MSRP: £15.99
Picture
The only seriously disappointing aspect of this DVD is the transfer. On the plus side, the film is finally presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in the UK, and the transfer is anamorphic to boot, but there are some real issues regarding the quality of the image. The early scenes on the moors at dusk look particularly gritty, with print damage evident and plenty of grain inherent in the image. However, once the action moves to London, the picture quality does pick up quite a bit, and while still rather dark and lacking in fine detail at times, it remains the best this film has ever looked.
Sound
Much better than the picture quality is the audio featured on the DVD. For this Special Edition, Universal has had the soundtrack remastered into Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS audio mixes, and while neither is going to blow you away, they do add depth to the film. The surrounds are sparsely used for the most part, only really offering the jostling sound of life in the streets of London. Where both mixes come into their own is during the werewolf attacks, with the attack on the moor sounding all the more terrifying as the creature circles its prey (and you) through the surround speakers.
Extras
Hmm... if anybody can explain why this package has been spread across two discs in the UK while it has appeared as a single disc release in America and France we'd love to hear (surely it can't be simply to enable Universal to boost the price up to £23!). Still, for fans of the film the cost is more than worth it thanks to a collection of extra features that includes: a very enjoyable feature-length commentary by Naughton and Dunne; a 1981 promo featurette; outtakes; an interview with John Landis; an interview with Rick Baker; a look at the production of one of the film's more memorable special effects; a stills gallery; a storyboard-to-film comparison; and a booklet containing film notes. Fans might have hoped for a director's commentary.
Arguably the best werewolf movie ever finally makes it to DVD in the UK and gets a pretty good disc as well.
Arguably the best werewolf movie ever finally makes it to DVD in the UK and gets a pretty good disc as well.
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