...back-to-back.
The 2011 film is such a wonderful prequel/companion piece to Carpenter's remake, but for 2 things - Mary Elizabeth Winstead's character stands out like a sore thumb (honestly, the film could have been MUCH better without her character), and the rather tacky CGI effects. Other aspects though - tying up with Carpenter's film, character development, background score, cinematography , direction and script pacing - are superb. I especially liked how the director used all the characters and gave them all pretty much equal screen space. And the detailed scenes which tie up with Carpenter's film, specially the helicopter name-number tag in the end - excellent observation and attention to detail by the director. My only niggle will always be Mary for this film.
As for Carpenter's remake, very few things to complain of. Best watched on BD for that fine grainy nostalgic feel. Really makes you wonder today how the hell it was a BO dud upon it's release.
* * * / * * * * ½