Howl Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of "Howl" largely adheres to the film's dark and bleak aesthetic, effectively reflecting its dystopian tone through a heavy blue/gray color scheme. Encoded in AVC/MPEG-4 with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the presentation is competent, albeit constrained by the movie’s inherent visual style. The muted palette intensifies the film's atmosphere, with occasional splashes of red like a necktie or a train company logo standing out but remaining subdued overall. Detail levels vary; while close-ups, particularly those of werewolves, reveal sharp textures and minute details, wider shots and dimly lit scenes tend to exhibit a softer image.

Despite these constraints, the transfer handles black levels impressively, offering deep inky blacks without significant crush. Flesh tones are presented naturally in well-lit scenes but may appear paler in darker contexts. Notably, there is some visible banding, particularly in the hazier exterior shots and CGI-enhanced environments, where mist and cloud effects can appear overly processed. However, noise, macroblocking, and other digital artifacts are minimal, maintaining the film’s glossy digital look without major distractions.

In summary, while the Blu-ray's video presentation of "Howl" may not boast bold colors or vibrant visuals, it successfully captures the intended dreary and tense mood of the film. The encoding is solid, with the detail of gooey wounds and muscular werewolves being particular highlights. The overall experience is adequate for viewing, given the limitations posed by the film's visual choices and low-light settings.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Howl" employs an impressively active and robust Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which significantly enhances the viewing experience through its dynamic range and robust sound effects. This track excels during high-intensity scenes, delivering powerful growls, howls, screeches, stabs, swings, and chops with precision and balance. The music score further amplifies the suspense without overpowering dialogue or other sound elements. However, some of the ambient noises, such as those occurring during the quieter moments within the train's narrow corridors, remain somewhat understated and fail to fully envelop the listener.

Dialogue clarity is exceptional throughout the film, flowing clearly and efficiently from the center channel with excellent articulation and prioritization. The British accents are easily discernible, and the track is free from any pops, cracks, hisses, or high shrills. Despite minor drawbacks in certain less dynamic segments, the surround sound presentation is commendable, with discrete rumblings effectively handled by the rear channels without overshadowing the front presentation. The low-frequency extension (LFE) is particularly notable, as it competently manages loud crashes, growls, and snarls, delivering impactful bass that rumbles when necessary.

The audio dynamics of "Howl" enhance both the subtler and more dramatic moments of the film. The driving rain, metal-on-metal screeches, and other chaotic sounds immerse the listener in the violent madness portrayed on screen. Although intercom announcements and some finer details could benefit from improved clarity, these small imperfections do not detract significantly from the overall audio experience. "Howl" promises an aggressive auditory adventure that keeps viewers on edge with its exceptional lossless mix, making it a noteworthy addition to any Blu-ray collection focused on quality sound presentations.

The Blu-ray of "Howl" offers a noteworthy selection of supplementary content that provides an in-depth look into various facets of the film's production. These high-definition featurettes, totaling approximately 25 minutes, cover essential elements such as creature design, human characters, set pieces, sound, and color grading. They collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the movie-making process. The detailed discussions from the cast and crew enhance the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of both technical and artistic efforts involved in bringing "Howl" to life. Furthermore, trailers for other releases are included, adding value for fans of genre films.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Werewolves: Cast and crew explore creature design, practical and CG effects, and makeup application.
• The Humans: Discussion on the film's characters and performances.
• The Train: Examination of the film’s signature set piece and its development.
• The Sound: Insights into the film's score and sound effects.
• The Grade: Analysis of the color grading process.
• Previews: Trailers for "Howl" and additional titles.

Review: "Howl" (Blu Ray)

Paul Hyett’s "Howl" stands as an efficient and entertaining entry in the werewolf genre. While it doesn’t innovate within the horror landscape, it remains a lean and intense thrill ride. Set against the claustrophobic backdrop of a derailed train stranded in the forest, the narrative swiftly plunges its characters—and viewers—into a nightmare of predatory suspense. The film’s strength lies in Hyett’s makeup and special effects expertise, as he fully showcases the grisly antagonists. These werewolves are terrifying hybrids, presented openly and effectively, adding to the raw and visceral atmosphere. The movie’s pace is relentless once the action kicks off, making good use of practical effects and maintaining a consistent sense of dread and claustrophobia without meandering into unnecessary subplots.

Our protagonist, Joe—portrayed commendably by Ed Speleers—is a downtrodden train guard who must rise to the occasion amidst the chaos. While the characters surrounding Joe fall into predictable horror archetypes, they serve their purpose within this gruesome gauntlet. The screenplay is straightforward, eschewing complex backstories or origin tales for the werewolves, which could leave audiences craving more context but keeps the story tight and focused on survival. Hyett directs with a confident hand, ensuring that the horror elements remain front and center, bolstered by a dreary color palette that amplifies the bleakness of their predicament.

Overall, "Howl" may not break new ground, but it excels where it counts: delivering a gory, suspenseful experience with creatures that are as memorable as their relentless pursuit of flesh. This Blu-ray presentation ensures that every bloody detail is captured with precision, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of practical effects-driven horror.

"Howl" offers a refreshing take on the werewolf genre, despite its reliance on familiar horror tropes and somewhat underdeveloped characters. The film shines through its incredible werewolf makeup and practical effects, making it an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre. The scares and gore are sufficient to engage viewers, ensuring a fun and entertaining watch. Alchemy's Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with solid video and immersive lossless audio quality.

The Blu-ray specifications deserve commendation for their clarity and dynamic soundscapes, essential for a horror film's atmosphere. The supplements, though concise, provide valuable insights into the production process, including a noteworthy making-of featurette that fans and aspiring filmmakers will find informative. The combination of technical fidelity and insightful extras makes this release a robust package for enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Howl" may not break new ground within the horror genre, but it remains an effective and enjoyable survival horror film. Its outstanding practical effects and compelling audiovisual presentation on Blu-ray make it a worthy addition to any werewolf collection. Recommended for both dedicated fans and casual viewers seeking quality entertainment.