5.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A sociologist falls in love with a human-like marsupial from Australia.
Starring: Barry Otto, Ralph Cotterill, Imogen Annesley, Barry HumphriesHorror | 100% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Much like the numerous films based on “The Amityville Horror,” “The Howling” has also inspired a franchise where the installments have very little to do with one another, going down their own path with different producers and behind-the-scenes talent, trying to use brand recognition to lure viewers back into the depths of low-budget horror entertainment. Writer/director Philippe Mora certainly couldn’t be faulted for trying to change his approach to the series, with his “Howling II” entering production with a certain attempt at menace, ending up something wacky and crudely exploitative, a far cry from Joe Dante’s 1981 achievement. Unwilling to accept the results, Mora returns to action with “The Howling III,” which doesn’t have anything to do with the previous chapters, retreating to the wilds of Australia to contort werewolf myth into a cinematic offering that’s greatly influenced by its surroundings, emerging with a genre romp that’s more humorous than horrifying, and rarely does it make much sense.
An unlikely recipient of a "4K scan of the original film elements," "Howling III" looks terrific for this Shout Factory Blu-ray release (restoration work was completed by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia). The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is bright and clear, with excellent detail throughout, permitting a full look at make-up achievements, which is probably not a great idea for certain werewolf looks provided here. Hair coverage is easily spotted, adding to the intensity of transformations, and skin particulars are defined in close-ups, isolating a lot of sweatiness. City tours are vividly dimensional, and interiors handle room size well. Primaries are vivid, with period costuming coming through as intended, also doing well with greenery and street signage. Skintones are natural, and werewolf appearances retain their monstrous hues. Grain is fine and filmic. Delineation is tight and communicative. Source is in strong shape.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides an enjoyably defined listening event, with a slightly wider frontal presence. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and sure, maintaining clarity on accents and performances. Scoring is lively, with synth offerings emerging confidently, supporting horror turns with necessary. Instrumentation satisfies. Atmospherics deliver appealing position, along with community movement for tribal and film set encounters. Sound effects are louder, with emphasis on bone-cracking werewolf transformations.
With so many "Howling" movies in circulation, the bizarre nature of "Howling III" helps it to stand out from the sequels and copycats. It wears its heritage proudly, and the more Australian the feature gets, the better it is, finding plenty to do with local culture. It's not a very strong endeavor, but horror enthusiasts are skilled enough to pick and choose what they enjoy about the film. As a whole package, "The Howling III" doesn't deliver a powerhouse sense of the macabre, with Mora electing to go bananas with his second attempt to build something from this sandbox, trying a little too hard at times to be outrageous when he really needs is a heaping helping of structure to clarify and streamline his stab at marsupial madness.
1991
1989
Collector's Edition
1999
1948
2021
2019
WolfCop II
2017
Werewolf at Midnight
1973
1974
2014
2006
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1984
2007
1981
1985
2011
Howling II: Stirba - Werewolf Bitch / Slipcover in Original Pressing
1985
1982
2012
1986