5.1 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A young man whose sister was murdered by werewolves helps an investigator track down a gang of the beasts through the U.S. and Europe.
Starring: Christopher Lee, Annie McEnroe, Reb Brown, Marsha A. Hunt, Sybil DanningHorror | 100% |
Dark humor | 3% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
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