An American Werewolf in London

Director- John Landis

Cast- David Naughton, Griffin Dunne

Country of Origin- U.S./U.K.
 

Number of Discs - 1

Reviewed by - Scott MacDonald

Date- 10/23/2019

    John Landis' 1980 film An American Werewolf in London has the personal distinction of being my 2nd favorite horror film of all-time (The #1 being Lucio Fulci's The Beyond).   I first saw this on tape over 25 years ago for the first time, and have owned copies in every format (in multiple editions) ever since. Arrow Video has become over the last 5 years one of my absolute favorite labels in regards to horror and cult film restorations (though we have some excellent other options at the moment as well), and so when they announced they were doing a Blu-ray of American Werewolf in London, I knew it would be a must-get.

    The prior Universal Studios edition was a decent copy of the film, with the same extras as the DVD, the only thing was the transfer was not what it would have been.  Arrow Video have seen to work with director John Landis' on a new 4k restoration of what is arguably his greatest film.

    The story follows Jack (Griffin Dunne) and David (David Naughton). The pair are spending their summer vacation over in Europe starting with the North of England, and going through to Italy later. Unfortunately, the pair don't make it off the British Isles. One night the pair find themselves outcast from a local pub, and alone on the moors.  A werewolf attacks (and is promptly killed by the locals), but leaves Jack dead, and David in a hospital in London being treated for his injuries.  Now David ends up haunted by Jack's restless spirit that cannot move on to the afterlife until David, now the last remaining werewolf must die, before he can hurt anyone else.

    American Werewolf in London was directed by John Landis who at the time was more well known for films like the Blues Brothers, Animal House, and Kentucky Fried Movie.   He brings his comic chops to American Werewolf... making a film that is a solid blend of comedy and horror. The film does have a sad, morose tone that in contrasting with the humor, and seriousness which Landis takes the overall piece, and creates something truly fantastic.

    The film is grounded by a fantastic cast including David Naughton, Griffin Dunne (After Hours), Jenny Agutter (Walkabout), and John Woodwine (Doctor Who). The entire cast are pitch perfect in their roles, and even smaller roles are played to perfection. Of course, one not mention American Werewolf in London without at least bringing up the Special FX work of Rick Baker.

    The 80's were possibly the golden era of goopy traditional horror FX, and American Werewolf in London stands a top of this pile, not so much for the execution of the violence, but the werewolf transformation sequences which shows David turning into a wolf gradually, and with a certain focused intensity. Though Dante's The Howling comes close as far as werewolf transformations go, I will say that Baker has still never been bested in this area.

    Arrow Video present American Werewolf in London in a brilliant 4k restoration supervised by John Landis, and from the original camera negative. This transfer looks unbelievably brilliant, organic and film like, with a fantastic grain structure, deep inky blacks, and fantastic detail.  The Audio is presented either in HD mono or 5.1 tracks in English, and also offer great, crisp, and clean audio.  Extras are completely over the top (you will never need to buy this film again as far as extra features are concerned).  There are 2 commentary tracks, multiple documentary featurettes, interviews, and the complete Beware the Moon documentary which is feature length, and that just scratches the surface of what is here.   Arrow Video has given the definitive HD era presentation of American Werewolf in London, and this comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED