The Thing: A Classic Ahead Of Its Time (80s Horror Memories Ep 12)

SEE YOU NEXT MONDAY FOR A NEW EPISODE OF 80'S HORROR MEMORIES!
Released on June 25th, 1982, The Thing seems like it would have been a slam dunk. It made more than its budget and is known as one of the best horror movies ever made. While now, over 40 years later, it is considered a masterpiece of tension and paranoia with some of the best practical effects ever put to film, it was absolutely crushed in the summer of 1982. In today's episode of 80's Horror Memories, we are looking at a movie that keeps improving with age: John Carpenter's The Thing.
Written By: Andrew Hatfield
Narrated By: Tyler Nichols
Edited By: Mike Conway
Produced by: Berge Garabedian, John Fallon
Co Produced: Mike Conway
Executive Produced by: Berge Garabedian
Score By: Shawn Knippelberg
Special Guests: Sandy King (They Live, Patrick Lussier (Mimic), Greg Nicotero (Evil Dead II), Craig Perry (Final Destination)
SERIES SYNOPSIS: It’s been over 40 years that the decade that shaped the horror movie industry began and having lived through most of those years personally, we at JoBlo/Arrow in the Head have decided to create a 10-part documentary series in which not only cover every nook and cranny of the biggest horror themes from 1980 to 1989 but also what was happening in the world at the time. Join us as we walk down Horror Memory Lane!
For more HORROR MOVIE NEWS, visit: www.joblo.com/...
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#80shorrormemories #the thing #johncarpenter #joblohorror

[@antimatta8714]

It just shows what critics know, nothing. The Thing is easily one of the greatest horror films of the 80s. Most film critics have no idea what they're taking about.

[@filmbuff2777]

Um, it was a different time period then. Tastes were different. It was too ahead of its time.

[@antimatta8714]

Um, I think you'll find that most modern day critics are also as useless as the one's from the past. My point being that the film is great, and probably John Carpenter's best film, and that was apparently lost on the so called professional critics that reviewed it? The truth is that the right people liked it when it came out, and like it now. But I'm sure the bad reviews helped to hinder it's success when it was originally realised.

[@ermacjones4821]

@@filmbuff2777 that's not a valid excuse, these "critics" have consistently shown that they are no good at letting people know whether or not a movie is good. They have one job, and they have always sucked at it. It's so bad now, that you can know what movies are good by specifically looking for the movies that critics don't like💁🏻‍♀️ Anything they say is good is usually garbage too, they just suck.

[@christheghostwriter]

Let's be clear: audiences shunned it too, at least initially

[@johnmermigas]

Amazing how films like this and Blade runner were knocked then and how there venerated now. I was around 20 years old then and my buddies and I loved them all. Still do. John M.

[@johnmermigas]

Thanks. Its almost an open joke how great movies from the past were failures and now venerated. Dozens of other films are in this club. Moviegoers and critics are a fickle bunch. I'm an old Planet of the Apes films. fan and were always had to fight back in the early '70s how much they offered. Conquests almost full original version on blue ray really upped that films cache. It never ends. Disney buying Fox crushed us film buffs. I probably won't live to see a full 4k restoration of this original and important film series. Take care, John M.

[@neonicon8500]

Bro... You don't have to sign every comment 😭 And just because he liked your comment, doesn't mean he knows you added a reply to your comment. He definitely did not see that reply

[@RerememBerering]

@@neonicon8500he said he was 20 in 1982 and he is passionate about what he chose to say. Let’s excuse the current KZbin etiquette broach and just move a long now. Thanks, your mom

[@neonicon8500]

@@RerememBerering I'm trying to educate this guy so he doesn't go around thinking he's actually replying to people. Yeah, let's forego etiquette and you mind your own aight?

[@jime6688]

Most things from John Carpenter were like that.

[@SirSmoldham]

This and "Big Trouble in Little China" knocked me through the back of the theater. I went to the Hollywood premiere of "The Thing" where Elvira was handing out goody bags... best time ever. This movie is a true classic and I'm so glad Tarantino put some of its unused music in "The Hateful 8"... scoring Morricone an Oscar. BTW... These interviews look like they were shot at one of my favorite shops, Dark Delicacies in the valley.

