Unleashing the Beast: Making 'the Howling' (2003 Video) User Reviews

good documentary, Dee Wallace is a loon though

[movieman_kev · 8/10 · 27 August 2005]

This 54 minute documentary on "The Howling" can be found on Side B of the special Edition DVD of the aforementioned movie. It goes into detail about the origins of the movie, how they had to re-write the screenplay multiple times, the psychological aspect of the film, how they choose to update the werewolf myth. Joe Dante talks about "Hollywood Blvd." and "Piranha" briefly, as well as the casting of the various actors and actresses. Dee Wallace comes off as a bit of a loon. And much more. I liked this documentary, you can watch it in 5 parts or in one lump sum. It was MUCH better then the 8 minute promo piece that's on the same disk.

My Grade: B

Comprehensive documentary well worth watching

[jellyneckr · 7 July 2007]

Despite its multiple sequels and moderate success, The Howling remains fairly underrated among the mainstream, which makes it a bit surprising that such a valiant effort was put into the special edition DVD released in 2003. In addition to the wonderful commentary, delete scenes, outtakes, and marketing materials, the DVD boasts this 50-minute examination on the making of the picture. Produced and directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, a reliable name when it comes to DVD features, this is a comprehensive look at the process of getting The Howling made from pre-production to post-production. Joe Dante receives the most screen time here like he should. Dante is very easy to listen to and an interesting speaker, something that is not always true with directors in DVD extras. The rest of the interviewees are mostly cast members, though there is a fair amount of input from screenwriter John Sayles and producer Mike Finnell.

It strikes as a bit odd that there is no mention of An American Werewolf in London here as it was released the same year and is often compared to The Howling. Also somewhat strange is very little is said about actress Elisabeth Brooks, especially considering her passing away in 1997. It would nice to hear from cast member Dennis Dugan, who along with original Howling author Gary Brander is notably absent here. Getting Brander's perspective on the movie would have been a worthy addition to the otherwise fine documentary.

In terms of DVD documentaries, Unleashing the Beast: Making The Howling is amongst the best I've seen. It worth watching not only for fans, but for those interested in film in general.

My rating: 8/10

Reliving The Howling

[Michael_Elliott · 1 May 2011]

Unleashing the Beast: Making The Howling (2003)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

This five-part documentary was included with the Special Edition DVD release of THE HOWLING back in 2003. At just under 50-mintues, the documentary is broken down into five parts with Joe Dante, Dee Wallace Stone, Belinda Balaski, John Hora, Michael Finnell, Robert Picardo, John Sayles and Dick Miller being interviewed about the making of the film. It's clear that no one involved thought they'd be discussing the movie twenty years after it was released but the film has stood the test of time and remains a cult classic today even though it constantly has to go into debates among fans whether it or AN American WEREWOLF IN London is better. The documentary covers how Dante was able to get the film made (he walked from JAWS 3 PEOPLE 0) and how little money and time they actually had. Dee Wallace Stone, who seems a tad bit "off" at times, talks about how she got involved and how she also managed to get her then fiancé hired. The fourth part of the documentary takes a look at the special effects and how they were created. We hear about how Dante had to go back to the studio and ask for extra money so that additional effects could be done and we even get to see some animation that was eventually left out of the film. Dante is also great to listen to because he's got a great knowledge about previous movies so hearing him discuss earlier werewolf movies was fun and hearing Sayles talk about the various in-jokes was also great. Other subjects include the surprise hit the film became and Dante even talks a little about the various sequels that would follow. If you're a fan of THE HOWLING then this documentary offers up quite a bit of information about the making and it's always nice seeing the people involved with the film two decades later.