The Howling (Special Edition)

Pretty near complete in its Blu-Ray packaging, this re-issue of Joe Dante's 1981 gem THE HOWLING features a nice transfer of the original film negative and a whopping horde of extras that will have fans giving their howls of thanks every time there's a full moon. THE HOWLING is a creepy film, but there's practically as much comedy and cinema buff in-jokes as there are moments of fright, but Rob Bottin's transformation effects in this picture are just about unequaled in terms of their quality (what baffles me is that 1981 had three great werewolf pictures in cinemas, and today there are none to speak of; oh well, the good old days). I imagine that the Eddie Quist transformation scene was pretty shocking for viewers in 1981, and really the effects work here remains pretty imaginative today. While scary in concept, THE HOWLING is constantly messing with your head, throwing in a parade of jokes and quasi-humorous references to other movies, and even featuring cameos (Roger Corman, Mick Garris, co-writer John Sayles, and Dick Miller spring to mind) that make you go "Oh!" in the middle of the picture. Of course, there is the sexy and visually arresting Elisabeth Brooks to capture your eyes here, as well as some interesting werewolf characters (like Slim Pickens!) to make you gasp every now and then. While a fun movie, THE HOWLING lacks a great deal of action that might have made it even more intense, but what survived the cutting room floor is pretty good. While the movie has become a staple of the genre for horror fans, its real contributions have to do with the effects on display and the unusual concepts found in the movie itself, and how Dante cleverly reworks the genre for a new (and more tolerant) generation. While I personally didn't find the picture all that offensive (there is a high-concept werewolf sex scene that is fairly explicit but not overly shocking, and apparently this is the one scene that author Gary Brandner enjoyed from the movie), there are moments that will definitely make fans of the original 1941 WOLF MAN wince. But compared to other werewolf-themed films, this one goes a long way towards redeeming itself by not taking its efforts too seriously, and by providing some pretty freaky moments overall. And the ending is, well, a scorcher!While some of the extra content included on Scream Factory's new release can be found elsewhere, the company has yet again gone above and beyond the call of duty in presenting us fans with some really nice extra content. Chief amongst these new offerings is an exemplary interview with effects creator David W. Allen (I want one of those werewolf figurines!) in which he explains why his work for Dante was not used in the movie (with the exception of about two seconds worth of footage that comes near the end) and how he went about designing his own werewolf creatures under contract for the picture (best of all is the cut footage in which we get a glimpse of Allen's unused work). But the extra that caused me to spring for this new release was the audio commentary with author Gary Brandner, moderated by DVD producer and filmmaker Michael Felscher. While the old 2-disc DVD set put out under the MGM banner had some strong extra materials, it did not include any information about the source novel (other than the producers saying that they had decided to throw the back out and start over with a fresh script!) and this was a dramatic oversight in my opinion. While it is true that books belong to a completely different world than that of the movies, the story's source is important for understanding where the initial ideas themselves hail from. And the commentary track on this Blu-Ray is a whopper of an item if you ask me. The only thing that could have improved it would have been a video interview with Brandner, but the audio itself is great--probably even people who may not care about the writing of books (or movies) will find it an enjoyable listen. Brander is fairly open when talking to Felscher (he claims that he was on a "skyrocket to mediocrity" after the original Holwing novel was published, hilarious) and he offers some insights about what it is like to work for the "Hollywood people" and to have his novels translated onto film. He also mentions that his novel "had a better story" than the Landis-concocted mesh that was used as the basis for AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, and I agree with him on this point. Brandner's source material does in fact make the picture a bit stronger than it would have been without a more solid story to build its script upon. Brandner's own opinion about director Joe Dante is not so flattering, but he does say that the man made a good movie and it did undoubtedly put Brandner on the map (so to speak) as well. I have not read the original Brandner novel yet, but it is clear from the get-go that Dante's movie is less an adaptation than a completely original take on the werewolf mythos. This extra is, in my opinion, a collector's item. I also have to mention that the making-of documentary material here is equally great, explaining the complete making of the original picture and even covering (briefly) the making of the many sequels that are still going on to this very day. I also would be remiss if I do not offer my opinion that Dee Wallace Stone was magnificent in this movie, paving the way for herself as a future scream queen in horror cinema (following up this performance with another strong turn in Lewis Teague's CUJO). But overall I also have to say that the entire cast seemed to be having a good time with this movie, and viewers in turn will also have a good time watching them.Scream Factory's presentation of THE HOWLING on Blu-Ray should become a standard-setter for future releases. The original artwork and the newly commissioned artwork included in this package is fantastic, and the wealth of extras doesn't hurt either. The TLC given to the picture and sound transfer is also quite nice. If you want to know why a lot of us love the work that Scream Factory is doing, simply pick up a copy of this release. It pretty much speaks for itself. A+ (for the whole package)

