Gary Reber)

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