They Live

John Carpenter's 1988 cult classic THEY LIVE has been stunningly restored in 4K.

WWF wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper plays John Nada, a homeless, unemployed construction worker who discovers a pair of sunglasses that when worn, suddenly reveal a world run by capitalist, yuppie aliens intent on keeping the human race sedate and brainwashed with subliminal messages fed through advertising and the media. Luckily for us all Nada is a man of action and so begins the fight-back (including perhaps the longest fistfight in cinema's history) to save humankind.

The 2018 restoration of They Live was made using the original camera negative which was scanned at 4K resolution in 16bit and we applied the ACES workflow to the restoration process which resulted in the creation of a 4K DCP, UHD version and a new HD version which were produced with the same high technological standards as today's biggest international film releases.

The restoration and new UHD version was colour graded and approved in Los Angeles by the Cinematographer, Gary B. Kibbe (ASC).


Extras include:

Subversion: Exposing John Carpenter’s THEY LIVE - A brand retrospective documentary produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures and featuring interviews with Associate producer Sandy King, cinematographer Gary Kibbe, actor Peter Jason, actor Robert Grasmere, composer Alan Howarth, stunt coordinator/Ghoul Jeff Imada, author Jonathan Letham, music historian Daniel Schweiger, Blumhouse editor Rebekah McKendry, and visual effects historian Justin Humphreys.

Original EPK: The Making of They Live (1988) John Carpenter profile - vintage profile of the director

Meg Foster profile - vintage profile of the actress

Roddy Piper profile - vintage profile of the actor

Audio Commentary with John Carpenter and Roddy Piper Independent Thoughts with John Carpenter - a 2012 interview with director John Carpenter

Woman of Mystery: Interview with Meg Foster - a 2012 interview with actress Meg Foster

Man vs Aliens: Interview with Keith David - a 2012 interview with actor Keith David

Fake commercials in the film 2.34 mins TV spots Photo gallery