...Dolby digital
-INTRODUCTION-
''
An American Werewolf in London is the perfectly balanced horror film, containing plenty of atmosphere, genuine shocks and scares whilst maintaining a rich vein of very amusing black humour. At the time (1981) the special effects employed were a breakthrough ... Read review
With an ingenious script, engaging characters, nerve-shredding suspense, genuinely ... more
frightening set-pieces and laugh-out-loud funny bitsAn American Werewolf in Londonis a prime candidate for the finest horror-comedy ever made. Americans David (David Nau...
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A macabre mix of humor and horror that shot director John Landis to fame. This classic ... more
horror/comedy tells the beastly tale of two American youths David and Jack (Naughton and Dunne) whose European adventure turns to terror after they are attacked by a...
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David Naughton and Jenny Agutter star in this classic cult black comedy. American ... more
backpackers David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) take off for a three month European jaunt. Walking in the desolate English countryside, they come acro...
An American Werewolf in Paris finds three young college graduates on a Daredevil tour of ... more
Europe descending on Paris intent on some serious fun. However, when Andy meets the beautiful and mysterious Serafine - the woman of his dreams and, on every full moon, the stuff of his worst nightmares- the fun becomes more dangerous...
It's a rainy night on the Welsh moors. Two American students on a walking tour of Europe ... more
trudge on to the next town, when suddenly the air is pierced by an unearthly howl.....Three weeks later, one is dead, the other is in the hospital, and the nightmare begins for An American Werewolf in London. David Naughton, Griffin Dunne and Jenny Agutter star in this contemporary story of the macabre that takes you from the Welsh moors to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the grounds of Windsor Castle.This classic was written and directed by John Landis, the man who brought you National Lampoon's Animal House. Adding to the chill is art direction by Academy Award winner Les Dilley of Star Wars and Allen fame and special makeup effects by six-time Academy Award winner Rick Baker, whose includes Star Wars and Men in Black.
On the loose in Europe three wild college grads bring their "Daredevil Tour" to Paris in ... more
search of some serious fun. There Andy (Tom Everett Scott) falls for the beautiful and mysterious woman of his dreams (Julie Delpy). The only problem is when the moon is full Andy's dream girl turns into a total nightmare!
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In John Landis' (THE BLUES BROTHERS, ANIMAL HOUSE) dripping black comedy, two American ... more
students (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne) on a European vacation wander into a creepy local pub in Northern England and are quickly thrown out. Stranded and alone in the dark countryside, the pair get lost in their search for warm lodging. Little do they know that they are about to be changed forever by an ancient terror as they walk along the moors on a moonlit night. Only one of the students survives a deadly attack by a supernatural beast--at least he thinks he survived, until the next full moon rolls around. Terrific makeup effects (by Oscar winner Rick Baker), clever editing, and raunchy tongue-in-cheek humor made this suspenseful and thrilling horror effort an instant classic.
With an ingenious script, engaging characters, nerve-shredding suspense, genuinely ... more
frightening set-pieces and laugh-out-loud funny bitsAn American Werewolf in Londonis a prime candidate for the finest horror-comedy ever made. Americans David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are backpacking in northern England when Jack is killed by a wild beast and David is bitten. Back in London David finds himself falling in love with a nurse, Alex (played with winning charm by Jenny Agutter), and turning into a werewolf. Adding to his problems, an increasingly decomposed Jack keeps coming back from the dead, and he is not a happy corpse. The Oscar winning make-up and transformation scenes still look good and rather than send itself upWerewolfplays its horror seriously, the laughs coming naturally from the surreal situation. Naughton is engagingly confused and disbelieving, desperately coping with the ever more nightmarish world, while Landis delivers one absolutely stunning dream sequence, an unbearably tense hunt on the London Underground and a breathtaking finale. Gory, erotic, shocking and romantic, this unforgettable horror classic has it all. Tom Holland'sFright Night(1985) remixed the formula with vampires, as did Landis himself inInnocent Blood(1992). A disappointing sequel,An American Werewolf in Paris, followed in 1997.--Gary S Dalkin
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Production Year: 1980 - Horror - Director: Stanley Kubrick - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
An American Werewolf in London is the perfectly balanced horror film, containing plenty of atmosphere, genuine shocks and scares whilst maintaining a rich vein of very amusing black humour. At the time (1981) the special effects employed were a breakthrough and are still impressive enough twenty five years later.
-MAIN CAST AND PRINCIPALS-
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ...the violence escalates, building to an exciting climax. To expand any further on the plot would be to spoil the film, but the story maintains its strength right to the end credits.
-OPINION-
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-Performances....
