An American Werewolf in London

cbcdesign · 11-08-2009, 10:26 AM

Every version of the movie released in any format has always suffered from the same flaws. A dark dank image lacking detail and heaving in distracting grain.

I am sorry to say that the Blu Ray version is almost as bad. The opening scenes are a huge disappointment and none of the stark beauty of the Welsh landscape that doubles up as Northern England comes through. I have seen 80's home video with better quality images quite honestly.

Things improve a bit for the rest of the movie but not to the point where I was convinced the Blu Ray release was worth spending money on.

Peter M. Bracke gives the video a 4 out of 5 score in his review. Frankly the man’s score is exceedingly generous to the point of blatant stupidity in my opinion. I wouldn't give it more that 3 out of 5 and only because it’s just slightly better than 2.

The soundtrack isn't too bad though. There is some nice use of the rear speakers and the effects, particularly the haunting howl of the wolf sounds really good. The surround in London's streets is very effective too. A definite improvement over previous releases.

It’s such a shame but it is obvious to me that we are never going to see a really good release of this movie as far as Picture quality is concerned and this really is as good as it’s going to get which isn't saying much.

If you don't have it on DVD it may be worth picking up on Blu Ray or even HD DVD for just a few bucks if you have HD DVD but otherwise I really wouldn't bother wasting money on it.

**bruceames** · 11-08-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the review. Personally I prefer they leave the grain in, since removing it (by using DNR) results in a loss of high frequency detail. But I do understand those who are distracted by it.

cbcdesign · 11-09-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceames

Thanks for the review. Personally I prefer they leave the grain in, since removing it (by using DNR) results in a loss of high frequency detail. But I do understand those who are distracted by it.

I agree, removing it would have softened the image even more.

I guess I was just dissapointed because an interview with John Landis suggested the Blu-Ray release was better than the HDDVD one. In reality, people who have made a comparison say it is identical and nobody was particularly impressed with the HDDVD release.

Even worse, on the Blu-Ray version there is an hour and a half long documentary where we see the Welsh landscape used in the opening scenes of the movie in SD but in rather better quality than we get on the actual the movie. This just rubs salt in the wound to be honest.

Alan

sigill · 11-09-2009, 07:40 AM

Thanks for the review. I was thinking of picking this up but i will probably give it a miss. The transfer sounds poor and i'm not a fan of heavy grain, i find it very annoying and distracting.

11-08-2009, 10:26 AM	#1
cbcdesign High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Somerset, UK Posts: 1,366	An American Werewolf in London Every version of the movie released in any format has always suffered from the same flaws. A dark dank image lacking detail and heaving in distracting grain. I am sorry to say that the Blu Ray version is almost as bad. The opening scenes are a huge disappointment and none of the stark beauty of the Welsh landscape that doubles up as Northern England comes through. I have seen 80's home video with better quality images quite honestly. Things improve a bit for the rest of the movie but not to the point where I was convinced the Blu Ray release was worth spending money on. Peter M. Bracke gives the video a 4 out of 5 score in his review. Frankly the man’s score is exceedingly generous to the point of blatant stupidity in my opinion. I wouldn't give it more that 3 out of 5 and only because it’s just slightly better than 2. The soundtrack isn't too bad though. There is some nice use of the rear speakers and the effects, particularly the haunting howl of the wolf sounds really good. The surround in London's streets is very effective too. A definite improvement over previous releases. It’s such a shame but it is obvious to me that we are never going to see a really good release of this movie as far as Picture quality is concerned and this really is as good as it’s going to get which isn't saying much. If you don't have it on DVD it may be worth picking up on Blu Ray or even HD DVD for just a few bucks if you have HD DVD but otherwise I really wouldn't bother wasting money on it. __________________ 65 HD DVD's Latest Buy: The Big Lebowski 67 Blu-rays Latest Buy: Predator Last edited by cbcdesign; 11-08-2009 at 10:57 AM.

11-09-2009, 07:40 AM	#4
sigill High Def fan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: United kingdom-Manchester Age: 31 Posts: 2,791	Thanks for the review. I was thinking of picking this up but i will probably give it a miss. The transfer sounds poor and i'm not a fan of heavy grain, i find it very annoying and distracting. __________________ Phillips 37" LCD 720p/1080i Sony BDP-S350 Sony BDP-S300 Toshiba XDE-500 DVD player Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 AVR KEF1005.2 speakers Latest HD movies bought - The Box - Heroes Season 1 and 2 - Pulp Fiction 168 Blu-rays

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11-08-2009, 11:45 AM	#2
bruceames Super Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 11,026	Thanks for the review. Personally I prefer they leave the grain in, since removing it (by using DNR) results in a loss of high frequency detail. But I do understand those who are distracted by it.