The werewolf genre has a deep catalogue of films in it's history, from the first-ever silent classic from 1913 to the iconic (and in my opinion the best) 1941 Universal Monster movie starring Lon Chaney The Wolf Man. In 2019 the good folks at Arrow Video released the 80's cult classic American Werewolf in London on Blu-ray. But now for 4K movie fans this is getting a 4K release.
The film follows David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) 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 having nightmares of Jack warning him that he is becoming a werewolf. David contemplates suicide, but will he go through with it? You'll have to see the film to find out.
John Landis wrote and directed this film. It has become a cult classic to say the least. But Landis has directed many films that have become cult classics including; The Three Amigos, National Lampoons Animal House, Spies Like Us, Clue, Trading Places, Coming to America, The Blues Brothers.
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 with practical effects that still looks amazing even over 40 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.
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 in 4K top say the least. Arrow Video continually amazes with their restorations. But with all Arrow Video releases they load the 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.
Looking at this release and the pervious Blu-ray release. I have to be honest there is no new bonus features and while the 4K picture quality is stunning. It is not so much more stunning than the picture on the previous Blu-ray release. While this is an upgrade in my humble opinion it is not a significant upgrade.
If you love An American Werewolf in London and are a big fan of 4K films than this is a must own. But it not the Blu-ray will probably suffice.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the Best) Arrow Video's 4K Blu-ray of An American Werewolf in London receives...
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