An American Werewolf in London Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray edition of "An American Werewolf in London" presented by Arrow Video offers an outstanding visual experience, utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The presentation stems from a meticulous restoration process where the original 35mm camera negative was scanned in 4K at NBC Universal's Studio Post facility. Subsequently, it was graded and restored in 2K resolution at Silver Salt Restoration in London, with director John Landis personally approving the grade. This release marks a substantial improvement over previous Blu-ray versions, particularly those from Universal.

Compared to its predecessors, the Arrow release significantly enhances image quality with increased detail and a more organic feel, thanks to a cleaner encode. The character grain appears less mottled and more natural, especially in darker scenes and dimly lit interiors. The updated color grading has led to a more authentic and vivid palette, with reds like David's hiking vest and Piccadilly's neon signs standing out without bleed. The transfer excels by providing rich, deep blacks and improved shadow details that enhance the overall viewing experience.

Furthermore, facial definitions are remarkably clear, bringing out intricate make-up effects distinctively. The film’s fine details are strongly and faithfully rendered without any issues such as dirt, scratches, or tearing. This Blu-ray release truly surpasses all previous editions, offering an unparalleled visual richness and precision that has not been seen before in home video formats. From the lush textures of clothing to the gruesome decay effects on characters, this Arrow edition sets a new benchmark for the film’s presentation, making it an essential upgrade for fans and collectors alike.

The audio presentation of "An American Werewolf in London" on Blu-Ray offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the original mono track in DTS-HD Master Audio. The latter is included for the first time on home video, providing a more confined yet praiseworthy soundscape with good fidelity and smart prioritization, reflecting its initial theatrical exhibition. The 5.1 surround track, while not inundated with flamboyant effects, strategically engages side and rear channels, delivering a notably immersive experience during scenes such as the moors sequence and various urban environments. Dialogue across both tracks maintains clarity and conciseness throughout.

For audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix enhances the soundstage superbly. It adds atmospheric tension during pivotal scenes, like when snarls swirl menacingly around the first attack, and effectively uses directionality in the finale with dynamic channel distribution of sounds such as cars, horns, and crashes. The expanded range also benefits the film's musical elements, particularly tracks like “Bad Moon Rising,” which deliver a vibrant beat and crisp lyrics that belie their early 80s origins. Despite minor ‘80s era coarse texture, both tracks exhibit minimal instances of audio issues, such as crackling or distortion.

Ultimately, having the option to choose between the meticulously restored original mono track and the more expansive 5.1 surround mix allows viewers to experience "An American Werewolf in London" in their preferred auditory ambiance. The 5.1 mix is particularly advantageous for utilizing a modern home theater setup, while purists will appreciate the authenticity of the mono track. Both tracks represent likely the best this film has sounded on home video, offering strong dialogue reproduction, sound effects, and an engaging musical score with great strength and ambiance.

The Blu-ray release of "An American Werewolf in London" is an impressive collection of new and archival material. Notable extras include numerous insightful commentaries, such as the newly recorded track by Paul Davis, which complements the legacy commentary with actors David Naughton and Griffin Dunne. The extensive documentary "Mark of the Beast: The Legacy of the Universal Werewolf" and the engaging video essay "I Think He's a Jew: The Werewolf’s Secret" highlight the depth and breadth of the collection. Archival features include two interviews with director John Landis and two with makeup artist Rick Baker. Additionally, the package offers shorter featurettes, outtakes, trailers, and an extensive array of still galleries, catering to both enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Paul Davis: Newly recorded insightful commentary.
• Audio Commentary with Actors David Naughton and Griffin Dunne: Entertaining legacy track.
• Mark of the Beast: The Legacy of the Universal Werewolf: Extensive retrospective on Universal's werewolf movies.
• An American Filmmaker in London: Interview with John Landis about shooting in England.
• Wares of the Wolf: SFX Artist Dan Martin discusses makeup and special effects.
• I Think He's a Jew: The Werewolf's Secret: Video essay on Jewish identity subtext.
• The Werewolf's Call: Interview with Corin Hardy and Simon Ward on their experiences.
• Beware the Moon: Feature-length making-of documentary.
• Making An American Werewolf in London: Archival promotional featurette.
• An Interview with John Landis: Archival interview.
• Make Up Artist Rick Baker on An American Werewolf in London: Rick Baker's memories.
• I Walked With a Werewolf: Archival interview with Rick Baker discussing Universal's wolfmen.
• Casting of the Hand: Behind-the-scenes footage of prosthetic creation.
• Outtakes: Windowboxed footage with timecodes.
• Storyboard Featurette: Comparison of storyboards and film footage.
• Original Trailers
• Trailer
• Teaser
• TV Spot
• Image Galleries
  • Production Stills
  • Behind the Scenes
  • Posters
  • Lobby Cards
  • Storyboards
  • Shooting Schedule

