When it comes toJohn Carpenter, the first films that come to mind are horror masterpieces likeHalloweenandThe Thing. However, the director’s filmography is full of underrated genre gems that have become cult classics since their release. The biggest example of this is the 1988 horror sci-fi action filmThey Live. The film has gotten a ton of love over the decades with action figures, Funko Pops, and various physical media editions introducing it to a whole new generation of fans. Now,They Liveis getting a nostalgic VHS release.
The UK company Vice Press Home Video will be releasingThey Liveon VHS. There are even two killer editions to choose from. The first one, dubbed “They Live, We Sleep” edition, will feature a hidden message made famous from the film on a white VHS tape.There are five different messages you could get, including “Obey”, “Consume”, “Submit”, “Stay Asleep” and “Watch TV”.The second version, dubbed the “Collector’s Edition”, has a reversible slipcover with artwork from Vice Press Home Video’s co-founderMatt Ferguson. The other side has the classic poster artwork. While 4K and Blu-ray are all the rage when it comes to physical media, VHS is making quite the comeback in the horror community. In the last number of years, newer films likeTerrifier 3,Suitable Flesh,Alien: Romulus, andHollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert England Storyhave seen retro VHS editions alongside genre classics likeEvil Dead II. The latter of which was done by Vice Press Home Video.
What Is ‘They Live’ About?
They Livefollows John Nada (Roddy Piper), who discovers these sunglasses that allow him to see the “Truth”.The government and media corporations have been taken over byalienswho have influenced humanity unknowingly with mind-control messages. The sunglasses don’t just reveal these manipulative hidden phrases like “Obey” and “Consume,” they also show that there are aliens disguised as humans walking among us. John teams up with Frank Armitage (Keith David) to take back the Earth from this evil force and save freewill as we know it.
They Livewas one of thecampy, action-packed adventuresthat defined the late 80s. With a ton of quotable lines, memorably creepy alien designs and insanelyfun fight scenes, it remains one of the more unique films inCarpenter’s rotation. Also, while the writer-director has denied the film’s real world influence,They Live’sthemes of control and corruptionare as relevant as ever thanks to our current chaotic political landscape. It serves as both an excellent turn your brain off B-movie and a creative think-piece on how much authority we actually allow companies to have on a daily basis.
They Liveisn’t currently on a traditional streaming platform, but it’s readily available to rent on paid VOD services likeFandango at Home. The film is also available on 4K and Blu-ray thanks to Scream Factory. However, if you need an excuse to rev up your VHS player,They Live’s new VHS will be available to pre-order fromVice Press Home Video’s websiteon Thursday, February 6th.
