The Howling 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Howling" delivers an impressive visual upgrade, thanks to meticulous restoration efforts by STUDIOCANAL under the guidance of Joe Dante. Originally shot on 35mm film using Arriflex cameras, the film has undergone a brand-new restoration process, scanned at 4K 16-bit in 2021 from the original 35mm negatives. The 1:20 negative was cropped to 1.85 to respect the original film projection format, and calibrated in the P3-D65-ST2084 colour space. The image is presented in native 3840 x 2160p resolution, utilizing a 10-bit video depth, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and a Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

The restoration's attention to detail has undoubtedly paid off, providing an image quality that is nothing short of stunning. The detail captured in skin textures, clothing weaves, and various environments are profoundly impressive, complimented by the application of Dolby Vision which enhances the color vibrancy across the board. Reds are notably gorgeous, and flesh tones appear exceptionally natural. Moreover, black levels are deep and robust, contributing to an enhanced sense of depth without overshadowing the finer details. This meticulous restoration not only preserves but elevates the film's organic aesthetic, showcased through a light sheen of grain.

However, the clarity and precision of this restoration come with a minor caveat; the enhanced sharpness and color fidelity occasionally highlight the limitations of the original makeup effects. Despite this, the overall impact is negligible when considering the substantial improvements in color richness — especially in cooler blues and hotter reds — and the precise detail in both character features and settings. Whether it's the complex textures of werewolf transformations or the nuanced exploration of interior and exterior environments, this 4K UHD release offers a definitive viewing experience that admirers of "The Howling" are unlikely to see surpassed anytime soon.

The audio presentation of "The Howling" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers an immersive and technically proficient experience, catering to enthusiasts with varied preferences. The centerpiece, an English DTS-HD MA surround track, boasts a clean and clear output that emphasizes dialogue through the frontal channels while encapsulating the viewer in ambient effects and a detailed soundstage. Despite being somewhat front-loaded, the separation between channels is commendable, ensuring that environmental sounds—ranging from the nuanced crackling of fire, the unsettling howl of werewolves, to the cinematic score—achieve a profound sense of immersion. The low end maintains a disciplined tightness, enriching key moments with subtle yet impactful bass, although it stops short of diving into deeper LF effects, maintaining clarity without overpowering the mix.

Adding diversity to the auditory experience, the release includes a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono mix that remains faithful to the original theatrical presentation. This track stands out for its clarity and balance, effortlessly capturing the essence of dialogue and background activity without succumbing to distortive peaks. Scoring cues are delivered with crisp precision, blending seamlessly with the on-screen performances. The mix underlines its commitment to preserving the film’s original auditory essence while offering a refined listening experience.

The availability of multiple audio options, including the nostalgic 2.0 LPCM surround remix from the LaserDisc release and additional 5.1 and mono DTS-HD tracks, highlights an inclusive approach to catering to varied audiophile preferences. Each track maintains consistent fidelity, occasionally grappling with the limitations of its age but never to the detriment of the overall experience. The motion between channels in the 5.1 update is smooth, allowing for an expansive yet controlled sound field that respects the film’s original sonic landscape. Dialogue intelligibility is preserved across mixes, with minor recording artifacts reminding us of the film’s era. This audio presentation skillfully balances technical prowess with a faithful homage to "The Howling’s" original auditory spectacle.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray Collector's Edition of "The Howling" offers a comprehensive and in-depth collection of extras that cater to both new fans and long-time enthusiasts of the film. With an array of offerings that include two engaging commentaries featuring director Joe Dante alongside cast members and author Gary Brandner, the set distinguishes itself with both its breadth and depth. Noteworthy is the inclusion of several interviews and documentaries that shed light on the film's creation, special effects, and cultural impact, such as "Inside the Career of Joe Dante" and "Welcome to Werewolfland." Additionally, rare finds like "Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex" offer unique insights into the film's beloved practical effects. Technical achievements are explored in conversations with key crew members, complemented by deleted scenes, outtakes, and a still gallery. This edition not only celebrates the legacy of "The Howling" but also provides an extensive look at the craftsmanship behind one of horror's enduring classics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Inside the Career of Joe Dante: An extensive interview with Joe Dante covering his career and The Howling.
• Welcome to Werewolfland: Documenting the making of The Howling, originally produced for a German DVD release.
• Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex: An in-depth documentary on the special effects industry, featuring numerous interviews.
• Deleted Scenes: With optional commentary by director Joe Dante.
• Outtakes
• Blu-ray & DVD Extras: Including all the content listed, ensuring accessibility across various formats.
• A Conversation with John Landis and Joe Dante
• A Conversation with Steve Johnson and John Vulich
• Guillermo Del Toro Masterclass
• Stills Gallery
• 5 Art Cards
• 20 Page Booklet: Featuring an original press kit, new stills, and an essay on the film's impact and legacy.

Joe Dante's 1981 opus, "The Howling," stands as a uniquely nuanced entry in the annals of werewolf cinema, diverging significantly from its contemporaries like "An American Werewolf in London" in both tone and thematic exploration. Born from the same creative spirit that delivered "Piranha," Dante, alongside scriptwriters Sayles and Winkless, crafts a narrative that markedly elevates the werewolf beyond mere cursed beast to a symbol of societal dominance and cultural decay. Holding a mirror to the dual nature of humanity, the film juxtaposes the primal allure of the werewolf mythology against the backdrop of a society grappling with its baser impulses. Through the lens of a fraught TV reporter, portrayed with compelling vulnerability by Dee Wallace, "The Howling" ventures into a dark commentary on victimhood and societal rejection, challenging the audience with its cynical worldview.

Technologically, "The Howling" was groundbreaking for its era, showcasing Rob Bottin's remarkable special make-up effects that set a new standard in visualizing the transformation from human to werewolf. These effects, vividly brought to life in the 4K UHD presentation, underscore the film's physical manifestation of internal metamorphosis, albeit revealing the constraints of its budgetary confines more starkly against modern expectations. Despite these limitations, Dante's direction injects a profound atmospheric tension, weaving Kubrick and Spielberg influences into his visual storytelling. The film's deliberate pacing and subdued horror elements, supplemented by a cast of genre stalwarts, permit a deeper exploration of its characters and the monstrous threats they face.

While "The Howling" may not achieve the commercial success or polish of its peer "An American Werewolf in London," its contribution to the genre is undeniable. It captures a moment of transition in horror cinema, where special effects prowess merged with a desire to probe more deeply into the darkness of both individual psyche and collective societal trends. In this respect, "The Howling" stands as a testament to Joe Dante's evolving directorial vision, offering both homage to and critique of the genre's conventions. As much as it reflects the era's filmic innovations and anxieties, its resonance endures, challenging viewers to confront the beast within against the encroaching shadows of societal disintegration.

Joe Dante's "The Howling" stands as a significant milestone in horror cinema, renowned for Rob Bottin’s groundbreaking creature effects and its innovative take on werewolf lore, elevating these creatures from cursed beings to apex predators. This film, despite Dante's evident budgetary and experiential limitations, succeeds through its meticulous structure, atmospheric setting, engaging script, and suspenseful buildup, firmly establishing it as a genre classic. The 4K UHD Collector’s set from StudioCanal elevates this experience to unparalleled heights, offering a restoration that breathes new life into the film. With a native 4K resolution, the image quality dazzles, boasting exceptional detail, vibrant colour reproduction, and profound black levels, presenting "The Howling" in what feels like a completely renewed format. Additionally, the DTS-HD MA surround sound track enriches the auditory experience, despite being somewhat front-heavy. The supplementary materials included—ranging from a plethora of both new and vintage features on the UHD disc to the inclusion of the "Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex" documentary on DVD—as well as artistic collectibles, only add to the set’s value.

While "The Howling" is celebrated for its imaginative special effects and memorable werewolf transformations, it also imbues the narrative with Dante’s quirky sensibility and dark humor. These elements mesh to create compelling moments of cinematic magic on a lean budget. Nonetheless, the film is not without its flaws; it occasionally prioritizes spectacle over pacing, thereby affecting its suspense and momentum. Despite this, performances by Dee Wallace and others inject a unique charm and effectiveness into the ensemble cast.

In conclusion, StudioCanal’s 4K UHD release of "The Howling" is arguably the definitive version of the film for both long-standing fans and newcomers alike. While there are minor criticisms regarding pacing and an appetite for even more comprehensive extras, this release outstandingly showcases the film's historical significance and technical achievements. Its visual and auditory rejuvenation not only pays homage to the creative efforts behind this classic but also ensures that Dante’s vision is preserved and celebrated for future generations.