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.

One of the best wear wolf movies.

The Howling is a sharp, suspenseful horror film that revolutionized werewolf cinema with its groundbreaking special effects and psychological tension. Directed by Joe Dante, the film follows Karen White (Dee Wallace), a TV journalist traumatized by a serial killer encounter, who retreats to a secluded therapy resort—only to discover that its residents aren’t what they seem. Pros: ✅ Innovative Practical Effects: The werewolf transformation scenes remain some of the best in horror history, thanks to Rob Bottin’s masterful effects work. ✅ Atmospheric & Suspenseful: The film builds a slow-burning tension, leaning into creeping dread rather than full-throttle scares. ✅ Unique Take on Werewolves: Introduces a modernized werewolf mythos, diverging from traditional silver bullet lore. Cons: ⚠ Pacing Issues: The slow build-up may feel too restrained for viewers expecting more werewolf action early on. ⚠ Less Character Depth: Some supporting characters remain underdeveloped, making certain relationships feel less impactful. For fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and practical effects mastery, The Howling is a must-watch, blending classic monster horror with eerie suspense.

Great movie

When "The Howling" appeared in theaters in 1981, it heralded a mini-revival of the werewolf movie that took advantage of advances in special effects; two films followed later that year: "Wolfen" and John Landis's beloved "An American Werewolf in London." Although "The Howling" doesn't quite match the artistry and continual popularity of Landis's film, it nonetheless has aged wonderfully and is still one of the most enjoyable horror films of its decade. It's scary without getting too gory for the average viewer, has superb special effects that don't overwhelm the story, features a fun cast of familiar faces, and has a quirky sense of humor and loads of movie in-jokes for horror movie fans. MGM first released "The Howling" in a no-frills DVD that let the movie down: no extras, a cheap and scratchy transfer, and a very dull mono soundtrack. Thankfully, they realized the popularity of the film and are now giving us a nice edition with revamped sound (5.1 Surround), a sharp picture, and a big bowl full o' extras. John Sayles's script (co-written with Terence H. Winkless) unapologetically drops the classic werewolf legend into the modern-day -- in this case, the world of television news and the fad of self-help psychology. News anchor Karen White (Dee Wallace-Stone), while on a special assignment to lure out a serial killer (Robert Picardo from "Star Trek: Voyager") in the city, is attacked by something bestial. On the advice of psychiatrist Dr. Waggner (Patrick Macnee), Karen and her husband (Christopher Stone) head to Waggner's clinical retreat in the woods. However, there's something very disturbing about the other patients in the colony, and those weird wolf howls at night won't stop... The werewolf transformations supervised by Rob Bottin still have an amazing effect on viewers. Using air bladders, make-up, rubber, and pneumatics, Bottin was able to create a real-time transformation of a human into a nine-foot two-legged wolf. We see limbs snap, snouts grow, claws sprout, the whole deal, and it's damned incredible. (Amazingly, only six months later Rick Baker would do this movie one better with the transformation in "An American Werewolf in London.") The cast goes a long way to making the film work away from the effects. Dee Wallace provides the serious angle to the film, and is convincingly fragile. The rest of the actors add a wonderful loose humor: Slim Pickens, John Carradine, Belinda Balaski, and director Joe Dante's favorite actor, Dick Miller. The beautiful Elisabeth Brooks steals every scene she's in as a femme fatale who burns with sensuality, mystery, and one weird leather fetishist outfit. Director Joe Dante, who would go on to direct such wacky films as "Gremlins" and "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," puts his nutty sense of humor all over the film and packs it with in-jokes. The names of many of the characters are directors of werewolf movies, werewolf films and cartoons pop up on the televisions, and "wolf" items are scattered all over the place (Wolf Chili, a book by Thomas Wolfe, a reference to Wolfman Jack, a copy of the book "Howl"...and so on). The extras, most of which are on the flip side of the disc, are excellent. There's a feature-length commentary by Joe Dante, Dee Wallace, Christopher Stone, and Robert Picardo. Dante has plenty to say and is a very lively commentator, and this is a generally enjoyable audio track. "Unleashing the Beast," a fifty-minute documentary (divided into separate parts, but you can play them all together) goes into great depth on the making of the film. It includes new interviews with Joe Dante, producer Mike Finnel, cinematographer John Hora, writer John Sayles, and actors Dee Wallace-Stone, Robert Picardo, Dick Miller, and Belinda Balaski. Conspicuously missing is effects wizard Rob Bottin, but you can see him on "Making a Monster Movie," an eight-minute featurette that was made in 1981. It also contains vintage interviews with Joe Dante and Patrick Macnee. The extras also include two trailers, production photos, and deleted scenes and outtakes (some of which are very funny). But the really major extras for most people will be the new picture quality and the remixed 5.1 sound. If you're a purist, you can still listen to the original mono mix -- it's here too. "The Howling" makes most early 80s horror films, with brute slashers cutting down dumb teenagers at summer camps and slumber parties, look pretty awful. This is fun, funny, scary, smart -- and the effects will still make your jaw drop or maybe your fangs grow.

