An American Werewolf in London Blu-ray Review

The newly restored Blu-ray release of "An American Werewolf in London" is a significant upgrade from its 2009 predecessor, transitioning from a VC-1 to the more contemporary MPEG-4 encoding standard. This re-release showcases a commendable revitalization, particularly in image clarity and stability. Scenes set in diverse environments such as a warm, wood-heavy bar, foggy exteriors, and hospital settings demonstrate honest detailing and definition. Rick Baker's makeup work on the werewolf transformation and other gory elements are excellently presented, with tangible textures that highlight the practical effects’ gruesome brilliance. Colors are rich and naturally represented, with prominent, vibrant hues such as brightly colored jackets remaining consistent throughout.

Sharpness and detail have seen marked improvements as well. Grain structure appears well-controlled without excessive use of digital noise reduction (DNR), maintaining a natural look even in darker scenes. Color accuracy has improved, with David Naughton's red coat appearing more consistently colored, avoiding extreme shifts. Flesh tones are represented more naturally without venturing into artificial color territories like teal/orange. Black levels have been notably enhanced, mitigating previous issues with crush and adding substantial depth to the darkest scenes. Additionally, instances of edge enhancement, speckling, and scratches have been significantly reduced, resulting in clean delineation and preserving the authentic visual texture without appearing artificially smoothed.

Overall, Universal has succeeded in providing "An American Werewolf in London" with a high-quality video presentation that underscores the film's intricate makeup artistry and atmospheric cinematography. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of picture quality, this Blu-ray re-release stands as a significant improvement over the earlier version, compelling fans to experience the film anew. Universal's upgrade speaks to their commitment to quality restorations, setting a hopeful precedent for future releases.

Universal's re-release of "An American Werewolf in London" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, largely carried over from the prior 2009 edition. While the bitrate shows slight differences, overall audio quality remains consistent across key moments, preserving its effective, albeit somewhat dated, sound profile. Dialogue is centrally anchored and remains clear with no major intelligibility issues, although it can occasionally sound shallow. The track does a commendable job utilizing surround channels with practical effects; thunder reverberates effectively, and werewolf growls are dispersed convincingly across the soundstage.

This updated DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix appears to have received minor tweaks, most notably an enhancement in LFE (low-frequency effects), providing additional depth to the lower spectrum elements like growls and Elmer Bernstein's score. Musical clarity maintains a fair but slightly hard edge, with well-positioned spacing. Surround details create a subtle yet palpable atmospheric immersion, augmented by realistic directional placement of sounds like hospital loudspeakers and environmental elements such as rain and thunder. Although it's not an avant-garde audio experience, the mix offers a robust foundation with enough dimension and flair to complement the film's unique tone. Additionally, it should be noted that certain audio and subtitle options available in previous versions have been removed in this release.

The Blu-ray extras for "An American Werewolf in London" remain unchanged from previous releases, featuring a comprehensive and engaging array of supplemental material. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of the lengthy and well-produced "Beware the Moon," offering an in-depth look at the film's creation, including its award-winning special effects. While the absence of new content is disappointing, the array of commentaries, interviews, and documentary-style features provide a substantial exploration of the film’s history and production nuances. Notable inclusions are the highly entertaining audio commentary by David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, and the insightful reflections by makeup artist Rick Baker. This collection is invaluable for fans who have yet to delve into the extras, although returning viewers may find it redundant.

Extras included in this disc:

Beware the Moon: Comprehensive documentary on the making of the film. I Walked with a Werewolf: Featurette on special effects artist Rick Baker. Making An American Werewolf in London: Promotional piece focusing on special effects. An Interview with John Landis: Discussion with the film’s director. Makeup Artist Rick Baker on An American Werewolf in London: Insights from Rick Baker on his effects work. Casting of the Hand: Feature on creating the transformation sequence. Outtakes: Collection of outtakes from the film. Storyboards: Visual storyboard comparisons. Photograph Montage: Montage of photographs from the production. Audio Commentary with David Naughton and Griffin Dunne: Entertaining commentary by lead actors.

John Landis's "An American Werewolf in London" is a masterclass in blending horror and comedy, a film that continues to captivate audiences with its impeccable balance of chills and laughs. The plot follows American backpackers David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) as they traverse the eerie English countryside, only to encounter a werewolf that shatters their lives. The morbid humor and escalating terror, accentuated by Landis's satirical touch, establish a unique synergy that few films achieve. The biting dialogue and hilarious scenarios, such as conversations with reanimated corpses, offer an inimitable viewing experience.

The transformative magic of "An American Werewolf in London" indisputably lies in Rick Baker's pioneering practical effects. His Academy Award-winning work on this film set a standard for the genre, particularly in the now-iconic transformation scene where David becomes a werewolf. Unlike the fleeting glimpses offered by other films, Baker’s scenes offer an unflinching look at every gruesome detail, creating an unforgettable spectacle. This dedication to practical effects over CGI adds a tangible realism that enhances both the horror and the film’s lasting impact.

Overall, this Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike, maintaining the original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 while delivering an upgraded 1080p presentation. Although the bonus features remain unchanged from the previous 2009 release, the enhanced picture quality alone justifies the upgrade. With superb performances by Naughton, Dunne, and Jenny Agutter, combined with Landis's witty direction and Baker's extraordinary effects work, "An American Werewolf in London" remains a seminal film that blends horror and humor seamlessly. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a first-time viewer, this release offers a top-tier cinematic experience.

Universal's re-issue of "An American Werewolf in London" offers a notable upgrade that will likely satisfy both devoted fans and newcomers. The 1080p presentation is a significant improvement over previous editions, and although it may not reach the perfection some purists demand, it is certainly the best the film has ever looked for home viewing. While there are gentle to moderate signs of noise reduction, these are not overtly distracting and do not mar the overall experience.

The film itself is a beloved 80s classic, seamlessly blending comedy and horror, thanks to John Landis's direction and Rick Baker's groundbreaking special effects. The new Blu-ray release from Universal Home Video enhances the film’s visual quality, and the audio mix, while adjusted to favor lower tones, remains robust and true to the original. Long-time enthusiasts will appreciate the refined image transfer, marked by greater clarity and detail that was previously unattainable in earlier releases.

In conclusion, the re-issue may not introduce new bonus content beyond a reworked cover art and improved transfer, but its technical merits make it a compelling purchase. It's a definitive presentation of "An American Werewolf in London" and a must-have for collectors who haven't yet added this seminal film to their library. Recommended.