An American Werewolf in London 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Graced by a fine Dolby Vision pass, color improvements make an immediate impression. David's red coat, which neared oversaturation on Blu-ray, has perfect density on UHD. Improved flesh tones carry better, purer hues. The accuracy is impeccable and gorgeous, renewing American Werewolf in London even against the already pristine HD disc from Arrow.

Generous shadows bulk up the black levels, mood setting in the extreme. Any crush is intentional/inherent to the cinematography. Dimensionality improves, while peak luminance stays reserved. Bright, but not drawing too much attention to itself, preserving the style.

Excellent grain replication allows the better resolution room to peek through, facial texture and other nuanced detail to escape the decades old film stock. Nothing digital interferes, transparency to the source exquisite. Sharpness resolves location city cinematography as well as the forests and/or landscapes. There's not a speck of dirt or damage to note. The only faults come from optical dissolves, and that can't be bettered.

Audio

Choose between DTS-HD mono and 5.1. Other than for purists, the 5.1 mix expands the soundstage, adding tension to the first attack as snarls swirl around the scene. Panic in the finale spreads wide, with cars, horns, crashes, and more filling each channel. Directionality stretches American Werewolf in London splendidly.

Plus, additional range affords songs some kick, especially “Bad Moon Rising.” A decent beat and sharp lyrics belie the age. Neither track suffers anything other than basic, early ‘80s era coarseness. That’s expected.