DAVID NAUGHTON - This is one of his earliest roles, and though he is still acting (appropriately filming 'Big Bad Wolf' at present, apparently), he is not ... more
This is a review of the FILM only
Technical details Introduction Main Cast and Principals Plot Outline Opinion.. ..performances ..direction and writing ..soundtrack ..overall Price and Availability
An American Werewolf in London is the perfectly balanced horror film, containing plenty of atmosphere, genuine shocks and scares whilst maintaining a rich vein of very amusing black humour. At the time (1981) the special effects employed were a breakthrough and are still impressive enough twenty five years later.
-MAIN CAST AND PRINCIPALS- '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Director....JOHN LANDIS Writer....JOHN LANDIS
David Kessler....DAVID NAUGHTON Jack Goodman....GRIFFIN DUNNE Alex Price....JENNY AGUTTER
David (NAUGHTON) and Jack (DUNNE) are two likeable American college kids, making their way around Europe. The story finds the two friends caught in the mist and rain of the Yorkshire moors. As night falls, they shelter in a local pub, welcomingly named 'The Slaughtered Lamb', where the greeting is guarded. Having commented on the "sign of the wolfman" daubed on one of the walls, the two are sent on their way. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night and the middle of the Yorkshire countryside, they become lost and are attacked by a mysterious beast. Jack is killed but David survives only to wake up in a London hospital.
Here, David becomes close to Alex (AGUTTER), his nurse, while nightmares and visits from Jack, strengthen his belief that he was attacked by a wolf - a werewolf in fact. He is, however, doubted by the authorities (somewhat understandably) when he tries to explain that it wasn't a madman that attacked him, but a large dog. Dr Hirsch (WOODVINE) becomes involved with the case and tries to look in to the Kessler boy's story.
In the meantime, David, has moved in with Alex and Jack's prophecies come true and over the ongoing days and nights the violence escalates, building to an exciting climax. To expand any further on the plot would be to spoil the film, but the story maintains its strength right to the end credits.
-OPINION- ''''''''''''''''''''''
-Performances....
DAVID NAUGHTON - This is one of his earliest roles, and though he is still acting (appropriately filming 'Big Bad Wolf' at present, apparently), he is not a high profile actor. He is very assured in this film, being both very likeable and convincing as a young man in a state of bewilderment and panic at his circumstances. There could have been a tendancy to over act, but this is a grounded and appropriate performance. He still appears at film conventions where he is very popular because of this role.
GRIFFIN DUNNE - As with his co-star, this is an early role for Dunne, who is also still acting (filming 'Snow Angels') and likewise is also not a particularly high profile performer. Here he steals every scene, exuding charisma. Some of Jack's lines are very funny and it is not just the wonderful make-up, but the delivery of the lines that make his contribution so memorable.
JENNY AGUTTER - Agutter is almost something of an institution. Even by 1981, she was a well seasoned actress, being a veteran of films and television. Agutter had appeared in such films and programmes as 'The Railway Chidren' (1968,1970) and 'Equus' (1977, starring Richard Burton). Again she is still acting now. Her class as an actress shines through in 'American Werewolf'. Her performance is unblemished, as a hard working, intelligent and dedicated girl-next-door. On a superficial front, she has the looks to be an apt love interest without the overwhelming glamour which may have tarnished her credibility in the role.
WOODVINE - With a career stretching back to 1961, Woodvine deserves a mention. There is nothing outstanding about his performance, but it is authoritative and compliments the feel of the film and the performances of the more charismatic characters around him.
-Writing and Direction....
JOHN LANDIS
By the time Landis wrote and directed American Werewolf, he had also directed the superb 'ANIMAL HOUSE' (1978) and 'THE BLUES BROTHERS' (1980). He went on to direct Michael Jackson's video for 'THRILLER' (1983) as well as the fine 'TRADING PLACES' in the same year, along with 'THE THREE AMIGOS' (1986) and the forgotten 'INTO THE NIGHT' (An early Michelle Pfeiffer/Jeff Goldblum vehicle from 1985). These films show why 'American Werewolf' is such a fine film and why the humour within, is of a high standard. Do not judge him on the fact that he went on to direct the likes of 'Spies Like Us' (1985), he couldn't get it right every time.
The writing and direction of 'American Werewolf' are excellent. The choices of location -from north Yorkshire through to tube stations, and porn theatres of London - are prefect for creating an atmosphere ripe for dark humour, violence and tension. The settings are very mundane, enhancing the credibility, whilst the dialogue is efficient. By this I mean the one-liners are snappy and the dialogue has no excess flab, making this an enjoyable, amusing experience. It has to be said that the humour fits in with the film - this is not an outright comedy, but a very witty horror with well-defined characters and a cohesive, well-edited storyline..
