7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth.
Starring: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster, George 'Buck' Flower, Peter JasonHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 26% |
Sci-Fi | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
John Carpenter's indispensable 1988 sci-fi action/comedy They Live debuted on 4K UHD more than two years ago, but Shout Factory returns for a Steelbook double-dip to tempt latecomers and packaging collections. It's a nicely-designed piece that's otherwise identical to that previous release as far as raw disc contents go, which includes an outstanding A/V presentation and plenty of entertaining bonus features to boot. (Bubblegum sold separately.)
For an evaluation of the 2160p/HDR10 transfer, please see our review of Shout Factory's standard 4K edition.
For an evaluation of the audio options, please see our review of the Shout Factory's standard 4K edition.
This two-disc release ships in collectible Steelbook packaging with terrific design elements and a matte finish with spot-gloss highlights. As seen above and below, the outer design is a stylized wraparound collage of sunglass-wearing Nada and Frank doing battle with a horde of alien beings while other supporting characters and small background details dot the metallic blue landscape. Inside you'll fine another two-panel image featuring another alien antagonist, appropriately black-and-white with a large "OBEY" command behind him. The discs sit overlapped on the right-hand side with unique artwork on each one. Overall, it's a great-looking package that should definitely please fans of the film.
On-disc extras are identical to Shout Factory's standard 4K edition and are listed below in name only.
4K DISC
BLU-RAY DISC
John Carpenter's They Live is an entertaining cult classic whose core message is still (sadly) relevant. Its subversive political undertones and stripped-down visual style give it a true "blue collar" atmosphere from start to finish, even when it drifts into shoot-'em-up mode. Shout! Factory's new 4K Steelbook is identical to their standard 4K edition released in 2021 but its sleek packaging will appeal to collectors and die-hard fans. Highly Recommended.
Collector's Edition | Exclusive Bubble Gum Pink 7" Vinyl
1988
Collector's Edition | Sacred Bones Records Exclusive Red-and-Blue Swirl 7" Vinyl + NECA action figure of Frank Armitage
1988
Collector's Edition | Exclusive Bubble Gum Pink 7" Vinyl + NECA action figure of Frank Armitage
1988
Includes Enamel Pin Set+Exclusive Poster
1988
Collector's Edition | Exclusive Black-and-White Swirl 7" Vinyl
1988
Collector's Edition
1988
Collector’s Edition
1988
Collector's Edition
1988
2014
2016
2016
2018
Collector's Edition
1995
Collector's Edition
1985
Standard Edition
1981
Collector's Edition
1987
Collector's Edition
1984
2016
1990
1988
2019
2018
2000
1982
1987
2011
Director's Cut
1986
Collector's Edition
1984