The Howling (1981) (Blu-ray Review)
Directed By: Joe Dante
Starring: Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan
Rated: R/Region: 1/1:85 /Number of disc: 1
Available from Scream Factory
Severely traumatized by a near-fatal encounter with a serial killer, TV newscaster Karen White (Dee Wallace) takes time off at a secluded retreat called the Colony. But when, after nights of being tormented by bestial, bloodcurdling cries, Karen ventures into the woods seeking answers, she makes a terrifying discovery. Now she must fight not only for her life but for her soul!
I don’t at all think The Howling is a bad film, but I also don’t think of it as a great film either. There are some cool werewolves in this thing and a nice transformation, but over the years we’ve seen better and I’ve seen the better ones before I saw this one. The film is also a victim of a slow start. I understand that they try to build up a story, but the build does hurt things a bit at the start. And, I do also think the story lacks in excitement in a few areas.
But if you make it to the hour mark of the film what is left is pretty darn good for the most part. That is where the excitement and drama builds. This is also where we get the most wolf action and the effects and blood. This last part of the movie ALMOST makes up for the first part, almost. When describing The Howling I’d call it a slightly above-average horror flick. It was probably great for its time, yet hasn’t aged as well with time. Still, the movie gets a brand new breath of life due to an above-average transfer that really makes the film look the best it has ever looked.
– Audio Commentary With Director Joe Dante And Actors Dee Wallace, Christopher Stone and Robert Picardo
– Unleashing the Beast: The Making Of The Howling Multi-part Documentary
– Deleted Scenes And Outtakes
– Making Of A Monster: Inside The Howling Documentary
– Horror’s Hallowed Grounds – A Look At The Film’s Locations
– Photo Gallery
– Theatrical Trailers
