One of my favorite sci-fi movies of all-time is "The Thing" (1951). Hell, its one of my favorite movies, period. The fact that this remake matches the original (IMO) is remarkable enough, but it stands on its own merits. The FX are great as is the story (much truer to the novel "Who Goes There?", on which its based).

It cannot, however, compare to the superb timing and dialogue of the original (which is somewhat dated by today's standards). I highly recommend viewing the 1951 version, but I'd equally recommend this wonderful remake.