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WSR Detailed DVD Review
Howling, The
Special Edition
Genre: Horror

Reviewed In Issue 77 (Oct 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

Stars:
Dee Wallace, Patrick Macnee, Dennis Dugan, Christopher Stone, Belinda Balaski, Kevin McCarthy, John Carradine, Slim Pickens & Elisabeth Brooks

WSR Review Scores
WSR Picture Rating: 2.5
DD Sound Rating: 3
DTS Sound Rating: NA
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Reference Systems
Critics' Composite Score: 4
Internet Links
http://www.mgm.com/dvd

Special Features
Side A special features include an audio commentary track with Joe Dante, Dee Wallace Stone, Christopher Stone, and Robert Picardo; and a semi-hidden interview with Dick Miller. Side B adds a multi-part 54-minute "Unleashing The Beast" documentary that covers everything from the history of werewolves, to latex werewolves, to making a werewolf picture; an 8-minute Inside The Howling making-of featurette, 10 minutes worth of deleted scenes, five minutes of humorous outtakes; trailers; and publicity and production photos.


 DVD General Information

(Studio/Distributor): MGM Home Entertainment
(Catalog Number): 1004817
(MPAA Rating): R
(Rating Reason):

NA
(Retail Price): $19.98
(DVD Type): Dual Side, Single Layer/Dual Layer (DVD14)
(Widescreen Edition): Yes
(Full Screen Edition): Yes
(Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
(Running Time In Minutes): 91
(Color Type): Color
(Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
(Closed Captioned): Yes
(Regional Coding): 1
(Theatrical Year): 1980
(Theatrical Release): Yes
(Direct-To-Video Release): No
(DVD Release Date): 08/26/03
(THX® Digitally Mastered): No

 Credits Information

(Director): Joe Dante
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  DVD Picture Information

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  DVD Sound Information

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  WSR Narrative Review
Story Synopsis:
"The Howling," based on the novel by Gary Brandner, is believed by the filmmakers to be the true story of werewolves who, like witches, are shape-changers. These creatures live among normal society as average human beings...until seized by violent transformations that turn them into savage animals alien to human understanding. This is the story of an investigative reporter

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced 1.85:1 DVD appears to be virtually the same transfer as the previously released DVD and definitely has dated characteristics. The picture is often soft and hazy, though sometimes exhibits satisfying detail. Colors can be well balanced, but are often plugged up and wanting in a more natural, open appearance. The picture has appropriately dark scenes, but shadow delineation is lacking in the darkest scenes. Contrast also appears a bit low, limiting detail. Pixelization, shimmering details, and occasional moir

Soundtrack:
The Dolby