Night of the Wolf Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Night of the Wolf" presents a 1080p, AVC-encoded image with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, delivering a visually engaging experience true to the film’s intended aesthetic. Shot by Ernesto Herrera and favoring a brown palette with orange highlights, the color grading often creates a yellowish cast. This stylistic choice, coupled with deliberate lighting and editing, helps accentuate both the werewolf effects and the aging makeup of the protagonist, Nick Damici. Even though much of the film takes place during the twilight hours or at night, black levels are impressively deep, encapsulating the viewer in the intended atmosphere.

The image quality retains remarkable sharpness and detail throughout. The high-definition presentation ensures clarity in elements such as grass blades, clothing stitching, and fur textures. Despite a relatively low average bitrate of 16.99 Mbps, MPI Media’s digital transfer is exceptionally clean, avoiding any noticeable artifacts. Shadow details are consistently strong, allowing visibility in darker scenes without losing atmospheric depth, maintaining sufficient detail to enhance the storytelling.

However, some night scenes might be slightly too dark, which can obscure finer visual elements. Nevertheless, this minor drawback doesn’t significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The compressionist's adept handling of digital origination ensures that even with these limitations, the image quality remains robust and well-balanced. Overall, "Night of the Wolf" offers a compelling HD presentation that successfully conveys the film’s eerie and intricate visual narrative.

"Night of the Wolf" features an exceptional DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless sound mix on its Blu-ray release, which vividly heightens the film’s atmospheric tension. The blending of human and animal sounds, along with an otherworldly roar, creates a deeply immersive audio experience, especially during the werewolf attacks. Gunshots from various firearms, shattering glass, and the violent sounds of smashed doors are rendered with impressive force, contributing to the palpable intensity of pivotal scenes. The reasonably balanced soundscape is further complemented by Wojciech Golczewski's effectively nerve-jangling score, which adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a PCM 2.0 track. While this track offers solid imaging and clear dialogue, it lacks some of the ambient intricacies present in the DTS-HD track. Specifically, portions of Golczewski’s score and environmental sounds are less pronounced in the PCM 2.0 track, which may detract from the overall immersive experience for audiophiles. Nonetheless, both audio tracks feature excellent clarity in dialogue and lifelike sound effects that move naturally across channels, providing a robust auditory experience. Each track captures the essence of the film effectively, though the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track edges out as the more powerful and encompassing choice.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Night of the Wolf" provide a compelling deep dive into the film's production and artistic choices. The Commentary with Director Adrián García Bogliano stands out as an insightful exploration into his approach to pacing, editing, color, and sound design. He offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into discarded openings and draws attention to how star Nick Damici influenced the production. The Making Of featurette gives a short but informative look into how cast and crew brought the story to life, particularly focusing on Damici's preparation to play a blind man. The comprehensive FX Featurette furnishes an extended tour through Kurtzman Studios, where intricate werewolf effects are meticulously crafted. The disc also includes the original trailer and additional trailers upon startup.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Adrián García Bogliano: Insightful exploration of director's choices in film-making.
• Making Of: Behind-the-scenes interviews and footage, highlighting cast preparations.
• FX Featurette: Detailed look at the creation of werewolf effects.
• Trailer: Effective teaser maintaining film's suspense.
• Additional Trailers: Promotional materials for related films available at startup.

"Night of the Wolf," originally titled "Late Phases: Night of the Lone Wolf," offers a unique and invigorating take on the werewolf subgenre. Centered on Ambrose, a blind Vietnam veteran portrayed with gravitas by Nick Damici, the film navigates the harrowing yet introspective journey of a man facing a supernatural threat in a remote retirement community. Director Adrián García Bogliano, known for his award-winning "Here Comes the Devil," collaborates expertly with screenwriter Eric Stolze, ensuring that the narrative remains tight and engaging.

The plot unfolds as Ambrose is left by his estranged son, Will (Ethan Embry), at Crescent Bay Retirement Community where strange occurrences quickly surface. A gruesome attack on Ambrose's neighbor and his own service dog sets a dark tone. The subsequent revelation that these attacks align with the full moon drives Ambrose into a month-long preparation against the lurking werewolf threat. The practical effects used to depict the werewolves are noteworthy, particularly in an age dominated by CGI. Not reaching the iconic status of "The Howling" or "An American Werewolf in London," the effects remain a commendable homage to 80s creature features.

The film's atmosphere is bolstered by Wojciech Golczewski's haunting score and Bogliano's deliberate pacing. The supporting cast, including Tom Noonan and Lance Guest, add depth to an already layered story. Practical effects-driven climactic scenes showcase the director’s dedication to authenticity, though some elements might come off as slightly dated or campy.

Overall, "Night of the Wolf" distinguishes itself with strong performances, especially by Damici, and a compelling script. Despite minor plot contrivances, it stands out as a fresh and gripping addition to the werewolf genre. This Blu-ray edition serves as an essential pick for horror aficionados seeking a blend of suspense, classic horror elements, and unflinching character studies.

"Night of the Wolf" on Blu-ray is an exceptional release for fans of quality horror. Adrian Garcia Bogliano's direction is notably distinguished by its strong emphasis on character development and a thoughtful approach to genre conventions. Unlike many horror films that rely heavily on special effects and gore, "Night of the Wolf" offers a more nuanced experience. The narrative centers around an old soldier confronting both literal and metaphorical demons, providing an intriguing and engaging premise executed with stylish precision. Bogliano's work will be particularly appreciated by viewers interested in psychological depth rather than just superficial thrills.

The Blu-ray release features a strong HD presentation that ensures high visual fidelity, complemented by DTS-HD and PCM Lossless audio tracks, enhancing the immersive experience. The cast delivers rock-solid performances, supported by great writing and direction, making the film not just watchable but one worth revisiting. Moreover, the Blu-ray includes an array of informative extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production, further enriching the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the work.

In conclusion, Bogliano's "Night of the Wolf" is a stylistically executed film that transcends typical horror movie standards. It is highly recommended for those interested in a horror flick with emotional depth and solid technical attributes. It promises not only an intriguing story but also a Blu-ray package that delivers in terms of both content and quality.