The Howling 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

Licensed from Studio Canal, Scream Factory brings over a gorgeously sharp, precise master that captures the source at true 4K. A tiny, managed grain structure allows a capable encode to process the imagery flawlessly. A misty aesthetic naturally softens the material but to no detriment - the encode still does its best work, and detail keeps popping from the screen. Texture appears in gobs, pure, refined, and dazzling. There's not a fault on the print either; it's completely clear.

Organic color rendering turns vivid only as needed, like the red lights in an adult book store or the city's neons. Otherwise, precise flesh tones match perfectly to the dense primaries. Dolby Vision adds a sublime beauty to the film stock's inherent quality. Likewise, the pleasing range adds the right amount of dynamic contrast. Intense highlights reach a satisfyingly high brightness, one of those careful HDR applications that doesn't draw undue attention to the lights, but gives them increased pop. Black levels look better still, heavy without crush, absolute black as needed. The Howling probably won't look better than this. Ever.

Audio

Included are a trio of DTS-HD tracks - the original mono, a stereo mix, and 5.1 update. Each shares a consistent fidelity, struggling a touch when at peak treble, but minimally so. Dialog reveals age too, yet also a marginal concern.

Expanded into the surround era, 5.1 stretches the sound cleanly. Mostly, it's centered with occasional bursts into the rears where necessary - and only necessary. Motion between channels is handled smoothly.