Blu-ray Review: Scream Factory Releases Two 1980s Greats in ‘The Howling,’ ‘Lifeforce’

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CHICAGO – When I was a teenager discovering horror films for the first time, I naturally gorged on ’80s genre classics and was drawn to the trendy characters like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface. Films like Tobe Hooper’s “Lifeforce” and Joe Dante’s “The Howling” didn’t have what I was looking for. I wrote them off as dumb kids often do. Only over time have I come to fully appreciate both films, recently released in glorious HD restoration editions from the great Scream Factory. They’re must-owns for genre fans, as so many SF titles have been lately.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Hell, for a lot of horror fans, these are must-owns just for the gorgeous cover art. Looking beyond the beautiful illustrations, the films have been perfectly restored. “The Howling,” in particular, looks remarkable. I had never considered the film one of Dante’s strongest. I had considered wrong. It’s a smart, tense, really fun horror flick with some great visuals and strong satire. As for “Lifeforce,” I came around on that one years ago. Personally, I think it’s Hooper’s best film. “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is more influential, for sure, and “Poltergeist” is more beloved (although arguably not directed by Hooper) but there’s a passion behind “Lifeforce” that’s remarkable. Like a lot of great horror movies, it is defiantly weird, unpredictable, and mesmerizing.

Both films come loaded with special features, most of them new, and many of them involve key participants in the creation of the films. We get commentary tracks with Hooper and Dante (who’s joined by Wallace, Stone, and Picardo). Both releases include numerous making-of special features, including new retrospective ones on “Lifeforce.” And the Hooper includes both the truncated (and with new score) theatrical cut and the restored, superior director’s cut. These are the best two catalog horror Blu-rays on New Releases shelves right now. Well, at least until “The Fog” and “The Incredible Melting Man” join the most impressive genre collection on the market.

The Howling was released on Blu-ray on June 18, 2013
Photo credit: Shout Factory

“The Howling”

Synopsis:
From the director of Gremlins and Piranha comes the ultimate masterpiece of primal terror. Filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense, “Genuine thrills [and] amazing special effects” (Us), this riveting werewolf tale sinks its teeth into your deepest fears and never lets go.

Severely shaken after a near-fatal encounter with a serial killer, TV newscaster Karen White (Dee Wallace, E.T.) takes some much-needed time off. Hoping to conquer her inner demons, she heads for “the Colony,” a secluded retreat where her new neighbors are just a tad too eager to make her feel at home. Also, there seems to be a bizarre link between her would-be attacker and this supposedly safe haven. And when, after nights of being tormented by savage shrieks and unearthly cries, Karen ventures into the forest to find answers, she makes a terrifying discovery. Now she must fight not only for her life… but for her very soul!

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary With Director Joe Dante And Actors Dee Wallace, Christopher Stone and Robert Picardo
o Unleashing The Beast: The Making Of The Howling Multi Part Documentary
o Deleted Scenes And Outtakes
o Making Of A Monster: Inside The Howling Documentary
o Horror’s Hallowed Grounds - A Look At The Film’s Locations
o Photo Gallery
o Theatrical Trailers

Lifeforce was released on Blu-ray on June 18, 2013
Photo credit: Shout Factory

“Lifeforce”

Synopsis:
From the director of Poltergeist and the co-writer of Alien comes a thrilling sci-fi adventure of explosive action and pulse-pounding suspense! With mind-blowing special effects by Academy Award winner John Dykstra (1977 - Visual Effects, Star Wars) Lifeforce is a gripping mélange of genres that’s “so bizarre, it’s fascinating” (Leonard Maltin)!

A mission to investigate Halley’s Comet discovers an even stranger phenomenon: an alien spacecraft! Following a deadly confrontation, the aliens arrive on Earth, where their seductive leader begins a terrifying campaign to drain the lifeforce of everyone she encounters. Her victims, in turn, continue the cycle, and soon the entire planet is in mortal danger. And when the mission’s sole survivor (Steve Railsback, The Stunt Man) sets out to destroy her, he comes face to face with the most charming - and horrifying - being he’s ever known. Will he be able to destroy the lovely vampiress… or will he become yet another victim of her fatal charm?

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary With Director Tobe Hooper
o All New Retrospective With Cast And Crew Including Actor Steve Railsback, Director Tobe Hooper and More
o Vintage Making Of Lifeforce Featurette
o Theatrical Trailers
o TV Spots
o Stills Gallery

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com