By todays standards the effects may appear a little dated but they are still very impressive and from a personal point of view as effective in the context of the story as anything today. The viewer of the dvd has to bear in mind the advances in technology in the last twenty five years since this classic was made. The make up in particular, however, is very good and RICK BAKER won an Oscar for his work here, in 1982.
-soundtrack....
'Blue Moon' and 'Bad Moon Rising' are two of the most memorable tracks from the film. These are very good songs in their own right, but their use in the film sets a perfect tone for the scenes they accompany. Less remarkable, is the incidental music, which accompanies one of the dream sequences for example, but this is still well chosen and reflects the visuals adequately.
-Overall opinion....
'An American Werewolf In London' is a classic horror film. It does not make the mistake of taking itself too seriously. The characters are strong, from the leads to the cameos (BRIAN GLOVER as a dour Yorkshireman for example). Contenders such as 'The Howling' are vastly inferior, as is the belated and unnecessary sequel to this classic, 'An American Werewolf in Paris'.
Normally, I would err on the side of caution in recommending the purchase of any dvd I review, but if you are a horror fan with a taste for black humour, you will love this film. In an attempt to be objective, yes the film looks a little dated but in this case this merely adds to the character for me. If you decide to purchase, this is a movie that definitely stands up to repeat viewing. Real atmosphere, scares and humorous touches in perfect balance.
I hope this review helps you decide one way or another.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
PLAY.COM
6.99
Special Features include...
actors commentary behind the scenes outtakes interviews with John Landis & Rick Baker technical effects storyboard stills gallery production note booklet
I am reviewing the film only, but even without these features, the price is a bargain.
...time, but rather John Landis’ An American Werewolf In London. It of course has never really been given too much competition either previously or since, Mike Nichol’s Wolf achieving a small amount of critical acclaim although personally I thought it was abysmal, and more recently Ginger Snaps proving that you can teach an old dog (wolf?) new tricks. it came at a time when director John Landis was widely seen as being able to do no wrong, ... ...uncomfortable - but there is an extremely fine line to tread and its incredibly easily to end up with a ridiculous mess which is neither funny nor scary. In fact the list of directors who have actually managed to achieve this ‘tightrope walking’ feat is decidedly small - Sam Raimi managed it with his Evil Dead series and ummm...well the only other is John Landis himself with this movie. Not only is An American Werewolf In London very ...
wampyrii 18.02.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An American Werewolf In London (DVD)
Advantages: A good mixture of comedy and horror Disadvantages: Too gory for some, special effects are dated
...gives a great performance as an independent nurse with a heart of gold. I thought she worked really well with David - their on-screen chemistry seemed really natural, despite the odd situation that they find themselves in. Made back in 1981, I don't think anyone could expect the special effects to be as good as they are today. However, bearing that in mind, they are actually quite good. They really come into play when Jack reappears as a corpse - ... ...copy of the disc has an audio commentary by the actors. I don't like audio commentaries - I don't see the point of watching a film again with annoying people talking over the top of it - so didn't watch very much of it. However, fans may want to make more of an effort. This isn't a brilliant film. It has plenty of flaws; the acting isn't always top notch, the story is silly and the script isn't fantastic. However, it is highly entertaining, and deserves ...
sunmeilan 10.04.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An American Werewolf In London (DVD)
Advantages: Suprisingly different. UK based Disadvantages: American lead?
...of a pole). Is this an indication of the rest of the film or a cheap attempt to garner some interest?
American back packers Jack and David are touring the moorland of the UK and find themselves on a bleak moor in the middle of nowhere. Stumbling across the rather macabrely named The Slaughtered Lamb public house, the pair find themselves in the classic situation of total outsiders (the jukebox stops, all conversation stops, and every eye in the ... ...and he were attacked by an escaped lunatic. Despite his protests, the authorities do nothing and he is forced to get on with his life, but strange visions plague him and when the full moon appears, things turn decidedly nasty...
Having gained a reputation in the early 80's this was one of those films that adolescents proudly boasted that they'd seen - one of those films that proves how 'hard' you are. Coupled with some acclaimed effects, it's a ...
TheNeil 04.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An American Werewolf In London (DVD)
Advantages: Humour, style, FX Disadvantages: Very few
...with the very, very wonderful An American Werewolf In London in the early 80's.
The startling transmutations of the star and the appallingly gory mess which his undead victims got themselves into was truly a wonder to behold at the time.
However, great cinema has never been delivered by FX alone and all the tricks would really have been pretty inconsequential without something around which to work and the startling wit, humour and all round knowing ... ...twosome are set upon by an enormous great thingy who rips Jack to bits but just bites David. Shortly afterwards when David wakes up in a hospital where he is being tended by the very very desirable Jenny Agutter (chest out, forget the Railway Children, she's a semi serious actress who will get her kit off, but only if the plot demands it, of course) only to find he has become a werewolf as the undead Jack is only too happy to point out.