[@wstine79]

The cast was excellent, especially Kurt Russell. You can tell Rob Bottin put alot of time and mental strain into those practical alien effects. Great film.

[@tonyisgolden5136]

The thing is such a great film and is my favorite john carpenter movie. Big trouble in little china, halloween, into the mouth of madness, prince of darkness, escape from new york and they live are some of my other favorite john carpenter movie's.

[@saleconomos473]

The movie never loses its power Even after so many years. .A true classic.

[@shainewhite2781]

My #1 favorite John Carpenter movie of all time! I remember watching this on the STARZ Action Channel in 2002 during the 4th Of July, and it scared the hell out of me! My family and I were watching it as well. The VFX still hold up to this day, and wven though critics tore the movie apart, it has gained a cult following overtime and has been regarded as one of John Carpenter's best movies.

[@zacharyberridge7239]

It's this, and Big Trouble in Little China for me. Both great films, for vastly different reasons. Also highlights how good Russell is.

[@paulie.walnuts2838]

I would put the thing above halloween

[@zaskarclf]

Classic. Still remember when i watched this as a kid, when it came out. That head growing legs freaked me out.

[@AshGCG]

But Palmer's line as he watches it skitter out the door has always made me giggle. Breaks the tension a smidge, at least. ha ha

[@illmsg77]

Cant express it enough, I LOVE THIS MOVIE

[@2001Tavis]

JOHN CARPENTER'S movies are True Classics 💎💎💎 and will always be protected by its fans ⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

[@GNCD2099]

This movie has a lot of memorable scenes. The two that stand out the most were when Mac poured whiskey on the computer and the popping yellow flesh bubble during the head separation scene.

[@barstro]

I went to see this movie in the theater when everyone else went to see E.T. The theater was only half full. I was happy as hell that I went to see it instead of E.T. I went straight home to tell my friends about the movie. We all headed to the theater the next weekend to see it. The practical effects cannot be matched.

[@johnheffner7797]

Fantastic job on this video!!! I look forward to seeing these every Monday!!!

[@JoBloHorrorOriginals]

Glad you like them!

[@Dr_1212]

"How will we make it?" "Maybe we shouldn't."

[@indianastarkjones1535]

Ive seen this Film at least 200 times since 1982 when I was 10 years old.I almost 52 years old and will watch it again about 4 times by the time Halloween is here.

[@Final_Flash1]

The Thing is my absolute favorite movie of all time, it has been since the first time I blind bought the DVD years and years ago

[@joshuahoover6841]

This became my birthday movie in 1985. My buddy's dad had satellite and had taped it once and my friend brought it over for my 11th birthday to watch as he spent the night. Oh that was awesome. I've watched it on my birthday nearly every year since

[@joshuahoover6841]

Also my son's took me to see this in the theater last year for Father's Day. You can CLEARLY see child's breath as he walks up, not to mention earlier in the movie when benning's gives out that scary moan, you see his breath.

[@66cuda]

I watched this the first time on selectv, when I was 10 in 1983, still one of my favorites, since then, even then I loved this film over e.t. as a kid, and to this is a film, e.t. is a movie popcorn family

[@Warlord2029]

As an aficionado of horror of old and new this my number one film. Saw in the theater in ‘82 and saw again when it was released on its anniversary in theaters. Took 2 friends and they went bonkers and this film still scared audiences that were there!! Loved it🎃🔪

[@davidpotts104]

I saw The Thing when it premiered on UK television and I loved it, been watching it ever since.

[@mbryson2899]

I saw _The Thing_ at the drive in, a week or two after it opened. I loved it; my date did not, the whole premise of people being other than who they said they were made her very uncomfortable. I saw it as a double feature, with _ET_ as the opening feature. I have never seen so many people flee a film so fast. Just this past Friday I watched _ET_ at the drive in with my better half and our six year old nephew. Though I enjoyed the experience (taking the kid to his first drive in- he loved watching a movie that way!), I couldn't help but laugh...and remember _The Thing_ on a huge screen.

[@MikeD974]

Not just the best remake but best movie ever

[@Sigma-Male-of-the-Most-High316]

I watched The Thing in 1985 at 8 years old! This movie scared everything out of me!

[@agnethaladuff8559]

So totally awesome. I loved watching this movie the first time I saw it on VHS decades ago!

