Teen Wolf Blu-ray Review

The latest Blu-ray presentation of Teen Wolf, courtesy of Scream Factory, is a significant upgrade from previous releases, particularly the subpar MGM version. This edition benefits from a new 2K scan which markedly enriches the visual experience, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC at an average bitrate of 31000 kbps and maintaining the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The colors are more vibrant, with enhanced clarity and sharpness. Skin tones appear more natural compared to the earlier orange-tinged director's cut. The film maintains a healthy grain that preserves its 80s aesthetic, yet it does so without overwhelming the picture. However, there are minor imperfections such as occasional speckles and black levels that sometimes drift towards grayness, although they generally remain deep and free of crushing.

Detail and clarity in this version are impressive, revealing textures previously indistinguishable—such as the individual hairs on the werewolf's face and the details in the high school interiors. The presentation captures the grime and wear of the settings effectively, enhancing the nostalgic feel of the movie. Color reproduction is robust with bright yellows, natural flesh tones, and well-balanced hues throughout, all avoiding aliasing, banding, or other video noise. The black levels are generally deep and provide good depth, though grain can become slightly more prominent in darker scenes. Overall, the transfer reads as confident with no major issues, offering a more immersive viewing experience akin to watching it in a theater during its original release era.

In conclusion, Scream Factory's new transfer of Teen Wolf vastly improves upon previous releases by rectifying issues with cropping, brightness boosting, and visual artifacts such as black splotches and white speckles. It offers a sharper image with better-defined colors and contrast, making this Blu-ray release the best visual presentation of the movie to date. While not flawless, it delivers a visually pleasing rendition that respects the film's classic aesthetic while benefiting from modern digital enhancements.

The Shout! Factory's latest release of "Teen Wolf" on Blu-ray features an upgraded DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix (1869 kbps, 24-bit), offering substantial improvements over MGM’s previous DTS-HD MA Dual Mono mix (668 kbps, 24-bit). This newer lossless audio expansion demonstrates enhanced depth and range, rectifying prior complaints about the monaural track's boxiness and occasional dips in dialogue levels. Audio clarity is markedly superior, with dialogues remaining clear and consistent throughout. The treble is particularly distinguished, while bass frequencies are robust, adding heft to both Miles Goodman's original score and the selection of ballads permeating the film. Noteworthy is the crisp reproduction of Goodman's electronic keyboard strokes and the thunderous bass beats accompanying his compositions. Likewise, iconic tracks like the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" are spread effectively across the center and front speakers.

Though Shout! Factory opts for a Stereo mix rather than a 5.1 surround sound option, it nonetheless delivers a commendable auditory experience. Directionality in dialogue and music soundtrack dynamics are satisfactory, despite the centered nature of the soundstage indicative of its mono origins. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix manages well with strong sound effects that don’t overpower, preserving clarity in dialogue that remains easy to follow. The audio maintains stability without any issues such as pops, cracks, hiss, or shrill peaks. The synthesized score, especially noticeable during werewolf transformations and various ballads, maximizes the vibrancy of the '80s soundtrack. Additionally, this release includes optional English SDH subtitles, facilitating a more accessible viewing experience. Overall, while a 5.1 mix could have added further dimensionality and ambient detail, the provided 2.0 Stereo audio track proficiently handles the film’s expressive range and maintains a clean auditory presentation throughout.

The Blu-ray edition of "Teen Wolf" offers an exceptionally comprehensive and engaging array of extras that delve deeply into the film’s creation and legacy. The highlight is the extensive documentary "Never Say Die: The Story of Teen Wolf," a 2-hour and 23-minute retrospective featuring new interviews with numerous cast and crew members, including writers Jeph Loeb and Matthew Weisman, actors Susan Ursitti-Sheinberg and Jerry Levine, production designer Chester Kaczenski, and many others. This well-structured documentary is divided into ten insightful chapters, making it both informative and accessible. The disc also includes the original theatrical trailer, upconverted to 1080p with some print flaws, and a still gallery showcasing 93 images from the film's production and promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Never Say Die: The Story of Teen Wolf: Comprehensive documentary on the making and legacy of the film.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Anamorphic widescreen trailer.
• Still Gallery: Photos of the making of the film and other artwork.

"Teen Wolf," a 1985 gem starring Michael J. Fox, navigates adolescence through a comedic lens with its unique twist on werewolf lore. Rooted in the high school experience, Scott Howard’s (Fox) journey from an average teenager to a werewolf fascinates while exploring themes of identity and popularity. The plot, though formulaic, thrives on its charismatic performances and nostalgic charm. Fox’s portrayal of Scott is captivating, transforming mundane teenage angst into a werewolf saga that's surprisingly endearing.

Produced with a modest budget of $1.6 million and grossing over $33 million, "Teen Wolf" capitalized on Fox’s rising stardom post-"Back to the Future." Despite featuring dated special effects and some questionable '80s slang, it stands out due to its levity and light-hearted tone among the era’s werewolf genre. The film's success lies in its ability to blend werewolf mythos with high school dramedy without resorting to horror tropes, rendering it appealing across generations.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is comprehensive, housed in a blue plastic case with a reversible cover featuring original poster art. Despite criticisms regarding its soundtrack that pales in comparison to other ’80s hits, the film boasts a score that captures the era’s essence beautifully. The engaging dynamics between Scott and his friends, especially Stiles (Jerry Levine) and Boof (Susan Ursitti), alongside Fox’s performance, cement "Teen Wolf" as an iconic piece of '80s cinema. This goofy yet heartfelt flick is sure to evoke nostalgia and provide plenty of laughs even today.

The Blu-ray release of "Teen Wolf" by Scream Factory offers a significant upgrade for fans of this iconic '80s teen comedy. The new transfer, derived from the Interpositive, delivers an image quality that is bright, clean, and far superior to the older MGM release. The 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio preserves the film's original visual aesthetic, ensuring that long-time fans will appreciate the rejuvenated look. The audio upgrade to DTS-HD MA 2.0 also provides noticeable improvements over previous versions.

One of the standout features of this release is the extensive 143-minute documentary that delves deeply into the film's production and legacy. Although the extras are not as numerous as some other Scream Factory editions, the in-depth documentary more than compensates, offering a wealth of information and nostalgia for dedicated fans. The film's charm remains intact, with Michael J. Fox delivering a relatable and likable performance alongside co-stars James Hampton and Susan Ursitti.

"Teen Wolf" has retained its fun and energetic essence over the years and is a worthwhile watch, particularly for those with fond memories of its initial release. While not the pinnacle of '80s cinema, its combination of humor, heart, and campy charm still resonates today. This Blu-ray edition, with its superior visual and audio presentation, is a must-have for collectors and fans of Michael J. Fox. In conclusion, this release revitalizes a classic film with technical proficiency and engaging extras, making it highly recommended.