Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

They Live 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

BUY

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.)

They Live 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For an evaluation of the 2160p/HDR10 transfer, please see our review of Shout Factory's standard 4K edition.

They Live 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For an evaluation of the audio options, please see our review of the Shout Factory's standard 4K edition.

They Live 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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

• Audio Commentary - Featuring writer/director John Carpenter and actor Roddy Piper.

• Theatrical Trailer (1:59)

• Teaser Trailer (0:54)

BLU-RAY DISC

• Audio Commentary - Featuring writer/director John Carpenter and actor Roddy Piper.

• "Independent Thoughts" (10:07) - Interview with writer/director John Carpenter.

• "Woman of Mystery" (5:20) - Interview with actress Meg Foster.

• "Watch, Look, Listen: The Sights and Sounds of 'They Live'" (11:14)

• "They Live" Panel Discussion (20:23)

• "Man vs. Aliens" (11:13) - Interview with actor Keith David.

• Making-Of Featurette (8:02)

• Photo Gallery (2:17)

• Never-Before-Seen Footage (2:35) - Faux advertisement footage by Larry Sulkis.

• TV Spots (1:55)

• Theatrical Trailer (1:59)

They Live 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.