The Thing - Book vs. Movie vs. Video Game

[@demonplague87]

Fun fact about the game: the antagonist is voiced by William B. Davis, the actor who played the Cigarette Smoking Man on the X-Files. That was actually a minor bit of marketing when the game was originally released. There's an updated and expanded version of Who Goes There called Frozen Hell that was discovered about 10 years ago in Campbell's old files.

[@SciFiFinds]

That is a cool fact! I've heard about the Frozen Hell version but wasn't sure if it was worth reading. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@CptSamelsSigils]

I enjoyed that video game logic at the end there. Freezing arctic temperatures? Can’t wear a hat when you’re the protagonist, nope!

[@SciFiFinds]

Those glorious pixels must be shown to the world! Thanks for watching

[@Bronwyn031]

In the prequel when Kate and Carter go inside the Thang's ship, the original practical effects team show the original organism in all of its glory. It was later deemed to reveal too much of the Thang and destroy its mythos, so the studio decided to cover up the practical effect with the blocky CGI effect showing off the ship's computer core instead. Now there is a set photo of that original practical effect that one of the lead effect supervisors posted in a magazine article. Shouldn't be that hard to find. The Thang is truly... the THANG from another world.

[@SciFiFinds]

Great bit of trivia there on the prequel, which I admit that I've only seen once! Thanks for watching.

[@Bronwyn031]

@@SciFiFinds Gasp! Folks hate on the prequel but I cannot watch one without the other. They are complete strories when combined and complement one another. And a bit more trivia. DarkHorse comics did a book run of the Thang showing the events post the movies, which Carpenter considers CANON.

[@SciFiFinds]

I remember enjoying it, maybe I should revisit. I will check out the comic series too. Thanks Bronwyn!

[@adrianmcmahon5731]

The prequel is better than its reputation would suggest but it's a real shame they decided to cover up so much of the practical effects with CGI. The behind the scenes footage showing the on set work that was done could have potentially rivalled the originals more visceral and tangible effects. Alex Gillis who worked on a lot of the practical effects that got covered up went on to make his own film to show off what was possible, Harbinger Down, not the greatest film ever but very impressive how good practical effects can be with modern techniques so worth a watch.

[@SciFiFinds]

Never heard of Harbinger Down, will check it out. Thanks!

[@RhysWritings]

Love this video :) the idea of comparing the different mediums is always enjoyable to see! I didn't even know there was a video game version of The Thing.

[@SciFiFinds]

Thanks! I'm surprised that it got a remaster to be honest, doesn't seem to be the most beloved game.

[@heidi6281]

I never watched the Thing, let alone read the book but after your review it’s defintely something I want to watch ASAP. Let’s see if I can convince my husband to watch it with me. I think I might have seen the beginning on cable tv in the 80’s and was too scared to continue it.😱

[@SciFiFinds]

I think it's great and like I mentioned, a good one to watch with somebody else since you can try and figure it out and discuss. I don't personally think it's too scary, it's more of a gross-out kind of film.

[@Greg_M1]

I've been a fan of The Thing since it's 50s version, then of course Carpenter's version. I had no idea there was a prequel 2011 version, and will find and watch it. Finally, it had not occurred to me that the idea was based on a book. Going to get it right away and read. Thanks!!!

[@SciFiFinds]

You're welcome Greg. The novella is around 80 pages or so, which means its a nice quick read. Let me know what you think and thanks for watching.

[@tomhunter7672]

What an excellent video! Your reviews are interesting and should continue to be the main strength of your channel, but please continue to add in these specialty topics and your channel will grow quickly I believe. One question you did not answer: Have you seen the 1950’s original? Yes, the carpenter version is fantastic, but the original is very good, providing mood and tension even though it is limited by the technical abilities of the time.

[@SciFiFinds]

I have seen it and agree that it is hindered by technical limitations of the time. Appreciate your feedback on the video as always! I have a few other things in mind.

[@bookspin]

Interesting comparison! I've only watched the John Carpenter film, but as a fan of sci-fi horror, would definitely like to check out the original novella sometime.

[@SciFiFinds]

Thanks Robin, I think it's worth a read. Any sci-fi horror you'd recommend?

[@bookspin]

@SciFiFinds If you want a fast-paced space horror with similar vibes to The Thing, I can recommend Darcy Coates' Parasite. But perhaps my favourite thing I've read which might be classed as sci-fi horror would be Alastair Reynolds' mindbending novella Diamond Dogs.

[@SciFiFinds]

Great stuff, will look into both. Thanks again