The Thing: Terror Takes Shape

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The Thing: Terror Takes Shape

Original theatrical poster
Directed by Michael Matessino
Produced by Michael Matessino
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date(s) September, 1998
Running time 83 min.
Language English
IMDb profile


The Thing: Terror Takes Shape is an extensive 83-minute documentary produced specifically for the initial Universal Collector's Edition DVD release of John Carpenter's The Thing.

It details all aspects of the film and features interviews from practically everyone who worked on the film. There are detailed stories from the cast and crew concerning the adapted screenplay, the special effects, the post-production, the critical reception, and much more.

The film is broken down into eight different segments, each classifying a certain part of making the film.

The documentary is dedicated to Charles Hallahan and Bill Lancaster, who both passed away after the documentary was filmed.

This excellent documentary is also included on Universal's DVD re-release of The Thing.

[edit] Featured persons

Name Role In Film
John Carpenter Director
Kurt Russell R.J. MacReady
Rob Bottin Make-up & special effects
Dean Cundey Director of photography
David Foster Producer
Charles Hallahan Norris
Peter Kuran Visual effects - title sequence
Bill Lancaster Screenwriter
John J. Lloyd Production designer
Richard Masur Clark
Joel Polis Fuchs
Todd C. Ramsey Editor
Susan Turner Visual effects - miniatures
Albert Whitlock Visual effects - mattes
Stan Winston Additional make-up effects
In other languages