An American Werewolf in London

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

October is the perfect time for horror films. The werewolf movie has a rich history, from the first-ever silent classic from 1913 to the iconic 1941 Universal Monster movie starring Lon Chaney The Wolf Man. Now the good folks at Arrow Video are releasing a 80's cult classic American Werewolf in London on Blu-ray.

David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are two American college students backpacking their way through Britain when a large wolf attacks them. David survives with a bite, but Jack is brutally killed. As David heals in the hospital, he's behind having nightmares of David warning him that he is becoming a werewolf. When David contemplates suicide, but will he go through with it? You'll have to see the film to find out.

In a day and age where we are so spoiled by digital effects and computer graphics it's cool to see a film from the 80s that still looks amazing even 38 years later. The wolf transformation still is a haunting thing to watch. And the story still holds up. But this film is for adults only! There is a good amount of adult language, gore, and sexual situations and nudity. So parents beware. 

Now for the film's Blu-ray transfer. Arrow Video has restored this film in 4K from the original camera negative and was supervised by director John Landis. The film is presented in the original widescreen format and presented in 1080p. There are also audio options for the uncompressed 1.0 mono and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. There is also English subtitled for the deaf and hard of hearing.



The film looks and sounds stunning. Arrow Video has done another marvelous job in restoring yet another cult classic. But Arrow Video always likes to go a step further with their releases. So they have loaded this Blu-ray disc with tons on bonus features. Let's take a look at what is included.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• New audio commentary by Beware the Moon filmmaker Paul Davis
• Audio Commentary by Actors David Naughton and Griffin Dunne
• Mark of The Beast: The Legacy of the Universal Werewolf, newly produced, feature-length documentary by filmmaker Daniel Griffith, featuring interviews with John Landis, David Naughton, Joe Dante and more
• An American Filmmaker in London, a newly filmed interview with John Landis in which he reflects on his time working in Britain and British cinema 
• I Think He’s a Jew: The Werewolf’s Secret, new video essay by filmmaker Jon Spira (Elstree 1976) about how Landis’ film explores Jewish identity 
• The Werewolf’s Call, Corin Hardy, director of The Nun, chats with writer Simon Ward about their formative experiences with Landis’ film. 
• Wares of the Wolf, new featurette in which SFX artist Dan Martin and Tim Lawes of The Prop Store look at some of the original costumes and special effects artifacts from the film
• Beware the Moon, Paul Davis’ acclaimed, feature-length exploration of Landis’ film which boasts extensive cast and crew interviews
Making An American Werewolf in London, a short archival featurette on the film’s production 
• An Interview with John Landis, a lengthy archival interview with the director about the film
• Makeup Artist Rick Baker on An American Werewolf in London, the legendary make-up artist discusses his work on the film
• I Walked with a Werewolf, an archival interview with the make-up artist about Universal horror and its legacy of Wolfman films 
• Casting of the Hand, archival footage from Rick Baker’s workshop as they cast David Naughton’s hand 
• Outtakes 
• Original trailers, teasers and radio spots 
• Extensive image gallery featuring over 200 stills, posters, and other ephemera 
• Reversible sleeve featuring original poster art and artwork by Graham Humphreys 
• Double-sided fold-out poster 
• Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions 
• Limited 60-page booklet featuring new writing by Travis Crawford and Simon Ward, excerpts from archival interviews original reviews.

Now as iconic as this film is. And as amazing as the new transfer looks. The bonus features and extra stuff included is what makes this Blu-ray a must own for any horror fan.

So if you are a fan of 80's horror films. This Arrow Video Blu-ray release of American Werewolf in London is a must-own.

Audiences: Adults
Offensive Material: profanity, gore, sexual situation and nudity
Length: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Genre: Horror
Blu-ray Rating: A