[@RDJ134]

02:00 also a very good comic book series, with more Lore. Incredible good movie, seen it many times from the 80's till now, also in my DVD collection.

[@gonogazz]

Its a remake..And a remarkable Statement of pure movie making..!!!

[@contentcop]

This is always my answer when people ask me my favorite movie.

[@Blast2224]

I had to watch the Kennel Thing scene through my hands. Not just because I love animals and can’t stand dogs or cats (even puppets) being killed, but the sheer bloody grotesque energy of the Thing’s introduction. It’s not cloaked in shadows or jump scare fueled. It’s alien body mass simply bubbling, ripping open, and screeching.

[@AshGCG]

This is one of, if not my favourite film, and has been since it was first released on VHS, rented by my mother and enjoyed by a very young and impressionable me. Have had it in my collection through VHS, LD, DVD, BluRay and 4K. Recently learned it wasn't released on UMD. So upset. ha ha

[@SterlingSMtr]

One of my top favorites!

[@KageNoTora74]

"I knew you'd say that, Garey, which is why I'll do you last. Now I'm going to show you what I already know..."

[@AshGCG]

Garry's line that follows the lunacy; "I know you gentleman have been through a lot but, when you find the time . . . I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter tied to this f*cking couch!!!!" gets me in chuckles every time.

[@KageNoTora74]

@@AshGCG Watching Garey come unhinged at the end of that line is a classic moment.

[@OomaGooma]

My favorite movie.

[@GrandAdmThrawn]

I've bought the boardgame 2 weeks ago after many months of looking for it. OMG, it's fantastic!

[@BBI_Strange_Agent]

The one that just came out last year or Infection at Outpost 31? I have Outpost 31 (pretty good game). I'm curious about the new one.

[@GrandAdmThrawn]

@@BBI_Strange_Agent The one from last year. I "overslept" its release and had to get lucky cause getting it from scalpers or used was not an option. It's very well made and fun to play. I can highly recommend it.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

First saw it as a kid on tv in the UK, no TV cut, the full thing, 😁 absolutely terrified me.

[@TonyBoomgaarden]

Absolutely loved it and I love this movie forever. Good job on editing and commenting. Really enjoy your site and videos. Keep up the great work.

[@scottieman2]

Amazing movie. Just awesome.

[@ajh6354]

Another Kurt Russell movie that is totally underrated is the movie Soldier.

[@JoBloHorrorOriginals]

Soldier is amazing

[@GrandAdmThrawn]

indeed

[@RerememBerering]

And Overboard!😂 for real though.

[@JoBloHorrorOriginals]

@@RerememBerering Great movie.

[@johnmermigas]

"Used Cars". Very funny to me at the time.

[@noneed4me2n7]

Once of my favorite films ever. Just good horror fun.

[@itsdantaylor]

5:04 You got to give it up for Drew Struzan, the guy did the poster for The Thing with very little time or knowledge of the movie itself and just knocked it out of the park

[@jeffreybroad3123]

You all do such an amazing job. Thanks

[@ajh6354]

A more recent Kurt Russell movie that is definitely worth watching is Bone Tomahawk. It has some serious gore in a couple parts and not for everybody. He finished that movie on a Friday and started Hateful Eight the following Monday. Has that same rough cowboy look in each movie.

[@NakedSnake85]

One scene in particular , is a standout. Bone Tomahawk is great movie 🙏

[@JustinRigsbee]

Great video on a great film! Still hard to believe this wasn't the monster hit (pun intended) it always seemed destined to be. It is truly an amazing film and one that, as noted in the video, keeps getting better every time you see it. It also looks terrific in 4K. Another awesome video. Can't wait for the next one! Best!

[@daviddowsett1658]

I've watched this film so many times that it's more comforting than scary, like an old friend, I'll put it on late night if I carn't sleep because it acts as an adult lullaby, don't know what that says about me hahah.

[@josephgarcia4475]

Just bought the 4k version of this masterpiece

[@heatherdale5571]

I've seen SO many vids/docs and the like on this movie, I was hesitant to watch what I assumed would be a similar experience...this vid was pleasantly and surprisingly entertaining! Great job!

[@randyhawks7549]

This is hands down my favorite horror movie, its perfect. Sad to see so many critics being freaked out about hand puppets, that's like really saying the special effects where too good and they will scare the audience.

