The Howling Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Howling" by Shout! Factory's Scream Factory delivers a robust visual experience with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 1.86:1 aspect ratio. Ported from the Studio Canal master, this version marks a noticeable improvement over past DVD releases, offering enhanced clarity, contrast, and color. Despite the presence of some digital manipulation — including minor sharpening and noise reduction — the result is largely tasteful and unobtrusive. Such adjustments have been executed with care, surprising even those typically wary of these techniques. Although there is some visible mosquito noise in certain blue-tinged forest scenes, the high-definition presentation remains visually compelling with minimal missteps.

The encode parallels its European counterpart by Studio Canal, maintaining an authentic cinematic feel aided by a natural layer of grain. The imagery brings out the detail in John Hora's photography—utilizing diffusers to invoke a haunting atmosphere. Fine object and texture details are exceptional; viewers will admire the intricate details such as the werewolves' fur, foliage lines, and material textures. Close-ups are notably sharp, with every facial detail revealed. The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 offers excellent contrast balance, with whites appearing comfortably bright, accurate black levels, and well-defined shadows that enhance Rob Bottin's renowned special effects work. Richly saturated colors add vibrancy, complementing the film's humorous tone. This visually engaging Blu-ray release pays homage to the werewolf classic, delivering a superior and immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Howling" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, complemented by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo option that resonates closely with the film's original mono design. The 5.1 mix demonstrates inventive surround activity, particularly during transformation scenes and eerie forest sequences, with unique directional sound effects like the title's clawing sounds. While Pino Donaggio’s evocative score permeates the side and rear channels, much of the action remains anchored at the front, ensuring a balanced auditory experience. Dialogue clarity is commendable, although there is minor midrange haziness due to source conditioning. Despite efficient fidelity and a notable dynamic range, the audio lacks a naturalized effect with some ambient noise in surround channels.

Contrastingly, the 2.0 stereo track proves to be more faithful to the film’s original auditory intent, offering cleaner and more refined mids without compromising dynamic range or introducing noise artifacts. This stereo presentation excels in channel separation and maintains a broad soundstage with clear imaging and discrete off-screen effects, delivering precise and distinct moments in high-intensity sequences like howling or atmospheric elements. The orchestration of Pino Donaggio's score is underscored by optimal clarity and balance, augmenting the film’s emotive impact. Dialogue is effectively prioritized in the center, providing an intelligible narrative flow that enhances viewer immersion. Ultimately, purists and sound aficionados may find the stereo lossless mix superior in delivering both fidelity and authenticity to this horror classic.

The Blu-ray release of "The Howling" provides a robust set of extras that significantly enrich the viewing experience for fans and film scholars alike. The supplementation captures both a nostalgic and educational perspective, featuring in-depth, engaging discussions with the original creators. The inclusion of commentaries and interviews, such as the insightful conversation with executive producer Steven A. Lane and director Joe Dante's lively reminiscences, provide invaluable insights into the film's creation. Noteworthy is "Unleashing the Beast," a comprehensive documentary that deeply probes the production's creatures and mythology. Technical expertise is evident throughout each feature, offering audiences a clear understanding of the meticulous craft involved in horror filmmaking. This collection deserves commendation for its balance between historical context and creative process, packaged with crisp HD visuals, thus appealing to new viewers while catering to long-time enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Howlings Eternal with Steven A. Lane: Backstory on production from the executive producer.
• Cut to Shreds with Editor Mark Goldblatt: Techniques used to enhance horror effects.
• Interview with Co-writer Terrence Winkless: Insight into script development.
• Horror's Hallowed Ground: Tour of film locations.
• Making a Monster Movie: Vintage featurette on film production.
• Interview with Stop Motion Animator David Allen: Look at special effects.
• Unleashing the Beast - The Making of The Howling: Extensive exploration of the film and werewolf mythology.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary: Insights into removed scenes.
• Outtakes: Behind-the-scenes moments.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.
• Photo Gallery: Collection of film stills.
• Audio Commentary with Director Joe Dante, Actors Dee Wallace, Christopher Stone and Robert Picardo: Entertaining discussion on filming experiences.
• Audio Commentary with Author Gary Brandner: Interview exploring Brandner's career.

"The Howling" Blu-ray offers a thrilling dive into the werewolf genre with Joe Dante's direction, combining horror, humor, and satire. Dee Wallace stars as Karen White, a news anchor entangled in a shadowy conspiracy following a traumatizing encounter with a serial killer. Sent to Dr. Waggner's resort, The Colony, for recovery, Karen finds herself in a bizarre environment of eccentric residents. The Colony, mirroring retreats like Esalen Institute, uncovers its true nature as a haven for werewolves. The plot swiftly escalates from psychological tension to full-blown supernatural terror as Karen unravels the sinister plot enveloping her.

The narrative insightfully explores themes of medical distrust akin to "Rosemary’s Baby," aligning with the horror trope of the deceptive therapist. The film balances on this edge of skepticism and suspense, compelling viewers to question the reality of Karen's experiences. The screenplay by John Sayles is notable for its self-aware dialogue and melodrama, allowing Dante to infuse the film with comedic elements reminiscent of his other works like "Gremlins." With cameos from genre legends, "The Howling" cleverly integrates a myriad of cultural references and sly wolf-themed humor, providing depth beyond typical horror fare.

Rob Bottin's special effects are instrumental in rendering the story's chilling atmosphere, particularly the transformation scenes, which remain iconic decades later. Originally conceptualized by Rick Baker before his commitment to "An American Werewolf in London," Bottin's designs deliver anthropomorphic horror tinged with macabre comedy. Overall, this Blu-ray edition by Shout! Factory rejuvenates the cult classic's twisted humor and visceral scares for modern audiences, ensuring "The Howling" retains its status as a beloved mix of entertaining horror and sharp satire.

The Blu-ray release of "The Howling" delivers a viewing experience that blends nostalgia with modern sensibilities. Adapted from Gary Brandner’s novel, Joe Dante's cult classic offers an engaging satire of the werewolf genre, maintaining a sharp, humorous tone while weaving horror elements seamlessly into the narrative. The film stars Dee Wallace as a reporter caught in a nightmarish encounter with lycanthropic creatures, emphasizing a playful yet eerie atmosphere. The special effects, considered groundbreaking at the time, still resonate effectively, reflecting the era's practical application prowess. The humorous undertones and post-modern take on werewolves allow it to appeal to both long-time fans and new viewers who appreciate witty genre deconstruction.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray release excels in delivering high-quality audiovisual elements. The video transfer captures the film’s atmospheric palette with precision, offering vivid details that enhance the immersive quality of the storytelling. Similarly, the audio presentation, rendered in a high-definition format, ensures that both dialogue and atmospheric sounds are clear and impactful. This edition also boasts a comprehensive collection of supplemental materials, enriching the experience with insights into the film’s production and legacy. New additions to this collector's edition provide further value, catering to both die-hard collectors and casual enthusiasts who desire deeper engagement with the film’s context.

In conclusion, "The Howling" on Blu-ray is a must-have for horror aficionados and collectors alike. Its ability to balance humor with horror while offering a superior technical presentation makes it a standout addition to any collection. The enduring appeal and innovative execution ensure that it remains a seminal piece within the genre, appealing to those who are drawn to its unique blend of suspense and satire. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to explore or revisit this iconic horror narrative.