I remember waaaay back in my high school days when we all loaded up to go see this movie in the theater. We were all scared out of our pants, and completely amazed at the special effects. I mean, we sat there and actually watched these people turn into werewolves right in front of the camera....it was AWESOME!! This was way before computer animation, so we had never seen anything quite like this before. Over the years, I've purchased this movie at least twice, with the last update being several years ago. I had feared that it might never get its turn on Blu-ray, that is until I saw a few months back that Shout Factory was going to be releasing it. Up to that point, the only other title I had in my collection from Shout was Phantasm 2, and I was totally satisfied with what they did to make it a special edition.Here's one thing that Shout has continued to do on almost every title I've since purchased from them. They will create new cover artwork for the film, which I love. But just in case you're not a fan of the new artwork, they also provide the original movie poster artwork on the flip side of the cover insert. There are some titles where I like the newly commissioned artwork, but then there are titles like The Howling where I just don't think you can ever outdo the original work with the claws ripping through and you see the lady's mouth screaming through one of the tears in the fabric. What I love about that artwork is it is not clear if she is being attacked by a werewolf, or if she is actually becoming one. I'm so glad that Shout continues to honor the work done by the original artists, thereby giving me the option to decide which cover I go with.Now let's get to the movie itself. It had been a few years since I've watched this film, so some of the frights still worked for me. I turned the lights off and the sound up as the iconic scratch marks rip across the screen, which as the camera pans out you realize spells The Howling. When the screen suddenly explodes, that got my adrenaline going, and now I was ready for the ride. The picture on this is just absolutely beautiful. I really have never seen such a clear print of this film. The colors are really rich and vibrant, and the blacks have a good solid look to them. If the picture doesn't blow you away, then the sound certainly will. They have done a great job with the surround effects. One of the things I had forgotten about this film was the music. The way the organ is used really brings you back to the glory days of the Universal monster films, but then the orchestral score is woven so beautifully which helps create a really creepy atmosphere. Listen for yourself, and I think you'll agree.The one thing I was afraid of seeing this in high definition was that it might make the special effects look a little less than pleasant. That is not the case at all. This still stands as a groundbreaking film in the use of special effects, and I think they hold up very well to some of the CGI crap I've seen. The only scene where it really stood out to me was the one where the man and woman turn into werewolves in the midst of there loving by the fire. The animation is much more apparent in HD, but it's not a big enough distraction to ruin the whole thing. It is amazing how they managed to pull off the effects with what they had to work with back then.One of the things I really like about Shout is the fact that many times they will produce some new special features for these new releases. But never fear, because the other features from the DVD are also included, some of which have had a visual upgrade since their original release. The new features are really cool, and give us some fresh insight to the behind-the-scenes goings on during the making of The Howling.Bottom Line: If you like a good old-fashioned horror film, then you owe it to yourself to get this movie. If you already own the DVD version from a few years back, forget it. The new sound and video upgrades are well worth a double-dip. Not to mention some new special features.

This is a review of the newly restored Region B2 Blu-ray from Studiocanal. It is so pristine, it looks and sounds like a new film.This 1981 Comedy Horror film has a highly distinguished team behind it. Director Joe Dante was later to direct such hits as ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Small Soldiers’. The screenplay was by John Sayles, doyen of Indie films, with ‘Lone Star’, ‘Passion Fish’ and ‘Matewan’ amongst his superb works. The special effects were by Rob Bottin, whose later creations feature in ‘The Thing’, ‘The Fog’, ‘RoboCop’ and ‘Total Recall’.The film, one of three major 1981 Werewolf films, was based on a genuine horror book of the same name, by Gary Brandner. It follows an LA television news anchor woman, who has been investigating a brutal serial killer in the city. She then goes out of town to a rural retreat, following a terrifyingly close call with the killer. The book’s approach to events was totally re-moulded by Sayles in his screenplay, and what emerged was far more knowing and wry, and famously semi-humorous.However, even nearly 40 years on, none of this prevents the film having some genuinely scary moments, and certainly some gruesome ones. It is also quite surprisingly sexually explicit. The special effects, produced of course many years before CGI made it so easy, are variable, but the transformation scenes of humans to Werewolves, are very clever, and totally repellant! The location filming is excellent. Night-time LA has rarely seemed so sleazy or threatening, and the backwoods settings, highly evocative of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, are superb.There are several well-known faces amongst the cast. Patrick Macnee, the well-known British character actor, is nicely oily as the TV station’s tame psychiatrist; the distinguished American character actor (and Dante film regular) Kevin McCarthy, is reassuring as the TV station’s MD. Film actors John Carradine and Slim Pickens feature in colourful minor roles. Robert Picardo, who has gone on to major success on TV, made his film debut here as Eddie Quist, the killer. Much of the look of the film, especially the dress and hair styles, shows the film’s age, but the female roles are more pro-active and meaty (no pun intended!) than in many other films of the era.Well-received at the time of its release, ‘The Howling’ remains an enjoyably entertaining film, perhaps best described as ‘Horror Lite’. It won’t stop you sleeping, but it will make you jump, and, probably, giggle.