The Howling is a true horror classic and ranks among one of the best werewolf movies ever made. Joe Dante, fresh off of Roger Corman's "Piranha", re-teams with writer John Sayles for a fun and spooky tale of lycanthrope loose in the California hills that was based on a book by Gary Brandner. After a traumatic close call with a strangely animalistic serial killer named Eddie Quist (Robert Picardo), a young newswoman, Karen (Dee Wallace) is sent to a holistic retreat by her therapist, Dr. Waggner (Patrick Macnee) for treatment. But unknown to Karen and her husband, Bill (Christopher Stone) The Colony is actually a haven for werewolves that the therapist is trying to civilize... and that a certain, Eddie Quist was one of his 'patients'. But, some of the pack have other ideas and are looking at Karen as their next meal. Dante brings a very Roger Corman feel to the proceedings and gives the legendary producer a cameo as well. The film has some fun moments but, also some legitimate scares, too and Dante mixes fear and fun very well with one never overshadowing the other. Makeup FX master Rob Bottin provides the creature and gore FX and beat American Werewolf In London by a few months with the first on-camera werewolf transformation and it still impresses after all these years and got him the job on John Carpenter's The Thing. A great cast, including legends Slim Pickens, John Carradine and Dick Miller, that knows when to play it straight and when to camp it up, adds to the mix and makes this a very entertaining Halloween treat and a bonfire horror classic. Countless sequels followed that all sucked but, this one still holds up and is one of my personal viewing choices for the Halloween season. Also stars the smoking hot Elizabeth Brooks as sexy nymphomaniac werewolf, Marsha. The Howling was just re-released on a gorgeously remastered and extra filled blu-ray from Scream Factory that gives the flick new bite!

Great horror movie, and the cover is reversible! Was happy to get this, and finally watch it all the way through. I will say, the only tiny draw back, is that the book is better. It is a bit of a slow burner, so do be ready for it not to just go right into it. But in all, still a good piece of cinema!

The Howling is a very good horror film and story thank you.

Ottimo prodotto

Als ich den Film 1981 im Kino gesehen habe, war ich restlos begeistert. Allein die Verwandlungsszene, die mehrere Minuten vereinnahmt und im Zentrum des Werkes steht, ist ungemein beeindruckend. So etwas hatte ich bis dahin noch nicht gesehen. Aber ich habe es auch hinterher nie mehr gesehen. Der Film war nur eine Woche unter dem deutschen Verleihtitel "Das Tier" im Kino, was im Grunde eine Schande darstellt. Danach kam der "American Werewolf" von John Landis heraus, der alle möglichen Preise eingeheimst hat, die eigentlich "The Howling" von Joe Dante ("Gremlins") verdient hatte. Nichts gegen John Landis, auch nichts gegen Rick Baker, der unter Rob Bottin auch in "The Howling" an den Effekten mitgewirkt hat, aber "The Howling" ist der bessere Film. Er kommt hier in überarbeiteter Bildqualität daher, und der Augenschmaus ist noch besser als bisher. Bitte ansehen, denn das hat es in der Folgezeit der Computeranimationen nie mehr gegeben und wird es auch nie mehr geben. Der sich verwandelnde Kopf war damals auf der Kinoleinwand grandios anzusehen, und er ist es auch hier - in noch verbesserter Form.

Una excelente película, lastima que no tenga subtitulos y doblaje al español, pero la verdad se disfruta con el idioma original

Una cover preciosa la verdad, lastima ke por aki no las editen tambien asi.. y vuelvo a decir ke es una pena ke no venga doblada al castellano..