Studiocanal has to announced that the darkly comic horror classic The Howling – the film which changed the look and feel of werewolf movies for years to come when it first released back in 1981 – gnaws its way onto newly restored edition DVD, Digital Download and, for the first time in the UK, Blu Ray in October. Along with the film, the release also features an hour of brand new extra features and special content.

Directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins, Matinee) with a screenplay by John Sayles (Lone Star) and groundbreaking special effects by Rob Bottin (The Thing, Total Recall), The Howling has been stunningly restored for a new generation of horror fans. Graphically violent, sexually explicit and nightmarishly intense, it remains one of the most original werewolf movies of the eighties, spawning seven follow-up films and three novels, and sits firmly alongside An American Werewolf In London and Wolfen as hugely influential features in the genre.

After an intense confrontation with a serial killer, news anchor Karen White (Dee Wallace) is left traumatised and suffering from amnesia. In need of recovery, Karen takes refuge within “The Colony”, a country retreat organised by her psychiatrist Dr Waggner (Patrick Macnee). But things at “The Colony” aren’t as idyllic as they originally seemed and as blood curdling screams break the midnight silence, Karen’s memories slowly begin to come into focus.

With its extraordinary transformation scene, its startling links between animalistic violence and sexuality and its pioneering use of special make-up effects and prosthetics (Rob Bottin’s first break away project from mentor Rick Baker who himself would provide effects for An American Werewolf In London), The Howling now returns to draw new viewers into its bloodcurdling cult of loyal followers.

The Howling will be released on UK Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download in a new restoration on 9 October 2017 by Studiocanal at a yet to be confirmed RRP.

Special features:

• Howlings Eternal with Producer Steven A. Lane
• Cut to Shreds with Editor Mark Goldblatt
• Interview with Co-writer Terence Winkless
• Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: a look at the film’s locations
• Interview with stop-motion animator David Allen
• Audio commentary with author Gary Brandner