DVD Reviews

An American Werewolf In London: Collector's Edition

The script for An American Werewolf In London has been shopped around for years before finally being optioned by Universal. The consensus was that the script was either too scary to be funny, or too funny to be scary. It was inconceivable to studios at the time that a true Horror film could enjoy both. Well now, 23 years late, the film continuously proves to doubt minds by being the definitive horror/comedy of this generation.

David Naughton and Griffin Dunne star as good friends David Kessler and Jack Goodman on a tour of Europe. Their escapade brings them to the town of South Proctor in East London, arriving in a truckload of sheep. Trying to find their way to town, they encounter a pub with the very not-so-subtle name of "The Slaughtered Lamb". The Pub locals seem put off by the tourists and don't hesitate to throw them out when one of them asks why a pentagram is drawn on the wall. They leave them with two warnings "Stay on the road, keep off the moors," and "Beware the moon lads." Ignoring their warnings the pair stumble on the moors where a strange beast stalks them. As they desperately try to run away the monster leaps onto Jack and tears him to shreds. As David runs back to help his friend the monster leaps on him but only manages a scratch before the townsfolk shoot the beast down. From here begins a series of cover-ups by the townsfolk, a love story between David and his nurse, and visits from the undead Jack who warns David of his fate when the next full moon will appear. It's amazing how such a sinister story could unfold with quirky comedic surprises, which I'm sure will tick some people off by not revealing them here, but they are best seen on screen for the first time.

The picture is grainy and not reference quality at all but is very viewable, and considering how every other transfer of Werewolf was extremely dark and faded, this is the best Werewolf has looked on any media.

The sound is absolutely top notch for such an old film. The Dolby Digital mix is very ambient with great use of the rear and front channels for those jumpy moments. The DTS mix really stands out especially in the Stalking scene early on. You can actually hear the wolf circling your living room!

The Extras here are some of the most entertaining I've seen. Along with an average EPK-style "Making An American Werewolf in London" featurette, the viewer gets an interesting and nostalgic commentary by stars Naughton and Dunne. Also included is "The Casting of the Hand" which is a look at David Naughton's hand casting by FX wizard Rick Baker, some outtakes, storyboards, and a lot more. The crown jewel though is an interview with director John Landis, who is simply one of the most entertaining speakers I've seen on screen. This interview almost makes up for the lack of Director's Commentary on this DVD.

As one of the most macabre and funny horror movies ever made, as well as having what is arguably the coolest werewolf transformation scene this side of "The Howling," this DVD is sure to make any fan rejoice.

Review By Shlomi Ifrah