Blu-ray Review: John Carpenter’s ‘They Live’ Gets Collector’s Edition

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CHICAGO – John Carpenter was one of the most important filmmakers of the ’70s and ’80s but he fell hard after the release of his last great film, 1988’s “They Live,” recently released in a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray from Shout Factory’s horror branch, Scream Factory. Some might even quibble with that, arguing that “Live” was the start of the decline. The film was pretty widely ridiculed on release, although it’s gained a following in the quarter-century since, one that should be happy if not overjoyed by a long overdue Blu-ray release.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

When I heard that they were releasing “They Live” in a Collector’s Edition and saw that AWESOME cover (see below), I got pretty excited at the potential to revisit what I consider an underrated horror flick. Carpenter captured something about the greed of the ’80s as the Reagan era was coming to a close and did so with his typical unique personality. “They Live” certainly has character (which is, sadly, what’s missing from most of his movies since). Yes, Roddy Piper can’t really act but he doesn’t need to do much to make this film work and there are some great ideas and spectacular set pieces in “They Live” that I longed to see in HD.

Sadly, the transfer for “They Live” is just OK, about on par with an upconverted DVD and not a true remastering. The special features are more impressive with making-of material, a commentary track with Carpenter & Piper, and a new interview with the director. Every year seems to bring a bit more acclaim and attention to this film — I was surprised by the number of people excited by its Blu-ray release — and hopefully this Collector’s Edition will continue the reappraisal of this underrated flick.

They Live was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 6, 2012
They Live was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 6, 2012
Photo credit: Scream Factory

Synopsis:
They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it, They Live.

Horror master John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this heart-pounding thriller in which aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission. Humanity’s last chance lies with a lone drifter who stumbles upon a harrowing discovery - a unique pair of sunglasses that reveals the terrifying and deadly truth.

StarClick here to buy “They Live”

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary With Director John Carpenter and Actor Roddy Piper
o New Interview With Director John Carpenter
o Making Of They Live
o Theatrical Trailer
o TV Spot

“They Live” stars Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster. It was written by Frank Armitage and directed by John Carpenter. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 6, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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