An American Werewolf in London, directed by John Landis, masterfully blends biting humor with gripping horror, a combination for which the film is now legendary. The narrative follows two American hitchhikers, David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne), as they trek through fictionalized North York Moors—actually filmed in Wales. Their ill-fated journey begins in a quaint local pub and quickly spirals into chaos upon an encounter with a werewolf. The film's opening scenes offer an authentic ambiance, juxtaposing the eerie moors with the local villagers' superstitions. These unfolding events propel David into a nightmarish odyssey where he battles physical transformations and psychological trauma, emblematic of PTSD.

The standout feature of the movie is Rick Baker's groundbreaking makeup effects, which earned the first Academy Award for Best Makeup. Baker's transformative prowess is notoriously showcased during David's agonizing metamorphosis into a werewolf—a scene lauded for its realism and graphic intensity. This raw depiction is further magnified by Landis' dexterous direction, creating a spectacle that oscillates between absurdity and horror. Noteworthy performances elevate the film: David Naughton shines as the psychologically tormented protagonist, complemented by Griffin Dunne’s pivotal role as his decomposing friend, Jack. Jenny Agutter also delivers a compelling performance as Alex, David’s love interest, adding emotional depth to this horror-comedy hybrid.

An American Werewolf in London stands out for its clever subversion of classic werewolf tropes. Landis infuses sharp satire without undermining the genre's gravitas. From David's surreal nightmares, featuring Nazi werewolves, to his harrowing rampage through London's Piccadilly Circus—where tradition clashes with modernity—the film remains gripping. The narrative, enriched with cleverly chosen music tracks alluding to the moon, underscores the absurdity of David’s predicament. Supporting roles, including memorable cameos by Frank Oz and John Landis himself, add a layer of unexpected humor. This film endures not only for its innovation in visual effects but also for its poignant exploration of mental collapse and fear of the unknown.

An American Werewolf in London Blu-ray release by Arrow stands as the definitive version of John Landis' cult classic. The film, renowned for its brilliant blend of horror and comedy, updates the traditional werewolf narrative with post-modern irony and a healthy dose of humor and gore. The movie's unique approach to depicting trauma through a comedic lens distinguished it from its peers upon release, making it both a critical and audience favorite. The new Blu-ray edition not only preserves but enhances this timeless quality with top-tier technical specifications.

Arrow's meticulous work on the transfer has resulted in an improved visual experience that surpasses all previous home video editions. Fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of the original mono soundtrack, available for the first time on home video, bringing an authentic auditory element to their viewing experience. The special features package is comprehensive, offering both new and legacy supplements that delve into the film's production, themes, and enduring legacy. The picture quality is sharp and vibrant, capturing the film's atmospheric London settings and groundbreaking special effects with precision.

In conclusion, An American Werewolf in London is actually a rather sweet love letter to Universal's heritage with the Wolfman, but it manages to update the basic storyline with some post-modern irony and healthy doses of both humor and gore. This was one of my favorite films the year it came out, and I've continued to admire its rather bracing blend of gross-out effects and at times rather trenchant comedy. Arrow has done fans an enormous service by offering a release with excellent technical merits and really engaging supplements. Highly recommended.