The Wolf Man: Special Edition – DVD Review

The Film:

Even a man who is pure in heart, and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright…

No less iconic than the other influential monster films from Universal Studios, maybe enough credit is giving to Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931) than 1941′s The Wolf Man. While each film is a genre classic on their own terms, it seems as if The Wolf Man doesn’t get enough credit, but the film is a wonderful collection of ideas, FX, and atmosphere, a trademark of the Universal Horror Films in those Golden Years, that seem unmatched today. Without an argument, The Wolf Man stands as a bench mark, definitive werewolf film, even though it didn’t start some common werewolf movie trends we all know and love.

Don’t expect seeing a full moon that causes Larry Talbot to transform, as no full moon’s were seen in the film. That notion of a werewolf transformation didn’t come about until the unofficial sequel, 1943′s Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. I think despite all of the mythology this film created, it’s the tragic elements in Larry Talbot’s character that strikes a chord with us, nearly 65 years later. As Larry Talbot, actor Lon Chaney, Jr. delivers a superb, subtle, and humane performance. While the Frankenstein Monster was very sympathetic creature, as a man, Larry is the most tragic. He comes home to reconcile with his father, yet is stricken unwillingly by this curse. While he is trying to find a cure, something that is constantly used as a hook for the later Wolf Man appearances, he has to also come to grips with the fact that he is a monster. If anything, the use of lycanthropy can be a metaphor for a wide range of addictions or personality issues, making Larry an everyman that is a character we instantly feel for.

Oddly, Universal would never give the character a proper solo sequel, something in the intervening years fans find strange, since they were very sequel happy even back then. With the box office failure of 1935′s The Werewolf of London, The Wolf Man cured all apprehension on a succeeding werewolf film, but Universal used the character for set-ups of their “monster mash-up” films in the 1940′s. You’d think there’s plenty of ideas to mine for the character of Larry, and the visually striking FX by Jack Pierce. Alas, it wasn’t to be, but this film has enough atmosphere, creepiness, and great storytelling unmatched in any future “Wolf Man” type of stories. I think that might be the fact that this story is a period piece, and any updating to modern times instantly fails. It’s a product of Old World mentality, perhaps.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: This is Universal’s umpteenth reissue of this classic film, and each release is visually getting better. While the source material has a few specks of print damage and minor age wear, it looks pretty darn good. Fans should enjoy. The audio isn’t giving much of an upgrade, and how could they? Mono is the only way to listen to the wolf cry, and it’s pretty devoid of major damage.  Overall, an easy reissue with minor improvements.

Disc 1:

All of the extras on this disc are been ported over from previous editions.

Commentary: Horror film historian Tom Weaver delivers a superb track. He’s constantly talking, but everything is worthwhile information to be had. Highly recommended for a listen.

Monster by Moonlight: This half-an-hour doc is hosted by John Landis and is a great introductory course on werewolf films.

Trailers from other Universal Horror Films and a Wolf Man Archive slide show round out the extras on this disc.

Disc 2:

Universal Horror: Originally aired on TCM, this 90 minute documentary is pretty thorough, as it covers the history of Universal Studios horror films of a bygone era. Worth a watch, although the Wolf Man discussion feels tacked on.

Pure in Heart: This all-new extra focuses on the life and career of Lon Chaney Jr., and is quite thorough and loving. A 30 minute blast.

From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth: This brief look at lycanthropy is okay, featuring some historical and film insights.

Conclusion: Yes, it’s another reissue from Universal on their bread and butter classic horror flicks, but who cares? It’s The Wolf Man! The DVD is fine; the new extras are okay, and as for an upgrade purchase? Sure, why not?

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: