Teen Wolf Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Teen Wolf" presents a mixed bag of visual quality, ultimately falling short of high-definition expectations. The 1080p transfer retains the film's original grain structure, contributing some genuine details in textures and secondary background elements, such as locker room scenes and basketball hoop nets. Colors, particularly in Stiles's eclectic wardrobe and the Beavers' yellow uniforms, appear sturdy and accurate. However, numerous issues emerge, including an overall softness and haziness, alongside an array of black splotches, white speckles, random vertical lines, several jagged edges, and slight halos. While the resolution does provide a marginal upgrade over the DVD format, it’s not enough to constitute a significant enhancement.

Fine object details fluctuate between passable and blurry, with many scenes suffering from a lack of sharp definition due to the aged print used for the transfer. Contrast remains stable albeit flat, offering deep blacks with reasonable shadow delineation. Greens and reds are slightly more vivid compared to prior versions, but secondary hues are underwhelming, leading to an uninspired color palette overall. The transfer manages sporadic moments of high-definition clarity but these instances are scant, resulting in an unsatisfactory viewing experience for such a beloved 80s comedy. This Blu-ray iteration of "Teen Wolf" serves as a modest improvement over its DVD predecessor in terms of resolution and detail stability on larger screens but doesn't fully harness the capabilities of the 1080p format.

The DTS-HD MA two-channel track of "Teen Wolf" leaves much to be desired, coming off as dull and uninspired. While dialogue is commendably clear and always intelligible, the overall audio experience lacks depth and engagement. The basketball scenes, which should have been dynamic audio highlights, fail to deliver any immersive qualities. The sounds from the court and the crowd are flat and lifeless, providing no real sense of space or energy. Music within the track also suffers, with an unbalanced and generally crunchy presentation that only marginally improves during notable moments such as "Surfin' USA" or the school dance scene in chapter 14.

Moving to the DTS-HD MA monaural track, there is a slight improvement, primarily in maintaining clear and accurate dialogue reproduction throughout most of the film. Michael J. Fox’s vocal performance is consistently clear, though there are noticeable issues with ADR work where voice synchronization is off, particularly in scenes such as Scott’s conversation with his father. The track’s dynamics are narrow, with some distortion detected in musical segments, and imaging tends to sound restrained with minimal background activity. However, there is a redeeming quality in the form of a relatively healthy low end that adds some depth and weight to the soundtrack. Overall, while this lossless mix fares better than its video counterpart, it still falls short of expectations and lacks the refinement seen in other catalog releases.

The Blu-ray extras of "Teen Wolf" provide an engaging mix of nostalgia and added content, albeit limited. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of classic material and glimpses into extended works. While the offerings are modest compared to more comprehensive releases, they elevate above the previous bare-bones DVD. The included previews and trailers give a brief yet delightful look back at the quintessential '80s charm of "Teen Wolf". However, for those looking for in-depth behind-the-scenes content or extensive interviews, this release might fall short. The quality is polished, maintaining professional standards, making it a worthy pickup for collectors and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Teen Wolf Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Sneak Peak of Teen Wolf – The TV Series: Preview of the associated TV series.

"Teen Wolf" delivers a nostalgic yet uneven step back into 1980s cinema, embracing the quintessential teen movie framework with a lycanthropic twist. At the core, it revolves around Scott Howard (Michael J. Fox) who morphs from an unremarkable high school basketball player into a charismatic werewolf. This transformative journey symbolizes the common high school desire to stand out and be special, taping into relatable themes of identity and self-worth. The film's humor and energy, under Rod Daniel's direction, keep it buoyant. It eschews traditional werewolf lore, focusing instead on the whimsical and positive aspects of Scott's newfound abilities, which include improved athletic prowess and boosted confidence. The cast, led by Fox's engaging performance, manages to capture the film's playful spirit, balancing the fantastical with realistic adolescent dilemmas.

Technically, 'Teen Wolf' thrives on its originality and simplicity, avoiding the pitfalls of deeper narrative explorations in favor of entertaining the audience. The camaraderie among Scott, Stiles (Jerry Levine), and Boof (Susan Ursitti) adds a genuine touch of teenage friendship, albeit amidst the absurdity of Scott’s transformation. While the film's casual approach to Scott's werewolf state might appear unrealistic — with peers merely shrugging off his metamorphosis — it serves to highlight the central message: acceptance of one's true self is paramount, even when it comes in a furry package. The transformation sequences, though straightforward by today's standards, are a reminder of practical effects era that complements the film’s light-hearted tone.

Overall, the essence of 'Teen Wolf' lies in its ability to layer fantastical elements over common adolescence issues and make them palatable through humor and warmth. Its mixed thematic messages might perplex some viewers but ultimately remain secondary to its primary goal of providing an amusing escape. While not without its flaws, Teen Wolf remains a spirited and enjoyable dive into 80s teen culture, bolstered by Fox’s enduring charisma and comedic timing.

"Teen Wolf" features Michael J. Fox in a charming, humorous role that capitalizes on his post-"Back to the Future" popularity. The plot, which blends high school drama with fantastical elements, provides a fresh take on classic werewolf mythology. Supported by a strong cast and engaging direction, the film presents itself as a much-loved 1980s classic. Unfortunately, the Blu-ray release doesn't reflect the movie's enduring appeal.

The technical aspects of the Blu-ray are somewhat underwhelming. The 1080p transfer is mediocre, lacking the sharpness and vibrant colors expected from a high-definition format. The audio, although delivered in a lossless format, is barely passable, failing to enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, the disc is devoid of significant supplemental material, leaving fans wanting more in terms of behind-the-scenes content or commentary.

In conclusion, "Teen Wolf" is an enjoyable film that continues to resonate with fans of 80s cinema. However, this Blu-ray release falls short of providing a compelling upgrade over previous DVD editions. While it's not a bad pick for newcomers or fans who missed out on owning it, visual and audio enthusiasts might find it lacking. MGM's offering leaves much to be desired, but given its nostalgic value, it could still find a place in collections—albeit reluctantly.