The Howling (1981) (DVD Review)
Directed By: Joe Dante
Starring: Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan
Rated: R/Region: 1/1:85 and 1:33/Number of disc: 1 (Double Sided)
Available from MGM
Eye-popping special effects highlight an updated werewolf story. TV newswoman, Karen White, goes on a retreat after a traumatic incident with a serial killer. But is she really safe? And what should she fear more: regaining her memory or the creepy residents of “The Colony”? Followed by many unsatisfying and unconnected sequels. Helped launch short-lived werewolf craze in early eighties.
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.
– “Unleashing the Beast”: all-new documentary
– “Making a Monster Movie: Inside The Howling” featurette
– Deleted scenes
– Outtakes
– Trailer