is a 1981 American horror film directed by Joe Dante. It is based on the novel of the same name by Gary Brandner. The film stars Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan, and Robert Picardo.The Howling was released in the United States on March 13, 1981, and became a moderate success, grossing $17.9 million at the box office. It received generally positive reviews, with praise for the makeup special effects by Rob Bottin. The film won the 1980 Saturn Award for Best Horror Film while still in development, and was one of the three high-profile werewolf-themed horror films released in 1981, alongside An American Werewolf in London and Wolfen.Its financial success aided Dante's career and prompted Warner Bros. to hire Dante (as director) and Michael Finnell (as producer) for Gremlins. A series consisting of seven sequels arose from the film's success. A remake is in development for Netflix, with Andy Muschietti set to direct.Differences from Brandner's novelThe plot and characters of the film deviate from the original novel in many ways:In the novel, Karen White is called Karyn Beatty, her husband is called Roy Beatty (as opposed to Bill Neill in the film), and neither Karyn nor Roy work in television.In the novel, Karyn is raped by a man in her apartment, whereas in the film she is saved by the police before being attacked by a werewolf in an adult bookstore.In the novel, Karyn's psychiatrist is only briefly mentioned, while in the film he is a major character by the name of Dr. Waggner.In the novel, Karyn goes to recuperate at Drago, a mountain village in California; in the film she goes instead to "the Colony", a health resort run by her psychiatrist Dr. ⁠Waggner.Karyn's rapist in the novel is named Max Quist and he is an ex-con who has no involvement with the village of Drago or its inhabitants. In the film, Karen's (attempted) attacker is named Eddie Quist and is already affiliated with the Colony before he meets Karen.Marsha Quist's name in the novel is Marcia Lura, a shopkeeper in Drago, and she is not a relative of Max Quist.In the novel, Karyn and Roy bring their pet dog Lady with them to the village, and she is killed later on; in the film they have no dog, nor any pet.The werewolves in the novel are described as resembling actual wolves (but greater in both size and ferocity). The werewolves of the film are more anthropomorphic, and can walk on their hind legs; standing over seven feet tall.The werewolves in the novel are never seen in the daytime; in fact, they transform every night once the sun has gone down. The werewolves in the film can transform at will at any time of the day or night, and are indeed seen during daylight hours.In the novel, the character Chris Halloran is Roy's best friend. In the film, Chris works with Karen and Bill at the television station. Karen's friend Terri (Chris' girlfriend, who also works at the station) is an original character for the film and is not featured in the novel at all.In the novel, Karyn escapes from Drago physically unharmed (albeit mentally traumatized) and survives after being rescued by Chris Halloran. In the film, she gets bitten by her husband Bill after he transforms into a werewolf, prompting Karyn's later transformation into one herself and Chris' shooting her with a silver bullet, both on live television (leading to the film's ambiguous ending as to whether the shot struck true, as the television news program broadcasting these events to the public is cut at the critical moment)One of the best Werewolf movies out there and is truly a classic despite what you make of the sequels.

I only give honest reviews on any film I watch. This one I was sceptical of. But as I watched it, it became very clear to me this film is far better than The Night Of The Wolf. The updated digital remastering is absolutely brilliant. A really damn good transfer. My copy was crystal clear in the picture quality. I could not fault it. Very well filmed and directed. This one looked more real than the night of the wolf. The special effects were given time to prepare properly. Really well worth a watch. There is a bit of nudity in it. My only down side, was Dee Wallace at the very end. Her werewolf make up could have been a lot better. Other than that, a very good watch. The suspension is gradually stepped up to its ultimate climax. I really enjoyed it. PC. 30. 04. 2019.

The Howling is a fun 80s movie. I didn't find the film at all scary, and it's almost without blood. The effects are still very good after 30 odd years.The cast is good and stars Dee Wallace, Christoper Stone, Patrick Macnee and the timeless Dick Miller, who cites his very small cameo as the best part he's ever played in his film career.Whilst The Howling is not as nearly as good as I remembered as a kid, the film is still very enjoyable. Sure there are a few moments that don't fit too well, but overall it's classic 80s horror. Also it's just refreshing to see a good werewolf movie. In all honesty I don't think I could name 10 good ones.Point of note the woman werewolf was my first ever crush- she still looks hot looking back.You'll have a good time with this movie and it's climax. Try and avoid the dreadful sequels though.

Nice going back and seeing since I rented the VHS . Clad I didn’t go for the dvd few years back.Picture qty looked great upscaled on my 4K player. At this price worth adding to my horror collection.