As I watched this film, I kept thinking how the plot devices very much resemble those of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. As in NOTLD, we see a group of strangers in a structure desperately trying to survive the deadly attackers that are attempting to break in and kill them. Both movies show the principle players going through their doubts, fears and angst between each other as the story unfolds. Also, I felt that there were parallels between Ethan Bishop's (Stoker) and Ben's (Jones in NOTLD) characters as they both took on an important leadership role and kept things 'on track' for all of the other players. NOTLD was released in 1968 and AOP13 was released in 1976, so this would have given Carpenter the right amount of time to allow NOTLD to percolate in his consciousness. Anyway, it makes sense to me.
Overall, I liked the film. But I personally prefer Carpenter's films containing supernatural overtones. I believe that he did a great job considering the budget that he had to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD extra of an audience participation interview with Carpenter and Austin Stoker after a screening of AOP13 (Special Edition DVD release). This is a must-see!
Overall, I liked the film. But I personally prefer Carpenter's films containing supernatural overtones. I believe that he did a great job considering the budget that he had to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD extra of an audience participation interview with Carpenter and Austin Stoker after a screening of AOP13 (Special Edition DVD release). This is a must-see!