[@BBI_Strange_Agent]

82 was the best year for sci-fi and sci-fi horror in film history.

[@dankydiecast5686]

“I know you gentlemen have been through a lot. But when you find the time, I’d rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH!”

[@azohundred1353]

The whole concept of "Men On A Mission that then start turning on each other" works absolutely perfectly in John Carpenter's The Thing. Howard Hawks' 1951 version is still a masterpiece though, as directors of his magnitude were not known to make horror films at that time, hence why it's common knowledge that Hawks directed it but gave Christian Nyby the credit because Nyby earned it for editing his previous films. Hawks paved the way and really began the 1950s sci-fi horror boom. He gave The Thing his Hawksian film elements and those have inspired John Carpenter's entire film career as Hawks is John Carpenter's favorite director. With that being said, I also feel like John Huston's The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre makes a perfect double feature with John Carpenter's The Thing. Two masterpieces of "Paranoid Men On A Mission."

[@prasantabehera7461]

This was a one of kind horror movie. People were not accustomed with practical effects and hence were left grossed out. The 'thing' is the effects were far more advanced and way ahead in time and therefore it is being appreciated by the newer generations.

[@NotMorganFreeman.]

I saw ET once, but I've seen The Thing hundreds of times. Thanks to Nicotero for propping up that book at 1:15 because I just bought a copy. Long live practical effects.

[@wren7195]

*REALLY* great video gang, my only request would be to edit the volume a bit more carefully, the interview volume is so quiet that I had to turn them up most of the time, only for the narrator to shoot my ear off like Broly's friend from Vampa.

[@jamesmorant1406]

John Carpenter's masterpiece the performances the practical effects the atmosphere I don't understand why it tanked at the box office and why people hated it so much

[@MrRoda8143]

Because these idiots had just seen E.T. which was released the same year and thought aliens were supposed to be cute and cuddly lol

[@jamesmorant1406]

@MrRoda8143 I know that E.T was the good Alien The Thing was the bad Alien

[@reganpt1]

@@jamesmorant1406 Do we though? Do we? How do we know that the thing didn't come to Earth in an attempt to stop E.T because it knew E.T would lead to the complete destruction of humanity?!

[@jamesmorant1406]

@reganpt1 Their total different movie's

[@reganpt1]

@@jamesmorant1406 and?

[@Roxannahovannaa9779]

The part with the dogs scared the shit outta me as a kid. I felt so bad for them and also was terrified

[@黃光緣]

❤Masterpiece

[@simonwoodthrillerwriter]

Still the greatest horror movie ever made.

[@Haplo699g]

The documentary for it Terror takes Shape is a helluva good watch too. It can be found KZbin.

[@icarusandtherabbit]

Surprised there’s no mentioned of the soundtrack of The Thing was also used in segments for The Hateful Eight.

[@madxico]

One of the movies that made me realize many film critics are worth s*** I first saw this in 2005, had no idea what to expect, and still find it one of the best horror movies of all time.

[@Gizapowerplant]

The Thing... Watch it at least once a year with the family on December 31st along with the prequel and the 51 version.

[@asgads]

a perfect movie

[@CrashPK77]

Great vid as always. Small thing: Rob Bottin's last name is pronounced "boh-TEEN". 🙂

[@TANKTREAD]

John Carpenter's 2nd best movie(I give his #1 to the "Halloweens"(I & II)). Great film score by Ennio Morricone, John Carpenter and Alan Howarth.

[@vanthdreadstar8039]

Mom took me to the drive-in to see this movie. I'd have been 11 or 12. Couldnt rub my dog's belly for a day after I watched it.

[@toddferguson7326]

I love this movie I was 12 years didn't get to see it in the theater instead had to see ET

[@miversen2674]

It's pronounced Bo-teen. I can't believe there are horror fans would still pronounce the name name incorrectly. The man's a legend.

[@gregbingham4868]

I always thought it was great. When I saw it the first time, I was expecting something more like the original.

[@annaloolderracher2877]

As i saw this for the first time... i was like HOLY F@CK.

