Universal Gems in 4K UHD

Posted November 4, 2021 by Samuel Love

Feature

The 4K UHD format has continued to go from strength to strength ever since launch, with more and more catalogue titles making their sparkling debut in 2160p. Universal Pictures have been among the strongest supporters with countless magnificent releases from their incredible history, with Jaws, Jurassic Park, Spartacus and many more classics now available. The last couple of months have been fruitful too, with two more masterpieces joining the range.

THE THING

First up, John Carpenter’s seminal sci-fi horror The Thing made its long-awaited entrance with a truly magnificent release. Available in standard packaging, a Steelbook or a glorious Limited Edition boxset, the beloved chiller has never looked or sounded better. This is a real treat for fans of the film and an essential pick-up for anyone who has not yet made their acquaintance with the titular thing.

Horror-meister John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape from New York) teams Kurt Russell’s outstanding performance with incredible visuals to build this chilling version of the classic The Thing. In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. Once unfrozen, the form-changing alien wreaks havoc, creates terror and becomes one of them.

Bonus Content

Feature Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Kurt Russell
John Carpenter’s The Thing: Terror Takes Shape
Outtakes
Theatrical Trailer

THE THING IS AVAILABLE NOW ON 4K UHD FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

CARLITO’S WAY

And for those who like their monsters a little more real, Brian De Palma’s Carlito’s Way reunited the filmmaker with his Scarface star Al Pacino for another guns and gangster epic. While it’s perhaps not quite up to the standard of their iconic 80s collaboration (also available on 4K from Universal), this underrated gem is certainly ripe for reappraisal. Boasting a typically boisterous performance from Pacino with an impeccable supporting turn from Sean Penn, Carlito’s Way is a magnificent crime thriller that reminds us why Pacino remains one of the true kings of the genre.

From Brian De Palma, the director of Scarface, comes the critically acclaimed crime-thriller Carlito’s Way. Al Pacino gives an electrifying performance as former drug kingpin Carlito Brigante, who is sprung from prison by his high-powered attorney (Sean Penn). He stuns the New York underworld by vowing to go straight from a history of violence, but his plans are undermined by misguided loyalties and an outmoded code of honour. In a life-or-death battle, Carlito takes on the relentless forces that refuse to let him go.

Bonus Content