Howling II: ... Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf" showcases a well-executed restoration that brings the film to new visual heights. Derived from a 35mm original camera negative, the transfer benefits from a meticulous 4K restoration, enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR. With a resolution of 2160p, it delivers clarity and lifelikeness that exceed previous releases, drawing attention to nuanced color palettes including vivid primaries and natural skin tones. The fiery hues of the castle sequences and vibrant village festivities are rendered with precision, enhancing the film's visual allure.

The detail provided by this release is commendable, given the somewhat hazy original cinematography. Fabrics in costumes appear textured and detailed, while fur textures on werewolves are notably appreciable. Exterior shots present a sense of depth and isolation, while interior scenes are rich in decorative detail. Deep blacks preserve the integrity of night scenes, and highlights are managed with subtlety that keeps the viewing experience immersive. Moreover, the grain structure is pleasantly thick, maintaining the filmic quality of the source material, which is in excellent condition.

Overall, Vinegar Syndrome's presentation demonstrates an adept handling of classic film elements combined with modern technology. Encoded in HEVC at bitrates ranging from 85-95Mbps, the quality remains consistently high throughout. The film benefits from its spherical 35mm shoot, free from optical filters, resulting in a clean and clear picture that respects the original artistic intent while maximizing the potential offered by current UHD capabilities. This release not only elevates the viewing experience but also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of careful restoration and state-of-the-art video technology.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Howling II: ... Your Sister Is a Werewolf" offers an engaging auditory experience, primarily delivered through a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. This provides a secure grasp of dialogue across various performance styles while maintaining clear instrumentation that enhances the suspense throughout the film. The soundtrack selections are well-defined, bolstering the tension with pronounced percussion and synth elements. Crisp vocal clarity ensures that exchanges between characters are easily comprehensible, even amidst chaotic scenes involving werewolf frenzies and magical spells.

Presented in its original mono soundtrack via the DTS-HD Master Audio codec, the audio track retains excellent condition and clarity. While the absence of LFE might limit the full impact of punk rock sequences within a home theater system, dialogue and musical deliveries remain impressive. The track excels in rendering overlapping character dialogues clearly, maintaining a natural balance without sacrificing any integral detail. Moreover, the foley work is well-integrated, enhancing ambient sounds and effects seamlessly to heighten the film’s immersive quality.

Overall, this audio presentation effectively captures the essence of the original sound design. The balanced mix of dialogue, music, and effects ensures an authentic and enjoyable listening experience that supports the film's narrative and tonal shifts seamlessly.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Howling II: ... Your Sister Is a Werewolf" offers a captivating set of extras that provide deep insights into the quirky production of this cult horror movie. There are three commentaries available, with the newly produced one featuring director Philippe Mora and screenwriter Kelly Goodner standing out for its engaging dialogue and rich anecdotes about the filming process. The disc includes several interviews that explore the challenging conditions of shooting in Czechoslovakia and offer personal experiences from key cast members. Notably, actress Sybil Danning and special makeup artist Steven Johnson share vivid recollections about their involvement, touching on the creative hurdles they faced. Also included is an appreciation from film historian Jonathan Rigby, shedding light on the film's unique cultural impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Features Philippe Mora and author/screenwriter Kelly Goodner.
• Commentary #2: Solo commentary with Philippe Mora.
• Commentary #3: With composer Steven Parsons and editor Charles Bornstein.
• Lights, Camera, Werewolves?: Interview with director Philippe Mora.
• A Romp Through Czechoslovakia: Interview with actress Annie Pressman.
• Queen of the Werewolves: Interview with actress Sybil Danning.
• Thrown to the Wolves: Interview with makeup artist Steven Johnson.
• Freaky, Sexy, Mad: Interview with composer Stephen Parsons.
• A Life Collaborating with Philippe Mora: Interview with art consultant Pamela Krause.
• Lord of the Stricken Field: Appreciation by film historian Jonathan Rigby.
• A Monkey Phase: Dual interview with makeup artists Steve Johnson and Scott Wheeler.
• Leading Man: Interview with actor Reb Brown.
• Gag Reel: Behind-the-scenes moments with Philippe Mora.
• Image Gallery: Collection of personal shots and continuity polaroids.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

"Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf," the 1985 sequel to Joe Dante's "The Howling," suggests an ambitious continuation but ultimately diverges into a chaotic, low-budget spectacle. Forced to distance itself from the original due to rights issues, producer Stephen Lane and Hemdale Film Corporation initiated a production marred by financial limitations, resulting in a project defined by fast-and-loose execution. Despite the storied involvement of the original novel's author in the rewriting process and director Philippe Mora's efforts to drive creative freedom, the film descends into disarray, highlighted by panicked editing and sporadically coherent narrative beats.

The narrative attempts to establish a connection to its predecessor but quickly becomes a creature feature governed by budgetary constraints rather than thematic evolution. Christopher Lee endeavors to lend credibility to the fractured storyline, while Sybil Danning's vibrant performance as a werewolf queen provides sporadic visual intrigue. The 1980s filmmaking trends and low-tech special effects string together scenes that nearly work for the first hour but, inevitably, give way to confusion. This haphazard approach does not suffice to develop a cohesive and darker vision of the werewolf mythos.

With its pop-punk filmmaking aesthetics and muddled execution, "Howling II" offers an unusual but ultimately unsatisfying follow-up. Mora's direction struggles under the weight of its underfunded ambition, characterized by a lack of substantial material that undercuts its potential as a sequel. While certain elements offer fleeting engagement, the film's inability to capitalize on its creative premise relegates it to a curious yet flawed addition in werewolf cinema.

"Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf" arrives on 4K UHD, showcasing its peculiarly enticing blend of horror and camp. The standout performances, especially those portraying the werewolf ensemble, add an endearing absurdity to the film, given its chaotic narrative structure. Although the storytelling meanders and culminates in an unsatisfying conclusion, there's a certain charm in its synth-rock aesthetic and the commitment to its chosen locales and costume design. The film's appeal lies partly in its unintentional comedy, capturing director Philippe Mora's gradual pivot from intended horror seriousness to inadvertent camp.

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K release offers an immaculate visual and auditory experience, breathing new life into this cult classic. The restoration highlights the film's vibrant yet chaotic elements, making them more entertaining for genre aficionados. Enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive collection of supplements, both archival and newly produced, providing deep dives into the film's backdrop and production nuances. This attention to detail reaffirms Vinegar Syndrome's expertise in presenting even the quirkiest of cinematic works with commendable precision.

In conclusion, while "Howling II" may falter as a conventional horror narrative, its new 4K edition captures the essence of its cult allure. This release is a testament to the enduring, bizarre appeal of genre films that walk the tightrope between horror and parody. As such, it's a must-have for collectors and fans who relish cinematic oddities with dedication preserved in pristine quality.