Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 13, 2024

While 1981’s “The Howling” wasn’t a major achievement in genre entertainment, it certainly deserved a better sequel than 1985’s “Howling II: Your Sister is a Werewolf.” The sequel makes a vague attempt to connect to the original endeavor before becoming its own thing, and such creative freedom doesn’t result in a bolder, darker exploration of the werewolf nation. Instead, director Philippe Mora oversees a low-budget creature feature held together by panicky editing that suggests there wasn’t much material to begin with. “Howling II” is sloppy stuff, but it almost, just barely, possibly maybe works for its first hour, focusing on stately actor Christopher Lee trying to sell a story that’s not really there, while co-star Sybil Danning puts on a visual show as a werewolf queen who’s quite fond of cleavage. Filmmaking trends of the 1980s are certainly helpful, but not enough to support the entire offering, which eventually falls into confusion, buried by low-tech special effects.

For additional information and analysis, please read Jeffrey Kauffman’s 2015 Blu-ray review.

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

Previously issued on Blu-ray in 2015, "Howling II" returns with a new UHD release, "Newly scanned and restored from its 35mm original camera negative and presented in Dolby Vision HDR." While the feature isn't a stunning cinematic event, a fresh scan does bring out its screen potential, including nuanced colors with fiery castle experiences and village celebrations. Primaries are also vivid, finding elements such as Ben's denim ensemble delivering rich blues, and blood remains a deep red, joined by makeup displays. Skin tones are natural. Detail reaches as far as possible with the somewhat hazy cinematography. Costuming remains fibrous, and skin particulars on humans and furrier werewolves are appreciable. Exteriors are dimensional, securing the remoteness of the locations, and interiors allow study of decorative additions. Blacks are deep, preserving evening events. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA offers a secure understanding of dialogue exchanges coming from a range of performance capabilities. Scoring handles with clear instrumentation, supporting suspense throughout the feature. Soundtrack selections are also defined, securing a heavier sense of percussion and synth. Vocals are crisp. Sound effects are appreciable as werewolf frenzy breaks out, along with magic spells.

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director Philippe Mora and screenwriter and author Kelly Goodner.

• Commentary #2 features director Philippe Mora.

• Commentary #3 features composer Steven Parsons and editor Charles Bornstein.

• "Lights, Camera, Werewolves?" (35:16, HD) is an interview with director Philippe Mora, conducted by director Michael Mohan, who's celebrating the release of his film, "Immaculate," turning to the interviewee for advice. Mora shares anecdotes from the strange shoot in Czechoslovakia, often facing authority figures and managing special effects mishaps. The conversation turns to Mora's career, as the helmer has been negotiating industry challenges and creative choices for decades.

• "A Romp Through Czechoslovakia" (15:30, HD) is an interview with actress Annie Pressman, who wasn't normally drawn to horror entertainment, accepting the role with hopes to have real fun during the shoot. The production experience in Czechoslovakia is recalled, and co-stars are assessed, offering plenty of praise for Reb Brown and Sybil Danning. Pressman also shares her feelings about the human experience and her response to "Howling II."

• "Queen of the Werewolves" (16:45, HD) is an interview with actress Sybil Danning, who was ready to play a "serious bitch," believing in the script for "Howling II" before it went in front of the cameras. Drawn to the American film industry after working in Germany, Danning was prepared for her part as the first "blonde werewolf," supported by co-star Christopher Lee as they labored in strange Czechoslovakian locations around unusual people. The interviewee praises director Philippe Mora and reveals challenges with makeup, costuming, and massages, which triggered eye irritation that put her in sunglasses for a portion of the shoot. Danning also addresses her "presence" in the end credits, finding crude editing choices initially upsetting.

• "Thrown to the Wolves" (11:09, HD) is an interview with special makeup artist Steven Johnson, who was sent to work on "Howling II" in Czechoslovakia, joined by cases of unfinished special effects. Left to figure things out on his own, Johnson scrambled to deliver decent visuals within the obvious limitations of the shoot. The interviewee recalls his time around Christopher Lee, a most loquacious actor, and flips through a scrapbook of creative achievements, triggering memories of his days on-set. Johnson closes with thoughts on the future of A.I. in moviemaking.

• "Freaky, Sexy, Mad" (15:47, HD) is an interview with composer Stephen Parsons, who tracks his early creative years playing in various bands, learning the real money was in advertising. Trying his luck in moviemaking, Parsons won over "Howling II" director Philippe Mora, eventually turning to rock music to create the sound of the feature. The interviewee explores the creative process and recalls his own appearance in "Howling II," performing in front of a violent audience. Parsons also highlights his connection to many Christopher Lee projects, including a singing endeavor for the actor.

• "A Life Collaborating with Philippe Mora" (11:20, HD) is an interview with art consultant Pamela Krause, who also happens to be Mora's wife. The interviewee recalls her introduction to Mora as a filmmaker, with the pair eventually meeting, soon finding herself involved in "Howling II" and it's unusual production experience in Czechoslovakia during Cold War times. Anecdotes from the shoot are shared, and Krause offers a brief appreciation for the feature.

• "Lord of the Stricken Field" (25:21, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Jonathan Rigby.

• "A Monkey Phase" (15:09, HD) is a dual interview with special makeup artists Steve Johnson and Scott Wheeler. The conversation explores the Czechoslovakian shoot for "Howling II," finding the men in over their heads with alien surroundings and work demands, handling werewolves that looked more like apes. Additional creative achievements are identified, including a long day placing fake hair on an actor's semi-erect penis.

• "Leading Man" (13:40, HD) is an interview with actor Reb Brown, who charts his move from bar bouncer to a thespian in the 1970s, acquiring television employment for years, including time as Captain America. Brown provides tales from the "Howling II" Czechoslovakian shoot, enjoying many bizarre encounters while focusing on the work, sharing praise for director Philippe Mora. The interviewee also remembers his first screening of "Howling II," remaining happy with the offering.

• Gag Reel (4:00, HD) presents some oddness as director Philippe Mora keeps things light on the set of "Howling II."

• Image Gallery (2:48) collects personal shots and continuity polaroids from director Philippe Mora's collection.

• And a Trailer (1:06, SD) is included.

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Howling II" has a cast trying to make something happen, especially those chosen to portray werewolves, providing more animalistic commitment than Mora deserves at times. The production has interesting locations and a few terrific costumes. And the synth-rock vibe of the endeavor has its moments. However, the film is a mess, and one that offers a painfully protracted final act that leads to a non-ending. There's obvious Bad Movie Night appeal to "Howling II," and it's somewhat interesting to watch Mora gradually realize the picture isn't working, bending horror sternness into camp. Genre fans might go easier on the feature, but if an original plan was in place for the sequel, there's no evidence of it in the final cut.