From then ...
dave27 14.01.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An American Werewolf In London (DVD)
...the two-man buddy-buddy double act, an obligatory "See You Next Wednesday" film reference, some nice choices of music to jazz the film up and give it some spirit and momentum, and a story that revolves heavily around an unfulfilled man casting off an old life for the building of a new one. I really like the subtle way that the central young character of David manages to mature and come of age during the course of the film. At the beginning of the ... ...his metabolism is working up an appetite for people during the full moon) and so Alex has to literally mother him to get him to eat. But then he and her fall in love and that is how he matures and finds himself talking fondly over the phone to his family and his bratty little sister and saying those uncomfortably mushy words with ease- "I love you". On the surface, the love interest Alex, played by Jenny Agutter in her luscious prime, is simply very ...
SnakePlissken 08.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of An American Werewolf In London (DVD)
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Advantages: A movie that has hardly aged thanks to hi-def format Disadvantages: None
There are few movies out there that had quite the effect that An AmericanWerewolfInLondon had on the viewing audience upon its release back in 1981. Because the movie crossed genres of both horror and comedy, it became somewhat an outcast in many peoples eyes. What it did do however was put England back on the map (although it was an American funded movie with an American director) as far as horror movies were concerned, and had what at the time were considered to be revolutionary special effects.
Two Americans on Holiday in the UK decide to go hiking through the Yorkshire moors in the hope of seeing the England fellow American travelers of their age do not usually see. David (David Naugton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) are not expecting the frosty reception they receive at The Slaughted Lamb, a very local pub in a small village. After ...
Advantages: Well written, good effects, a film set i nEngland that doesn't overplay the fact. Disadvantages: May start to look old soon.
An AmericanWerewolfinLondon is an absolutely legendary film!
It follows the story of and American man who is travelling Europe with his friend. While in England, they visit a spooky little village up on the moors. It's getting late and they stop in a creepy pub for a drink, where the very anti-social locals warn them of the dangers on the moors. Stay on the path, they tell them as they leave into the full moonlit night. As you'd expect, it's not long before they accidently wander off the path and get attacked by a wolf. One is mauled to death but the other survives with just a scratch. But what will happen at the next full moon?
Most people probably know the the story and have seen this film, but for those who haven't then it's well worth digging out. Most decent rental stores should have it and I got my copy on DVD ...
~ ~ I just couldn?t resist it. I really couldn?t.
There was the ?mad cabbie? with a £20 Amazon voucher to spend, and I knew exactly what I wanted. The ?AmericanWerewolfinLondon? DVD. (Review to follow) And then I spotted it as I was browsing around the DVD section in general. A film absolutely made for a mad wee Dublin cabbie.
Sid James and Hattie Jacques in the 1963 comedy film by director Gerald Thomas, ?Carry On Cabby?.
I was always a ?Carry On? fan, and this was one I hadn?t seen before, so a further £12.99 was promptly added to my credit card bill, and the movie is now part of my (fast growing) DVD collection.
~ ~The late Sid James plays Charlie, the obsessive owner of a taxi company called ?Speedee Taxis? (how original) in a small provincial English city. I say obsessive, as all he ever thinks about is taxis, much to ...
Two American students on vacation are confronted with an ancient terror as they walk along the moors on a moonlit night.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS
Release date
10/10/2005
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
078 674 2
Barcode
0044007867426
Special Effects
Rick Baker
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Actors Commentary, Behind The Scenes, Outtakes, Interview With John Landis, Interview With Rick Baker, Focus On Technical Effects, Storyboard To Film Comparison, Stills Gallery, 4 Page Booklet With Production Notes
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Professional reviews
Review
"...Landis is...serious about making this a horror film that packs a wallop..." (New York Times, p.C12, 12/08/1981)
"...A clever mixture of comedy and horror....Redolent with sharp dialog and offbeat humor..." (Variety, 19/08/1981)
DVD Description
In John Landis' (THE BLUES BROTHERS, ANIMAL HOUSE) dripping black comedy, two American students (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne) on a European vacation wander into a creepy local pub in Northern England and are quickly thrown out. Stranded and alone in the dark countryside, the pair get lost in their search for warm lodging. Little do they know that they are about to be changed forever by an ancient terror as they walk along the moors on a moonlit night. Only one of the students survives a deadly attack by a supernatural beast--at least he thinks he survived, until the next full moon rolls around. Terrific makeup effects (by Oscar winner Rick Baker), clever editing, and raunchy tongue-in-cheek humor made this suspenseful and thrilling horror effort an instant classic.
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