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Jack (Griffin Dunne) and David (David Naughton) are young
Americans backpacking through the gorgeous moors of Yorkshire
when they are attacked by a werewolf.
Nasty things happen and poor old David is left with scars
from a scratch that means he becomes the last of the werewolf's
bloodline - and in turn will become a hairy monster that eats
people.
Recovering in hospital David has some sensational luck when
he meets an English-rose nurse in the form of Jenny Agutter.
(Now call me weak, but the crisp starched uniform and her
wonderful accent absolutely forced me to marry a nurse.)
Anyway, from there things go very down hill for our lad as
he turns into a werewolf - through some just sensational special
effects - and goes on a horrendous rampage.
The horror is slightly softened (in a sick sort of way) when
he is forced to meet his now undead victims who all try to
get him to commit suicide so that he won't kill other people
and they can die in peace.
Added to the black humour is a majestic use of moon-related
music (Blue Moon, Moondance, Bad Moon Rising) that gave An
American Werewolf in London a real appeal among rock fans.
The video transfer is slightly disappointing - there does
seem to be a tad too much dust on the film stock (particularly
on Agutter's stomach in ... er, nevermind) - and overall it
lacks contrast. Mind you, grey English skies don't exactly
give you black, blacks.
Sound-wise, the music is terrific and the dialogue clear,
although there could have been a much better use of the surround
channels.
All up, this is a DVD worth having in the home library.
"Oh what a marvellous night for a Moondance ..."
Conclusion: Movie 85%, Extras 70%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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