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

Practical effects kills digital. This film proves it

[@geeshep4836]

I REMEMBER WATCHING THE 100 SCARIEST MOVIES MOMENTS ON BRAVO BACK IN 2004 AND I REMEMBER THEY MENTIONED THE MOVIE THE THING AND NOW THAT I HAVE THIS MOVIE ON DVD THE THING IS SCARY FROM BEGINNING TO END.

[@Johnny_Zdj]

USA was channel 28 for me too.

[@miversen2674]

If John Carpenter says that the PS2 game is canon, then it's canon. Nobody argues with John Carpenter.

[@vanthdreadstar8039]

Definitely as far as horror goes, no horror fan in the eighties gave mainstream movie critics any validity.

[@glennconnell6785]

Heard John carpenter is cryptic about thing 2 being made might happen with actors strike last film from carpenter with middle finger to Hollywood

[@wstine79]

The only being to take down the Thing was ET.

[@ibnkhaldoun4319]

this, blade runner, and alien were all not too well-liked when they came out. not surprised, as i wouldn't have known what to make of them back then either.

[@xeno4665]

The Thing & Alien ....sitll my number 1, they share it with Halloween at No.2 (formorly my number 1[still no.1 at teen heart]) But gawd damn the thing and alien make me feel unsetteled everytime, even after 1000000 watches lmao and im only in my mid 30s lol

[@Benjatron-jw2rg]

It is really heartbreaking reading original critic reviews for this classic.

[@JediMindTrix420]

Any news on Carpenters’ sequel to this?

[@joen712]

How many times are you going to cover this movie. I love the movie it’s my favorite but this is like the 6 th video on it in a few months.

[@marysmith2060]

Saw ET. But i remember borrowing The Thing from my brother. I watch The Thing more than i watch ET.

[@BuckarooBanzai84]

I disagree that 'E.T.' is overrated, but yeah; I think this definitely suffered from bad timing. It just goes to show that you can't always trust critics. Yesterday's schlock might just be tomorrow's classic. =)

[@andrewblanchard2398]

👍👍

[@filmbuff2777]

Carpenter's masterpiece. I'm not going to bash the critics for not liking it at the time, as it was a different time, tastes were different, & it was just too far head of its time, but what does bother me, is only a few years later, Cronenberg's The Fly was released, but it wasn't treated as harshly as The Thing, even though I'd say it is even more in your face with its grotesque effects, & it is no where near as good as Carpenter's film. The creature effects in The Thing, while are in your face, are only at select moments. Most of the film is about the build up of suspense, tension & paranoia. Cronenberg's film is pretty much non stop in your face yuckiness, & I think the love story is rushed & takes a back seat to the effects. It is still a good film, but Carpenter's film is a masterpiece. I would also rather watch any Carpenter film before just about any Cronenberg film, who I think is extremely overrated.

[@reganpt1]

They should just re-release this as an Among Us movie.

[@ShootingStar1313]

Among Us '82 👽

[@andrewblanchard2398]

CHILDS was a THING ALIEN he drank a molotov cocktail ⛽ 🍾

[@sparkythesecretsquirrel4013]

The Thing is only 100 trillion times better than ET.

[@elizabethtaylor8428]

I love how The Thing was made with practical effects, good writing and how it ended. I didn't like the remake, it was full of bloated CGI which overrode the plot.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Which is repressing when you consider they filmed it with practical effects.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Its actually Richard Masur....otherwise great video 😂not Masseur

[@williamramirez7559]

Basically The Thing was ET on steroids/pcp!!!!

[@paranoyd70]

I saw this movie in theaters and it was amazing. I never could understand why all the critics hated it? I eventually stopped listening to critics cause everything they praised I hated and everything they hated I enjoyed. Critics are worthless. And I am amazed at how many sheeple still listen to them.

[@historylife4436]

I love The Thing but really couldn’t stand ET, just grated on me for some reason?

[@johnfitzpatrick3094]

It's pronounced Bo-teen.

[@rmhartman]

The fifties version is not really much like the original story.

[@TheOther644]

I'd love if they would remaster the game and even make a new game. I would also love a RPG for The Thing, like and maybe even a similar system as Alien from Free League. I did enjoy the prequel, but I wish the Studio people stayed out of it. I would mind seeing a proper prequel and an actual sequel.

[@josephgarcia4475]

Just bought the 4k version of this masterpiece