The Thing 3-Movie Collection

Produced by Howard Hawkes, "The Thing from Another World" is that rareScience Fiction movie to rise above the usual hokey Si-Fi fare, and be classified among Hollywood's elite motion pictures. At the time of production (1951), the nation was obsessed with a myriad of flying saucers sitings. That said, "The Thing" has stood the test of time, and continues to find an audience.The movie takes place on the North Pole, where a United States Air Force crew and team of research scientists find something mysterious buried in the frozen Arctic wastes: a crashed flying saucer and a humanoid body nearby. They return to their remote Arctic research outposts with the body still frozen in a block of ice, intent on making a study of their finding. It's then their troubles begin, as the humanoid body is a blood thirsty vegetable-like being (an "intellectual carrot", is how the alien is depicted) intent on colonizing earth with its vegetable offspring. Finding a way to stop it, is the plot of the movie (if the story sounds familiar, it is; it's the plot of "Alien").The star is Kenneth Tobey, a journeyman Hollywood actor, who spent much of his career playing second fiddle to several of Hollywood's leading men, including John Wayne and Cary Grant. As Air Force Captain Patric Henry, Tobey is likeable and believable as the leader among this group of decidedly B actors. His love interest is the fetching Margret Sheridan as Nikki Nicholson. Much of the interaction between these two is reminiscent of Bogie and Bacall in "The Deep Sleep", which is not surprising as "The Deep Sleep" was another of Howard Hawkes' movies, as was "Sargent York", which is referred to in one scene.Crisp dialogue and fast-paced action are the hallmarks of this move, in its depiction of a group of air force personnel and research scientists imperiled by a space alien (James Arness in his first movie role) that they can neither understand nor destroy. Complicating Captain Henry's job of combating the alien is his renewed interest in former lover Nikki Nicholson, and dealing with Dr. Robert Carrington (Arthur Cornthwaite), who, like the android in "Alien",wants to keep the creature alive for further study. Eventually, one of Henry's subordinates devices a method to kill the creature. The movie ends with reporter Ned "Scotty" Scott's (Douglas Spencer) radio broadcast of what had taken place at the Arctic research outpost, and his warning for people everywhere to keep watching the skies for Alien space craft.Final note: This 1951 black & white ovie is far move compelling than John Carpenter's 1982 remake, a gruesome, bloody movie that wastes the acting talents of Kurt Russell. Indeed, Hawks' movie is a classic Sci-Fi thriller, while Carpenter's flick is a more of a gruesome horror movie. I know Carpenter's movie enjoys something of a cult status among movie buffs, but it lacks the mystery and skin-crawling creepiness that is the highlight of Hawk's 1951 classic. About the only thing these two movies have in common are the Alaskan sled dogs. I give Hawkes' movie five big stars. To me, the accompanying two movies are boring flicks to fail to ingnite much interest.

Lots of fun for the Sci-Fi fan - 3 individual dvds, good quality, solid packaging - an overall excellent value.A legitimate 1950s classic movie, a fun 1980s update, and a decent 2011 action filled additon to complete the trio.Not a bad way to spend a movie weekend.

Beautiful collection of one of the best sci-fi creations of all time. Kurt Russell film is without a doubt the absolute pinnacle of amazing. The rest are also great in their own right, so you must have the complete set. So glad I got them all in one. Great addition to any collection

All three of these "Thing" movies are very scary, and if you're looking for a good scary movie set on Halloween or any other fright night, this is a GREAT choice. The films should be watched in the proper order: 1951's "The Thing from Another World" is the original template from which the others are drawn, so that would come first. It's the BEST classic movie Sci-Fi film I've ever seen, though "Forbidden Planet" is a close second. Following this would be the 2011 film also called "The Thing" which serves as a prequel to the 1982 John Carpenter film "The Thing." Like the Star Wars franchise the "prequel films" feature greater special effects than the original, but the advanced technology serves the prequel well since it is explanatory for how the monstrosity from 1982 with Kurt Russell develops into a more psychological horror film that finishes the trilogy. This often comes as a hype for more viewers, but in reality THESE FILMS ARE NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH. Do not play them for younger or more sensitive viewers.

I love to sing movie.

Interesting progression of a classic

Good quality. All 3 movies are great for their eras. Great acting.

Good move